Visit the only handcrafted Kanazawa wagasa studio,led by a 3rd-generation master
1 hour private experience
Location: Sennichi-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
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
Learn about the history and philosophy of wagasa (Japanese umbrellas) and then watch a demonstration, see the production process, and take a studio tour by Shigeki.
Who can attend
Children must be 3+
Availability
Every day except year-end and New Year's holidays
Session 1 (9:00 - 10:00)
Session 2 (10:00 - 11:00)
Session 3 (11:00 - 12:00)
Session 4 (13:00 - 14:00)
Session 5 (14:00 - 15:00)
Session 6 (15:00 - 16:00)
Session 7 (16:00 - 17:00)
Access
10 min taxi ride from Kanazawa station.
What else you should know
Umbrellas inside and outside the store may have oil, glue, persimmon tannin, etc., on them due to the production process, so please do not touch them.
Sheer beauty
Japanese identity is inextricably tied to the culture surrounding the many arts and crafts cultivated by our ancestors. Among them is the Japanese umbrella, wagasa. Kanazawa craftsman Shigeki has been meticulously crafting wagasa for more than 40 years and is the last of his breed in the Hokuriku area. Through Japan’s Muromachi Period (1336-1573), umbrellas were designed to be worn on the head. Paper umbrellas with bamboo handles that could be opened and closed were first crafted in the Edo Period (1603-1868). In response to the heavy rain and snow experienced in Kanazawa, local wagasa craftsmen developed an especially sturdy bamboo rib structure with a lacquered paper canopy which made their product far superior to those of other area craftsmen. Though modern umbrella design has rendered the traditional wagasa obsolete, Shigeki pursues the traditional Kanazawa wagasa art for its sheer beauty and significance to Japanese cultural identity. Don’t miss the opportunity to view Shigeki’s workshop and array of wagasa that are testament to the respect for both craftsmanship and cultural history.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
