Natural Earth Dyeing, Japanese Sewing and Incense Making
Fuji Cultural Craft Workshop
● A unique cultural experience at the foot of Mount Fuji, within walking distance of Kawaguchiko Station
● Three-hour experiences held three times daily (starting at 9:00 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm)
● Experience three traditional Japanese crafts rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions
● Create and take home four one-of-a-kind Japanese handcrafted keepsakes
● Enjoy complimentary Yamanashi confectionery and receive a rare handcrafted gift created by a Japanese artisan
This experience is offered as part of the non-profit activities of General Incorporated Association kototama.
No instruction fee is charged. The amount paid by each participant covers only the materials used during the experience and the cost of hiring the venue. All fees received are used solely to prepare the necessary materials and secure the venue for the experience.
Participation Fee:
¥33,000 per person, inclusive of tax
Breakdown of the Participation Fee
Instruction Fee: ¥0
Bengala Dyeing Materials: ¥10,000
This covers the materials used during the experience, including Japanese-made linen fabric, the earth and other natural ingredients used to prepare the Bengala pigment, and the ingredients required for the pre-treatment solution.
Japanese Sewing Materials: ¥5,000
This covers Japanese-patterned fabric prepared with fusible interfacing, together with the other sewing materials used during the experience.
Incense-Making Materials: ¥15,000
This covers the incense ingredients used during the experience, including agarwood, sandalwood, borneol and clove.
Venue Hire: ¥3,000
There are no additional charges beyond those stated above.
The participation fee is used exclusively to prepare the materials required for the experience and to cover the cost of hiring the venue.
This page is used solely to support the reservation system. Participation fees are not paid through this website.
Confirmation of Consent
By completing your reservation, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the Disclaimer and Cancellation Policy set out below, as well as our Privacy Policy. Please review these terms carefully before completing your reservation.
Cancellation Policy
Materials for the Workshop are purchased and prepared in advance for each participant. The venue is also reserved in advance, and cancellation charges may be incurred if a booking is cancelled.
For these reasons, the following cancellation policy applies.
1. Cancellation Fees
More than 7 days before the scheduled start time of the Workshop:
A full refund of the participation fee will be issued, less the payment processing charge described below. *
From 7 days to more than 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the Workshop:
A refund of 50% of the participation fee will be issued, less the payment processing charge described below. *
24 hours or less before the scheduled start time of the Workshop, including failure to attend without prior notice:
No refund will be issued.
* A payment processing charge of 3.6% of the participation fee will be deducted from all refunds.
2. Cancellation by the Organiser
If the Workshop is cancelled by the Organiser, the participation fee paid to the Organiser will be refunded in full.
The Organiser shall not be responsible for any additional expenses incurred by participants, including travel, accommodation, transportation, or other related costs.
If the Workshop cannot be held due to severe weather, a natural disaster, an infectious disease outbreak, transport disruption, or another event beyond the Organiser’s reasonable control, the Organiser may offer either:
a full refund of the participation fee; or
the opportunity to transfer the booking to another available date.
The available option will be communicated to affected participants as soon as reasonably possible.
3. Cancellation Requests
To cancel your booking, please contact us through the contact form on our website.
Your cancellation will be considered received when the Organiser receives your cancellation request.
The applicable cancellation fee will be calculated based on the scheduled start time of the Workshop and the time at which the cancellation request is received.
Disclaimer
By registering for the Japanese cultural experience “Mount Fuji Japanese Craft Workshop” (the “Workshop”), organised by kototama (the “Organiser”), you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the following terms and disclaimer.
Article 1 – Voluntary Participation and Personal Responsibility
Participation in the Workshop is voluntary.
Each participant is responsible for determining whether they are physically and medically fit to participate, taking into account their health, physical condition, allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, disabilities, pregnancy, sensitivity to fragrances, and any other relevant circumstances.
Participants must follow the safety instructions provided by the instructor and inform the Organiser in advance of any condition or circumstance that may require assistance, accommodation, or additional safety precautions.
Article 2 – First Aid and Medical Assistance
The Organiser will keep a basic first-aid kit at the venue, including disinfectant, adhesive plasters, eyewash, and other basic supplies.
Where reasonably possible, the Organiser may provide basic first aid for minor injuries.
The Organiser is not a medical institution, and no doctor, nurse, or other medical professional is permanently present at the venue.
In the event of an emergency, the Organiser will make reasonable efforts to contact emergency services, including calling 119 where appropriate, or to direct the participant to a nearby medical facility.
Any medical expenses, treatment costs, transportation costs, or other expenses arising from illness, injury, an allergic reaction, or a deterioration in health during or after the Workshop shall be borne by the participant, except where otherwise required by applicable law.
Visitors to Japan are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical and emergency transportation coverage.
Article 3 – Risks and Safety Measures
# Bengala Earth Pigment Dyeing Experience
## Risks
Bengala earth pigment or other materials used during the experience may accidentally come into contact with the eyes.
The pigments may stain the skin, clothing, or personal belongings.
Although the materials are handled with care, skin irritation or an allergic reaction may occur in rare cases.
## Safety Measures
Protective glasses are available free of charge for participants who wish to protect their eyes. Participants may also use their own suitable protective eyewear.
Latex-free nitrile gloves are provided free of charge for participants who wish to avoid direct skin contact.
Clean running water is available for rinsing the eyes or skin if accidental contact occurs.
Participants are strongly advised to wear clothing and footwear that they do not mind getting stained.
Participants must follow the instructor’s directions when handling pigments and other materials.
# Japanese Sewing Experience
## Risks
Sewing needles and other sewing tools are used during the experience. There is a risk of minor puncture wounds or injuries to the fingers.
## Safety Measures
Thimbles are provided to all participants, and their use is recommended.
The instructor will explain how to handle sewing needles and tools safely before the experience begins.
If a minor finger injury occurs, disinfectant and adhesive plasters will be available.
A magnetic needle picker is available if a needle is accidentally dropped.
Participants must notify the instructor immediately if a needle or other sharp object is lost or dropped.
# Incense-Making Experience
## Risks
The fragrances released by incense ingredients may cause headaches, nausea, respiratory discomfort, or other adverse reactions in some individuals.
Participants who are pregnant, sensitive to fragrances, or affected by asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions should exercise particular caution.
Certain incense ingredients may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in rare cases.
## Safety Measures
The room will be adequately ventilated throughout the experience.
Participants who feel unwell must inform the instructor immediately and stop handling the materials.
A separate resting area will be available where reasonably possible.
A list of the principal incense ingredients used during the experience will be made available before booking and will also be provided after the booking has been confirmed.
Participants with allergies or sensitivities are encouraged to review the ingredient information before making a reservation and to contact the Organiser if they have any concerns.
Latex-free nitrile gloves are available for participants who wish to avoid direct skin contact.
# Refreshments
## Risks
Light refreshments featuring local products or specialities from Yamanashi Prefecture may be served during the Workshop.
Participants with food allergies, intolerances, religious dietary requirements, or other dietary restrictions must inform the Organiser when making their reservation.
Although reasonable precautions will be taken, the Organiser cannot guarantee that refreshments will be completely free from trace allergens or cross-contamination.
## Safety Measures
Information about the principal ingredients used in the refreshments is available upon request before the Workshop.
Participants should not consume any food or drink if they are uncertain whether it is suitable for them.
Article 4 – Health Considerations
Participants are advised to consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before participating if any of the following applies:
pregnancy or breastfeeding;
heart disease, respiratory disease, asthma, skin conditions, allergies, or another medical condition;
sensitivity to fragrances, pigments, foods, or natural materials;
a disability or health condition that may affect safe participation;
a condition for which assistance, supervision, medication, or reasonable accommodation may be required; or
any other concern that may affect the participant’s ability to participate safely.
Participants must bring and manage any medication they may require, including prescribed medication, inhalers, or emergency allergy medication.
The Organiser cannot administer prescription medication on behalf of participants.
Article 5 – Damage Caused by Participants
Participants shall be responsible for any loss or damage that they intentionally or negligently cause to:
other participants;
instructors or other members of staff;
third parties;
the venue;
tools, equipment, materials, or furnishings; or
any other property.
Participants must use the venue, tools, equipment, and materials only as instructed.
Article 6 – Photography and Video Recording
The Organiser may photograph or record the Workshop for documentation or promotional purposes.
Where a participant may be identifiable, the Organiser will obtain the participant’s consent before using the relevant photograph or recording for promotional or public-facing purposes.
A participant may decline to be photographed or recorded without affecting their ability to participate in the Workshop.
Participants may take photographs or videos for personal use, provided that they respect the privacy, dignity, intellectual property, and personal preferences of other participants, instructors, and third parties.
Photographs or recordings of another identifiable person must not be published or shared publicly without that person’s permission.
Article 7 – Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Organiser shall not be liable for:
loss, damage, delay, or disruption caused by events beyond the Organiser’s reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, transportation disruption, power failures, or government restrictions;
illness, injury, an allergic reaction, or another adverse event arising from a medical condition, allergy, sensitivity, or other relevant circumstance that the participant did not disclose before the Workshop;
damage to clothing or personal belongings caused by pigments, incense ingredients, food, liquids, or other materials used during the Workshop, except where caused by the Organiser’s intentional misconduct or negligence;
loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings at the venue; or
any accident, injury, loss, delay, or theft occurring while travelling to or from the venue.
Nothing in this Disclaimer excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under the laws of Japan.
Nothing in this Disclaimer affects any statutory rights available to participants under applicable consumer protection laws.
Article 8 – Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Disclaimer, the Cancellation Policy, and any dispute arising out of or in connection with the Workshop shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan.
Any dispute arising out of or in connection with the Workshop shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Kofu District Court as the court of first instance, except where otherwise required by applicable law.
Privacy Policy
General Incorporated Association kototama (hereinafter referred to as the “Association”) considers the proper handling and protection of personal information obtained through the website it operates and the activities and services it provides to be an important responsibility.
This Privacy Policy sets out how the Association collects, uses, manages, provides to third parties and otherwise handles personal information.
Article 1 — Scope
This Privacy Policy applies to the handling of personal information in connection with the website operated by the Association, enquiry forms, reservation procedures, Japanese cultural experiences, classes, courses and other activities and services provided by the Association.
For information on how personal information is handled by third-party websites or services linked from this website, please refer to the privacy policy of the relevant operator.
Article 2 — Information We Collect
The Association may collect the following information to the extent necessary to provide its activities and services.
1. Information Provided Directly by You
Name
Email address
Telephone number
Address, country or region of residence
Preferred language
Date and time of reservation
Number of participants
Names of participants
Preferred experience or activity
Details of enquiries, consultations and other communications
Information required to process changes to reservations, cancellations or refunds
Survey responses, feedback and other information provided voluntarily
Any other information necessary to provide an activity or service
2. Information Relating to Reservations and Payments
This website accepts reservations for the Association’s activities and services, but participation fees are not paid through the website.
The Association does not collect or store credit card numbers, bank account numbers or other payment credentials as part of the reservation process on this website.
Where an external financial institution, money transfer service or other service is used to pay a participation fee, information entered through that service will be handled in accordance with the terms of use and privacy policy of the relevant service provider.
To the extent necessary to manage reservations and participation fees, the Association may obtain information concerning transaction status, including whether payment has been made, the amount paid, the date of payment and whether a refund has been issued.
3. Information Relating to Health, Safety and Necessary Adjustments
To ensure the safety of participants and provide any necessary adjustments, the Association may, with the individual’s consent, collect the following information:
Information concerning allergies or sensitivities
Information concerning medical history, medical conditions or other aspects of health
Information concerning pregnancy or breastfeeding
Information concerning disabilities, physical limitations or required assistance
Information concerning food allergies, dietary restrictions or religious dietary requirements
Information necessary for responding to an emergency
Any other information necessary to enable safe participation
This information will be used solely for necessary safety measures, confirmation of the suitability of materials, reasonable adjustments, emergency response and other purposes required to protect participants’ safety.
The Association will not request health information beyond what is necessary for participation in the relevant activity.
4. Photographs and Video Recordings
The Association may take photographs or video recordings for the purpose of documenting or promoting its activities.
As a general rule, the Association will obtain the individual’s prior consent before using identifiable photographs or video recordings on this website, social media, printed materials or other promotional media.
Consent to photography, filming or promotional use is voluntary. A person’s decision not to consent will not result in any unreasonable restriction on their participation in an activity or service.
5. Information Collected Automatically Through Use of the Website
The Association may automatically collect the following information when this website is used:
IP address
Browser and device information
Operating system
Pages viewed
Date and time of access
Referring website or page
Information collected through cookies and similar technologies
Actions taken and usage activity on this website
Article 3 — Purposes for Which Personal Information Is Used
The Association uses the personal information it collects for the following purposes:
To respond to enquiries, consultations and requests
To receive, confirm, amend and cancel reservations
To provide Japanese cultural experiences, classes, courses and other activities and services
To provide participants with guidance, communications and necessary notices
To prepare materials, venues, instructors and other arrangements necessary to conduct activities
To confirm the status of payments and refunds relating to participation fees
To ensure participants’ safety, provide health-related adjustments and respond to emergencies
To verify identity and prevent unauthorised or fraudulent use
To maintain and improve the quality of activities and services
To conduct surveys, analyse usage and prepare statistical information
To maintain the website, ensure its security and respond to technical problems
To provide information about the Association’s activities, events and related matters
To respond to requests from courts, administrative authorities and other public bodies in accordance with applicable laws and regulations
To respond to disputes, accidents, complaints and other issues
For purposes incidental to those listed above
Ongoing information and promotional communications by email will be sent only where the individual has given consent or where permitted by applicable laws and regulations.
Individuals who no longer wish to receive such communications may unsubscribe using the relevant procedure or contact the Association to request that they be discontinued.
Article 4 — Handling of Special Care-Required Personal Information
Information concerning health conditions, medical history, disabilities and other matters that may constitute special care-required personal information will be collected with the individual’s prior consent, except where otherwise permitted by applicable laws and regulations.
Access to such information will be limited to those who require it in order to assist participants or manage safety.
The information collected will not be used beyond what is necessary to provide activities safely, make required adjustments, respond to accidents or emergencies and fulfil other necessary purposes.
Article 5 — Provision to Third Parties
The Association will not provide personal data to a third party without the individual’s consent, except in the following circumstances:
Where required or permitted by applicable laws and regulations
Where necessary to protect a person’s life, physical wellbeing or property and it is difficult to obtain the individual’s consent
Where particularly necessary to improve public health or promote the sound development of children and it is difficult to obtain the individual’s consent
Where cooperation is necessary for a national or local government body, or a person acting on its behalf, to carry out duties prescribed by law
In connection with a merger, transfer of business or other comparable circumstances
In any other circumstances permitted by applicable laws and regulations
The Association does not sell personal information for financial consideration.
Article 6 — Outsourcing and Use of External Services
The Association may entrust the handling of personal information to external service providers to the extent necessary to achieve the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.
Such service providers may include:
Providers involved in the operation and management of the website
Providers of reservation information management services
Providers of email, cloud storage and communications services
Providers involved in website maintenance and administration
Providers of website analytics and advertising performance measurement services
Financial institutions, money transfer services and other providers required to receive participation fees
Accounting, legal and other professional advisers
Venues, instructors and other collaborators required to conduct activities
The Association selects its service providers appropriately and, where necessary, requires them through contractual or other measures to handle personal information securely. The Association also exercises appropriate oversight of such providers.
Article 7 — Handling of Personal Information Outside Japan
Depending on the website operation services, reservation management services, cloud services, website analytics services and other external services used by the Association, personal information may be stored on servers located outside Japan or processed by service providers located outside Japan.
In such circumstances, the Association will take appropriate measures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including providing any required information, obtaining consent and implementing contractual safeguards.
Article 8 — Cookies and Website Analytics
1. Use of Cookies
This website may use cookies and similar technologies for purposes including displaying the website, retaining language settings, providing reservation functions, ensuring security and understanding how the website is used.
Some cookies are necessary for the basic operation of the website, while others may be used for website analytics or measuring advertising performance.
Users may disable cookies through their browser settings. However, disabling cookies may prevent certain parts of the website from functioning correctly.
2. Google Analytics
This website may use Google Analytics to understand how the website is used and to improve its content and usability.
Google Analytics may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information such as the pages viewed, the date and time of access, device and browser information, approximate location and other usage information.
For information on how Google handles information, please refer to Google’s privacy policy and related explanations.
3. Google Ads
The Association may use Google Ads to communicate information about its activities and to measure visits to this website, enquiries, reservations and other outcomes resulting from advertisements.
In doing so, Google or its related service providers may collect information using cookies and similar technologies.
Where the Association uses personalised advertising, remarketing or other advertising features for which the individual’s consent is required by law, the Association will provide the necessary information and obtain consent in an appropriate manner.
4. Cookie Preferences
Where a cookie consent banner or privacy settings function is displayed on this website, users may use it to select or change their preferences regarding the use of non-essential cookies.
Article 9 — Retention Period
The Association retains personal information only for the period necessary to achieve the purposes for which it was collected and for any period required by applicable laws and regulations.
The retention period is determined by taking into account the nature of the information, the purpose for which it is used, the status of reservations and participation, the need to respond to accidents or disputes and any applicable legal obligations.
Health information and other information collected for safety-related purposes will be securely deleted or anonymised once the relevant activity, safety checks, accident response and other necessary procedures have been completed, unless there is a legitimate need to retain it for a longer period.
Article 10 — Security Measures
The Association takes necessary and appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorised access to, disclosure, loss, destruction, damage, alteration or misuse of personal information.
These security measures include:
Restricting access to personal information
Properly managing passwords and other authentication credentials
Ensuring the security of communications and systems
Appropriately selecting and overseeing service providers
Properly deleting or disposing of information that is no longer required
Establishing procedures for responding to data breaches and similar incidents
Article 11 — Requests for Disclosure, Correction, Deletion and Other Action
In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, individuals may make the following requests concerning their personal information held by the Association:
Notification of the purposes for which the information is used
Disclosure of personal information or records concerning its provision to third parties
Correction, addition or deletion of information
Suspension of use or erasure
Suspension of provision to third parties
Withdrawal of consent
Any other request permitted under applicable laws and regulations
To make a request, please contact the enquiry point stated at the end of this Privacy Policy.
After verifying the identity of the person making the request, the Association will respond within a reasonable period and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Where the Association is unable to comply with a request under applicable laws and regulations, it will explain the reason.
Article 12 — Personal Information Relating to Minors
Where a minor uses an activity or service provided by the Association and provides personal information, the consent of a parent, guardian or other legal representative should be obtained where necessary.
Depending on the nature of the activity, the participant’s age and the nature of the information collected, the Association may require the consent or attendance of a parent or guardian.
Article 13 — Links to External Websites
This website may contain links to websites operated by third parties.
The Association is not responsible for the handling of personal information on third-party websites.
Please review the privacy policies and terms of use of the relevant linked websites.
Article 14 — Changes to This Privacy Policy
The Association may amend this Privacy Policy as necessary in response to changes in applicable laws and regulations, changes to its activities or services, or other circumstances.
Where a material change is made, the Association will provide notice through this website or by another appropriate method.
The amended Privacy Policy will take effect on the date it is published on this website or on any other date separately specified.
Article 15 — Contact
For enquiries concerning the handling of personal information, this Privacy Policy, requests for disclosure or other privacy-related matters, please contact us through the enquiry form on this website.
General Incorporated Association kototama
Representative Director: Haruka Shimura
Address:
Arai Daini Building 802
1-28-22 Atago, Ageo-shi
Saitama 362-0034
Japan
Contact method: Enquiry form on this website
Established: 5 August 2026
Last revised: 5 August 2026
Your Experience
Visitor Information
Included During the Experience
- English-language guidance throughout the experience, informed by knowledge of Japanese cultural history, neuroscience and human movement.
- A clear instructional video, accompanied by step-by-step printed guides in English and Traditional Chinese.
- High-speed Wi-Fi is available at the venue.
Clean and well-maintained toilet facilities are available at the venue.
- Drinking water is provided at no additional charge.
Space is available for coats, bags and personal belongings.
- A calm and welcoming environment for small groups, allowing time for attentive guidance and a relaxed, unhurried experience.
- On clear days, views of Mt Fuji may be enjoyed from the venue.
What You Will Create and Take Home
Bengala Earth-Pigment Dyeing
Create two Japanese-made linen or cotton cloths, each measuring 16 × 16 inches (approximately 40.6 × 40.6 cm), hand-dyed using natural Bengala earth pigments.
Blend the pigments freely to create your own colours and gentle, flowing gradations.
Japanese Sewing
Sew two Japanese-style sachets using a selection of Japanese-patterned fabrics.
You may choose different fabrics for the front and back of each sachet, creating two individually designed pieces.
Incense Making
Create two original fragrances by blending ingredients selected from approximately fifteen natural aromatic materials, using methods informed by traditional Japanese incense-making practices.
Each fragrance will be placed inside one of the sachets you have sewn, creating two scented keepsakes to take home.
An Additional Gift Prepared by Our Incense-Making Instructor
15 Incense Cones in Your Preferred Combination
Select a total of fifteen incense cones in any combination from three fragrances prepared in advance by our incense-making instructor.
Venue | 6-Minute Walk from Kawaguchiko Station
The venue is a 6-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.
For the privacy and security of the venue, the full address will be provided once your booking has been confirmed.
Experience Highlights
Good to Know
- All tools and materials required for the workshop are provided and are included in the participation fee.
- The workshop is held in a small-group setting, allowing time for attentive guidance throughout the experience.
- Guidance and explanations are provided entirely in English.
- The workshop is held indoors and can therefore usually proceed comfortably in most weather conditions.
- The experience is suitable for complete beginners, and no previous experience is required.
- All items made during the workshop may be taken home on the day.
- The naturally dyed cloths may still be drying at the end of the workshop. Simple instructions will be provided on how to transport them safely and care for them at home.
- Wi-Fi and refreshments are available at the venue at no additional charge.
- Clean and well-maintained toilet facilities are also available.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing suitable for practical craft activities.
- Clothing and footwear that you do not mind being stained during the Bengala earth-pigment dyeing experience.
- A smartphone or camera, should you wish to photograph your creations or the workshop. When taking photographs, please respect the privacy and preferences of other participants.
- Reading glasses, if required for detailed handcraft work.
Accessibility & Visitor Information
- Age Requirements
There is no fixed minimum age for this experience. However, participants must be able to follow the instructor’s safety guidance and take part in the activities safely.
Children must be accompanied and closely supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the experience.
Young children who are not taking part may accompany a participating parent or guardian only by prior arrangement and must remain under the adult’s close supervision at all times.
As space at the venue is limited, we kindly ask that adults who are not participating do not accompany participants unless this has been agreed with us in advance.
- Pets and Assistance Dogs
Pets are not permitted at the venue.
Guide dogs, mobility assistance dogs and hearing dogs recognised under applicable requirements are welcome.
If you plan to attend with an assistance dog, you are welcome to contact us in advance through the contact form so that we can discuss any arrangements that may help make your visit as comfortable as possible.
- Accessibility
If you have any accessibility requirements or require additional assistance, please contact us before making your reservation. We will be pleased to discuss your individual requirements and consider reasonable adjustments wherever practicable.
The workshop takes place on the ground floor. Please contact us in advance if you require step-free access, mobility assistance, seating arrangements, communication support or any other accommodation, as the suitability of the venue and the available arrangements will depend on your individual requirements.
The activities involve detailed handcraft work and the use of sewing needles, Bengala earth pigments and aromatic ingredients. For this reason, some adjustments may not be possible, or an alternative method of participation may need to be considered.
We encourage you to contact us in advance so that we can explain the activities, discuss any safety considerations and consider appropriate arrangements wherever reasonably practicable.
The Story Behind the Three Crafts
# Natural Earth Dyeing
Bengala is regarded as one of humanity's oldest natural pigments. In Japan, it has been used since the Jōmon period (c. 13,000 BC–300 BC), appearing on earthenware vessels as well as the walls of ancient burial mounds. Its rich red hue is believed to have been cherished by ancient people as a symbol of vitality and as a colour that offered protection against misfortune.
Mt Fuji, too, has never been regarded simply as a beautiful mountain. For the Japanese people, it has long embodied both the overwhelming force of volcanic eruptions and the abundant blessings of pure spring water and fertile land. Revered as a sacred mountain, it has been a place of prayer and pilgrimage for more than a thousand years, visited by shugendō practitioners—ascetic mountain devotees who sought spiritual discipline through nature—as well as countless pilgrims and ordinary people.
The earth and water bestowed by Mt Fuji come together in your hands as they are transformed into a single piece of cloth. In this quiet process, your own experience resonates with the centuries of prayer and devotion that have shaped the relationship between the mountain and those who have lived in its presence.
The subtle variations in colour, the gentle gradations and the unique patterns that emerge are the natural expression of your dialogue with the materials. Rather than striving for perfect uniformity, allow yourself to release unnecessary tension. Bring your awareness to your body—from the soles of your feet to your back and fingertips—and notice where you may be holding excess force.
For generations, Japanese craftspeople have refined not only technical skill, but also a way of using the body that never imposes itself upon nature. This first experience offers an introduction to that philosophy—a gateway to understanding Japanese culture not simply through knowledge, but through the wisdom of your own hands and body.
This first experience serves as the gateway to the two crafts that follow, inviting you to discover Japanese culture through your own body rather than through knowledge alone.
# Hand Sewing a Japanese Pouch
The wisdom of using a single piece of cloth with as little waste as possible grew from a distinctly Japanese belief: that the gifts of nature should be cherished and used to their fullest potential. Wasai—the traditional craft of tailoring Japanese garments—embodies this philosophy. Rather than cutting away more fabric than necessary, garments are constructed so that they can, if carefully unpicked, be returned to a single piece of cloth. Within this remarkable structure lives a deep respect for natural materials and a desire to honour every gift received from nature until the very end of its life.
In this experience, you will choose two different Japanese fabrics for the front and back of each scented sachet, creating two pieces that are uniquely your own. You are, of course, free to select the same fabric throughout. Yet by deliberately combining contrasting patterns, each sachet acquires a character that can never be repeated—a truly one-of-a-kind creation.
The pace at which you guide the needle and the gentle tension with which you draw the thread are unique to you. These subtle differences give rise to expressions that no machine could ever reproduce. Such individuality quietly reflects the Japanese appreciation of ichigo ichie—literally, "one time, one meeting"—the understanding that every encounter and every moment is unrepeatable, and therefore worthy of being treasured.
The sachets you sew will become the vessels that receive the natural materials encountered throughout the earlier experiences, before finally embracing the fragrance you create yourself. The quiet act of stitching them by hand brings these gifts of nature together into a single form, revealing the very essence of Japanese craftsmanship—where respect for materials, thoughtful hands and everyday beauty exist in perfect harmony.
# Blending Natural Incense Ingredients for Your Scent Sachet
For centuries, Shinto and Buddhism have coexisted in Japan, shaping one another and giving rise to a distinctive cultural tradition. The culture of fragrance likewise flourished within this rich spiritual landscape. Rooted in the incense culture introduced alongside Buddhism, the enjoyment of fragrance gradually extended beyond temples into the imperial court, the samurai class, and eventually the everyday lives of ordinary people. The nioibukuro—a traditional Japanese scented sachet filled with natural aromatic ingredients and carried discreetly inside clothing or among personal belongings—has been treasured ever since as one of Japan's most elegant cultural traditions.
In this experience, you will blend two original fragrances from approximately fifteen varieties of natural aromatic ingredients. Even when the same materials are selected, the fragrance changes remarkably with the slightest variation in proportion or balance, resulting in a composition that is entirely your own.
Underlying this tradition is the Japanese belief in Yaoyorozu no Kami—literally, "Eight Million Deities"—a poetic expression of the idea that countless sacred presences dwell throughout the natural world, in mountains, rivers, trees, grasses, stones and every aspect of creation. For this reason, fragrant woods, herbs and flowers have never been regarded merely as raw materials, but as precious gifts received from nature, deserving of gratitude and respect.
The fragrances you create are finally placed inside the scented sachets you have sewn by hand. In this concluding moment, the sensitivity you have cultivated through each of the three crafts, together with the Japanese understanding of living in harmony with nature—receiving its gifts with gratitude, using them with care, and ultimately returning them to the natural world when their purpose has been fulfilled—quietly comes together in a single work.
Although each of these three crafts employs different materials and techniques, they are united by a shared philosophy that runs through the heart of Japanese culture: not to dominate nature, but to receive its gifts with humility, to listen attentively to each material, and to create by working in harmony with it.
More than learning traditional techniques, this experience invites you to encounter the Japanese sensibility that has long found expression in everyday life: a way of living that honours nature and holds deep respect for both the Shinto kami (sacred presences) and the Buddhas. This is the deeper meaning that unites all three experiences into a single journey.
When your experience comes to an end, it is not only the works you have created that will remain with you. The Japanese way of seeing the world—shaped through generations of living alongside nature and entering into dialogue with its materials—will, we hope, stay quietly in your heart. Accompanied by the timeless presence of Mt Fuji before you, it will remain quietly within you as one of the most treasured memories of your time in Japan