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Views from Japan: A Meaningful Travel Guide

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A Private Invitation to Nara’s Longstanding Tea Whisk Craft

Crafts
Travel

Ever since we first started to explore deeper into Japan, we have searched high and low for traditional craft workshops. Often hard to access, we would gain access to these hidden workshops through local connections, personal introductions and a lot of discovery in the process.

At Views from Japan, we want to offer you the chance to experience these workshops firsthand, including the unique work of the Tanimura family in the sleepy town of Ikoma, Nara.

Experience Chasen Making Firsthand

The Tanimura family has upheld the art of ‘chasen’ (tea whisk) making for over 500 years. Tango Tanimura is the 20th-generation head of the family and one of the last remaining artisans of this traditional bamboo craft. At his historic workshop in Ikoma, you can now witness this living tradition firsthand.

Observe the intricate process as Tanimura-san crafts whisks for Japan’s top tea schools, and try your hand at the ‘itokake’ threading process yourself. This experience includes a tea ceremony and informal talk in the family’s tea room, accompanied by sweets from a local wagashi shop.

Book Now As Part of a Bespoke Journey

This intimate, hands-on session can be booked via the Views from Japan Journeys, and is a rare chance to connect with a master and bring home a piece of Japanese craft heritage.

For direct bookings, please visit the Wabunka website to arrange your visit. Limited spaces only, book now to secure your space!

Created in partnership with Wabunka Japan.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing via these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only promote hotels and experiences that we personally trust. Thank you.

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Views from Japan is entering a new chapter, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! What began as a personal blog to showcase my adventures across Japan, followed by a published travel guidebook, has grown into a fully-fledged and certified travel company, with a brand new digital home, and a continued mission to help you experience Japan in deeper, more meaningful ways.Views from Japan is entering a new chapter, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! What began as a personal blog to showcase my adventures across Japan, followed by a published travel guidebook, has grown into a fully-fledged and certified travel company, with a brand new digital home, and a continued mission to help you experience Japan in deeper, more meaningful ways.
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Welcome to Views from Japan

Views from Japan is entering a new chapter, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! What began as a personal blog to showcase my adventures a

In recent years, Kyoto has seen an unprecedented surge in tourism. With over 34 million visitors entering Japan throughout 2024, many flock to the famed city of temples, gardens, and ancient streets. In recent years, Kyoto has seen an unprecedented surge in tourism. With over 34 million visitors entering Japan throughout 2024, many flock to the famed city of temples, gardens, and ancient streets.
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Like Kyoto? Then You’ll Love These 7 Destinations

In recent years, Kyoto has seen an unprecedented surge in tourism. With over 34 million visitors entering Japan throughout 2024, many flock to the fam

Planning a two-week journey through Japan’s art scene can feel overwhelming, with countless galleries and destinations competing for your attention, here’s the ultimate itinerary. Planning a two-week journey through Japan’s art scene can feel overwhelming, with countless galleries and destinations competing for your attention, here’s the ultimate itinerary.
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The Ultimate 14 Day Japan Itinerary for Art Lovers

Planning a two-week journey through Japan’s art scene can feel overwhelming, with countless galleries and destinations competing for your attention, h

A world class museum doubles up as a hotel, cutting edge modern art flows along the coastline, and disused buildings are transformed into pop-up galleries.A world class museum doubles up as a hotel, cutting edge modern art flows along the coastline, and disused buildings are transformed into pop-up galleries.
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Naoshima Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know for a Trip to Japan’s Art Islands

A world class museum doubles up as a hotel, cutting edge modern art flows along the coastline, and disused buildings are transformed into pop-up galle

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Mount Fuji in Japan glowing in the sunset light, viewed across forested hills and a quiet valley below.
Mount Fuji in Japan glowing in the sunset light, viewed across forested hills and a quiet valley below.
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