See how the very foundation of Japanese rooms is woven at a tatami master's studio
5 hour and 30 minute private experience (divided into a morning and afternoon session á 2h45min, with a break in-between)
Location: Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Tour the master’s workshop studio and learn about the history of Edo ukiyo-e with visual examples. Then, receive instruction on the basic techniques of woodblock carving from the master himself. Finally, carve and print your own unique ukiyo-e woodblock print.
What else you should know
You can bring in your own design (dimensions: 19cm×15cm) for the woodblock or choose a traditional ukiyoe design provided by the studio.
Who can attend
Children must be 12+
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (9:00 - 11:45 + 13:00 - 15:45)
Access
10-minute walk from Akebonobashi Station, Wakamatsu-Kawada Station, and Higashi-Shinjuku Station
25 minutes by car from Tokyo Station
What’s included
A hand-printed woodblock print of your choice.
Steady Handiwork
All ukiyo-e woodblock prints begin with a set of carving tools and the right selection of wood. Then, from these seemingly simple foundations, stunningly bold printed works of art come to life, depicting Edo beauties, idyllic landscapes, and sumo superstars. Ukiyo-e flourished during the Edo era, requiring not just a single artisan, but a team of highly-trained specialists, to produce each printed masterpiece. Carver, printer, and sketcher consulted heavily to determine the logistics surronding how to actualize these multi-colored, multi-layered works. First, washi-paper sketches are glued face-down onto the woodblock. Then, with careful precision, the outlines of the sketch are carved into the wood, full of fine details and vibrant imagery, with a different block required for every different color included in the final print. Hopeful ukiyo-e carving disciples would have to train for at least 10 years before even being allowed to draw the outline border of the print, the simple boundary where the artwork and ink would stop. While iconic of Japan's dynamic Edo Period, this artistic heritage lives on in the workshop of this Edo woodblock carving master. With more than 50 years of woodblock carving experience, this master has been tasked with reproducing national treasure-level woodblock prints for various museums and art galleries, as well as instructing future generations of Edo ukiyo-e woodblock carvers to keep this rich culture alive. Immerse yourself in the art of ukiyo-e and learn the techniques necessary to carve your very own woodblock print.
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.
