3 hour private experience
Location: Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture
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
Taka'aki is a 5th-generation master stonemason who grew up listening to the sounds of his father and grandfather chiseling and carving away at the stone in their factory workshop. Specializing in crafting stonework for shrines, temples, and traditional gardens, he seeks to continue to showcase the historic beauty and cultural importance of stone masonry.
What you’ll do
Take a short trek to the shrine dedicated to the safety and success of the many generations of local stone craftsmen. Then, tour the factory workshop and witness the timeworn craft of traditional stone masonry. Guided by the 5th-generation master stonemason, learn about the various stone-based crafts created here. Next, try your hand at carving out your very own stone candleholder or sekimori (boundary) stone. Finally, enjoy some matcha freshly ground with a traditional handmade stone mill.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (09:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (13:00 - 16:00)
Session 3 (14:00 - 18:00)
Not available during New Year's holidays.
Who can attend
Children must be 10+ years old.
What to wear
Clothing and footwear that you can move around in freely.
Access
45min by car from Kyoto Station.
Chisel in Hand
Even before the advent of Buddhism in Japan, stonemasons utilized their skill and craft to create structures of both religious significance and everyday use. From a towering torii gateway that loomed above the path to a shrine, to the stone lanterns that would illuminate the way through the garden to a tearoom, to the stone road marks and signs that pointed a weary traveler in the correct direction, stonemasons carefully carved these structures from stone sourced from local or distant rock quarrying and production areas all over Japan. In business since 1902, this stone masonry company, which once sourced its stone from the local mountains, focuses its craft on stone-based elements essential to shrines, temples, and traditional Japanese gardens. Besides the factory workshop, history and tradition dwell amongst the clusters of stone lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Join the 5th-generation master stonemason and embark on a journey through the history of stone masonry in the Kameoka Basin area. Then, try your hand at carving out a chiseled stonecraft candleholder or crafting a sekimori stone and take home a piece of this historic region of Kyoto.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 3 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.