Experience the careful craftsmanship of chasen making at a 500-year-old workshop
2.5 hour private experience
Location: Ikoma City, Nara 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
What you’ll do
Learn about the step by step process of Takayama chasen tea whisk making. Then, observe the swift yet meticulous craftsmanship involved in chasen making. Next, try your hand at the final steps of the chasen making process. Finally, enjoy matcha made with the handcrafted chasen, in addition to sweets.
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
What you should wear
Clothing that you can move around in easily.
Availability
Monday to Friday
Session 1 (09:30 - 12:00)
Session 2 (13:30 - 16:00)
Not available on weekends and national holidays.
Also not available between November and March.
What else you should know
Please inform us of any dietary requirements at checkout, including allergies.
Access
35 minutes by car from Nara Station
From Flower to Bud
Nestled amongst the bamboo forests of northern Nara Prefecture, the area of Takayama has been the manufacturer of more than 90 percent of all chasen produced in Japan. The region is home to families of craftspeople who have been handing down the techniques of chasen making for more than 500 years, since the Muromachi Period. At this workshop, two generations of craftsmen work to create chasen using these centuries old techniques. Immerse into the detailed and careful process of chasen making. Then, under guidance from a professional craftsman, learn and try your hand at the three final steps of the chasen making process: the weaving in of the string at the base of the whisk. Finally, enjoy matcha whisked with chasen made at the workshop, and taste the flavors of centuries of history in a single whisk.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least one month in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
