Top Chubu Classes & Workshops

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!

Experience the artistry of Yamanaka Shikki, one of Japan’s most prestigious traditional crafts. This immersive program offers a rare, close-up look at the intricate production process, accompanied by an insightful guide to its rich history and time-honored techniques. After the tour, unleash your creativity with a hands-on painting session using authentic urushi (lacquer). Unlike standard workshops, this special program allows you to use a variety of vibrant colors. Whether you choose to recreate timeless Japanese motifs or design something entirely original, you’ll enjoy a perfect blend of tradition and self-expression.

【A Fully Private Cultural Experience in a Tea Room Surrounded by Nature】 This is not a quick, cheap cultural activity in a busy tourist area. Our experience takes place in a quiet traditional tea room surrounded by nature, where the only sounds you hear are birdsong and the calm atmosphere around you. ・Fully private experience ・Quiet tea room surrounded by nature ・Away from busy tourist crowds ・No rushed or assembly-line style service ・Thoughtfully guided cultural experience ・Designed to satisfy your curiosity about Japanese culture ・A peaceful day to slow down, reflect, and feel truly fulfilled ・Fully available in English Through this experience, you can appreciate the seasons and nature that Japan has long cherished, feel gratitude for the beauty around you, and leave with a refreshed and peaceful mind. We offer a calm and meaningful cultural experience for guests who want to enjoy Japanese culture more deeply, not just take photos and move on.

Private Japanese dance lesson taught by a highly skilled female instructor with over 8 years of cultural arts experience in Japan and the U.S. Supported by a certified kimono dresser and cultural arts specialist who provides English interpretation throughout the lesson Ideal for international guests, beginners, families, and especially children Learn refined traditional dance movements and perform a complete short piece Dances taught (by difficulty): “Sakura Sakura,” “Haru yo Koi,” “Togetsukyo” Includes yukata dressing, tabi socks, and all dance props—adjusted for choreography and comfort Held at Hagijian, a beautiful traditional Japanese house with a tea room Enjoy a vast 700‑tsubo Japanese garden and breathtaking hilltop views Immersive cultural experience combining dance, kimono, and Japanese aesthetics Perfect for couples, families, small groups, and culture‑focused travelers Maximum group size:

Experience yoga inside a traditional Japanese shrine hall not usually open to the public. Enjoy a calm, peaceful morning. This beginner-friendly, relaxing session helps you feel refreshed and ready to enjoy your day in Kanazawa.

Experience the magic of Gujo Hachiman, the heart of Japan’s most enduring summer dance tradition. This private tour takes you through the charming, water-filled streets of this historic castle town, leading to an exclusive, English-guided Gujo Odori lesson. Unlike standard tours, you won't just watch; you will learn the authentic steps and the deep cultural meanings behind the movements from a local expert. This immersive experience is perfect for culture enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking a deep, rhythmic connection with Japanese folk heritage in an intimate setting. - Join a 400-year-old Bon Dance tradition alongside local people - Private experience for your group — from couples to families up to 6 - Introduction to the history and music of Gujo Odori - Dance practice session - Get dressed in a yukata and geta clogs - Walk through the historic castle town of Gujo-Hachiman at night

Experience everyday life with a real Japanese family in a private home rather than a tourist attraction or cooking studio. Your family has welcomed more than 30 international guests through cultural exchange and homestay experiences, creating meaningful connections with visitors from around the world. Activities change with the seasons and may include harvesting vegetables from your family garden, preparing home-style dishes, learning about Japanese food culture, and sharing time around the family table. Each experience is personalized according to guests’ interests, offering an authentic opportunity to discover a side of Japan that most travelers never see. Small groups, a welcoming atmosphere, and genuine interaction make this a memorable cultural experience beyond traditional sightseeing.

Rather than taking home standard souvenirs, create a more personalized memento to remember your time in Japan by taking part in a gold leaf craft workshop in Kanazawa. Choose to decorate an item of your choice, ranging from chopsticks to small plates, and enjoy one-to-one guidance throughout in a super small group.

* Make your own chopsticks from premium Kiso Hinoki cypress in historic Magome-juku. * Experience using a traditional Japanese kanna hand plane. * Complete your chopsticks in about 20–30 minutes and take them home the same day. * Take home fragrant Kiso Hinoki wood shavings in a small aroma bag as a special souvenir. * A short, hands-on cultural experience that fits easily into your visit to Magome and the Nakasendo Trail.

Immerse yourself in the world of traditional Japanese art at our Ukiyo-e indigo dyeing workshop at Mount Fuji. Under the guidance of local experts, you'll learn the intricacies of indigo dyeing, known as "Nihon-ai," while creating your own hanging scroll. Choose from various shibori techniques to dye a tenugui hand towel, then apply a silk-screen print featuring Mount Fuji or other cultural motifs. This two-hour experience not only celebrates Japan's rich artistic heritage but also offers the chance to take home a personalized artwork reflecting your creativity and the beauty of Japanese culture.

This experience combines a tour of a local supermarket and a cooking class in a local host’s home. First, visit the market where your host will describe and buy different ingredients used in Japanese cooking. Following that, join the host in their kitchen to make classic Nagoya dishes such as red miso stew and shrimp tempura in a rice ball or fried chicken, Nagoya style. Plus, learn how to make dashi stock from scratch.

Experience two Japanese traditions in one intimate visit to a local home. Cook regional Hida dishes with ingredients rarely encountered in typical Japanese cooking classes, then try traditional Japanese calligraphy using brush and ink. Hosted by Rena in her family home surrounded by the mountains of Hida, the experience offers a personal introduction to rural Japanese food, culture and everyday life. It’s also a wonderful cultural activity for families and children visiting the Takayama and Hida area.

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!