Join Unkei’s 29th-generation descendant and explore the art of Kamakura wood carving

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Kamakura City, Kanagawa

• 2 hours

• 6 people max.

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

Carving One's Own Legacy

Intricately carved curves covered under layers of rich red lacquer. The impressive scowl of a Buddhist figure peering out across the traditional Japanese-style studio. Even the table, simple yet bold, and etched with straight lines. All seamlessly display the subtle elegance of Kamakura-bori, and the craftsmanship of Goto-san, a 29th-generation Kamakura-bori master, whose family history is as remarkable as the products he carves. A direct descendant of Unkei, the great master of wooden Buddhist sculpture, Goto-san continues to carry on this prestigious legacy of spiritual carvings. Kamakura-bori itself dates back nearly 1000 years to the Kamakura Period, when sculptors with backgrounds in Buddhist ritual implements or temple carpenters created a style influenced by imported Chinese Tsuishu, made with Japanese food and Japanese traditional patterns. The craft eventually expanded beyond purely creating religious instruments to include tea ceremony utensils, bowls, and other daily goods. However, following the implementation of mandated State Shintoism in the Meiji Period and the passing of the Edict for Separation of Shinto and Buddhism by the Meiji government, an anti-Buddhist movement gathered momentum, resulting in a decline of the craft. Currently, only one other family aside from Goto's primarily continues on this craft of lacquerware, wood carving, and spiritual inspiration. Witness the preservation of Kamakura-bori in the historic town where it all began.

What you’ll do

Enter the studio of a master Kamakura-bori, located in central Kamakura. Learn about his rich family history of Buddhist sculpture and see products crafted by him and his ancestors. Then, join the master in the studio to witness Kamakura-bori carving up close before trying it out firsthand yourself.

Who can attend

Children must be 10+

What’s Included

Kamakura-bori small plate

Availability

Everyday
Session 1 (13:00 - 15:00)
Session 2 (15:00 - 17:00)

Access

1 hour and 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.