2 hour private experience
Location: Fukuoka City
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
Cradled in the valley between mountains outside of central Fukuoka city, master craftsman Shoji actively carries on the tradition of crafting Hakata ningyo dolls, supported by a group of young disciples. A nationally designated traditional craftsman and a leading figure in the preservation of Hakata craft, his awards and achievements unfurl page after page, from exhibition features to celebrated governmental nominations.
What you’ll do
Enter the workshop of a master artisan and learn about the history Hakata ningyo dolls, a craft over 400 years old. Observe the completed works of the masters, then tour his studio and see his disciples at work. Then, complete the final stages of painting on a Hakata doll of your choosing.
Availability
Monday to Friday
Session 1 (13:00 - 15:00)
Session 2 (15:00 - 17:00)
Not available on national holidays.
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
Access
40 minutes by car from Hakata Station
Captured in Clay
Delicate expressions painted in dusky purple and rose pink contrast starkly with the fierce snarls of Buddhist figures or Kabuki characters. Regardless of motif, each Hakata ningyo doll is painstakingly hand-crafted: shaped from clay, details meticulously carved, paint layered on the unglazed figurine to bring pictorial dimension and life-like warmth to each piece. Hakata ningyo dolls have flourished for over 400 years, an artistic emblem of the Fukuoka region, with their origins reportedly traced to a 17th-century tile maker who, during the construction of Fukuoka Castle, presented unglazed clay dolls to the local lord. Since then, the craft proliferated throughout the country, achieving domestic popularity in the Edo Period, then reaching outwards to receive international acclaim in the Meiji. Join a nationally designated master craftsman and his team of dedicated students in his studio on the outskirts of Fukuoka, where this expressive art is kept alive. With more than 5 decades of experience, numerous awards & accolades, and countless exhibitions, discover the beauty of Hakata ningyo dolls from one of Fukuoka's leading artisans.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 3 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
