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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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63 entries / Page 1 of 3

Toyama

Takaoka Copperware

Casting & nationally designated craft

The copperware of Takaoka. It began in 1611, when the Kaga Domain summoned metal casters. It accounts for most of Japan's Buddhist altar fittings and bronze statues.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Toyama

Takaoka Lacquerware

Lacquerwork & nationally designated craft

The lacquerware of Takaoka. It has many decorative techniques, such as carving and raden, the inlaying of iridescent shell.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Toyama

Inami Woodcarving

Wood carving & nationally designated craft

The woodcarving of Inami, Nanto. Carvers who came from Kyoto for the rebuilding of Zuisen-ji passed on their skills. Transoms and lion heads are carved.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Toyama

Shogawa Turned Woodwork

Wood lathe & nationally designated craft

The turned woodwork of Shogawa, Tonami. Wood is turned on a lathe to make the wooden bases for bowls and trays.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Toyama

Etchu Washi

Handmade washi paper & nationally designated craft

The washi of Etchu. It is the collective name for the three production areas of Gokayama, Yatsuo and Birudan, and is a nationally designated Traditional Craft.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Toyama

Gokayama Washi

Paper mulberry & handmade washi paper

The washi of Gokayama. The paper mulberry is laid out on the snow to bleach it.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Toyama

Shimatani Shoryu Kobo

Orin singing bowls & hammering

Shimatani in Takaoka. It hammers orin, the bowl-shaped bells used as Buddhist altar fittings, and tunes their sound.

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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