Top Kumamoto Prefecture Craft Classes

At Kumamoto Herb Garden, the Lemongrass Shimenawa Workshop invites you to experience a unique combination of Japanese tradition and natural fragrance. Using freshly grown lemongrass from the garden, you’ll learn simple weaving techniques to craft your own shimenawa - a traditional New Year’s decoration symbolizing protection and good fortune. As you work, enjoy the refreshing aroma of lemongrass and discover the history and meaning behind Japan’s “sacred rope.” With step-by-step guidance, the workshop is designed for beginners, making it easy and enjoyable for anyone to take part. You’ll also have the chance to personalize your creation with herbs and decorations from the garden, bringing home not just a handmade craft, but a memorable cultural experience.

Explore the rich tradition of Japanese craftsmanship in this engaging mini-tatami mat workshop located in Kumamoto. Guided by a skilled craftsman, you'll delve into the art of tatami-making using high-quality igusa rush grass. Over the course of 90 minutes, you'll create a personalized 25 x 21 cm mini-tatami mat, perfect for showcasing your favorite trinkets or as a decorative piece in your home. As a delightful extra, enjoy complimentary Japanese tea and snacks while receiving insights into the history and cultural significance of tatami. Leave with not only your handcrafted mat but also a unique igusa coaster as a keepsake.

Travelers looking for a tour with a difference will enjoy learning about the daily life of a local lumberjack in Aso Minamioguni. Your local guide will take you into the forest, where he’ll teach you about the ecosystem, show you how to fell a tree safely, and guide you in building a simple log construction. Follow this with a tasty traditional lunch on a farm.

Discover a private wellness journey that goes beyond traditional sightseeing. This exclusive half-day experience invites you to explore how the people of Uto City in Kumamoto have long connected with nature through the “Amagoi-Daiko,” a drum used in prayers for rain and a good harvest. Ideal for curious travelers seeking meaningful cultural insight and a refreshing reset for both mind and body, this tour offers a rare opportunity to engage with the spiritual heart of Japanese tradition.