Experience

Touch Living History

A Private Day with Guardians of a National Treasure.

We offer a profound, private immersion into Japan’s sacred craft culture. This is your invitation to connect deeply with the art of Hiwadabuki and the master artisans who protect its living legacy.

Model Itinerary

This sample itinerary is just a starting point.
We are pleased to fully customize the experience to match your personal interests and schedule.
Allow us to craft your perfect, bespoke day.

10:00: Meet the Master: Artisan Dialogue & Hands-on Practice

Arrive at the private studio for a dialogue with the master artisan. After learning the history of this UNESCO-recognized art, you will observe the process and practice the craft using traditional bamboo nails.
11:00: Private Workshop: Crafting Your Hiwada Treasure

Under the master’s personal guidance, you will create a beautiful interior panel. You will use the same precious hinoki bark reserved for sacred temples. This is a one-of-a-kind artwork to take home, crafted by your own hands.
14:00: National Treasure Tour with an Artisan & Zen Blessing

Visit the iconic Ruriko-ji Temple, a National Treasure. Your guide is the very artisan who led its recent reroofing—the first in 70 years. Following this exclusive insider tour, receive a special Zen blessing from the head priest.

Workshop

Step inside the private atelier of a true master artisan. This is an exclusive, hands-on session limited to your group. You will be guided personally, learning the authentic techniques used to protect Japan’s National Treasures.

Learn to use traditional bamboo nails and feel the rare hinoki bark.

Create your own unique artwork. Using the same precious Hiwada bark reserved for sacred temples, you will craft a beautiful interior panel. It is a one-of-a-kind treasure to remember your journey.

National Treasure
– Ruriko-ji Temple

Ruriko-ji Temple is a National Treasure, famed as one of Japan’s most beautiful pagodas. Its magnificent, sweeping roof is a masterpiece of Hiwadabuki art, preserved by the artisans of Hiwadaya.

An exclusive tour guided by the master artisan himself.

Hear insights into its recent reroofing— the first in 70 years. Following this exclusive tour, you will be invited to receive a special Zen blessing privately from the head priest.

Optional Plan

Elevate your experience with our exclusive “Cha-Kaiseki” plan. We will arrange for the head chef from “Nawata,” a revered 85-year-old restaurant, to privately cater this experience for you in a historic setting.

The setting is a classic Japanese house with an impressive Hiwadabuki gate.

“Cha-Kaiseki” is the zenith of hospitality, where the meal and the “Cha-no-yu” (Way of Tea) are one unified, flowing ritual. Enjoy this profound, authentic ceremony prepared just for your group.

Recommended Accommodations

MATSUDAYA HOTEL

Stay where history was made, surrounded by authentic heritage.

Relax in the “Ishin-no-Yu,” a natural hot spring direct from the source. Stroll the magnificent Japanese garden, a tranquil landscape that the historical heroes themselves admired.

Contact Us

We invite you to begin planning your private cultural immersion in Yamaguchi.
Contact us to discuss your preferred dates and interests.
Our team is ready to design a bespoke itinerary for your exclusive experience.

Inquire About This Experience