5 Types of Japanese Cultural Experiences at "haruka," a Traditional Japanese House in Iizuna Town, 20 Minutes from Nagano Station | 69,000 yen /per
Five hands-on experiences: indigo dyeing, refining hemp weaving, wild rice mat weaving, Japanese sewing, and incense making.
⚫︎ Enjoy a 5-hour afternoon experience in the Nagano City area (daily from 1 PM to 6 PM)
⚫︎ Create five completely original Japanese goods through five experiences connecting Shinto and Buddhism
⚫︎ At a traditional house in Iizuna Town, 20 minutes from Nagano Station
1:00 PM
Lecture: The Dawn of Time and History
Gather first at the old private house in Tsunamachi. A lecture by a history expert traversing the history of Japanese Shinto, Buddhism, and handicrafts. Basics of body usage by a brain, body, and ancient martial arts expert.
1:10 PM
#1 Indigo Dye & Hemp Charcoal Dye
We dye scarves made of the highest quality Japanese hemp fabric (100% natural hemp) using all-natural plant dyes (indigo dye liquid and hemp charcoal liquid). The surprising thing is how the depth of color changes depending on the amount of dye used. Feel free to immerse yourself in the unique and rich colors created by the indigo and hemp charcoal liquids. The plant dyes used are first-class products, handcrafted by Japanese dye artisans. These dyes are dissolved in the mountain spring water of Nagano and then massaged into the natural hemp fabric. How do you transfer power from your legs and back, through your shoulders, arms, and fingertips, to make the dye soak in beautifully? Experience the shift from thought-dominant to sensory-dominant awareness, starting with the palms of your hands.
2:00 PM
#2 Making thread 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 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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3:00 p.m.
#3 Makomo Reed Mat Weaving
We will weave coasters using purifying madder grown in clear water and a mat weaving machine that faithfully reproduces the weaving machine of a representative Japanese shrine. 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.
3:45 PM
Nagano Hospitality: Iizuna Town's Specialty Apple Juice
Enjoy a special break time savoring apple juice, a specialty of Iizuna Town, Nagano Prefecture, and seasonal fruits.
Feel free to ask in-depth questions about history that connect the five Japanese cultural experiences.
On warm, sunny days, you can bask in the sun in the beautiful garden of the old farmhouse, where you can hear the babbling of the stream.
4:15 PM
#4 Hand-sewn Bag Making
Using a needle and thread, you will sew a Japanese-style pouch. This pouch, which you will create through traditional Japanese sewing, will become a sachet for the incense ingredients you blend in the next experience, #5: Incense Making.
We have prepared many fabrics with various colors and patterns.
Enjoy choosing your favorite fabric for both the outer and inner sides.
5:00 PM
#5 Blending raw materials for scent sachets
A professional incense maker, who has taught over 30,000 instructors 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.
5:45 p.m.
The scent reveals who you are, and who I am.
In Experience #5, you'll discover that just a few grams' difference in raw incense ingredients can create a completely different scent. The scent of incense, which directly reaches the brain, will embody your unique essence.
We highly recommend sharing and enjoying the scents you and your friends created during a fun afternoon together.
If you can discover "your $ your uniqueness" – an impression different from what you perceive through visual and auditory information –
then the best afternoon at the old folk house in Iizuna, Nagano, will conclude at 18:00.
Completely custom-made and prepared by professionals just for you.
Two Souvenirs: Japanese Cultural Goods
Cone Incense - Choose Your Scent
Asa Talisman Made with 15 Types of Japanese Precious Stones
(The tombstone will be selected in advance.)
アクセス
947 Fukoji, Iizuna-machi, Kamiminochi-gun, Nagano-ken 389-1206
*6 minutes walk from Mure Station on the Shinano Railway
Regarding your transfer
By Train:
Shinano Railway Nagano Station to Mure Station (direct service): Approx. 20 minutes
By Car:
From Nagano City: Approx. 20 minutes
*Please use the free parking lot at Mure Station
Please confirm before making a reservation.
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.