Step beyond the usual sightseeing route and experience the living craftsmanship of Nagoya through an exclusive visit to a traditional woodworking workshop near Atsuta Shrine.
This special experience offers a glimpse into Owari Butsugu, Nagoya’s traditional craft of creating wooden furnishings and ceremonial implements used in Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
At the workshop of Iwata Sanpo, you will discover how generations of artisans have preserved specialized woodworking techniques while creating sacred objects that continue to play an important role in Japanese cultural and spiritual life.
Guided by Yasuyuki Iwata, a certified Traditional Craftsman and seventh-generation artisan, you will gain insight into the meticulous skills required to work with Kiso hinoki, Japan’s finest native cypress wood.
You will observe authentic woodworking in action and learn about the materials, tools, and craftsmanship behind objects used in Shinto and Buddhist practices.
After exploring the workshop, you will create your own pair of chopsticks under the direct guidance of the artisan.
Using the same professional tools employed in daily workshop production, you will shape, refine, and finish a unique pair of chopsticks made from Kiso hinoki.
The completed chopsticks become a meaningful keepsake of your journey and a practical reminder of Japan’s rich craftsmanship traditions.
For guests seeking an even deeper experience, an optional traditional lacquer-finishing upgrade is available, transforming your chopsticks into a durable and elegant piece designed for years of use.
This intimate experience offers a rare opportunity to connect directly with a master artisan while discovering a lesser-known side of Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
Please select your preferred departure time: 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM.
Meet your guide outside the ticket gates of JR Atsuta Station, located within walking distance of the historic Atsuta Shrine.
Visit a traditional woodworking workshop that preserves the heritage of Owari Butsugu, one of Nagoya’s most distinctive traditional crafts.
Discover how wooden furnishings and ceremonial implements for Shinto and Buddhist traditions are crafted by hand.
Learn about the unique characteristics of Kiso hinoki and observe the techniques passed down through generations of artisans.
Under the direct guidance of seventh-generation craftsman Yasuyuki Iwata, create your own pair of chopsticks using authentic woodworking tools regularly used in the workshop.
Shape, smooth, and finish your chopsticks while gaining hands-on insight into traditional Japanese woodworking techniques.
The workshop experience comes to an end.
After the tour, you may wish to explore nearby Atsuta Shrine or visit Atsuta nagAya, a local marketplace featuring regional foods, sweets, and souvenirs.
Outside the ticket gates of JR Atsuta Station
Approximately 20 minutes of walking in total
A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for workshop activities
This experience is booked on request. The owner of the experience will respond to the request 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 | Free |
Iwata Sanpo
