Aizu Urushi Lacquerware has a very long history – predating lacquerware from Wajima or Tsushima. Aizu Lacquerware was originally produced in areas of Aizu that experience very heavy annual snowfall. The industry began to boom about 400 years ago - this development was initiated by feudal lord Gamo Ujisato’s endorsement of Aizu Lacquerware. From then onwards, techniques used in the production of Aizu Lacquerware were refined and Aizu Lacquerware became very famous in Japan.
You can make your paint your own design onto Aizu Lacquerware items, or even try painting with lacquer, in Aizu region.
Makie Painting Experience Workshops
Suzuzen (Aizu-Wakamatsu City)
Suzutake (Aizu-Wakamatsu City)
Bansho (Aizu-Wakamatsu City)
Fukubun (Aizu-Wakamatsu City)
Shitsugei Tsunoda (Urabandai Area)
| Best Season | All Year |
|---|---|
| Related info | Opening hours, variety of lacquerware objects to paint, prices etc vary by workshop |
| Access | Various workshops concentrated around Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture View directions |
|---|
There are records of Shirakawa Daruma (Japanese traditional dolls) being sold as far back as the feudal reign of the Niwa Domain in 1627. Current Shirakawa Daruma are known as “Shirakawa Tsurugame Shochikubai Daruma.” The faces of these dolls are painted to incorporate various animals...
At Eirakukan, modern amenities meet traditional Japanese aesthetics. With comfortable, western-style mattresses, you can enjoy the feeling of staying in a tatami mat room with maximum comfort. Discover the charms of Japanese hospitality, Omotenashi, and experience a feast of Japanese delicacies p...
Kuimaru Elementary School is a historic Japanese school that was built during the Showa era of Japan, making it over 80 years old! In the 1980s, a modern elementary school was built nearby, leaving this old school house abandoned. Fortunately, this building was preserved and converted int...
Located in the sleepy village of Tamura-machi, and surrounded by sprawling rice fields is the Niida-Honke brewery. Since its founding in 1711, Niida Honke has seen eighteen generations of head brewers, each bringing their own personality and subtle changes to the company and its sake. The current...
Aizu Erosoku (painted candles) are sumptuous items that were long-prized among samurai families. Delicate and vivid patterns such as chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, and peonies are painted onto candles made of natural Japan wax extracted from the fruits of lacquer trees. Each candle is still pains...
Suzuzen was established in 1833 as a lacquerware wholesale shop. Not only can visitors see process of lacquerware being finished using gold and silver dusted designs called 'Makie', but visitors can also have the opportunity to design their own lacquered product using Makie design techniq...
Suzutake workshop tours began in the 1950s as a way of providing families with a chance to learn about the history and artistry of lacquerware. Even today, visitors are able to actually see artisans at work at three key stages of the Aizu lacquerware making process: 1) applying a base layer of un...
Kami-Kawasaki Washi paper has a history of over 1,000 years. It was given the name "Kami-Kawasaki Washi" because of its origin in Nihonmatsu City's Kami-Kawasaki district. Since the name of districts changes with the years, during Japan's Heian Period, it was known as "Mich...