Karaki Sashimono Woodcraft

What you’ll do

Enter an authentic sashimono studio in Osaka. Learn about the history and techniques of karaki sashimono from a 4th-generation artisan. Then, observe the master at work before joining in to create your own small wooden item.

Who can attend

Children must be 12+

What to wear

Comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty

What’s included

A pair of hand-polished karaki chopsticks

What else you should know

In-hotel workshop inquiries are also possible

Availability

Everyday
Session 1 (14:00 - 16:00)

Access

25 minutes by car from Osaka Station

No nails, no problem

Japanese woodworking reflects millennia of artistry—seen in the soaring timbers of thousand-year-old temples, the solemn simplicity of shrine torii gates, and the intricate details once adorning aristocratic residences and everyday household items. Among these traditions, karaki sashimono stands apart as a craft that embodies cultural exchange within its very grain. Unlike other forms of sashimono joinery, which rely on native Japanese woods to create finished products all without using nails or screws, karaki sashimono is distinguished by its use of imported hardwoods such as ebony, rosewood, and quince. First brought to Japan through Nagasaki’s trading port in the Edo Period, these prized woods were transported to Osaka and utilized by a guild of sashimono artisans in Osaka. While the sashimono techniques have been passed down for over 300 years, today, only a handful of Osaka craftsmen continue this rare tradition. In a central Osaka studio, step inside the world of a fourth-generation karaki sashimono artisan working alongside his father. Together the father-son duo create elegant tea shelves, refined cabinets, and other masterful works, each piece finished with a radiant lacquer that highlights the natural depth and warmth of the wood. Here, history, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural legacy live on in every joint and polish.