Indigo Dyeing, Refined Hemp Braiding, Makomo Mat Weaving, Japanese Sewing, Incense Making
Fuji cultural craft workshop & experiences
- 5 hours in the nature of Mt. Fuji’s foothills & Lake Kawaguchi — daily, 12–5 PM
- Create 5 completely original Japanese craft pieces through experiences that bridge Shinto and Buddhism. The sacred spirit of Fuji flows into your handwork.
- Held at the lakeside campsite closest to Kawaguchiko Station — where the water is clear and the air is still.
Confirmation of Consent
By completing your reservation, you agree to the disclaimer above and the separately stipulated cancellation policy.
- Cancellation Fee Rate
Cancellations 14 days (or more) prior to the event date: Full refund of participation fee*
Cancellations 13 to 8 days prior to the event date: 50% refund of participation fee*
Cancellations 7 to 2 days prior to the event date: 20% refund of participation fee*
Cancellations on or after the day before the event, or no-shows: No refund
* A 3.6% payment processing fee will be deducted. - Regarding Schedule Changes
If it is 8 days (or more) prior to the event date,
you may change your schedule once.
*The new schedule must be within 30 days from the original event date. - Cancellations due to organizer's circumstances
If the workshop is canceled due to circumstances on the organizer's side, such as weather, natural disasters, infectious diseases, or facility issues, the full participation fee will be refunded. - Cancellation Request
Please contact us via the contact form for cancellations. Your cancellation or schedule change will be finalized upon our reply.
*We will reply within 24 hours.
If you do not receive a reply, please contact us again.
By registering for the Japanese cultural experience workshop "haruka" (hereinafter "this workshop") provided by Kototama Inc. (hereinafter "the organizer"), participants agree to the following disclaimers:
- ■ Article 1 (Participant's Own Responsibility)
Participation in this workshop is at the participant's own discretion and responsibility. Participants should decide whether to participate after fully considering their health condition, physical strength, allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, etc. - ■ Article 2 (Limitations of First Aid and Medical Response)
The organizer will keep a first-aid kit (disinfectant, band-aids, eyewash, etc.) at the venue and provide general first aid for minor injuries and discomfort to the best of its ability. However, the organizer is not a medical institution, and medical professionals such as doctors or nurses are not permanently stationed.
In emergencies, we will guide participants to nearby medical facilities or arrange an ambulance (dialing 119), but these actions are all within the scope of our best efforts.
All expenses related to treatment, medical care, transportation, and any other costs arising from injuries, illnesses, or poor health during or after participation shall be borne by the participant. We strongly recommend that visitors to Japan obtain overseas travel insurance (especially with medical expense coverage). - ■ Article 3 (Notes and Countermeasures for Each Experience)
◆ Indigo Dyeing Experience
【Notes】
・Natural indigo dye may get into the eyes.
・Natural indigo dye may adhere to skin and clothing. While the effect on the skin is generally minor, allergic reactions may rarely occur.
【Countermeasures/Equipment】
・Protective glasses (sunglasses are acceptable) are provided free of charge for those concerned about eye protection.
・Nitrile rubber gloves (latex-free) are provided free of charge. Please use them if you are concerned about skin contact.
・Clean tap water for eye washing is available in case indigo dye gets into the eyes.
・We strongly recommend wearing clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
◆ Asa (Hemp) and Makomo (Manchurian Wild Rice) Experience
【Notes】
・Asa and Makomo are natural materials, so allergic reactions may rarely occur.
・Plant fibers may prick the hands.
【Countermeasures/Equipment】
・Thin cotton gloves are available if needed. Please ask if you would like to use them.
・If you have skin or plant allergies, please indicate this in the "Allergies/Concerns" field of the reservation form in advance.
・Disinfectant and band-aids are always available.
◆ Japanese Sewing Experience (Making Sachet Bags)
【Notes】
・Sewing needles are used. There is a possibility of pricking fingertips.
【Countermeasures/Equipment】
・Thimbles (sewing protective gear for fingertips) are provided for all participants. We recommend using them.
・The instructor will carefully explain how to handle needles at the beginning of the experience.
・In the unlikely event of slight bleeding from a fingertip, disinfectant and band-aids will be used.
・A magnet (for picking up needles) is always available in case a needle is accidentally lost.
◆ Incense Making Experience
【Notes】
・Strong scents from incense ingredients may cause discomfort (headaches, nausea). Those who are sensitive to scents or are pregnant should be particularly careful.
・In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur if some incense ingredients come into contact with the skin.
【Countermeasures/Equipment】
・The room will be adequately ventilated during the experience.・If you feel unwell, please inform the instructor immediately. A resting space in a separate room is available.
・A list of incense ingredients to be used will be sent by email after your reservation is confirmed. Please check it in advance if you have any fragrance allergies.・
◆ Light Meals and Hospitality
【Notes】
・Light meals using specialty ingredients from Iizuna Town will be provided. If you have food allergies, please be sure to declare them in the reservation form in advance.
・While we will take utmost care regarding declared allergies, it may not be possible to completely exclude trace contamination during the manufacturing process.
【Countermeasures/Equipment】
・Ingredient and raw material lists can be checked in advance. Please ask if you would like to see them. - ■ Article 4 (Health Condition, Pregnancy, Pre-existing Medical Conditions)
If any of the following apply to you, please consult your doctor in advance to determine whether you can participate:
・Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals・Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, skin disease, allergies, etc.・Individuals with mental illness, dementia, etc., who require support・Anyone else with health concerns - ■ Article 5 (Damages Caused by Participant's Actions)
If a participant causes damage to other participants, instructors, third parties, facilities, equipment, etc., due to their willful intent or negligence, the participant shall be responsible for compensating such damage. - ■ Article 6 (Handling of Photos and Videos)
The organizer may record the workshop activities with photos and videos for promotional purposes. If participants' faces may be captured, their prior confirmation and consent will be obtained. Participants are welcome to take their own photos and videos, provided they respect the privacy of other participants. - ■ Article 7 (Scope of Disclaimer)
The organizer shall not be liable for the following:・Impacts due to force majeure beyond the organizer's control, such as weather, natural disasters, transportation delays, power outages, etc.・Troubles arising from health conditions, allergies, etc., that participants did not declare in advance.・Accidents, injuries, theft, etc., on the way to or from the venue. - ■ Article 8 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction)
This disclaimer shall be governed by Japanese law. Any disputes concerning this workshop shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Nagano District Court as the court of first instance.
ALL CONTENTS
12:00 PM | Welcome & History Lecture
12:10 PM | #1 Indigo Dye & Hemp Charcoal Dye
1:00 PM | #2 Thread Making from Refined Hemp Fiber
2:00 PM | #3 Makomo Reed Mat Weaving
2:45 PM | A Welcome from Mt. Fuji's Foothills: Shizuoka Green Tea & Yamanashi's Finest Confection
3:15 PM | #4 Hand-sewn Bag Making
4:00 PM | #5 Blending raw materials for scent sachets
4:45 PM | Ending: Discovering You & Each Other — Through Scent
5:00 PM | Farewell — Two thoughtfully crafted Japanese craft souvenirs, prepared by our artisans, included
12:00 PM
Welcome & History Lecture
We gather first in the refreshing natural setting of Lake Kawaguchi’s shore. Here at the foot of Mt. Fuji — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — "Fuji Shinkō" (Fuji faith) faith has breathed for over a thousand years: a place where Shinto and Buddhism became inseparably entwined, where people’s prayers and handcraft have quietly accumulated.
That same spirit flows as an undercurrent through today’s five experiences. Your afternoon — one that belongs only to today, only to you — is about to begin.
12:10 PM
#1 Indigo Dye & Hemp Charcoal Dye
Using fully natural botanical dyes — indigo and hemp charcoal — you will dye a stole of Japan’s finest hemp cloth (100% raw hemp).
Adjusting the amount of dye creates a surprising shift in depth of color; the rich, one-of-a-kind hues born from the indigo and hemp liquids are yours to freely explore. The botanical dyes are the finest quality, crafted by hand by Japan’s dye artisans.
As you work the dyes — dissolved in the crystal-clear spring water of Mt. Fuji — into the raw hemp cloth, notice how the force travels from your feet and lower back, up through your shoulders and arms, all the way to your fingertips — and how that force determines how beautifully the color absorbs.
Feel the shift from mind-dominant to sensation-dominant, first in the palms of your hands.
1:00 PM
#2 Thread Making from Refined Hemp Fiber
You will twist refined hemp, commonly seen at shrines, with your fingertips to create a single strand of thread. You'll realize how Japanese craftsmanship is full of ingenuity in movements that put minimal strain on the body. Through the process of repeatedly performing the extremely simple action of "twisting" and mastering it, unnecessary tension throughout your body will release, and stiffness in your shoulders and lower back will loosen. A body movement science expert* specializing in both Western and Eastern approaches will carefully observe your body and guide you to find the optimal way to use it.
The refined hemp thread you twist in Experience #2 will be used in Experience #5, so look forward to it!
*About the Expert
Haruka S., a body movement instructor with 20 years of experience.
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1. Holder of "Polestar Pilates Comprehensive & Mat" (Super Scientific Pilates Certification)
2. Yoga RYT certified holder who mastered the oldest authentic Ashtanga Yoga in Rishikesh, India, the sacred land of Yoga.
3. Researcher connecting body and machine
- Senior IT engineer involved in the development of "Nekomimi," a toy that moves by reading brainwaves, in Silicon Valley, USA.
- Development of myoelectric prostheses for people with arm deficiencies (Keio University undergraduate)
- Magnetoencephalography research on phantom limb pain (Keio University Master's)
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2:00 PM
#3 Makomo Reed Mat Weaving
We will weave coasters using makomo reed (a purifying plant grown in clear water) and a mat weaving machine that faithfully reproduces a mat loom faithfully modeled after those used at Japan's most revered Shinto shrines.
You will realize that the feeling of tightening the threads on the weaving machine is similar to the feeling of tightening the threads of refined hemp.
This is the very commonality of the physical sensations of traditional Japanese handcrafts that have continued since ancient times.
2:45 PM
A gift from the foot of Mt. Fuji: Yamanashi’s finest traditional confection
Enjoy a well-deserved break savoring Yamanashi’s beloved sweets. Taking a nap by the shores of Lake Kawaguchi is a wonderful idea too.
Questions that go deep into the history connecting all five Japanese cultural experiences are always welcome.
3:15 PM
#4 Hand-sewn Bag Making
Using a needle and thread, you will sew a Japanese-style pouch. The pouch you create here will become your sachet for the incense ingredients blended in Experience #5.
We have prepared many fabrics with various colors and patterns.
Enjoy choosing your favorite fabric for both the outer and inner sides.
4:00 PM
#5 Blending raw materials for scent sachets
A professional incense maker who has guided over 30,000 participants in the art of incense making, will share their expertise in blending traditional Japanese scent bags. They will generously impart the secret techniques for creating elegant fragrances.
You will freely blend approximately 20 types of high-grade, all-natural incense ingredients, guided by the key points of these secret techniques.
It is said that scent directly stimulates the oldest regions of the brain. Whether it's for relaxation or for a productive work session, you will create a guide that allows you to return to the essence of yourself at any time.
The unique amulet you create in this ultimate experience is your very own protector.
4:45 PM
Ending: Discovering You & Each Other — Through Scent
In Experience #5, you’ll discover firsthand how just a few grams’ difference in ingredients creates a completely different fragrance. Incense reaches the brain directly — and the scent you create will carry something unmistakably you.
We warmly encourage you to share your creations with the friends you’ve spent this afternoon with, and breathe in each other’s scents.
Unlike impressions formed through sight or sound, this is a discovery of you — and each other — through fragrance alone.
At 5:00 PM, your irreplaceable afternoon by the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, with Mt. Fuji looking on, quietly draws to a close.
The five pieces your hands have crafted are not mere souvenirs. They are the soul of Japan itself — touched by your own hands, in a place where Shinto and Buddhism dissolve into one.
Please carry with you the stillness and warmth you found here, at the foot of Mt. Fuji, on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi.
Souvenir Prepared by Our Artisan — 1
Cone Incense of Your Chosen Fragrance
You are welcome to try all three incense fragrances on the day and choose your favourite. Take home up to 15 cone incense pieces in any combination you like.
Souvenir Prepared by Our Artisan — 2
A Refined Hemp Charm with Your Choice of Japanese Gemstone
Choose from approximately 15 carefully selected Japanese gemstones. We will confirm your preference by email in advance.
🗓 Limited-time special venue — lakeside at Lake Kawaguchi through July 26, 2026!
Access
Kawaguchiko New Bridge Campsite
1200 Shimabara, Kodate, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0302, Japan
Approx. 5 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station