1.5 hour private experience
Location: Morioka, Iwate 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
Growing up in Iwate, Koki treasured his childhood memories of fishing with his family’s bamboo fishing rod. While working in the corporate world, a chance encounter with the Morioka wazao and the master craftsman behind it led him to pursue an apprenticeship and the path as a wazao artisan. Since then, he has been learning the art of Morioka wazao making and raising awareness through promoting this traditional and historical craft.
What you’ll do
Tour the shop and learn about the history and craftsmanship of Morioka wazao fishing rods and kebari lures.
Fishing option:
Depending on the season, head to a local stream and, under the guidance of the 3rd-generation artisan and avid stream fisherman, learn how to use the traditional Morioka wazao.
If interested, please contact us at info@deeperjapan.com.
Availability
Everyday except for Thursdays
Session 1 (10:00 - 11:30)
Session 2 (13:00 - 14:30)
Session 3 (15:00 - 16:30)
Who can attend
Children must be 10+ years old.
What to wear
Clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Access
10min by car from Morioka Station
Hook and Lure
Reeling the fishing line by hand, the fisherman stands attentively on the stream bank, patiently guiding the line, with a handcrafted imitation insect lure and hook attached at the end, following the motion of an insect hovering over the water. Morioka wazao are estimated to have begun being produced in the Meiji to Taisho eras. Carrying similarities to the wazao of Kyoto and Kishuu (present-day Wakayama Prefecture and Mie Prefecture), it is said that the crafting methods were brought to the region through trade. One of the main characteristics of Morioka wazao lies in its method of storage: all pieces of the fishing rod can be stored within progressively larger segments, with the final segment being stored inside the base piece, a method that shows the influence of Kyoto wazao. At this shopfront workshop, join a 3rd-generation artisan whose master runs the last remaining Morioka wazao workshop in Iwate, and observe the detailed craftsmanship firsthand.
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.
