Spring has almost sprung! I hope you are staying safe and healthy. 
Plums and some earliest kinds of Sakura are blooming in Kamakura and adding colors to our temples.
After the long winter, we're so excited to resume taking reservations for workshops beginning March 21, 2021.

Thank you! 
Our artisanal winter packages were a great hit. We were honored to introduce beautiful artworks by our partners and send warmth from Kamakura. Special thanks for Sarah Hodge and Joy Walsh for featuring the packages and Kamakura Mind!

Read Sarah's article 
Watch JJ Walsh's interview 

 The ceramic artist Rei Toyoda and textile & graphic designer Sachiyo Nakamura's videos are still available from our youtube channel.
To watch these 1-minute videos, please visit our youtube channel and subscribe!

Don't forget to check out their workshops as well!

Rei's Workshops: Me Time with Clay  /  Make Your Own Rice Bowl
Sachiyo's Workshop: Dye Your Own Tenugui Hand Towel 

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What's New?

Kintsugi - Golden Joinery Workshop
Now Available

Golden joinery / golden repair is a pottery repair method that has been practiced for over 400 years in Japan. Bring your favorite cup, dish and revive it with lacquer and gold. 
This is a three-part workshop, with 3 sessions over approximately six weeks. (Two weeks time is required between workshops to allow the lacquer to dry.) This is how it goes.

Day 1:
First, you will learn about the types of Kintsugi and the overall process. After smoothening the joining surface, you will apply the mixture of lacquer and flour to put together the broken pieces. 

Day 2
After letting your items sit for about 2 weeks in a drying box,
you'll smoothen the joint part by filing excess lacquer and apply another layer of lacquer.

Day 3
After drying lacquer for another 2 weeks, you're ready to finish repairng your pieces by applying powdered gold over the lacquer!

What stays the same:
 

✔︎All private programs

✔︎Programs at your convenience

✔︎Kind and Knowledgable staff

✔︎Great Learning Experience

✔︎Unique Fun Time in Kamakura

1. All programs are private with small classes.
Some programs are available from one person. Please check our programs.

For Estimate / Inquiries: Please send us an inquiry form
Check our FAQ

2. Safety Guidelines

We are compliant with Kanagawa COVID-19 guidelines.

Learn More: Check Our policies 

3. Virtual Trip to Kamakura

Travel without moving. Check Yukiyo's essay about Shojin Ryori - 
 Eating Zen in Kamakura.

4. Private & Exclusive Kamakura Tour - Kamakura Concierge Service

Experience Living Zen culture
Select private tours with deep access to the artisans and culture of Kamakura

Check Kamakura Concierge

Feel the Breeze
- Outdoor Programs -

Indigo Dyeing - Dye Your Own Tenugui Hand Towel 
(古民家のお庭で藍染体験：手ぬぐいを染めよう)

Tenugui are Japanese-style hand towels made from cotton, usually 35 x 90 cm in size.
Join our indigo dyeing workshop where you make your own tenugui hand towel by our garden and outdoor workshop space in a forested valley in Kita-Kamakura.
We have a special program for repeaters. Please ask!

*Available from April to early November only.  No classes in August. 

Nature Walk in Kamakura 
(ハイキング・ウオーキングin 鎌倉​​)

Go on a light hike and learn about the natural beauty and /or history of Kamakura with our local guide. Enjoy a walk and gain deep knowledge about the plants, trees, and their significance to Japanese culture. Anyone over 6 years old who can hike/walk about 2 hours is welcome. We'll tailor the route according to your request.

Focus on Yourself
- Indoor Programs-

Me Time with Clay 自分と向き合い器を作る

 Take 2 hours to spend some time with clay. There is no theme for this class. Follow your instincts, and create whatever you like to make by hand building or wheel throwing, whichever interests you. Your pieces will be shipped after drying and firing which takes about 2 months. 

Goshuincho Stamp Book Making and Tea Ceremony
(茶房での御朱印帳作り・プチお茶会つき​​)

Goshuincho is a book of special seals collected as proof of having visited a temple or shrine. After learning about the tradition and history of the Goshuincho, you will choose, cut, and glue beautiful Japanese washi paper to make your own book. After making your Goshuincho, you will move to the tatami room where you will enjoy matcha tea and wagashi served by the tea master. *The book can also be used as a diary or scrapbook. 

Moss Art Terrarium Making with Moss Specialist 
(苔博士と一緒に苔テラリウム作り​)

You may have seen moss in Japan, but do you really know moss? Learn about moss from a specialist. After the lecture, you will create a moss terrarium, a miniature world of moss (like a little moss bonsai) you can take home to enjoy! You will learn how to take care of moss at home as well.

Make Your Own Rice Bowl and Chopstick Rest
（My茶碗と箸置きを作ろう）

Rice is a staple of the Japanese diet and most Japanese have a favorite rice bowl. In this experience, you will make your own rice bowl using a mold, as well as a chopstick rest. You will be ready to enjoy your Japanese-style meal with your own rice bowl and chopstick rest! Your bowl will be shipped after drying and firing, it takes about 2 months. 

​Kamakura-bori Guided Tour, Demonstration and Chopstick Carving
（鎌倉彫作家ギャラリーで鎌倉彫実演とお箸作り）

Carve your own chopsticks with the descendant of one of the oldest Kamakura-bori carving families. You will visit a gallery in a 50-year-old traditional folk house owned by the descendant of one of the oldest Kamakura-bori families, the master Kyukei Goto. He will talk about the history, styles, and making of Kamakura-bori, followed by a carving demonstration and hands-on experience.

Design Your Own Japanese Hanko Name Seal
（鎌倉ゆかりのはんこ店で名前はんこ作り）

Would you like to know how to write your name in Japanese? We can show you several ways to write your name in Japanese and make an original seal as a unique souvenir of your trip. You will design and we will carve them for you. Your original seal will be ready anytime in the afternoon of the experience!

Wagashi Making and  Tea Time
（和菓子作り&お茶）

You may have seen and tasted Japanese wagashi sweets, but have you ever made them? Join us and craft your own wagashi reflecting the season. Afterward, you will enjoy matcha tea with your own handmade Japanese sweets. Chairs available. 

Coming Soon!

More Youtube  and
Blog updates about Kamakura

Happy Spring🌸from Kamakura