Immerse into kumiko, the lattice-like, woodworking craft requiring no nails to construct stunning masterpeices

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Minamishinozakimachi, Edogawa

• 1.5 hours

• 10 people max. Minimum 2 participants; solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants

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

Piecing It Together

From the nailless, towering structure of Kyoto's Kiyomizudera Temple to the intricate, multicolored patterns of Hakone wood mosaic, Japanese woodworking and wood crafting have captured attention for over a millennia. The introduction of Buddhism from Korea during the 6th century aided in proliferating Japanese woodworking techniques further, as the construction of wooden temples called for sturdy yet visually stunning designs. Within the rich heritage of woodworking in Japan, kumiko stands out as a technique that is seemingly simple yet highly sophisticated. A lattice woodworking technique where thin wooden pieces are intricately slotted together to create an array of stunning designs, kumiko woodworking requires unbelievable precision down to the millimeter, as well as unyielding attention to detail. The elaborate structure of kumiko woodworking can be seen in traditional shoji sliding doors, folding wooden partitions, lamps, and countless other areas, from high-end sushi restaurants to luxurious home interiors, and incorporate patterns with motifs of nature and the seasons. Join a 2nd-generation kumiko woodcraft artisan in his Tokyo-based studio and immerse into the captivating craft of kumiko.

What you’ll do

Tour a 2nd-generation kumiko master's studio and learn about the history and practices of kumiko woodcrafting. Make your own kumiko coaster using the asa-no-ha pattern, one of the most foundational designs in kumiko, and take it home with you after the masterclass is completed.

Who can attend

Children must be 4+

What to wear

Please wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty.

Availability

Everyday
Session 1 (9:00 - 10:30)
Session 2 (10:30 - 12:00)
Session 3 (13:30 - 15:00)
Session 4 (15:00 - 16:30)
Session 5 (16:30 - 18:00)

Unavailable every New Year holidays

Access

40 minutes from Tokyo station by car

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at the latest 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.