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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 KinkiMie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama
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59 entries / Page 1 of 3

Shiga

Shigaraki Ware

Ceramics & nationally designated craft

Pottery from Shigaraki in Koka. The feldspar contained in the coarse clay bursts out white, and the ware fires to a scarlet color. One of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Shiga

Hikone Buddhist Altars

Buddhist altars & nationally designated craft

Buddhist altars from Hikone. Craftsmen who made arms and armor for the Hikone domain are said to have turned to Buddhist altars in peacetime.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Shiga

Omi Jofu

Ramie textiles & nationally designated craft

Omi jofu from Aisho. Ramie is spliced into thread by hand and woven. It has a technique in which kasuri is dyed by pressing the threads with a comb.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Shiga

Ibushi Onigawara

Roof tiles & ogre-tile makers

Onigawara of smoked ibushi tile. At the end of firing they are smoked to turn them silver.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Shiga

Japanese Candles

Candles & hand-dipping

Japanese candles. Wax taken from the fruit of the haze tree is applied in layers to the wick with bare hands.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Shiga

Zeze Ware

Pottery & tea ceramics

Zeze ware from Otsu. One of the Seven Kilns of Enshu, it fires tea ceramics.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Shiga

Unpei Brushes

Brushes & bristle setting

Unpei brushes. In Koto, animal hair is aligned and set in the handle. Brushes for calligraphy and painting are made.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Shiga

Otsu-e Folk Paintings

Folk painting & coloring

Otsu-e. Folk paintings made in the Edo period as souvenirs of the Tokaido road. Demons and deities are painted with quick brushwork.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Shiga

Echigawa Bin-zaiku Temari

Craft inside glass bottles

Bin-zaiku temari from Aisho. A temari ball is placed inside a narrow-mouthed glass bottle. A piece of work that leaves one wondering how it was put in.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Shiga

Mikoshi Portable Shrines

Woodwork, lacquer & metalwork

Mikoshi. A festival craft that brings together woodworking, lacquer and metalwork. Omi has continued as a mikoshi-producing area.

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.

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