Highlights
Overview
Nara
Available Sun, Thu
Pick-up not available
What to expect
Overview
Schedule
Check-in at Komeda Shingu Store
A sacred items store that has been manufacturing and selling sacred items and household altars for approximately 140 years. Since its founding in 1887, it has been passed down from the first generation to the current fifth generation in Shimoichi Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture.
You can directly hear from the craftsmen and experience the charm of household altars and sacred items. Enjoy detailed explanations about the different types of household altars and sacred items, as well as the traditional tools used in making these sacred items.
Receive an explanation on how to sit cross-legged and about the tools used (workbench, plane), then watch a demonstration by a craftsman. Afterward, try planing yourself!
Wear a samue and feel like a craftsman as you make a "Mikinokuchi." Aim to create one pair (two pieces) per person!
*While Mikinokuchi can be found throughout Japan, only those made in Shimoichi Town are registered as a Japan Heritage item.
A Mikinokuchi, also known as Noshiguchi, is primarily used for celebrations such as New Year's and house-raising ceremonies. The top part is designed to represent "flame," while the bottom part symbolizes "water," embodying the idea of purifying impurities with the burning flame.
As you tour the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to see shrines with various shapes and features. You'll also receive explanations about the wood specifically used for sacred items and learn about the differences in wood grain depending on the region where the wood is sourced.
Activity Ends
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Location
Location, direction and description
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For Public Transportation Users:
-Take the Nara Kotsu Bus from Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi Station and get off at Sengokubashi Minamitsume, then it's a short walk.
-Approximately a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Yoshino Line "Shimoichiguchi Station."
-About a 3-minute taxi ride from Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi Station.
For Those Arriving by Car:
25 minutes by car from Gosho Minami IC on the Keinawa Expressway.
*Please park in the parking lot in front of Yoneda Shingu Store (5 spaces, reservation required).
Important activity information
Important activity information
Restrictions
- Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
- A maximum of 9 participants can join. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us for arrangements.
- The activity will be conducted in Japanese.
- If less than 2 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
Other requirements
- Parking is available for 5 vehicles. If you wish to use it, please let us know in advance.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a minimum of 1 and maximum of 9.
Required items to bring & attire
- You will wear a samue over your clothes. Since you will be sitting cross-legged during the planing experience, we recommend wearing pants.
- During the workshop tour, wood shavings may be in the air, so please wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty.
- For detailed work, please bring reading glasses if you need them.
Additional notes
- The Mikinokuchi you create can be taken home on the same day, packaged in a bag.
- Photography is allowed (with some restrictions).
Activity Provider Shimoichi town
Activity Provider
FAQ
Payment / Cancellation Policy
- Credit card payment
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- Any cancellations made between the booking confirmation date to 00:00 local time, 7 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 15% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made between 00:00 local time, 7 business days to 00:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 30% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made between 00:00 local time, 1 business days to 23:59 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 50% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made after 23:59 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
- Changes to your reservation (such as the date, time, plan, number of participants, etc.) are subject to the same conditions as the cancellation policy, and change fees will apply.
- Everyday
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
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Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made between the booking confirmation date to 00:00 local time, 7 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 15% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made between 00:00 local time, 7 business days to 00:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 30% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made between 00:00 local time, 1 business days to 23:59 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 50% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made after 23:59 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Change Policy
- Changes to your reservation (such as the date, time, plan, number of participants, etc.) are subject to the same conditions as the cancellation policy, and change fees will apply.
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Traditional Crafts other tours and activities
- Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
- A maximum of 9 participants can join. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us for arrangements.
- The activity will be conducted in Japanese.
- If less than 2 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
- You will wear a samue over your clothes. Since you will be sitting cross-legged during the planing experience, we recommend wearing pants.
- During the workshop tour, wood shavings may be in the air, so please wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty.
- For detailed work, please bring reading glasses if you need them.
- Parking is available for 5 vehicles. If you wish to use it, please let us know in advance.
- The Mikinokuchi you create can be taken home on the same day, packaged in a bag.
- Photography is allowed (with some restrictions).
- You can book a minimum of 1 and maximum of 9.
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STEP 1Book one (1) select tour or activity
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STEP 2Receive a coupon upon confirmation
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- STEP 3Book another activity, and use the coupon for a discount!
Coupon Participation Period:
- Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period.
- Cannot be used on the same activity on the same date and time as the first activity, or applied to activities that have already been booked.
Craftsman-Led "Mikinokuchi" Making and Workshop Tour <Japanese language only>
