Craft an Artisanal Bamboo Straw at a Hot Spring Destination

Support sustainable tourism and reduce plastic waste, and meet a traditional lacquerware craftsman

Japanese lacquerware has enthralled the world since antiquity, favored by even European royalty. Called urushi, this artisanal technique is used in various products, from bento lunch boxes to Buddhist altars. Visit the picturesque countryside brimming with hot springs right outside Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture and express your creative side as you meet a lacquerware artisan and craft your own eco-friendly bamboo straw.

With his studio in a renovated house built in the late Edo period (1603-1867), the expert craftsman teaches visitors about the history and culture of lacquerware techniques in the crafting sessions. You will make your own straw from bamboo, an amazingly sustainable natural resource, and even get to spruce it up with some gorgeous urushi. Additionally, enjoy a feast made with locally sourced ingredients and served in lacquerware dishes, with vegetarian meals available upon request.

Complete your visit by staying in one of the many hot spring inns nearby. Take in the scenery while soaking in the warm, healing waters, dine on even more fantastic local dishes, and refresh your mind and body. 

This tour will help preserve the traditions and crafts of the Tohoku region of Japan.

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Furukawa Station (about two hours 16 minutes), then transfer to the Rikuuto Line local train to Nakayamadaira Onsen Station (about one hour nine minutes).

Earth-friendly art: Bamboo straw workshop (In-outbound Sendai Matsushima Inc.)