Discover the quiet beauty of warōsoku, traditional Japanese candles handcrafted from natural plant-based materials.
Travel from Nagoya to Okazaki, a historic city in Aichi Prefecture, and step inside Isobe Rousoku, a family-run workshop where Japanese candles have been made for more than 300 years. Begin by lighting a warōsoku and watching its distinctive flame—larger than that of a Western candle, softly flickering and almost mesmerizing in its movement.
Through a workshop visit and video presentation, discover how these remarkable candles are made using traditional techniques and natural materials. Learn about haze wax, derived from the fruit of the Japanese wax tree, and the handmade wicks crafted from washi paper and rush. You will also discover the history of warōsoku and what sets them apart from Western candles.
The experience concludes with a hands-on creative session. Paint a candle made from rice-bran wax with your own original design, creating a personal piece of Japanese craftsmanship to take home.
With your Professional, English-speaking guide providing interpretation and cultural context throughout, this half-day journey offers an intimate encounter with a living craft passed down through generations.
Meet your Professional, English-speaking guide in front of the Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center. From here, travel together to Okazaki by train and taxi.
Step inside Isobe Rousoku, a traditional candle workshop with more than 300 years of history.
Begin by lighting a warōsoku and observing its distinctive flame. Unlike a typical Western candle, a traditional Japanese candle produces a larger flame that gently sways and flickers, creating a warm and atmospheric glow.
Learn how warōsoku are made through a video presentation and a visit to the artisan workshop. Discover the natural materials, traditional production methods, history, and characteristics that make these candles so distinctive.
At Isobe Rousoku, traditional candles are handcrafted using 100% domestically produced haze wax, obtained from the fruit of the Japanese wax tree. Their traditional wicks are made by wrapping rush around washi paper. The combination creates a large, gently dancing flame, while the candle burns with little dripping wax and leaves remarkably little behind.
Finish your visit by painting your own candle made from rice-bran wax. Add an original design and transform it into a one-of-a-kind piece to take home as a reminder of your encounter with this centuries-old craft.
Travel back to Nagoya with your guide by taxi and train.
Arrive back at Nagoya Station, where your tour concludes.
Extend your time in Okazaki with one of the following experiences. Additional charges apply; please inquire for details.
Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center
This package tour includes statutory accident compensation in accordance with Japan’s Travel Agency Act. We also recommend that travelers purchase their own travel insurance for broader medical and travel-related coverage.
A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.
This experience is booked on request. We 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 |
Isobe Rosoku
