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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 ChubuNiigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi
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72 entries / Page 1 of 3

Nagano

Kiso Lacquerware

Lacquerwork & nationally designated craft

Lacquerware from Kiso-Hirasawa in Shiojiri. A local clay called sabitsuchi is used for the undercoat, giving a sturdy finish.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Nagano

Shinshu Tsumugi

Silk textiles & nationally designated craft

Tsumugi from Shinshu. A collective name for the silk textiles woven in Ueda, Matsumoto, Iida, Ina and elsewhere.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Nagano

Iiyama Buddhist Altars

Buddhist altars & nationally designated craft

Buddhist altars from Iiyama. The craft grew as winter work in a land of deep snow, and gold leaf is applied thickly.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Nagano

Matsumoto Furniture

Wooden furniture & nationally designated craft

Furniture from Matsumoto. Influenced by the Mingei movement, Western-style furniture is made with the techniques of Japanese furniture.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Nagano

Uchiyama Paper

Handmade washi paper & nationally designated craft

Uchiyama paper from Iiyama. Kozo is bleached by exposing it on snow. As shoji paper it is strong and softens the light.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Nagano

Bentwood Ware

Kiso cypress & bending

Thin boards of Kiso hinoki cypress are bent into vessels. Wild cherry bark is used to join the hoop.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Nagano

Iida Mizuhiki

Washi paper & knotting

Mizuhiki from Iida. Twisted paper cord is stiffened with paste and tied into ornaments. Iida produces most of Japan's mizuhiki.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Nagano

Nagano Farmers' Art

Wood carving & the Peasant Art Movement

Farmers' art from Ueda. Wood carving started by Yamamoto Kanae as handwork for the farming off-season.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Nagano

Togakushi Bamboo Crafts

Nemagari bamboo & basketry

Bamboo craft from Togakushi. Nemagari bamboo is woven into strainers and baskets. The zaru trays on which soba is served are well known.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Nagano

Sakae Village Tsugura

Straw craft & neko tsugura cat houses

Tsugura from Sakae Village. Containers woven from straw; the neko-tsugura used as a cat's bed is well known.

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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