Marvel at the history and beauty of intricately hand-fashioned straw art crafts

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Kinosaki-onsen, Toyooka

• 1.5 hours

• 4 people max.

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German interpretation may be available upon request)

Unparalleled elaborate design

Straw art has been designated a “Local Traditional Craft” in Hyogo Prefecture where it has a 300-year long history. Straw crafts took root in the area when a traveler named Hanshichi from Tottori Prefecture visited Kinosaki Onsen seeking rejuvenation from the mineral-laden hot spring waters. Hanshichi used delicately colored strands of barley straw to make spinning tops and wrap bamboo flutes which he then sold to pay for his accommodations at the onsen. Straw crafts quickly evolved from Hanshichi’s original pieces to artworks of unparalleled elaborate design. Famous painters of the Meiji era (1868-1912) brought sketches to local straw craftsmen for them to design straw prototypes of their images which would be incorporated onto decorative wooden boxes, earthen bells, oblation plaques, spinning tops, and other wares.

Toshiaki is a third generation craftsman carrying on the tradition of creating elaborate straw art wares. He maintains both a studio and a museum dedicated to preserving historical straw crafts. Join us on a tour of the museum where you can see how straw crafts take on a depth and an elegant, silky-smooth luster with age. From the museum, it is a mere few steps to Toshiaki’s studio. There, you can marvel in the beauty of the delicate straw strands as they are meticulously, gracefully crafted into stunning works of art.

What you’ll do

Visit the small museum dedicated to the history of this art, where you will receive an informative explanation about the delicate art form of straw art. After the museum tour, we'll take you to the artisans' workshop, where you can witness their work firsthand. It's a unique opportunity to observe the creative process and gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication that goes into producing these beautiful works of art.

Who can attend

Children must be 7+

What includes

Beautiful box with straw work.

Availability

Everyday except the new year holidays
Session
10:00 - 11:30
13:30 - 15:00

Access

15 minutes from Toyooka Station.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at the latest 14 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.

* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.