Top Ibaraki Prefecture Classes & Workshops

・You will have the chance to try "tehineri"(clay forming by hand), a traditional technique handed down from the Jomon period(about 3,000 years ago), at a kiln that was established in 1796. ・Make your choice of bowls, plates, cups etc. After learning from and seeing an example from your instructor, you will get to make a piece with your own hands. ・After you're done making your piece, we will glaze and fire it for you, which will take about two months to complete. We will then send you your finished Kasama-yaki piece by SAL(Surface Air Lifted) mail.

Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the famous National Hitachi Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the four seasons with nemophila and kochia.　 The experience venue is located almost halfway between Katsuta Station and the seaside park, so it is possible either on the way to or from sightseeing. Would you like to experience the Japanese culture of “Shodo” (calligraphy) with a brush pen? A former art teacher and Iromusubi Sho(Colorful calligraphy) instructor will teach you in an easy-to-understand and detailed manner, so beginners will not have to worry. Let's write your name or favorite word in Kanji characters! Combine the kanji you have written with traditional Japanese paper or origami, frame it, and you have a piece of brush calligraphy art! You can take it home as a souvenir and display it in your room as a wonderful memory of your trip to Japan. We hope you will try it for yourself!

Kumihimo Experience: Kumihimo has a long history in Japan, dating back more than 1,000 years to the Nara period (710-794), and was used for armor. This time, we will make either charms or bracelets that are easy for children to make.

You can make brooches (and clips) simply by folding colorful crape cloth, gluing and attaching. Once you learn how to make them, you can make many of them in your own country, and they make great gifts.

Easy Kimono Experience: Many people find ordinary kimonos painful because they are tied with strings and layered. This kimono is an original kimono developed to make it possible to look perfect and beautiful without layering. It can be put on over Western clothes in about 5 minutes. It is not painful because it uses elastic and Velcro (hook and loop fastener). *Sorry, there is no wheelchair access route to the venue.

Authentic UNESCO Heritage Experience: This is one of the few places in Japan here you can experience the full cycle of Yuki Tsumugi production, a craft so rare it is protected by UNESCO. The "Hand-Spinning" Secret: Learn the unique "te-tsumugi" technique. Unlike other silks, Yuki Tsumugi yarn is spun by hand without twisting, resulting in the softest, most durable silk in the world. From Cocoon to Loom: You don't just weave; you start from the very beginning by extracting thread from the cocoon, giving you a profound appreciation for the material. Artisan Observation: Gain exclusive access to watch master craftspeople at work. Seeing their focus and skill firsthand provides context and inspiration for your own weaving session. Take Home a Piece of History: The coaster you weave is made of genuine silk and serves as a functional piece of art and a lasting memory of your visit to Ibaraki.

Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the famous National Hitachi Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the four seasons with nemophilas and kochias.　 The experience venue is located almost halfway between Katsuta Station and the seaside park, so it is possible either on the way to or from sightseeing. SDGS “Mottainai”! PET bottle caps that you used to throw away after drinking can be turned into wonderful handmade works if you have the right materials and ideas. Transform them into your favorite hats in your favorite colors, including colorful twine and ribbons! The teacher, a former art teacher and accessory artist, will teach you in an easy-to-understand and detailed manner, so beginners will not have to worry. You can take home as a souvenir as a wonderful memory of your trip to Japan. We hope you will try it!

An authentic cultural experience away from Japan’s major tourist destinations A rare opportunity to discover UNESCO-recognized Yuki Tsumugi Silk production techniques Hands-on silk spinning and weaving in one comprehensive workshop A close-up view of skilled local artisans at work A one-of-a-kind silk mini scarf to take home on the same day Green tea, wagashi, and access to an onsite shop specializing in Yuki Tsumugi products