Top Chubu Classes & Workshops

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 Maki-e lacquerware, as well as an opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with the artisan who has dedicated their life to making it. The 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 lacquerware that you make yourself!

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!

Service in English or in Japanese. 15 minutes experience. A gorgeous experience of wearing traditional Kimono. You can take photo inside the building. (Japanese style room available!) Priority service included. (You can jump a queue when you arrive .)

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.

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.

Step into the world of martial arts with a 2-hour karate experience in a traditional Japanese dojo in Kanazawa. Under the expert guidance of a seasoned instructor, you’ll learn basic karate techniques and engage in an exhilarating tile-breaking challenge that tests your focus and strength. This immersive session not only teaches you the fundamentals of karate, but also offers insight into the cultural philosophy behind it. As a memorable takeaway, each participant receives a personalized black belt with your name embroidered and a certificate of completion. No prior experience is needed — just bring your curiosity and a spirit of adventure!

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.

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.

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 Japan's traditional arts in the form of woodblock printing, 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 tenugui that you make yourself!

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!

At the long-established Taishoan Kamaharu Main Shop, the birthplace of kama-age udon, you can enjoy a hands-on program where you dress in traditional craftsman attire and experience authentic udon-making. Roll the dough, knead it with your feet, stretch it with a rolling pin, and cut it with a knife. Afterwards, boil the noodles you made yourself and savor them together with freshly prepared tempura—a truly special experience. While cooking, the shop owner will explain how wheat becomes noodles and share historical records about Tokugawa Ieyasu, the great shogun born in Okazaki, who was known to love udon. As a souvenir, you’ll receive a craftsman’s hat to take home. The shop is conveniently located right in front of the station, making train access easy. After your experience, you can also enjoy sightseeing nearby at famous attractions such as the Hatcho Miso Brewery and Okazaki Castle. We warmly invite you to join us for this unique cultural experience!

Glass production is difficult, but this private workshop in Seto lets you make your own cup or pendant with guidance from an owner who has 46 years of experience. After an explanation of the process, you shape melted glass into a piece in your chosen size, shape, and color. The finished work comes out of the furnace the next day and is shipped to your hotel. The experience also includes a visit to the Manekineko Museum.

Would you like to experience making kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique? After learning about the history of Japanese architecture and the meaning behind the kumiko patterns from a master craftsman, you will enjoy a hands-on kumiko making experience. You can choose one from the two or three kumiko designs we have prepared. After the workshop, you will have the opportunity to tour a traditional Japanese shoin-zukuri room, where you can admire traditional Japanese woodwork and kumiko craftsmanship in the building's fixtures.

Step into the charm of old Japan and create unforgettable memories in a beautiful kimono! At our self-photo studio in Kanazawa, you can dress yourself in a traditional kimono with easy step-by-step guidance — no experience needed. Our professional photo setup includes studio lighting, tripods, and remote shutters, so you can take flawless selfies just like a pro. The highlight is our unique projector system, displaying over 20 breathtaking Japanese scenes behind you — from cherry blossoms and tea houses to calligraphy and gold-leaf art. Enhance your photos with traditional props such as Japanese umbrellas, folding fans, samurai swords, and vintage chairs, perfectly capturing the elegance and spirit of Japan. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this hands-on kimono and photo experience is a must-do in Kanazawa. At the end of your session, receive all your photo data to take home — your very own masterpiece and the perfect souvenir of Japan.

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.

You can experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. After a full explanation of the session in English, you will enter the tea room. The host will serve thick Matcha (koicha) followed by light Matcha (usucha). Watching the preparation of thick Matcha is very rare, making this a truly valuable experience. (Approximately 1 hour) After the tea preparation, you can experience grinding matcha with a stone mill and making your own matcha. Detailed instructions are provided in English. (Approximately 20 minutes) Seiza (kneeling) is not required, and chairs can be provided if needed.

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.

Shogawa-cho in Tonami City is home to Shogawa Woodturning, which has been certified as a Tonami brand. This is an experience themed around wood in this town of trees! You can freely decide the length and thickness of your chopsticks, so you can make chopsticks that are just right for you! It's a simple process of planing, so even beginners and children can enjoy the experience with peace of mind!

Emphasize the traditional approach to mochi-making using a mortar and pestle, the festive, communal atmosphere ideal for families and large groups, and the use of high-quality local ingredients like Shin Taisho rice and water from the Tateyama Mountain Range. This experience not only offers a taste of authentic Japanese culture but also the joy of creating and tasting your own mochi.

・Cook fluffy Japanese rice in a traditional kama pot and experience it freshly prepared. ・Make your own onigiri with freshly cooked rice and your choice of fillings. ・Learn to roll traditional futomaki sushi with guidance from a professional hotel chef. ・Watch the chef demonstrate sushi-making techniques and precise Japanese knife skills up close. ・Discover the food culture and local ingredients of Gamagori and the Mikawa region.

You can experience the famous glass production in Toyama Prefecture. You can experience the delicate techniques of the Japanese from the glass production of the burner work, and you can take it home as a memory of that time. Please enjoy the world of glass made with 2500-degree flames that you can't usually feel.

Discover genuine Japanese sake in Niigata. This private sake-tasting experience offers the chance to learn all about the fundamentals of sake and experience authentic Japanese history, customs, and culture. As you sip sake and enjoy its rich flavors, a Kikisake-shi (sake sommelier) will teach you all about the process of making sake and about the deep connection between sake and the Japanese people.

• Receive koicha — thick tea, rarely offered to visitors to Japan • Prepare usucha (thin tea) with your own hands, under the guidance of a tea master of 19 years • Spend 90 minutes as the sole guests in a 1923 machiya — the home where your host Yuta lives and practices • Learn Enshu-ryu, the samurai lineage of tea founded by Kobori Enshu, tea advisor to the Tokugawa shoguns • Taste seasonal jounamagashi, handcrafted the morning of your ceremony by a Kanazawa artisan • Speak openly about tea, aesthetics, or the philosophy of a life devoted to the way — as much as you wish

[10:30] Meet at Mikuni Station & Mikuni Town Walk [11:00] Bonsai Experience at Mikunien [12:00] Tour Ends Guided walking tour through the historic district of Mikuni, a town that once flourished through the Kitamaebune trade. Experience local culture amidst retro streetscapes filled with traditional architecture and the legacy of the Mikuni Festival. Enjoy a hands-on ""apprentice-style"" bonsai workshop, assisting with basic pruning and shaping at a local studio. Watch a live demonstration by a master artisan to discover the aesthetics and cultural depth of Japanese bonsai. A light, inbound-friendly craft experience featuring great photo opportunities and direct interaction with the artisan.