Brilliance Unfolding: Create Your Mini Traditional Lantern with a Master Craftsman, Kawaramachi Walking Tour
Draw enlightening inspiration from the stories, the techniques, and the masters of Gifu‘s best-known and well-loved traditional crafts - the intricately elegant Gifu chochin (traditional Japanese lanterns), as you create a piece of your very own in the city of one of Japan's leading production areas of traditional lanterns. Uncover the rich legacy of lantern-making, which flourished due to the Nagara River and its efficient water transportation system, effectively moving materials of the highest quality for lantern-making, such as Minowashi paper made upstream. Learn from artisans who have been trained in techniques handed down through the ages as you add personal touches to your handiwork. While waiting for it to dry, explore the historical districts like Minatomachi, Zaikicho, and Kobikicho, old towns bearing the vestiges of a thriving merchant river port. Complete your journey with a visit to the "CASA Stella" store, showcasing the artistry and gentle light emanating from beautiful lantern installations, presenting an opportunity for mesmerizing photos.
Recommended points
● Create your very own Gifu lantern from scratch under the careful guidance of master craftsmen who speak English, truly a special experience even in Japan.
● Use top-class materials such as bamboo of exceptional quality grown by the banks of the Nagara River, and the thin but very durable premium Mino washi paper produced in Mino City. It’s no wonder this is the major area for manufacturing Gifu lanterns since the Edo Period.
● Stroll through while enjoying the classic Japanese scenery of the area, such as the traditional townscapes of Kawaramachi and picturesque view of the Nagara River.
● Bring home a mini Gifu lantern of your very own creation that conveniently folds into a compact size, a wonderful token of your time in Gifu.
● Visit the CASA stella, which showcases the sublime and gentle beauty of the traditional Gifu umbrellas and lanterns to great effect. Established in March 2025, the space was created by renovating the Matsui Residence, a traditional Japanese townhouse of over 100 years old.
Overview
- Season
- 2025/12/1～2027/3/31
- Activity Time
- 6 hours
- Place
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※ Please contact us for further details.
Minatomachi Gifu, 500-8009
- Number of Participants
- 1 to 4 people
- Reference Price
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
※ Guide interpreters, pick up and drop off transportation as well as other arrangements can be made. Please inquire for further details.
- Starting Point
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
- Ending Point
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
- Meeting Time
- 10:00
- Schedule
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10:00 - Meetup
10:10 - Begin mini Gifu lantern crafting activity at Taiken Studio
12:00 - Free time for lunch. You can enjoy Gifu specialties like chilled tanuki soba (buckwheat noodles) and ayu (sweetfish) ramen in the area.
13:00 - Kawaramachi walking tour
14:00 - Add the finishing touches to your mini Gifu lantern at Taiken Studio
15:30 - Tour CASA stella
16:00 - Activity concludes
* This itinerary is an example
- Important Information
- ・ Please note that lunch is not included in this course. Restaurants and convenience stores are within walking distance. Please return to venue after an hour.
- Contact Information
-
Discover GIFU
Phone number: +81-(0)58-265-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp
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