Top Saitama Prefecture Classes & Workshops

Discover the art of bonsai, the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in an artistic shape, during this hands-on experience near Tokyo. Head to Bonsai-cho and learn various techniques for shaping and pruning bonsai trees while a guide answers any questions you may have. Learn about the history of bonsai, visit a bonsai garden or the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, and get an overview of everything bonsai.

This tour is a traditional tea picking experience of green tea in Sayama in Saitama Prefecture located northwest of Tokyo, It is a one day tour for a limited time from May to November where you can enjoy the walking along the old town in Kawagoe where traditional townscapes remain. The Sayama Hills are located in the western part of Saitama Prefecture. It is the origin of "Sayama Tea". Sayama tea is regarded as one of Japan's three major teas alongside Shizuoka tea and Uji tea, and because of its northern location, the leaves produce a deep taste after fighting through the cold winters. Kawagoe flourished as a castle town from the 17th century, and was often compared to Edo (present day Tokyo). Because of this, it came to be called "small Edo". The first area where the buildings were erected is known as the "townscape of the storehouses", a site that was seen less and less in Edo Tokyo.

Take a break from hectic city life for a day with this jade carving experience in Tokyo. In a small group of no more than five people, you can design your own piece of jade then observe as a jade carver and jade sculptor with over 38 years of experience carefully carves your unique design into a stone of your choice. Later, it's hands on as you do all the hand finishing work yourself and transform your design into your very own work of art.

You can see the tatami production site with the guidance of tatami artisans. We can manufacture interior mini tatami mats (size 20 x 20 cm, thickness 20 ~ 30 mm). After the experience, there is also a tea break service on the edge of the tatami mat. If you wish, there are souvenirs

Leave Japan with a souvenir that has more meaning than something you bought in a shop—and get a taste of authentic Japanese craftsmanship—with this ceramic plate workshop experience. Under the guidance of award-winning artists, create your original ceramic plate by shaping a clay slab on which you can freely engrave patterns and press various molds to express your creativity.

Want to purchase your very own Designed Wearable Jade Carving.  Design and then watch as your Design is drawn onto the stone color you selected, then see your Special Design take shape as Gordon carves your design into Reality, and is then Hand Polished to Perfection.  You go home with a Special Treasure that you personally saw created from the Jade Stone which will last a Lifetime Allow at least 6 to 9 hours for this Activity.

Breathtaking craftsmanship The Japanese katana is often idealized as the deadly weapon of samurai. What might be not as well known is that the katana is not only a weapon but that it symbolizes “protection” both against physical and immaterial foes. At Fusahiro’s studio, a special type of katana, the “mamori gatana” is produced, which is a talisman sword used in particular for spiritual protection. In fact, these swords were traditionally enshrined in Japanese homes to ward off evil and were part of various ceremonies and rituals for protective measures. These days, there are approximately only 150 swordsmiths in Japan due to the difficulty in getting a national certification and the aging population. Witness the creation of this powerfully symbolic sword with Fusahiro, one of the last remaining Japanese swordsmith.