Hands-on workshops in Shizuoka where you can learn from Shizuoka craftsmen & women skills that have been handed down over generations.
LEARN FROM SOME OF THE BEST IN SHIZUOKA
Many times the best way to experience something while you are traveling is to get hands on and try it yourself.
There are numerous Shizuoka workshops you can do and learn from craftsmen many of whom have had the skills they learned passed down over generations.
Table of Contents
1. SUSHI MAKING IN SHIMIZU – Shizuoka Station
There is perhaps nothing more iconically Japanese than sushi.
Anyone that has tried to make this Japanese dish will be aware that it is not as easy as the sushi chef behind the counter makes it look.
At the S-Pulse Dream Plaza in Shimizu Port just outside of Shizuoka City a sushi master will give you step by step instructions on how to make the best sushi from fresh seafood bought at the nearby fish markets.
Additionally, it also has one of Japan’s most extensive sushi museums – try this Sushi restaurant experience at Meal disposal large fishing market on the second floor.
2. INDIGO DYEING IN GOTEMBA – Mishima Station
Japanese Aizome (indigo dyeing) has a history that dates back possibly as much as 1400 years in Japan.
The distinctive deep blue dye color common in many Japanese fabrics (and the inspiration for many of the Japanese sports team jerseys and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic logo) is derived from the Indigo Plant which is called “Ai” in Japanese.
It is said that the dye was popular in ancient time as the indigo also acted as a natural insect repellant.
There are a number of different Aizome dyeing techniques such as ‘Danzome’, which produces a striped pattern, ‘Shiborizome”, which is the popular tie-dying technique or ‘Bassen’ which uses stencils to create elaborate designs.
There are 48 different shades of blue.
If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating Japanese craft you can experience creating you own indigo fabrics in Gotemba and is a great side trip from a Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall shopping trip.
3. SOBA MAKING IN FUJINOMIYA – Shin-Fuji Station
Anyone that has been to Japan will know that once you venture out into the countryside soba noodle restaurants are ubiquitous.
Soba noodles made with buckwheat are served hot or cold and have a wide range of health benefits including improved heart health and blood sugar.
If you venture into the Fujinomiya countryside you can experience making soba noodles from buckwheat that has been grown locally using fresh Mt Fuji spring water.
4. SOY SAUCE MAKING IN HAMAMATSU – Hamamatsu Station
Meijiya Shoyu was established back in 1875 to make soy sauce for the local Hamamatsu market and beyond.
The factory has been handed down over ５ generations and is still operating today using many of the same techniques as they did nearly 150 years ago.
A tour of the factory is fascinating and gives visitors a rare glimpse into the craft of creating soy sauce.
Special workshops are available giving visitors an opportunity to press there own soy and take home the sauce that they have made.
5. CHUSEN DYEING IN HAMAMATSU – Hamamatsu Station
‘Chusen Some’ is a traditional dyeing of ‘Yukata’ (traditional Japanese summer kimono style wear) which has been passed down since the mid-18th Century.
At Nihashi Somekoujyo, which is located in central Hamamatsu city, visitors can observe the authentic dyeing craftsmanship and a hands-on experience dyeing your own special ‘Tenugui’ (Hand Towel) at the factory.
