Author: edge

  • Seal, Paper & Tea: The Art of Japanese Elegance in Yamanashi

    Seal, Paper & Tea: The Art of Japanese Elegance in Yamanashi

    3 in 1 Experience in Yamanashi Seal Carving, Washi Paper Making & Tea Ceremony

    Seal, Paper & Tea: The Art of Japanese Elegance in Yamanashi

    4 hours

    Easy

    This exclusive cultural experience invites you into the quiet world of Japanese craftsmanship. Under the attentive guidance of a master artisan, you will explore the philosophy and aesthetic balance behind kanji characters before selecting the one that best expresses your identity. Once the design is delicately brushed onto the stone, you will carve your own seal by hand, transforming a simple material into a deeply personal work of art.

    You can start this experience at the following places.
    Harada Shokodo

    〒409-3244 JP Nishiyatsushiro-gun 2089 Iwama, Ichikawamisato-cho,Yamanashi

    ① Handmade Japanese paper experience (1.5 hours)

    You will make washi paper together with artisans in Nishijima, a nearby washi-producing area.

    Compared to regular paper, Japanese washi paper has firmer fibers, so the vermilion is less likely to bleed and the print appears vivid.

    You can also print photos saved on your phone onto the finished washi paper. Why not try printing out a memorable photo?

    The experience of using pure mountain water in a quiet workshop surrounded by the mountains is a relaxing experience.

    ② Learn about history and culture (1 hour)

    After the handmade paper-making experience, head to Kamisuki Park and the Seal Museum .

    With President Harada as your guide, you can learn about the history and culture of washi paper and seals. (we provide the car for transportation. )

    At Kamisuki Park, you can learn about the history of washi paper through hands-on exhibits.
    In addition to having lunch, you can also purchase miscellaneous goods and various types of washi paper produced by Nishijima’s washi paper workshop at the souvenir shop.

    At the Seal Museum, you can learn about the history of seals that Ichikawa Misato Town has cultivated by looking at documents from that time.

    ③ Seal making experience (1.5 hours)

    Now it is time to carve your own seal.

    This is a special experience where you will be given one-on-one instruction from a skilled seal craftsman and will come into contact with the depths of seals and Kanji characters.

    You will choose the letters then the skilled craftsman will inscribe them with a brush, and then carve them by yourself using specialized tools.

    To enjoy the finished product, stamp it in vermilion on the Japanese paper you made earlier of the day.

    To conclude the experience, we will offer guest the tea ceremony in the Harada Shokodo tea room, enjoying matcha green tea and sweets.

    End the experience with Tea Ceremony

    After all the experiences, as a closing special event day,

    we offer you tea ceremony in the Japanese tea room.
    Please enjoy Japanese hospitality with matcha and Japanese sweets.

    description

    In addition to seal carving, the experience includes making traditional Japanese washi paper, an important element that complements seal artistry. The meaning of your chosen characters and the date of your visit will be printed on the washi paper you create, making it a meaningful keepsake. The experience concludes with a formal stamping ceremony using vermilion ink, followed by a peaceful Japanese tea ceremony, allowing you to reflect on the cultural traditions you have just explored.

    As a remembrance of your time in Yamanashi, you will receive your handcrafted seal presented with a refined pouch made from Fujiyoshida textile fabric, a region celebrated for its heritage weaving. Ink, an ink pad, and a stamping mat are also included, allowing you to continue this tradition wherever you go. Framed and displayed at home, your finished washi artwork becomes more than a souvenir—it becomes a timeless expression of identity, craftsmanship, and the quiet luxury of Japanese culture.

    Highlight

    After the workshop, guests may stroll around the nearby temples, including Konkai Kōmyō-ji Temple, located just in front of the workshop venue.
    This sacred Buddhist temple complex features traditional wooden halls, historic statues, and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it a peaceful stop to enjoy Kyoto’s atmosphere before or after your experience.

    please note

    Please note that this experience is conducted by a master artisan who speaks Japanese only. To ensure smooth communication, a translation application will be used throughout the session. The instructor has extensive experience hosting international guests in this manner, and the workshop proceeds comfortably and without difficulty

    What’s included?

    • Experience Fees (Seal Carving,Washi Making,Tea Ceremony)
    • Private Transportation (during the tour)
    • Customized Japanese Seal (You can take home after the experience!)
    • Japanese Paper with photo of your choice (You can take home after the experience!)
    • Japanese Seal Pouch

    Exclusions

    • Transportation From/To The Meeting Point

    more info

    Experience type

    workshop / tour

    Booking in advance

    Cut off: 1 week

    Duration

    4 Hours

    Live tour guide

    Difficulty

    Easy

    Know before you go

    Minimum age of participants is: 12

    Cancellation policy

    • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 23 hours or less before the event
    • We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
    • We will charge a cancellation fee of 30% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event

    Live your adventure

    +81 3-6824-2055

    info@honeyj.co.jp

    Head Office
    Morimatsu Building 2F 3 Nyorai, Kita, Nagoya

    Tokyo Office
    Nissey Marunouchi Garden Tower 3F 1-1-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    Government-Licensed Class 1 Travel Agency License No. 2149 JATA Regular Member

  • Kyoto Tatami Making Experience in a Quiet Local Area

    Kyoto Tatami Making Experience in a Quiet Local Area

    Picture of akari terada

    akari terada

    Writer

    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn

    Kyoto is often associated with famous temples and busy sightseeing spots, but some of its most memorable experiences are found far from the crowds. Honey J’s Kyoto Tatami Making Experience offers travelers a rare opportunity to step into a calm, local side of the city and connect with one of Japan’s most essential traditional crafts.

    This experience takes place in a peaceful residential area of Kyoto, offering an atmosphere that feels authentic, personal, and deeply rooted in everyday Japanese life.

    Table of Contents

    Learn the Art of Tatami at a 300-Year-Old Workshop

    This workshop offers hands-on learning into the charm and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese tatami mats at a long-established shop with over 300 years of history.

    Guests begin with an easy-to-follow introduction covering:

    • The materials used to make tatami mats and how to make them

    • How tatami have been used in Japanese homes, both in the past and today

    • The different styles and meanings of tatami-beri (decorative fabric edges)

    This overview provides essential cultural context before moving into the hands-on portion, making the experience accessible, educational, and meaningful even for first-time visitors to Japan.

    A Hidden, Quiet Side of Kyoto Few Travelers See

    This tatami workshop takes place in a peaceful residential area of Kyoto, far from the city’s busiest tourist zones. The surrounding streets offer a glimpse into everyday local life, where traditional homes, small workshops, and quiet lanes create an atmosphere that feels unmistakably Kyoto.

    HIGHLIGHT

    Just steps from the workshop, guests will find Konkai Kōmyō-ji Temple, located directly in front of the venue. This historic Buddhist temple complex is known for its traditional wooden halls, serene gardens, and sacred atmosphere.

    After the workshop, guests may enjoy a leisurely stroll through the temple grounds, taking time to appreciate the calm surroundings, historic statues, and seasonal scenery. It’s an ideal way to absorb Kyoto’s peaceful charm before or after the tatami experience. 

    Why Inbound Travelers Choose This Experience

    This tatami workshop is especially popular with international guests looking for something genuinely cultural and non-touristy.

    Ideal for travelers who want:

    • A calm, authentic Kyoto experience

    • Insight into Japanese daily life and craftsmanship

    • A hands-on activity 

    • A unique souvenir that isn’t mass-produced

    • A slower, more meaningful travel moment

    Rather than simply observing tradition, guests actively take part in it.

    Hands-On Tatami Coaster Making Experience

    workshop options

    Both options are beginner-friendly. At the end of the session, guests take home a handmade tatami coaster — a meaningful souvenir created with their own hands.

    access

    4min walk from the nearest bus stop!

    The workshop venue is conveniently located in a quiet area of Kyoto and is just a 4– minute walk from the nearest bus stop, Okazaki-michi.

    Conclusion

    Experience Kyoto Through Living Tradition

    In this Kyoto Tatami Making Experience offers more than a workshop — it’s a chance to connect with Kyoto’s living traditions in a setting that feels genuine and unhurried. From learning the cultural significance of tatami to creating something with your own hands, every moment reflects the quiet craftsmanship that defines Japanese culture.

    Combined with the peaceful surroundings and nearby temples, this experience is ideal for travelers seeking depth, authenticity, and meaningful memories beyond the guidebooks. If you’re looking to experience Kyoto at a slower pace, this tatami workshop is the perfect place to begin.

    Share this blog

    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn

    scenic japan blogs

    Live your adventure

    +81 3-6824-2055

    info@honeyj.co.jp

    Head Office
    Morimatsu Building 2F 3 Nyorai, Kita, Nagoya

    Tokyo Office
    Nissey Marunouchi Garden Tower 3F 1-1-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    Government-Licensed Class 1 Travel Agency License No. 2149 JATA Regular Member