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Reference material on Japan's regions, culture and sightseeing / Please check opening days, prices and other details with the latest information from each source.

Value Village

A trip to get close to how things are made.

Kilns, weavers, breweries, blacksmiths, small local workshops — we have gathered the makers of each region. Large mass-production factories, power plants and dams, public research institutes and museums are not shown here (you can find them in the full list of entries).

2,805 craft and industry entries. Industries other than traditional crafts are included. This is not a list of hands-on programs; whether visitors are accepted, fees and booking contacts have not been confirmed.

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2,805 entries / Page 1 of 117

Mie

Iga Braided Cords

Braided cords & nationally designated craft

Braided cords from Iga. Silk threads are braided on a braiding stand. Iga accounts for most of Japan's production of obijime sash cords.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Mie

Yokkaichi Banko Ware

Ceramics & nationally designated craft

Banko ware from Yokkaichi. Petalite is mixed in to make it heat-resistant, and it is made into earthenware pots and teapots. It produces most of Japan's earthenware pots.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Mie

Suzuka Inksticks

Ink sticks & nationally designated craft

Inksticks from Suzuka. Soot from rapeseed oil is mixed with animal glue and kneaded. Suzuka is an inkstick-producing area alongside Kishu and Nara.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Mie

Iga Ware

Ceramics & nationally designated craft

Iga ware. Coarse clay is fired hard at high temperature, and ash melts to form a natural glaze. It is highly fire-resistant and is also used for earthenware pots.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Mie

Ise Katagami

Paper stencils & nationally designated craft

Ise katagami stencils from Shiroko, Suzuka. Washi paper bonded with persimmon tannin is carved and used for stencil-dyeing kimono. There are four carving techniques.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Mie

Japanese Drums

Woodwork, leather & musical instruments

Japanese drums from Mie. Zelkova wood is hollowed out for the body, and cowhide is stretched over it.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Mie

Matsusaka Cotton

Cotton textiles & stripes

Matsusaka cotton. Fine stripes are woven with indigo-dyed yarn. It was in fashion in Edo.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Things to check when considering an experience

  • Check with the business whether it accepts general visits and hands-on experiences.
  • Check the eligible ages, time required, fees, language support and how to book.
  • Check whether you can take your work home or have it shipped, what to wear, and the cancellation terms.

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