Fun for All Ages
Discover Family-Friendly Experiences
A culture of creating originating as early as Japan’s Jomon Period (14,000 and 300 BCE), with roots in the very soil of Japan itself, Japanese pottery and ceramics possess a remarkable range and impeccable craftsmanship. From the subdued, earthy tones of agano-yaki, beloved in tea ceremonies for their embodiment of wabi-sabi philosophy, to the bold and bright tones of kutani-yaki featuring depictions of nature and wildlife, the rich heritage of pottery within Japan continues to be shaped, even into modern times.
As an artistic practice, Japanese pottery has countless connections to other creative fields and aesthetic principles. Beyond the tea pot, the tea cup plays an undeniably essential part of tea ceremony, where observing the design and shape of the ceramics is a crucial part of the ritual. In culinary arts, presentation is also crucial, with teishoku meals composed of an overwhelming array of plates, cups, and bowls all serving different seasonal offerings. With kintsugi, broken pottery lives on, elevating imperfections into art and sustaining the beauty for endless future generations. Far more than just a vessel, Japanese pottery contains the very spirit of Japanese style.
Get hands on with Japanese pottery, through workshops led by master potters and studio tours to witness the secrets behind the work of each expert artisan.
Tokyo Area
As parents craft nigiri, kids can enjoy making maki rolls from a sushi master with 46 years of experience.
Let your kid’s imagination flow from mind to paper, guided by a leading modern manga industry artist.
Instead of sitting still in practice, meet, greet, and eat with these real sumo stars.
Explore the exciting sights and sounds of Toyosu on this exclusive sushi chef-led tour.
Messy hands are celebrated in this soba-making culinary workshop, instructed by a professional soba chef
Little artists can find inspiration in ink, creating their own cultural artwork
Select colors and stencil designs before jumping into making your own fabric.
After witnessing the action up close, share a meal with these towering champions
Kansai Area
Learn about traditional processing methods and cooking techniques needed to prepare dashi soup stock. Taste various ingredients and blends, and prepare your own dashi.
Savor the delicious experience of Japan’s most prized crabs from sea to table
Make your own edible art at a wagashi shop established in 1803.
Create delicate bamboo baskets, chopsticks or tea-scoop at a 100-year old bamboo supply shop
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Learn about the history of kyokarakami and start printing your own karakami print message cards with woodblocks and traditional shimmering pigments.
Make an umbrella or lantern at a shop with a 200+ year history
Kanazawa Area
Craft your own gold leaf ceramic box in the Kanazawa Kutani ware studio
Experience breathtaking views of the historic city of Kanazawa and the Sea of Japan from the “Medicinal King of Mountains,” Mt. Iouzen
Experience the bold flavors of koji fermentation, a centuries-old Japanese culinary tradition that has become a global phenomenon.
Kyushu Area
Learn about noodle culture in Japan. Experiment with noodle-making using both your hands and the machines used in actual production. Finish up with a meal of your own handmade noodles prepared by the chef.
Visit the workshop of this 5th-generation uchiwa craftsman. Observe the master's techniques and assist in creating your own uchiwa fan. Take a tour through the warehouse and see antique Showa era fans and barrels of fermenting persimmon that keep the fans in prime condition.
Guided by the master craftspeople, try your hand at painting a unique top. After, learn the special skills needed to spin them. You will receive your finished top in the mail.
Join the award-winning master at his store for hands-on instruction in making wagashi. Learn about local Kumamoto and seasonal specialties. Then, finish with tea and conversation with the master.
Hiroshima Area
After a quick intro, we'll paddle from the store to Miyajima Island. As we chat and paddle, we'll reach the Otorii gate, pass through, and take a short break near Itsukushima Shrine. Then, we'll paddle back, soaking in the nature of Miyajima. The 3-hour sea kayaking adventure will fly by!
Learn about traditional ji-zakana sushi techniques, and make your own sushi. Then, feast on your creations along with chef-prepared local dishes.
Hokkaido Area
Take part in Hokkaido’s fishing and food culture by creating a traditional dyed fabric fishing boat flag.
Meet the nature guide at Lake Toya. Your guide will give you some lessons for paddling. Then rowing out Lake Toya with the guide.
Meet your guide at the port for a brief on the boat cruise. Note there's no toilet onboard, and it can be colder at sea, so dress warmly. Departing for the peninsula, you'll enjoy the cruise and spot wildlife along the Shiretoko Peninsula.
Meet the nature guide at Lake Toya. Take a motorboat to Nakajima island. Hike in the forest of the island with the guide. Your guide will point out interesting trees or flowers. Then return to the pier.
Strolling national park with the nature guide. Your guide will show you wild animals and salmon in the park.
Escape, adventure, and breathtaking beauty in an exhilarating central Hokkaido horseback ride.
Tohoku Area
Learn all about the traits of Rikuzentakata’s oysters, with plenty of sampling! Take a boat ride to observe the oyster farming process, and then enjoy oyster tasting (freshly caught and steamed!) on the spot.
Learn the story of this beautiful town rising from the rubble of the 2011 disasters
Meet the locals and enjoy home-cooked dishes with the carpenter’s family. In the morning, try your hand at one of the offered experiences (either carpentry, harvesting or making traditional sweets).
Tokyo | Edo-Mae Style Sushi Masterclass
Inspiring chefs can enjoy crafting their own sushi at this specialty sushi shop.
The booming sounds and impressive size of wadaiko drums delight all ages in this hands-on workshop.
Burn energy and immerse into full-body activity with this all-ages blend of culture and athleticism
This museum and historic bonsai village tour is a breath of fresh air for families
Craft complex designs or keep it simple and sweet in this hands-on workshop.
Experience first-hand Toyooka’s preservation of the Oriental White Stork and the local ecosystem
Visit a workshop specializing in the Akahada pottery style, and craft your own vessel according to traditional techniques.
Step back in time as you savor sweets and a tea ceremony in the historic town of Izushi
Create your own floral geisha hair ornament with Made-in-Kyoto silk
Immerse yourself in the history of Izushi as you practice the traditional art of buckwheat soba making
Detox with a nature hike through Kyoto's protected and limited-access forest
Osaka | Judo class
Work up a sweat in a vibrant neighborhood dojo with New Zealand's former national judo coach
Feel the Heartbeat of the Japanese People through Taiko Drumming
Savor the Sweetness and Cultural History Molded by Eighteen Generations of a Family Confectioner
Celebrate Strength, Tradition, and Family Bonds Woven into Delicate Designs with Mizuhiki
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Board a boat and cruise along the Ariake Bay for a personal tour of the Nori Seaweed Farms. After, get a look into the roasting process and try several different Nori offerings, with a special gift to take with you when you leave.
Learn about the history of senko hanabi fireworks in Japan. Then, try your hand at constructing your own with guidance from an artisan. After, light up your creation and observe the unique patterns emitted by these traditional fireworks.
After a one-hour hike to the summit, you will be rewarded with a 360 degree view of the area. On a clear and sunny day, you can see not only as far as the dynamic Chugoku mountain range, but maybe as far as Kyushu. It’s not a difficult climb so great for beginner-hikers.
Mt. Misen Trekking
You'll start by strolling through the back alleys with your guide to the ropeway stop. After a scenic ropeway ride, you'll hike to the top of Mt. Misen and explore the observatory. Finally, you'll descend along the Daishoin Course, taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Witness flocks of red-crowned cranes in their natural habitat. Learn more about the history of their conversation from a local wildlife expert. Access insider viewing spots for optimal observation.
Extract oil from Todomatsu branches to create your own aromatic essential oil sample. Trek through the surrounding evergreen forest with a nature guide and bask in seaside scenery. Finish with a herbal tea and snack in the workshop.
You'll begin with a briefing and equipment check before heading out on a hike through the Shiretoko Five Lakes area.
You will start with how to ride a horse at the riding ground. After the short lesson, you will ride the horse along the sea of Japan with a beautiful scenery.
Trek through a diverse range of ecosystems, such as coastlines, wetlands, or fields, in search of Hokkaido's native wildlife. A local outdoor expert will provide in-depth explanation and guidance.
Experience the wonders of Daisetsuzan mountain range while winding around the terrain on a snowcat!
Learn the story of this beautiful town rising from the rubble of the 2011 disasters
Meet the locals and enjoy home-cooked dishes with the fisherman’s family. In the morning, go out on the ocean (conditions permitting), and later prepare seaweed and oysters, harvest vegetables, and cook dinner using the ingredients.
On a private tour led by the 5th-generation owner, observe the intricate silk dyeing and weaving process up close. Then, decorate your own cotton fabric using benibana dye and traditional techniques. Lastly, see an elegant kimono and obi fabric dyed and woven at the factory.
Discover more about pottery
The art of Japanese pottery offers boundless aspects to explore, with a range of visually-distinct styles and renowned areas of production. Immerse fully into Japan’s rich heritage of pottery and ceramics.
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