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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.

ALL CONTENTS

12:00 PM

Introduction: The History and Spirit of Fuji Worship

12:10 PM

#1 Natural Earth Dyeing

1:00 PM

#2 Twisting Thread from Refined Hemp Fibre

2:00 PM

#3 Makomo Reed Mat Weaving

2:45 PM

A gift from the foot of Mt. Fuji: Yamanashi’s finest traditional confection

3:15 PM

#4 Hand Sewing a Japanese Pouch

4:00 PM

#5 Blending Natural Incense Ingredients for Your Scent Sachet

4:45 PM

Ending: Discovering You & Each Other — Through Scent

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