Experiences - tour courses that you can experience something

Transform into a Ninja and look around the city of Iga

Iga, home of the Iga-ryu Ninja, is full of sightseeing spots related to the Ninja! In addition, the town attracts visitors with its antique wooden-style architecture. The city also boasts for having traditional crafts such as the Iga-yaki (pottery) and Kumihimo, and of course the local specialty represented by the Iga beef. Why not dress up as a Ninja and walk around the area to make good memories of Japan?

Enjoy various costumes in Little World, an Open Air Museum

Little World is an open air museum that exhibits cultures in the world. What is real fun in the Little World is world foods and costumes. There are so many restaurants and coffee shops offering different kinds of foods, drinks and sweets from around the world. There are also about 10 costume stands where you can rent costumes from around the world.

Becoming a princess in the Castle of Sweets, cosplay in a castle

The Castle of sweets look like a real castle in Europe. This is a facility build by a Japanese sweet maker. Recently it has became a popular place, especially among young ladies, where you can be a princess and take your own photo.

Experience pottery making in Seto, the land of porcelain

Seto is the country's leading production area of ceramic and porcelain with a long history, that in Japan people generally call pottery as "Seto-mono". Even today, there are many studios which keep on creating various art pieces. Have a relaxing moment in this historical town and experience pottery making to feel the alluring art of Japanese ceramic works.

Traditional wood work in Kisoji

If you are interested in traditional craft work, visit the "Kijishi-no-sato" which is in a 10 kilometer-distance from Tsumago-juku, where wood turning craftsmen gather.

The "Nagiso Rokuro-zaiku", a traditional craft work in this region uses spinning wheel to grind wood and make products. Its technique has been passed down over a thousand years. Each product is beautiful, yet practical. Do not miss the chance to see the fascinating skills and technique of the local professionals, which are reflected onto the artwork.

Make your own masu-cup in Ogaki

Ogaki is the Japan's biggest production area of the Masu cups. Souvenirs and "make your own Masu cup" course available at "Masuya". Why not make your original piece?

Experience the Arimatsu Shibori tie-dying at Yamagami Shoten

Yamagami Shoten offers a tie-dyeing workshop. (Advance reservation required.) Experience dyeing a handkerchief, Tenugui towel, or a stole. (Fee from 1,000 yen depending on the material used.) Workshop duration is around 2 hours.

Let us look into one of the typical Arimatsu tie-dyeing techniques, the "Kumo-shibori". The final output varies according to the person who makes it and how the cloth is being tied. You can choose your own color and style. Make your original piece, the only one in the world.

Kumihimo workshop in Iga

Iga boasts for producing the highest production volume of Kumihimo in Japan, which is a traditional craft. In the old days, the Kumihimo textile was used for strings and straps for scrolls and Kacchu armor. Today it is applied to the Obijime Kimono fastening band. Would like to make your own as a memory of your trip? Even beginners can complete a key-holder strap or a bracelet in around 20 minutes.

The workshop is offered at an elegant traditional shop which was established by Hirozawa Tokusaburo, the person who introduced the Kumihimo techniques to Iga.

Make postcard of Japanese traditional paper from scratch

Washi or Japanese traditional paper was designated as one of Intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Mino Washi is one of the three famous production areas registered. There is a record of Mino Washi used in the then capital of Japan, Nara, in 8th century.

Mino-Washi Museum in Mino City conveys the fascination of Mino Washi paper through exhibits and workshops. There are at least three regulary held paper making courses: Minohan course, Rakusui course, and postcard course.

Write your favorite kanji characters and make a hanging scroll

A Shoka (calligraphy master) instructs you how to write kanji characters with fude (Jamapese pen) and sumi (ink).

You can create your own calligraphic art with your favorite kanji letters and make it a hanging scroll.

The practice takes only a few hours so you can combine this practice with other tours.