Natural Earth Dyeing, Refined Hemp Thread Making, Makomo Reed Mat Weaving, Japanese Sewing and Incense Making
Fuji Cultural Craft Workshop & Experiences
● Within walking distance of Lake Kawaguchiko, at the foot of Mt Fuji
● Held daily from 12:00–5:00 pm (5-hour experience)
● Five traditional craft experiences inspired by the connection between Shinto and Buddhism
● Create five original Japanese handcrafted keepsakes to take home
● Enjoy complimentary Yamanashi confectionery and receive two rare handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans
Confirmation of Consent
By completing your reservation, you agree to the disclaimer above and the separately stipulated cancellation policy.
- Cancellation Fees
- More than 60 days before the event date: Full refund of the participation fee.*
- 31 to 60 days before the event date: 50% refund of the participation fee.*
- 30 days or less before the event date: No refund.
* A 3.6% payment processing charge will be deducted from all refunds. - Rescheduling
If you notify us at least 31 days before the event date, you may reschedule your booking once.
The new booking date must be within 30 days of the original event date.
A rescheduling fee of 30% of the participation fee will apply.
Please submit your request using our contact form. Your rescheduling request will be confirmed once we have replied. We aim to respond within 24 hours. If you do not receive a reply within that time, please contact us again. - Cancellation by the Organiser
If the workshop is cancelled by the organiser for any reason other than force majeure (including, but not limited to, severe weather, natural disasters, or infectious disease outbreaks), the participation fee will be refunded in full. - Cancellation Requests
To cancel your booking, please contact us using our contact form.
By registering for the Japanese cultural experience "Fuji Cultural Craft Workshop & Experiences" (the "Workshop") organised by Kototama Inc. (the "Organiser"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the following terms and disclaimer.
- Article 1 – Participation at Your Own Risk
Participation in the Workshop is entirely voluntary and at the participant's own discretion and risk.
Participants are responsible for deciding whether they are fit to participate, taking into account their physical condition, health, allergies, pre-existing medical conditions and any other relevant circumstances. - Article 2 – First Aid and Medical Assistance
The Organiser will keep a basic first-aid kit (including disinfectant, adhesive plasters, eyewash and other basic supplies) at the venue and will provide basic first aid for minor injuries where reasonably possible.
The Organiser is not a medical institution, and no doctor, nurse or other medical professional is permanently present at the venue.
In the event of an emergency, the Organiser will use reasonable endeavours to direct participants to a nearby medical facility or arrange emergency medical assistance (including dialling 119 where appropriate).
Any medical expenses, treatment costs, transport costs or any other expenses arising from illness, injury or deterioration in health during or after participation in the Workshop shall be borne by the participant.
Visitors to Japan are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including medical expense cover. - Article 3 – Risks and Safety Measures
### Indigo Dyeing Experience
- Risks
Natural indigo dye may come into contact with the eyes.
Natural indigo dye may stain skin or clothing. Although it is generally harmless to the skin, allergic reactions may occur in rare cases.
- Safety Measures
Protective glasses (ordinary sunglasses may also be used) are available free of charge for participants who wish to protect their eyes.
Latex-free nitrile gloves are provided free of charge for participants wishing to avoid skin contact.
Clean running water is available for rinsing the eyes if indigo dye comes into contact with them.
Participants are strongly advised to wear clothing that they do not mind getting stained.
### Refined Hemp Experience
- Risks
Asa and Makomo are natural plant materials, and allergic reactions may occur in rare cases.
Plant fibres may cause minor scratches or irritation to the hands.
- Safety Measures
Lightweight cotton gloves are available upon request.
Participants with known skin or plant allergies should declare them in the "Allergies / Concerns" section of the booking form before attending.
Disinfectant and adhesive plasters are available at all times.
### Japanese Sewing Experience
- Risks
Sewing needles are used during the experience, and there is a risk of minor finger injuries.
- Safety Measures
Thimbles are provided for all participants and their use is recommended.
The instructor will explain the safe handling of sewing needles before the experience begins.
Should a minor finger injury occur, disinfectant and adhesive plasters will be provided.
A magnetic needle picker is available should a needle be accidentally dropped.
### Incense Making Experience
- Risks
Strong fragrances from incense ingredients may cause adverse reactions such as headaches or nausea.
Participants who are sensitive to fragrances or who are pregnant should exercise particular caution.
Allergic skin reactions may occur in rare cases if certain incense ingredients come into contact with the skin.
- Safety Measures
The room will be adequately ventilated throughout the experience.
Participants who feel unwell should inform the instructor immediately. A separate resting area is available if required.
A list of the incense ingredients used during the experience will be emailed after the booking has been confirmed.
Participants with fragrance allergies are encouraged to review the list in advance.
### Refreshments
- Risks
Light refreshments featuring local specialities from Yamanashi Prefecture may be served.
Participants with food allergies must declare them when making their booking.
Although every reasonable precaution will be taken, the complete absence of trace allergens cannot be guaranteed.
- Safety Measures
Ingredient information is available upon request before the Workshop. - Article 4 – Health
ConditionsParticipants are advised to consult their doctor before participating if any of the following apply:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Heart disease, respiratory disease, skin conditions, allergies or other medical conditions
- Mental health conditions, dementia or any condition requiring support
- Any other health concerns which may affect safe participation - Article 5 – Liability for Damage Caused by Participants
Participants shall be responsible for any loss or damage caused to other participants, instructors, third parties, facilities, equipment or property through their intentional acts or negligence. - Article 6 – Photography and Video Recording
The Organiser may photograph or film the Workshop for promotional purposes.
Where participants may be identifiable, their prior consent will be obtained before any photographs or video recordings are used.
Participants are welcome to take photographs and videos for personal use, provided that the privacy of other participants is respected. - Article 7 – Limitation of Liability
The Organiser shall not be liable for:
- Any loss, damage or disruption arising from force majeure events beyond the Organiser's reasonable control, including adverse weather, natural disasters, transport disruption or power failures.
- Any illness, injury or other issues arising from allergies, medical conditions or other circumstances that were not disclosed by the participant before the Workshop.
- Any accident, injury, loss or theft occurring while travelling to or from the venue. - Article 8 – Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan.
Any dispute arising out of or in connection with the Workshop shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Kofu District Court as the court of first instance.
ALL CONTENTS


12:00 PM
Introduction: The History and Spirit of Fuji Worship
We gather first amidst the refreshing natural beauty of Lake Kawaguchiko. Here, at the foot of Mt Fuji — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the tradition of Fuji worship has flourished for more than a thousand years. It is a place where Shinto and Buddhism have become inseparably intertwined, and where generations of prayer and craftsmanship have quietly shaped the spirit of the land.
That same spirit flows gently through each of today's five experiences.
Your own unforgettable afternoon at the foot of Mt Fuji is about to begin.

12:10 PM
#1 Natural Earth Dyeing
Using completely natural Bengara earth pigments, you will dye premium-quality Japanese hemp or cotton fabric. By simply adjusting the amount of pigment, you will discover how dramatically the depth and richness of the colour can change. Enjoy creating your own one-of-a-kind shades inspired by the unique beauty of Bengara.
The pigment is dissolved in crystal-clear spring water flowing from Mt Fuji before being gently worked into the fabric by hand. As you dye, you will naturally begin to notice how subtle changes in the way you use your feet, legs, back, shoulders, arms and fingertips influence how beautifully the colour penetrates the cloth.
Rather than relying solely on thought, this first experience invites you to reconnect with your body's natural awareness — beginning with the palms of your hands.

1:00 PM
#2 Twisting Thread from Refined Hemp Fibre
You will twist refined hemp fibre, traditionally used in Shinto shrines, into a single strand of thread using only your fingertips.
Through this process, you will discover how traditional Japanese craftsmanship is filled with movements designed to work in harmony with the body. By quietly repeating the deceptively simple act of twisting, unnecessary tension gradually melts away, allowing the shoulders, lower back and the rest of the body to relax naturally.
Throughout the experience, a specialist in movement science with expertise in both Western and Eastern approaches will carefully observe your movements and guide you towards the most natural and efficient way of using your body.
The refined hemp thread you create in Experience #2 will become part of your final creation in Experience #5.
# About the Instructor
Haruka S. — Human Movement Specialist (20 years' experience)
1. Certified in Polestar Pilates Comprehensive & Mat.
2. Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), trained in traditional Ashtanga Yoga in Rishikesh, India.
3. Researcher specialising in the relationship between the human body and technology.
- Senior IT engineer involved in developing Nekomimi, a brainwave-controlled device in Silicon Valley.
- Research on myoelectric prosthetic hands (Keio University, B.Eng.).
- Magnetoencephalography research on phantom limb pain (Keio University, M.Eng.).

2:00 PM
#3 Makomo Reed Mat Weaving
Using makomo reed—a sacred plant traditionally associated with purification and grown in pristine water—you will weave your own coaster on a loom faithfully modelled after those used at some of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines.
As you tighten the warp threads, you may notice a striking similarity to the sensation of twisting refined hemp. This shared bodily awareness has quietly connected generations of Japanese craftspeople across many traditional arts.

2:45 PM
A gift from the foot of Mt. Fuji: Yamanashi’s finest traditional confection
Enjoy a relaxing break with a selection of Yamanashi's finest traditional sweets.
We also warmly welcome any questions about the history and cultural connections that unite today's five experiences.

3:15 PM
#4 Hand Sewing a Japanese Pouch
Using a needle and thread, you will hand-sew a traditional Japanese-style pouch.
In Experience #5, this pouch will become your own scented sachet, filled with the natural incense ingredients you blend yourself.
Choose from a beautiful selection of fabrics in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and enjoy creating your own unique combination for both the outer and inner layers.


4:00 PM
#5 Blending Natural Incense Ingredients for Your Scent Sachet
An incense master who has shared the art of Japanese incense with more than 30,000 students will introduce you to the traditional techniques of blending scent sachets.
Guided by these time-honoured methods, you will freely blend around twenty varieties of premium natural incense ingredients to create a fragrance uniquely your own.
Fragrance is said to stimulate the oldest part of the brain directly. Whether you seek calm or clarity, the sachet you create will become a lasting reminder of the person you are today.
More than a souvenir, the amulet you complete in this final experience is a one-of-a-kind keepsake created by your own hands.


4:45 PM
Ending: Discovering You & Each Other — Through Scent
In Experience #5, you will discover how changing the balance of the ingredients by only a few grams can transform a fragrance completely.
It is said that scent reaches the oldest part of the brain directly, and the fragrance you create will quietly reflect something uniquely your own.
Before the afternoon draws to a close, we warmly invite you to exchange sachets with those who have shared this journey with you and experience one another through fragrance.
Freed from first impressions shaped by appearance or conversation, you may discover something new about yourself — and about each other.
As five o'clock approaches, your unforgettable afternoon by the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, beneath the presence of Mt Fuji, gently comes to an end.
The five creations you have made are far more than souvenirs. They carry the spirit of Japan, experienced through your own hands in a place where Shinto and Buddhism have long lived side by side.
May you take home with you the quietness, warmth and memories you found here at the foot of Mt Fuji.
Souvenir Prepared by Our Artisan — 1
Cone Incense in Your Favourite Fragrance
Sample all three fragrances during the workshop and choose your favourite.
Take home up to fifteen cone incense pieces in any combination you wish.

Souvenir Prepared by Our Artisan — 2
A Sacred Hemp Charm with Your Choice of Japanese Natural Gemstones
Choose your favourite from around fifteen carefully selected Japanese natural gemstones.
We will contact you by email before the workshop to confirm your choice.



🗓 Limited-Time Lakeside Venue — On the Shores of Lake Kawaguchiko (Until 26 July 2026)
Access
Kawaguchiko New Bridge Campsite
1200 Shimabara, Kodate, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0302, Japan
Approximately 5 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station