Meet with a local artisan for a firsthand experience of an ancient local craft
One of Akita prefecture's most treasured local handicrafts is 'Magewappa' – crafting beautiful boxes and objects from thin pieces of cedar wood, carefully bent using steaming techniques. The craft itself boasts over 1300 years of history and was developed and perfected by samurai warriors. It is usually made using local 'Akita Cedar' (one of Japan’s highest quality cedars) for its even wood grain, lightness, elastic properties and pleasant fragrance.
Experience making your own unique piece of Magewappa craft under the guidance of a local artisan in Odate City (home of the Akita-inu dogs!). Learn about the ancient techniques that are still used to create beautiful 'Magewappa' pieces today.
AVAILABLE COURSES (approx. two hours, reservation required):
- Bread plate (18 cm)
- Tray (21 cm)
- Round 'obento-bako' lunch box (16 cm)
Operating hours: 10:00am – 16:00pm
Tour time: approx. 2 hours
ACCESS:
Around a 5 min drive from JR Odate Station or 40 min drive from Odate-Noshiro Airport.
Address: 〒017-0012 15-29 Shakani, Odate-shi, Akita
AKITA DOGS
Odate City is the home of the ever popular and irresistably adorable Akita dogs! Call into 'Akita-inuno-sato', just in front of JR Odate Station to find some furry friends to play with and plenty of Akita-inu merchandise!
Hours: 09:00～17:00 (closed over New Year period)
MAGEWAPPA HINAI CHICKEN
Akita is also well known for its tasty local 'Hinai' chicken. At 'Akita Hinai-ya' in Odate City, visitors can enjoy a tasty lunch set of 'Oyako-don' (chicken and egg on rice) made with Hinai chicken and served in Magewappa dishes.
