Marvel at the history and beauty of intricately hand-fashioned straw art crafts
1.5 hour private experience
Location: Kinosaki-onsen, Toyooka
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the master
Toshiaki is a third-generation craftsman carrying on the tradition of creating elaborate straw art wares, maintaining both a studio and a museum dedicated to preserving historical straw crafts. From the museum, it is a mere few steps to Toshiaki’s studio, where he transforms delicate straw strands into meticulously, gracefully crafted works of art.
What you’ll do
Visit the small museum dedicated to the history of this art, where you will receive an informative explanation about the delicate art form of straw art. After the museum tour, we'll take you to the artisans' workshop, where you can witness their work firsthand. It's a unique opportunity to observe the creative process and gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication that goes into producing these beautiful works of art.
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
What’s included
Beautiful box with straw work.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (10:00 - 11:30)
Session 2 (13:30 - 15:00)
Unavailable during the New Year holiday period
Access
15 minutes from Toyooka Station.
Unparalleled elaborate design
Straw art has been designated a “Local Traditional Craft” in Hyogo Prefecture where it has a 300-year long history. Straw crafts took root in the area when a traveler named Hanshichi from Tottori Prefecture visited Kinosaki Onsen seeking rejuvenation from the mineral-laden hot spring waters. Hanshichi used delicately colored strands of barley straw to make spinning tops and wrap bamboo flutes which he then sold to pay for his accommodations at the onsen. Straw crafts quickly evolved from Hanshichi’s original pieces to artworks of unparalleled elaborate design. Famous painters of the Meiji era (1868-1912) brought sketches to local straw craftsmen for them to design straw prototypes of their images which would be incorporated onto decorative wooden boxes, earthen bells, oblation plaques, spinning tops, and other wares.
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.
