Overview
Wakayama Prefecture is home of World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Amongst its old streets and houses full of history, a long cultural tradition has been passed down through generations. Above all, Japan is proud of its traditional delicate crafts: from fabrics to bamboo works, from handmade Japanese paper to pottery, cut glass or woodworking, the list of Japanese traditional arts is endless. Wakayama is part of these fine art traditions with an excellent reputation worldwide. Be exposed to a unique history and tradition; and feel the real charm of Japan.
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Japanese Lacquerware Experience
Lacquerware is a popular traditional craft in Japan. Bowls and trays made using wood, bamboo and paper are painted with lacquer, thus becoming genuine high-class items. Wakayama’s Kishū lacquerware is renowned as one of Japan’s three best lacquerwares alongside Aizu (Fukushima) and Yamanaka (Ishikawa), drawing attention from all over the world. We present this fascinating lacquerware experience.
First of all you have to choose the materials for the Maki-e (sprinkling gold or silver powder technique). Either black or vermillion, you can choose between a round/oval tray or a lunch box, and a butterfly, camellia or fan pattern. After listening to the craftsman instructor’s easy explanation, you will start painting carefully on a sketch. This is a fine task that requires a lot of concentration.
This is a butterfly-patterned work on a black tray. It is important not to lacquer all at once. Butterfly by butterfly, flower by flower. Once you complete one butterfly, you add some color by sprinkling gold powder on it. Since the teacher will proceed on that, you just have to choose the shades of color you prefer. However, it is essential to do a good job on the undercoat to make it sophisticated.
Next is lacquering the materials and sprinkling the gold powder again. Once you have finished coloring everything, you sign it and the work is complete. People who easily get used to the technique are able to finish it in about 30 minutes. You can make a traditional Japanese piece, the only one like it in the world. The perfect gift for family and friends at home!
Kishu Lacquerware Traditional Industry Hall Uruwashi Kan
Address／Funo 222, Kainan City,Wakayama Prefecture
Phone／073-482-0322
Opening Hours／10：00～16：30
Holidays／Second month, Bon Festival, New Year
Fare／Round Tray(small) ¥1,000,
Round tray (large)/Oval tray ¥1,300,
Lunch box ¥1,600
Heian Costume Experience
The majestic Daimonzaka is filled with centenarian cedars and beautiful stone paths, and a solemn atmosphere surrounding the area. It is the greatest ancestral place in Kumano Kodō, where the stone steps will lead you to World Heritage Sites like Kumano Nachi Taisha (part of the three mountain shrines of Kumano San Zan), and Nachi Falls (the highest waterfall in Japan). At the foot of the Daimonzaka path there is a teahouse called “Daimonzaka Tea House” where you can change into Heian era (794-1185) costumes to make the most of this mystical region.
Once you get to Daimonzaka Tea House, you definitely have to get in touch with Ms. Miyamoto, the owner of the Teahouse. Not only in Japan, she is also very popular in other Asian countries, which makes the visit to the house a must every time you visit Nachi. Don’t miss the chance to meet such a popular owner!
Let’s change into Heian era clothes and head to Daimonzaka. Large trees tower both sides of the stone steps, and we can appreciate the history behind this sacred place. Take a picture with the ancient camphor tree, which is over 800 years old. The beauty of Heian costumes shining amongst the greenery is unmatched!
Since men and children’s clothes are also available, this is a great family experience. It is very popular among foreign tourists, as you can feel the real beauty of Japan. Walking around historical sites of Japan in traditional Japanese clothes will make you feel a something totally different about this fascinating country!
Daimonzaka Tea House
Address／Nachisan, Nachi Katsu Ura-cho, Higashimuro District, Wakayama PrefecturePhone／0735-55-0244
Opening Hours／9:00～16:00
Open All Year
Fare／¥2,000／1hour, ¥3,000／2hours
Recommended Experience
Let's experience Japanese Lacquerware (Makie) in Kainan, one of the center producing areas of Kishu Lacquerware in western Japan. Makie is Japanese traditional fine art that dates from the Muromachi Period (1336 to 1573). The surface of the lacquerware is decorated with a picturesque design, a technique that enhances the beauty of the work. Let's sprinkle the lacquer in a round big-sized tray. Since a sketch is drawn beforehand, it does not matter if you are not good at drawing.
It's like coloring for adults! Let's make lacquerwares look more elegant!
This is a kimono rental plan where you can experience wearing traditional clothes from the Heian period. The dressing takes place in store, so you can participate even if it is your first time wearing Japanese clothes. The store has more than 80 women's kimonos. Since men's and children's kimonos are also available you can bring your whole family and enjoy the experience making sure to take amazing pictures!