2.5 hour private experience
Location: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Tour the shopfront and learn about the history and usage of gosho ningyo. Then, under the guidance of the 5th-generation gosho ningyo doll artisan, paint a manekineko cat with the same materials the artisans themselves use. Finally, enjoy some matcha and sweets prepared by the host.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (13:00 - 15:30)
Session 2 (15:30 - 18:00)
Not available on national holidays.
Who can attend
Children must be 12+ years old.
What’s included
A gosho ningyo doll, painted by yourself under the supervision of the Master.
What to wear
Clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Access
15min by car from Kyoto Station
The Image of Vitality
Crafted in the image of a plump and healthy baby, the gosho ningyo, or palace doll, was gifted by the members of the imperial family to their sons and daughters, as a talisman to ward away illness and to pray for good health and growth. The predecessors of these painted clay dolls were human-shaped figures that the wealthy of the Heian era used in the same way. These human-shaped figures gradually settled on the shape and form of round babies glowing with vitality. During the Edo era, these dolls made their way all over Japan through the sankin-koutai system, where feudal lords would move across the country to live part of the year in the capital of Edo, and thus take back items from Edo, home to their domains. Fashioned with many different outfits, props, and poses, the gosho ningyo doll is crafted to fit the parents’ wish for that child to grow up healthy, smart, and happy, a reflection of the doll itself. At this gosho ningyo workshop with more than 160 years of history, the 5th-generation craftsman works alongside his son to craft and paint these dolls of ancient tradition. Join the two generations of artisans and try your hand at painting a manekineko cat clay figure using the tools and materials utilized by the artisans themselves.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 1 month in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
