Delve into the art of Edo hand-painted lanterns with a 4th-generation craftsman

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Arawa-ku, Tokyo

• 1.5 hours

• 4 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 available upon request)

Outlined Precision

Before there was electricity, there were chochin, the lantern covers for candles to prevent the wind from blowing them out. At first, candles were a limited resource reserved only for the upper echelons of society. During the Edo period, however, candles were finally able to be constructed in Japan, leading to the widespread usage of lanterns by the general public. Then, in the midst of the Meiji period, the crafting of chochin was split into two distinct specialties: the craftspeople who constructed the lantern and those who painted the letters and designs upon them. These hand-drawn letters, known as Edo moji, continue to be used today, with usage shifting from the everyday to the ceremonial. Since its founding in 1913, this workshop has diligently designed Edo moji chochin for local temples and matsuri festivals, as well as local businesses and kabuki productions. Although the traditional kanji characters may be replaced with the English alphabet and unique company emblems, hand-drawn Edo moji chochin has persisted as a traditional art that has weathered the passage of history. Under the guidance of a 4th-generation artisan, hand paint your own lantern to illuminate a unique Edo-period art form.

What you’ll do

Tour the masters’ workshop and learn about the history and usage of Edo hand-drawn lanterns, as well as the history of the workshop. Observe the master at work, plus receive an introduction to completed and in-progress projects. Then, under the fourth-generation master’s guidance, draw letters or designs by hand on a lantern in the size and shape of your choice.

Who can attend

Children must be 10+

What’s Included

Guests will take home lantern with handwritten letters

Availability

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

Access

15 minutes by car from Tokyo Station

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least one week in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.