Japanese Crafts Workshop in Uchiko Town, Ehime Prefecture
Overview
Uchiko—designated an Important Traditional Construction Preservation Area in 1982—popularly known for Japanese paper and wax production, now boasts a well-preserved townscape. In this unique workshop, you'll learn how to make four traditional crafts.
Highlights
- Use traditional methods to make traditional Japanese paper
- Craft an original candle and learn about Mokuro Wax
- Create your own original andon traditional Japanese lantern
- Transform wood into your own person sake cup and sample local sake
- Make four traditional crafts and take your handiwork home as souvenirs
Key Information
Important Information
- Guests must be age 20 or over to enjoy the sake tasting
- For those with allergies, etc. we will not use traditional Japanese Mokuro Wax (produced from Haze Tree fruit) for candle making
- If you're unable to complete items during the class, you'll receive complimentary completed items from the Uchiko no Wa shop
Booking
Description
Uchiko Japan is a picturesque small town nestled between the mountains of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Uchiko Town is popularly well-known for its Yokaichi area, the town's wonderfully preserved traditional Japanese townscape, and the Uchiko-za kabuki theater.
This unique two-hour, hands-on workshop will take you step-by-step through the processes of producing four traditional Japanese crafts: washi, a paper lantern, a wax candle, and a wooden cup— experiences likely to transport you back in time to Uchiko Town's heyday.
During the mid-19th century, Uchiko Town flourished as a center of traditional Japanese crafts production and trade in these items. Notably, locally produced wax and paper came to international prominence at the beginning of the 20th century.
Skilled craftsmen of Uchiko will introduce four of the town's best known hands-on activities at a quaint craft shop in the Yokaichi old town district. This workshop is a great opportunity to experience local Japanese traditions through crafts and return home with beautiful Japanese items.
At the end of Japan's Edo period (1603–1867), Uchiko Town developed into a manufacturing center for 'washi' (traditional Japanese paper) and Mokuro Wax (a traditional Japanese wax from Haze Tree fruit) and thrived in these industries until the end of the Meiji period (1868–1912).
During the town's heyday, the Yokaichi district industrialized and these historic houses provide a hint of Uchiko Town’s former glory. In Yokaichi, you'll find a 600-meter long street lined with merchant houses.
These traditional Japanese houses are characterized by distinctive white or cream plaster walls, with traditional latticework, and decorative walls. Amazingly, people are still living in about 90 of these historic houses.
Choose a group workshop (minimum 2 participants) or private one-on-one workshop for more individualized attention and instruction.
Sample Itinerary
- Traditional Japanese candle (20 minutes)
- Standing Japanese lantern (30 minutes)
- Japanese paper using local Ozu washi (10 minutes)
- Wooden sake cup (30 minutes)
Workshops are held at Uchiko no Wa Craft Shop, open daily, except Thursdays, all year round. Choose from the following start times:
- 10:00
- 12:00
- 14:00
Completing all four items will take approximately two hours. You will be able to take the completed items home with you after the class.