Craft Your Connection: Forge, Fold & Feel the Spirit of Okuizumo

Premium Tour

Okuizumo Craft Heritage: 2 Nights / 3 Days Artisan Experience

Uncover the artistry of rural Japan through this hands-on 3-day immersion into Okuizumo’s living craft culture. Guided by a bilingual cultural storyteller, you’ll step into the workshops of knife makers, paper artisans, and kumiko woodworkers—each rooted in centuries of tradition. Explore breathtaking natural sites, learn directly from masters, and rest in local guesthouses that feel like home.

From68,000(JPY)
Date *
Day
Month
Year
Number of Participants *
Adult (13-99)
Child (3-12)
Infant (0-2)

Highlights

  • Forge your own Japanese kitchen knife with a master blacksmith
  • Create handmade washi paper using traditional methods and local plants
  • Learn the precision of kumiko woodworking and build a geometric art piece
  • Stay in family-run guesthouses and savor seasonal meals with your hosts

Description

This experience is a deep dive into the textures and philosophies of Japanese craftsmanship. With each workshop, you’ll come closer to the hands and hearts behind the traditions—from folding heated steel into a blade, to coaxing paper from natural fibers, to aligning wood with millimeter-perfect precision. Evenings are spent enjoying local hospitality, where the warmth of Okuizumo’s people becomes as memorable as its art.

Itinerary

Day1 1:30 p.m. Okuizumo Sword Museum tour
3:30 p.m. Washi Papermaking Workshop: learn the traditional process and create your own paper
5:00 p.m. Stay in local guest house
Day2 10:00 a.m. Knife Making Experience
12:00 p.m. Soba Making Experience
2:30 p.m. Nature Walk in Oni no Shitaburui Gorge
5:00 p.m. Stay in local guest house
Day3 10:00 a.m. Kumiko Woodworking Workshop

Overview

  • Tour Type

    A small-group guided tour with a bilingual local guide

  • Tour Area

    Okuizumo, Shimane Prefecture

  • Price

    2 guests: ¥95000 / person
    3 guests: ¥68000 / person

  • Availability

    Available year-round (subject to guide availability)

  • Meeting time and place

    Okuizumo Sword Museum, 13:30 on Day 1

  • End of Tour

    After finishing Kumiko wood work of Day 3

  • Participation Requirements

    Minimum 2 guests

  • Number of participants

    Maximum of 10 participants (negotiable upon request)

  • Japanese Level

    None

  • Accommodation

    Guests stay in locally run guest houses (like Tsukaru or Uzumaki) known for their heartfelt hospitality and home-cooked meals using seasonal ingredients.
    Bookings can be made through ThoughINAKA — please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Inclusions

  • Okuizumo Sword Museum introduction.
  • Kumiko woodworking workshop with all materials and instruction.
  • Knife making workshop with master artisan (1 knife only, forged & finished).
  • Washi papermaking workshop with all materials and instruction.
  • English-speaking guide for the entire trip.
  • Coordination and support throughout the trip.
  • All taxes included.

Exclusions

  • Accommodation costs (local guest houses; booking assistance available).
  • Transportation to/from Okuizumo and between sites (can be arranged).
  • Meals and drinks except where noted in workshops.

storyteller

This journey through Okuizumo is led by a ThoughINAKA storyteller,more than just a guide, they are a cultural bridge who brings to life the local crafts, legends, and personal connections behind each workshop. With deep ties to the community, your storyteller invites you into a world where heritage is not only preserved—but lived.

Physical Requirements

Moderate walking involved, especially during transitions between sites (comfortable shoes recommended).
Basic physical ability to participate in hands-on workshops (standing, light manual work, using tools).
Suitable for beginners; no prior experience required for any of the crafts.

Travel planning and implementation

Tavikala.co.ltd
TEL:050-3559-0222
Registered Travel Agency with the Governor of Shimane Prefecture: Region -106
Shimane Governor-registered travel service arrangement business: No. 5 – Other

Cancellation Policy for “Though Inaka” [Okuizumo Basic 2 Nights / 3 Days Experience Plan]

Cancellation of the custom-ordered “Though Inaka” [Okuizumo Craft Heritage: 2 Nights / 3 Days Artisan Experience] is subject to the following charges:

Cancellation Charges:
31 or more days prior to the first day of the tour: 10% of the total tour cost
30-8 days prior to the first day of the tour: 20% of the total tour cost
7-4 days prior to the first day of the tour: 50% of the total tour cost
3-0 days prior to the first day of the tour or non-appearance: 100% of the total tour cost

Payment Refund Process:
In the event of cancellation, after the customer completes the payment of the tour cost, the refunded amount will be calculated by deducting cancellation charges, bank handling charges, and any other costs incurred by travel service providers (railway company, accommodation, etc.) from the amount already paid.
The refunded amount will be remitted to the bank account specified by the customer.

Cancellation Date:
The date of cancellation refers to the date and time when the notice is received by “Though Inaka” based on Japan time. This contrasts with the local date and time when the customer sends the cancellation notice.

Refund Processing Time:
Please allow up to 14 days for the refund to be credited to the customer’s account.

Tour Alterations:
“Though Inaka” reserves the right to alter the itinerary or tour components if necessary for reasons beyond our control. Any changes will be communicated to participants in a timely manner.

Participant Substitution:
If you are unable to attend the tour, you may substitute another person. Please notify us in advance with the substitute participant’s details.

Contact for Cancellations:
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to [contact@thoughinaka.com] via email.
Please include your name, booking reference number, and the reason for cancellation in your email.

By participating in the “Though Inaka” [Tour Name], you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this cancellation policy. We appreciate your understanding, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Questions?

If you're interested in this tour or activity and would like to learn more about it, please feel free to contact us.

Ask a Question

Recommended tours