Story Yaho, Tohoku! A Must-Visit Region for Young Creative Travellers By JNTO on 25 February 2025

Love crafting? Visit the Tohoku region, where centuries-old Japanese crafts are waiting for you to explore!

 

The Tohoku region in the northern Japan is often celebrated for its untouched natural landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, soothing hot springs, powdery winter snow, and overall serene atmosphere. But did you know that Tohoku is also a crafter’s paradise, especially for lovers of Japanese culture?  

 

Stretching across six prefectures, Tohoku offers endless opportunities to dive into Japan’s rich cultural traditions. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on creative experience or simply want to appreciate the skill behind these age-old crafts, why not add a little artistry to your journey? 

 

Recharge, reset, and rediscover your creative side by yourself, with your friends, or with your siblings with these three must-do Tohoku crafts👇🏽 

 

Tsugaru Kamegaoka Pottery

 

 

How about getting your hands a little messy in Tsugaru, a city in Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost prefecture in Tohoku? Known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, it’s a fantastic place to explore traditional craftsmanship. 

 

 

Ever dreamed of shaping clay into something uniquely yours? At Shikiroan’s Tsugaru Kamegaoka Pottery classes, you can do just that! Choose between the hand-kneading method or the potter’s wheel —either way, get ready for 1.5 hours of clay-ful fun! At the end of the session, your masterpiece will be fired in a kiln unique to the area, called Tsugaru Kamegaoka-yaki.  

 

 

Magewappa Woodcraft

 

 

A short way down from Tsugaru is Odate, a mountainous city in Akita Prefecture famous for its Magewappa woodcraft.  

 

 

Centuries ago, the city began creating oval lunch boxes made entirely from Akita Cedar wood. These beautiful long-lasting, all-natural boxes not only store your food, but the moisture-regulating function of the wood also enhances the taste of rice!  They are also said to be strong against yellow staphylococcus bacteria—what a sustainable, safe and tasty bonus!  

 

 

If you’re not one to carry lunch boxes around, no worries! At Odate Kogeisha, artisans also craft teacups and sake sets. Even better, why not roll up your sleeves and craft one yourself? Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you can experience the process first hand in a 2-hour-long session and leave with your own handmade Magewappa piece! 

I can’t think of a more eco-friendly and culturally enriching activity to enjoy with your friends, siblings, or even on your own while in Tohoku. Can you? 

 

 

Kokeshi Dolls

 

 

If pottery and Magewappa aren’t enough for you, how about exploring one of Japan’s most recognisable folk crafts—Kokeshi dolls? Zao in Miyagi Prefecture is also home to a rich tradition of Kokeshi craftsmanship, making it a great place to explore this beloved folk art. 

 

These lovingly handcrafted Kokeshi dolls are deeply rooted in Japan’s culture and are now widespread across the country. Traditionally made without arms or legs, and with painted faces, the style and design of Kokeshi dolls vary from region to region. Young travellers can make a fun activity out of collecting different variations of Kokeshi dolls from all over Japan! 

 

You might be thinking that you’re too old to be playing with dolls, but these adorable figurines are not just for kids. Kokeshi dolls are believed to bring good luck and make for stylish home décor or meaningful gifts. 

 

At the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum, you’ll be treated to a sea of 5,500 Kokeshi dolls — the largest collection of its kind in a single museum in Japan! There’s no better place to learn about the intricate craftsmanship behind Kokeshi dolls than in Tohoku. 

 

The museum offers reservation-only painting sessions for artsy and creative travellers. Don’t miss the chance to bring your own personalised Kokeshi doll to life! 

 

 

From shaping clay to crafting wooden treasures, Tohoku is bursting with opportunities to get creative. Whether you try one craft or all three, these hands-on experiences promise not only a unique souvenir but also unforgettable memories. So, which craft is calling your name?