2 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
What you’ll do
Enter the workshop and learn about the process of crafting tetsubin, or iron-cast kettles. Observe artisans at work, and if timing aligns, get a chance to witness the pouring of molten iron into the handmade molds. Finally, wrap up with a tour of the shopfront gallery.
Availability
Everyday except Sundays
Session 1 (09:30 - 11:30)
Session 2 (14:00 - 16:00)
Not available on national and New-Year holidays.
Who can attend
Children must be 6+ years old.
What to wear/bring
Clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Please refrain from wearing sandals.
Participants with respiratory concerns are advised to bring masks to protect from inhaling mineral particles within the workshop.
What else you should know
The workshop gets very hot during summer.
The restroom is rather old, so please take care of any restroom needs before you arrive.
Access
10min by car from Morioka Station.
Mold in One
Known for quality production of urushi lacquer and ironsand, Nambu domain (parts of present-day Iwate and Aomori) was well suited for establishing a foundry industry. With the arrival of iron-casting artisans from outside the domain, the craft of Nambu tekki was molded to the local economy and has remained steadfast for nearly 400 years. Nambu tekki cast-iron metalwork is characterized by its dark color, achieved with black urushi and ohaguro, and its surface texture, the traditional dotted and three-dimensional arare (hailstone) pattern. This traditional and iconic pattern can be seen on kettles in tea rooms, quietly boiling the water used to serve freshly whisked matcha. Nambu tekki kettles are known for being rust-resistant and long-lasting, as well as giving water boiled within them a gentle, mellow flavor. At this workshop of nearly 130 years, three generations of master artisans have pioneered the creation of more modern and decorative pieces, while keeping the steadfast form and shape of the classic Nambu tekki tetsubin kettle. Step into this Meiji-era workshop and immerse yourself in cast-iron methods unchanged for nearly 400 years.
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.
