Tour&Workshops of Japanese Traditional Crafts/Lacquered Chopsticks Workshop

The art of making "Butsudan" (household Buddhist altars) requires the combined techniques of multiple traditional Japanese craftsmen. Learn about this uniquely Japanese culture and craft by touring part of a Butsudan workshop! Not only that, but try your hand at making your own works of handicraft. - Polish chopsticks. - Observe a group of seven master craftsmen with the highest level of skill. We will take you to the workshop to witness firsthand the craftsmanship that is the pride of Japan. Some discoveries and impressions can only be made at the work site. Take your time and observe Japanese craftsmanship in action. Viewing may take place at the store. <Chopstick polishing> Experience the craft of polishing lacquered chopsticks with a lacquer master. Acting as an instructor, a craftsman will carefully guide you through the experience. Visitors can try their hand at using sandpaper to polish chopsticks covered with layers of glossy, colored lacquer. Each person's chopsticks will be utterly unique and personalized depending on where and how well they are polished. Listen to the lacquer craftsman and seize the opportunity to learn about traditional crafts. You will surely want to carry these chopsticks around with you wherever you go, using them every day as your own personal chopsticks. Hikone Nanamagari Road has long been lined with Butsudan shops. Hikone Butsudan are made through the division of labor according to the Seven Occupations of Butsudan Making, namely the Kijishi (maker of the main body), Kudenshi (the palace maker), Chokokushi (sculptor), Urushinurishi (lacquerer), Kinpakuoshishi (gilder), Makieshi (gold and silver lacquerer), and Kazarikanagushi (decorative metalworker). Inoue Butsudan Shop has craftsmen of the highest caliber among its staff. If registering as a group, all members will tour the same workshop and participate in the same activity. This is the chopstick polishing activity. Shop name/Inoue Butsudan