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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 ChugokuTottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi
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Entry type

58 entries / Page 1 of 3

Hagi Ware

Pottery & nationally designated craft

Hagi ware. Because soft clay is fired at a low temperature, tea seeps in through the crazing as the piece is used and the color changes.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Miwa Kiln

Hagi ware & Kyusetsu lineage

Miwa Kiln in Hagi. It has a lineage of applying thickly the white glaze known as Kyusetsu white.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Akama Inkstones

Inkstones & nationally designated craft

The Akama inkstones of Ube. They are carved from a reddish-purple stone called Akama stone. The craft has continued since the Kamakura period.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Ouchi Lacquerware

Lacquerware & prefecturally designated craft

Ouchi lacquerware of Yamaguchi. The Ouchi diamond crest and autumn grasses are painted on vermilion lacquer. It dates from the era of the Ouchi clan.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Yanai Goldfish Lanterns

Bamboo and paper crafts & folk toys

The goldfish lanterns of Yanai. The shape of a goldfish is made from bamboo and washi. They are said to have been started by a merchant who had seen the Nebuta of Aomori.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Iwakuni Stone Dolls

Limestone & local crafts

Stone dolls from Iwakuni. Nests made of pebbles and sand by Ningyo Tobikera caddisflies living in the Nishikigawa River are collected and made into dolls.

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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