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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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Prefectures in Kyushu & OkinawaFukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Okinawa
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63 entries / Page 1 of 3

Kumamoto

Shodai Ware

Pottery & nationally designated craft

Shodai ware from Arao and Kumamoto. A straw-ash glaze is poured over iron-rich clay.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Kumamoto

Higo Zogan Inlay

Metalwork & nationally designated craft

Higo zogan from Kumamoto. Gold and silver are hammered into an iron ground, which is blackened with rust. It began as decoration for arms and armor.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Kumamoto

Yamaga Lanterns

Washi paper crafts & nationally designated craft

Lanterns from Yamaga. Using only washi and paste, with no wood or metal fittings, buildings and helmets are assembled.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Kumamoto

Obake no Kinta

Karakuri mechanical dolls & folk toys

Obake no Kinta from Kumamoto. A mechanical doll that sticks out its tongue and rolls its eyes.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Kumamoto

Higo Mari

Thread craft & geometric patterns

Higo mari from Kumamoto. Thread is wound and geometric patterns are stitched.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references

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.

This app does not send inquiries. Saving is a note for your own consideration, not a booking.

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