Top Chubu Art & Culture Classes - page 2

Just a 40-minute ride on a charmingly local train from Shinkansen Kakegawa Station takes you to a hidden gem — a wonderland of Japanese culture that remains undiscovered by many. Moreover there will be no long line to wait. Explore traditional shrines, try your hand at kyudo (Japanese archery) or calligraphy, savor authentic Japanese cuisine and ramen, and admire stunning Japanese pottery. With an English-speaking guide, you can enjoy a relaxed tour filled with cultural experiences and unforgettable memories.

Guests will get to learn about the lens making process at Inui Lens which produces high quality lenses. You will get to see the rarely seen behind the scenes of a lens making factory. You will then make your own sunglasses by fitting your favorite lenses into your own eyeglass frame (you'll need your own frame or you can purchase one at the store for an additional fee). There are more than 300 kinds of colors. You can make a one-of-a-kind sunglass that is suited to you. After the experience, take a break with a soft serve ice cream or a special coffee at the cafe in Lens Park!

Kanazawa is famously known as the city of arts, and while you can find art workshops throughout Japan that you can easily participate in, it is rare to find one like ours that offers you a chance to truly experience Kanazawa's traditional arts in the form of Yuzen, as well as an opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with the artisan who has dedicated their life to making it. Our translator will be there to ensure that the communication between you and the artist is as smooth as possible, and you will be able to bring home with you a memorable souvenir that you make yourself!

The only Kutani ceramic kiln in Kanazawa, opened in 1870 (Meiji 3). We make ceranics by manual from clay blending, shaping on the wheel to final coloring. We sell Kutani ware pottery made by our kiln, and also offer studio tours, pottery making and painting workshops. You will be able to enter the actual workshop and learn about the process and characteristics of Kutani ware. You will be able to feel the history of the old workshop and see things that you would not normally see. You can ask us about your interests individually.

A long-established Buddhist altar shop that has been in business for over 100 years since 1913 (Taisho 2). The 4th-generation brothers, lacquer artist Satoru Tsuji and sculptor Ryo Tsuji, carry on the family tradition. Both the second and third generations, as well as these brothers, possess master-level skills, continuing the traditional family-run handicraft business. With the spirit of “unchanging principles in a changing world,” they blend traditional techniques with new ideas in their work. For the lacquerware experience, they use a "substitute lacquer" instead of real lacquer, so even small children can participate safely without risk of allergic reactions. However, the materials used in the process are authentic, including real maki-e brushes and pure gold and silver powder. This time, the experience plan involves creating a teaspoon.

Kanazawa is famously known as the city of arts, and while you can find art workshops throughout Japan that you can easily participate in, it is rare to find one like ours that offers you a chance to truly experience Kanazawa's traditional arts in the form of Katazome stencil dyeing, as well as an opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with the artisan who has dedicated their life to making it. Our translator will be there to ensure that the communication between you and the artist is as smooth as possible, and you will be able to bring home with you a traditional furoshiki that you make yourself!

・The host is a top host who has welcomed 5,000 guests in the past 8 years and has a rating of 4.99. ・You can have a luxurious experience on the most beautiful private river. ・You will be soothed by the murmuring of the river and its soothing sounds. ・The clear water of the river close to the source will purify and heal your mind and body. ・Tea is brewed with stream water. ・The host is a talented artist who is active worldwide and has appeared in several movies, TV shows, and the official Olympic channel. ・The drums we use are made by ourselves using the blessings of deer from the nearby mountains, and we also host a festival to commemorate the lives of the animals in the mountains. ・Both hosts Yusuke and Yoshino have healing voices that are scientifically measured to be one in tens of thousands. ・Yusuke is also fluent in English, so you can rest assured. ・Yoshino has been working as an art therapist for over 10 years.

Atami (in Shizuoka prefecture) has a long history of being a retreat destination and has attracted many VIPs. Atami still has the largest number of Geisha, more than 70, in Tokai region (central part of Japan). This small-group exclusive experience starts from enjoying a stage show performance, then photo-taking session, followed by exclusive private time to enjoy the hospitality and entertainment of professional Geisha. English-speaking guide accompanies the guests throughout this experience. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a distinct Geisha culture of Atami. Number of the guests is limited to max of 8.

・Sustainable Craft: Give new life to beautiful remnant fabrics by upcycling them into a unique musette. ・Behind-the-Scenes Access: Enjoy a special tour of a working textile factory. ・Your Original Design: Choose your own fabrics and decorations to create a personalized musette. ・Guidance Included: No experience is necessary! A multilingual guide and expert staff will support you every step of the way.

Our Washi Studio connects its history and produces Japanese paper the old-fashioned way.The origin of this paper is not certain, but one theory is that it has been made since the Heian period (794–1185) and has a history spanning approximately 1,000 years. In the Edo period (1603–1867),Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of this period, used this paper as the official paper of the Tokugawa shogunate. Production of this paper was once discontinued due to the Western paper technology, but it was revived by local volunteers. We cultivate raw materials for the paper while utilizing fallow rice fields. And we consequently use the raw materials to manufacture the paper, developing and selling the products throughout the process.We also actively promote Japanese paper culture by offering hands-on paper-making experiences and studio tours.

The Magic of Metal Inlay: A Private Masterclass with a Kanazawa Artisan Experience the 'Magic of Metal Inlay' at the renowned Kazawa Bishō Studio—whose works grace Kanazawa Station—as you enjoy a private lesson from a master craftsman, learning to carve and inlay metals into a seamless, silky-smooth masterpiece.

Discover the art of Japanese craftsmanship in our unique 'Suzugami' making workshop, a treasure trove of tradition since 1909. This experience is not just a craft lesson; it's a cultural voyage where you'll learn from a master craftsman. Create your own 'Suzugami', blending age-old metalworking skills with contemporary design. Ideal for all ages, this workshop allows you to take home a handcrafted souvenir, a personal memento of your time in Japan.

Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, located at the foot of Mt.Fuji The nearest station, Mishima Station, is about one hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train. The classroom in Susono City is a 15-minute drive from Mishima Station. Mt.Fuji on a clear day. In the “Calligraphy Experience,” participants are given an explanation of the tools used in calligraphy, and begin by rubbing ink with spring water from Mt.Fuji Mt.Fuji. You will be able to experience calligraphy through all five senses, including the smell of the ink and the feel of the brush. We will also teach you how to use a brush so that even beginners can enjoy calligraphy. At the end of the session, participants will enjoy a cup of local Shizuoka tea and take a commemorative photo with their calligraphic works. Please enjoy Japanese culture through calligraphy, Mt.Fuji

An experience where you can learn the process of making Echizen lacquerware by visiting two workshops, Hacoa and Shitsurindo and making your very own original lacquer spoon. Guests will get to see the process of making authentic Echizen lacquerware. Hacoa is a woodworking workshop that makes the base for many of the lacquerware craftsman in the area. Here you will get to see craftsman transform wooden blocks into commercial products. After viewing the workshop you will polish your own spoon and head over to Shitsurindo. Shitsurindo is a Echizen lacquerware workshop where craftsman paint lacquer. You will get to also see their workshop which is usually off limits. Here you will paint your spoon with lacquer.

Take your original creation home the same day! There’s no need to wait for shipping. Your one-of-a-kind masterpiece will be ready to take with you as soon as you finish the workshop. Experience Japan's most beautiful titanium coloring. Your unique, proprietary technology allows us to achieve the most vibrant and stunning colors on titanium in all of Japan. You won't find this level of brilliance anywhere else. Professional-grade quality used by top jewelry brands. You will be using the exact same advanced techniques we provide to prestigious jewelry brands across Japan. This is a rare opportunity to create a DIY piece with a professional, high-end finish.

You can wear full-fledged kimonos (Furisode) because we are kimono school teacher and staff. They are more gorgeous than ordinary kimonos. You can make an original fan and take it as souvenirs. Let't write your favorite characters on the fan. You can relax with an atmosphere which makes you feel at home. It's a private activity.(from 2 or more people) So if you have a request, please contact me. I'll do my best for you. (over 65 is Ok, if you can walk) ※We offer Japanese sweets. If you are allergic to food, please let me know in advance.

Guests will get to learn about the glasses and the accessory making process at KISSO which produces high quality accessories using glasses materials. You will get to see the rarely seen behind the scenes of a accessory making factory. You will then make your own ring by fitting your favorite glasses materials into machinery at the factory. There are many options for colors. You can make a one-of-a-kind ring that is suited to you.

Immerse yourself in an authentic Japanese mountain village, where traditional lifestyles thrive and local culture comes alive. In Sugari, experience the beauty of each season and enjoy a unique glimpse into rural Japan. Savor handmade soba noodles, beloved by locals, alongside seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. These meals reflect the essence of Japanese home cooking, showcasing flavors from the surrounding mountains and fields. Sugari offers rich seasonal activities: hand-pick tea leaves in spring, enjoy blueberry picking in summer, and take in vibrant autumn landscapes. Visit a local ceramic studio renowned for its stunning jet-black pottery, where an up-and-coming artist creates unique pieces using natural glazes. These works are available for purchase, allowing you to bring home a piece of this enchanting place. This journey invites you to discover the hidden beauty and heritage of Japan’s rural landscapes, shaped by each season and embraced by its people.

This is a Kanazawa-only craft bonsai experience using rare black-glazed tile pots handcrafted by Hokuriku’s only onigawara artisan. More than a simple workshop, this experience invites travelers to help preserve Kanazawa’s traditional tile culture through hands-on creation and take home a meaningful bonsai they made themselves. All bonsai are made using artificial plants, making them easy to take home to your own country.

Engage in transformative Zen practices guided by a Buddhist monk, including seated meditation (zazen) and calligraphy (shakyō). Reflect on your inner self through activities like forest bathing and visits to waterfalls, allowing you to experience true "tranquility." Through this Zen Retreat, rooted in over 1,000 years of Eastern philosophy exploring the cycle of life, you will restore balance to your mind, body, and values.

The tsuba of a Japanese sword has patterns written on it. From these patterns, you can decipher the "philosophy of the samurai hidden in the patterns" and the "spirit of the samurai." This will be a valuable experience to learn about the samurai.

Experience the Living History of Seto Step into a world of timeless craftsmanship at a kiln that has served the Owari Tokugawa family for centuries. Under the personal guidance of the 31st-generation head, you will discover the secrets of "Ofukai-ware" while engraving your own original patterns into the clay. This is more than a workshop; it is a rare opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that captures your unique travel story. Your finished work will be mailed to your home, serving as a lasting memory of your connection to the soul of Japanese heritage.

Craft your own premium-sized yukata, which includes a high-quality yukata and obi. Would you like to create your own yukata with your own hands, offering a truly unique and premium experience with our skilled artisans in our factory? It's an opportunity to make something one-of-a-kind in the world.

Sustainable Fashion: Create your own custom-fit trousers by upcycling high-quality remnant fabrics. Expert Guidance: Learn advanced sewing and pattern-making techniques from experienced professionals. Behind-the-Scenes Access: Enjoy a special tour of a working textile factory. A Truly Personal Creation: You will leave with a wearable, one-of-a-kind garment designed by you. Multilingual Support: A multilingual guide will be available to assist throughout the workshop.