Warousoku Candles

What you’ll do

Learn about the history of warousoku candles that stretches back all the way to the Nara Period. Under the guidance of artisans, make your own warousoku candles to take home. Discover the influence that warousoku candles had on Japanese art and aesthetics and how they can be enjoyed in modern life.

Who can attend

Children must be 10+

Availability

Monday to Saturday        
Session 1  (9:00 - 11:30)
Session 2 (13:30 - 16:00)

Unavailable every Sunday, holidays, 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month

Access

15 minutes by car from Kyoto Station.

Seeing in a New Light

The illuminating color of golden folding screens shimmering to life. The contrast of soft brightness and deep shadows, adding dimension to tea room alcoves. The carved wooden faces of Buddhist statues or Noh masks shifting in emotion based on the angle of light. All of this nuance and subtle beauty can only be detected by the flickering glow of candle, dancing minutely in a nearly imperceivable breeze. Traditional Japanese warousoku candles shaped Japan's view on aesthetics, from the layout of rooms to the color of makeup used by geisha entertainers, and invite modern viewers to witness Japan's traditions and heritage in new ways. Upon visiting this Kyoto candle atelier, the color of red, bright as cherry or bursting autumn leaves greets the eyes. But the smell of the all-natural candles-delicate, sweet, and earthy - arrives first. Originally crafted to service Buddhist temples, which prohibit the killing of animals and taking of life, traditional Japanese candles are constructed from plant-based materials and refrain from using animal products, a heritage to which this over 125-year-old candle studio still strictly adheres. Working one-on-one with the artisans actively sustaining this illuminating craft, learn more about the warousoku's intricate connection with Japan's other arts and aesthetics while creating your own warousoku candles to take home.