Category: Hidden Gems

  • 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

    © Honey J Corporation 2025
    Formerly Honey J Tours

  • Kyotango-Inaba Honke Tour

    Kyotango-Inaba Honke Tour

    Join the Future Mailbox Experience and reflect by writing to your future self.

    Kyotango-Inaba Honke Tour

    2 hours

    Easy

    Explore Kyotango’s historic merchant district on this immersive 3-hour cultural tour centered around Inaba Honke, a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

    You can start this experience at the following places.
    Kumihama Station

    〒629-3410 Kumihamacho, Kyotango, Kyoto 

    Historic Merchant District Walk

    Introduction to the area’s role in Edo-period commerce and daily life

    Visit to a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property

    Step inside a historic merchant residence. Learn about Edo-period trade, shogunate finance, and the family’s connection to Oda Nobunaga

    Regional Culinary Experience

    Enjoy local specialties such as bara-zushi or bota-mochi

    Garden & Reflection Experience

    Try the Future Mailbox experience by writing a letter to your future self in a peaceful setting

    Tour Conclusion

    Time for quiet reflection and photos before the tour ends

    description

    Explore Kyotango’s historic merchant district on this immersive 3-hour cultural tour centered around Inaba Honke, a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

    Stroll through the traditional townscape before stepping inside the former merchant residence, where you will visit the grand main house, longhouse gate, storehouses, and tatami rooms. Along the way, hear stories of Edo-period trade, shogunate finance, and the family’s historical connection to Oda Nobunaga.

    The experience also includes tasting local specialties such as bara-zushi or bota-mochi, traditional dishes deeply rooted in the region’s history.

    Conclude the tour in a serene garden, where you can take part in the Future Mailbox Experience by writing a letter to your future self in a calm and reflective setting.

    What do I need to bring?

    • This is a walking tour, so please wear comfortable shoes suitable for extended walking.

    please note

    • Wear comfortable clothing.
      Choose attire that allows for easy movement.
    • Beginner friendly

    What’s included?

    • Admission Fee
    • Lunch
    • Future Mail Experience

    Exclusions

    • Transportation From/To The Meeting Point

    more info

    Experience type

    Day tour / activity

    Booking in advance

    Cut off: 10 days

    Duration

    3 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

    © Honey J Corporation 2025
    Formerly Honey J Tours