Duration
3 hours
Availability
March to November
Price: From ¥ 19,000
（tax included）
Story
The Oto Fire Festival is a famous traditional spectacle held every year on February 6 at the Kamikura Shrine in Shingu, Wakayama. Meet and learn from the master artisan who makes waraji (straw sandals) and aranawa (course rope) used in this festival. waraji have been the traditional footwear for commoners and far travelers for more than a thousand years. They are known for excellent grip even on wet, rocky terrain. Recently, they have also been attracting attention for giving similar health benefits as walking barefoot. Unfortunately, however, the number of craftsmen making waraji throughout Japan is falling every year. Visit a waraji workshop near the Kamikura Shrine and learn about the current situation surrounding the crafting of waraji and aranawa, and then experience part of the process of making waraji under the guidance of the craftsmen themselves.
Highlight
- Experience making waraji under the direct guidance of a craftsman.
- Activities will take place indoors, so no need to fret the weather.
- Kamikura Shrine, the setting for the Oto Fire Festival, is nearby, so guests can walk to the shrine wearing their completed waraji.
Itinerary
| 15 min | Introduction: the artisans, the history of waraji, how waraji is made |
| 2 hr. 45 min | Experience: make waraji under the guidance of a craftsman |
Information
Price Per Person
- 19,000 JPY / 1 person
Included in the fee
- Cost of materials
- Instruction
- Making one pair of straw sandals
Not included in the fee
- Transportation to and from the starting and finishing location
- Insurance (please prepare international travel insurance in your home country)
- Anything not listed as included in this program
Age / Height
- No age limit, minimum height 140cm
What to Wear and Bring
- Please wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and activities.
Additional Information
- Please wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and activities.
Interested in our tour?
No second thoughts, contact us.
We have been having many requests from agents overseas, mentioning that they are trying to expand their destinations in/to Japan or they have already but need help creating the itineraries for their clients to keep up with the demand.
Heartland Japan has increased the number of staff to accommodate these requests. If you are hand-full and need some advice, we are here to help.
For more information about this experience program, We will coordinate with local suppliers on dates, prices, and details of the program. We will coordinate with local suppliers on dates, prices, and details of the program and provide the program to you.
Please contact us for more information. We look forward to providing you with a unique and immersive experience in the region!
For this experience program, please inquire with our company each time. We will coordinate with local suppliers to arrange the schedule, fees, and detailed content for you. Please start by contacting us.
Look forward to a unique, immersive local experience!