Nagoya is a city where craftsmanship still lives on, deeply woven into everyday life. This immersive experience invites you to meet master artisans and explore Japan’s living craft traditions through hands-on learning and storytelling.
You will begin by meeting Yasuyuki Iwata, a master craftsperson from Iwata Sanpo, a seventh-generation workshop rooted in Nagoya’s Buddhist altar and ritual implement tradition. Owari Butsudan craftsmanship is created through a network of specialized artisans—wood base-making, carving, lacquer finishing, and metal fittings—working together to achieve its distinctive presence. In this experience, you will focus on the woodworking at its foundation, using premium Kiso cypress to craft your own chopsticks under the artisan’s guidance with authentic tools.
Lunch is an integral part of the experience, featuring classic Nagoya regional dishes presented in beautifully crafted lacquered boxes and paired with cloisonné chopstick rests made by local artisans.
In the afternoon, you will meet Satsuki Nonaka, a sixth-generation Owari cloisonné enamel artist from Ota Shippo, one of Japan’s most celebrated enamel traditions. You will observe the meticulous brushwork and firing process that creates cloisonné’s distinctive depth and jewel-like colors. Through live demonstrations and personal stories, these crafts come alive as living traditions rather than museum pieces. Conveniently located within walking distance of Nagoya Station, this refined experience offers cultural depth without long travel.
Meet the artisans, receive an orientation, and learn about Nagoya’s traditional crafts and their cultural background.
Watch a live demonstration, then craft your own chopsticks using authentic artisan tools under expert guidance.
Enjoy classic Nagoya regional dishes, including doteni (slow-simmered beef tendon in rich miso sauce) and Nagoya-style kamaboko (seasoned fish cake), served in artisan-made lacquerware with cloisonné chopstick rests.
Learn about the history and techniques of Owari cloisonné while observing delicate enamel painting and firing.
Receive your handcrafted souvenirs and enjoy time to explore traditional crafts.
While the guided experience concludes here, Endoji Shopping Street offers much more to discover at your own pace. Wander past small shrines and long-established shops that preserve the charm of Nagoya’s past, or relax in modern cafés and eateries where tradition blends seamlessly with the present.
Optional Add-Ons (Advance Request Required)
*Fees vary by option; please contact us for details.
Wazamon Chaya
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance.
This experience is booked on request. Responses are made to requests within 5 days.
| Cancellation Date | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| No-show or cancellation after tour departure | 100% of the tour price |
| On the tour date | 50% of the tour price |
| 1 day prior to the tour date | 40% of the tour price |
| 2 to 7 days prior to the tour date | 30% of the tour price |
| 8 to 10 days prior to the tour date | 20% of the tour price |
| 11 or more days prior to the tour date | None |
Wazamon Chaya
