Private Traditional Craft Experience From
$50
Lacquerware Workshop
-漆塗り-
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Here, in the Kiso Valley, a small unsuspecting village called Hirasawa was once the capital of Japanese lacquerware. At its peak, about 1,000 people worked in Hirasawa's lacquer industry. That number is down to around 100 these days. Even now the village is filled with quiet shops run by lacquerware craftsmen, some of which go back several generations.
What will you do during this experience?
Meet the master craftsmen and learn about lacquerware.
Paint a lacquerware plate with the assistance and equipment of a young lacquerware artist.
Time for shopping and farewells.
Time:
This is a half day experience requiring 1-2 hours.
Prices:
If added onto a Yabuhara to Narai hiking tour just add $50 per person to the price.
If purchased as a stand alone experience the price will be:
$400 for 1 person
$100 per additional person
Try painting lacquerware after hiking from Yabuhara to Narai!
On a Really Rural Japan guided hike from Yabuhara to Narai, this experience can be added on to the end of the hike. Your guide will come with you to translate. The item that you paint needs a minimum of 5 days to dry. If you are leaving Japan 5 days after this trip, unfortunately you cannot take part! Sorry!
Here, in the Kiso Valley, a small unsuspecting village called Hirasawa was once the capital of Japanese lacquerware. At its peak about 1,000 people worked in Hirasawa’s lacquerware industry. That number is down to around 100 these days. Even now the village is filled with quiet shops run by lacquerware craftsmen, some of which go back several generations.
What is Lacquerware?
Lacquerware refers to the sap of the lacquer tree, a tree indigenous to Japan and East Asia. The sap is toxic and craftsmen have to be very careful while practicing their craft, not to poison themselves. Processed lacquer tree sap is slowly, over several months layered onto ornate items, often adding colour to them. The craft is recognised as an officially designated traditional handicraft, one of only seven in Nagano Prefecture.
What do they do at Chikiriya?
During this experience we will visit Chikiriya, a lacquerware shop run by a lacquerware craftsman of several generations and his apprentice, his daughter. Together they create simply sublime items of Japanese lacquerware.
What will you do during this experience?
Meet and greet the master craftsman: During this experience you will start by meeting the master craftsmen who run the shop. They will explain to you the history of the craft, give you a quick tour of the shop.
Lacquerware painting experience: After learning about the craft, it is time to get hands on. You will paint a lacquerware plate with the help and equipment of a lacquerware artist.
Shopping and farewells: Finally you can peruse the shop freely and say your farewells.
How do you get there?
Hirasawa is about a 30 minute walk from Narai Juku. There is also a train station in the village.
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An English and Japanese speaking translator/guide.
An explanation on lacquerware from a master craftsman.
Lacquerware painting experience.
Your very own hand painted lacquerware plate, to be delivered to you at your hotel in Japan in 5 days or so.
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Transportation.
Delivery costs.
Souvenirs and any other personal costs.
Lunch.
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If added onto a Yabuhara to Narai hiking tour just add $50 per person to the price.
If purchased as a stand alone experience the price will be:
$400 for 1 person
$100 per additional person
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To lock in a booking, payments must be made at least 30 days in advance of the tour. If you are booking within 30 days of your tour, the total price of the tour must be paid immediately. Once the tour has been agreed upon, we will send you a credit card payable invoice. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
30 days prior: Free
29-15 days prior: 30%
14-7 days prior: 70%
6 days prior and beyond: 100%