Nagoya, Japan’s center of industry, is not just a hub of modern innovation but also home to many traditional crafts and artforms. Whether you're a traveler who loves to create, learn from artisans, or simply enjoy a more hands-on connection to culture, Nagoya and its surrounding areas offer countless ways to experience Japanese craftsmanship firsthand.
We have created a list of some of the best crafting activities you can experience in Nagoya and its surroundings, each offering a unique window into the country’s artistic traditions.
1. Painting a Lucky Cat - Tokoname
Ideal for: Families, pottery fans, cultural souvenir seekers
Tokoname, just south of Nagoya, is one of Japan’s six ancient kiln towns and the main producer of the iconic maneki-neko (“lucky cat”). Here, you can paint your very own ceramic lucky cat, using high-quality Tokoname ware.
Tokoname ware is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, and the town has been producing these beloved figurines for centuries. On the Tokoname Pottery Path you can visit many independent potters, tour ancient kilns, and learn to paint your very own lucky cat.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Crafting Traditions in Tokoname and Arimatsu offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and local charm, as you are led by an experienced, English speaking guide through two towns famous for their artistic traditions.
2. Tour a Sewing Machine Museum - Nagoya
Ideal for: History buffs, tech enthusiasts, makers
The Brother Museum in central Nagoya offers a fascinating look at the company’s long history and the evolution of sewing technology.
Here, you’ll find exhibits showcasing the evolution of Brother’s machines, starting from the early days of hand-powered models to the sleek, computerized machines of today. The museum also features interactive displays where visitors can learn how sewing technology revolutionized fashion, home textiles, and industrial production in Japan.
A tour of the Brother museum is best coupled with a museum visit to another internationally known company from Nagoya with a background in textiles—The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
Recommended Tour: From automobiles to AI, and from Edo-era lodgings to glass skyscrapers, Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour: Nagoya’s Industrial Legacy and Toyota's Innovation will lead you on a journey through Japan’s center of commerce and provide you with a glimpse into Nagoya’s industrial past and its dreams for a technological future as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking local guide.
3. Learn Traditional Indigo Dyeing - Arimatsu
Ideal for: Textile lovers, traditional art fans, design enthusiasts
Located in the suburbs of Nagoya, Arimatsu has been a center for shibori, or indigo dyeing, since the Edo period. The town is known for its stunning arimatsu shibori, a type of tie-dye technique that has been passed down through generations.
The town retains much of its old-world charm, with traditional merchant houses and textile shops lining its main street. In Arimatsu, you can try your hand at the dyeing process, working with skilled artisans, you’ll learn how to fold, bind, and dye fabric to create your own piece of wearable or displayable art.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Crafting Traditions in Tokoname and Arimatsu offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and local charm, as you are led by an experienced, English speaking guide through two towns famous for their artistic traditions.
4. Create Realistic Food Replicas - Gujo
Ideal for: Families, novelty seekers, quirky collectors
Japan is famous for its incredible food culture, and anyone that has traveled to Japan before has surely spent time gazing at all the sampuru—realistic plastic food replicas that are used in restaurant windows to entice customers—when trying to decide where to eat.
Gujo, nestled in the mountains outside of Nagoya, is the birthplace of these highly realistic food replicas. This quirky craft has become an art form in its own right. And in workshops in Gujo, you can learn to create your very own food replica. From sushi and tempura to ramen and desserts, the process involves using wax and plastic to mold and paint food that looks incredibly realistic. This is an excellent activity for families with kids and for those who want to embrace a niche part of Japanese culture while engaging in a truly creative experience.
The best part of creating a sampuru replica is not just the joy of creating, but the ability to take home a truly unique souvenir.
Recommended Tour: Embark on a family-friendly journey on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds to Gujo Hachiman, a small-yet-picturesque mountain village nicknamed "Little Kyoto" where Japan’s exceptional craftsmanship and timeless traditions come alive.
5. Braid a Traditional Kumihimo Cord - Iga
Ideal for: Traditional craft lovers, design-focused travelers, history enthusiasts
Kumihimo is the traditional Japanese art of braiding cords, and Iga, a great day-trip destination from Nagoya, is home to one of the most celebrated kumihimo centers in Japan. Originally used in the making of samurai armor and decorations, kumihimo is a craft that has been practiced for centuries.
At one of Iga’s kumihimo workshops, you’ll be taught how to braid intricate cords, using a variety of colorful threads to create patterns that reflect the beauty of Japanese design. Historically, the cords have been used for a range of purposes, from adorning armor to creating ceremonial objects, and today they are used in jewelry, fashion accessories, and home décor.
The best part about kumihimo is the connection to the past. As you braid your cord, you’ll understand why this craft was so integral to samurai culture.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road not only gives insight into the daily lives of ninja but also takes you along the most important route of Edo-era Japan, the Tokaido road, as you are led by an experienced English-speaking guide on a full-day tour from Nagoya.
6. Make a Woodblock Painting (Ukiyoe) - Kiso Valley
Ideal for: Art lovers, Edo-period enthusiasts, cultural travelers
Ukiyoe, or “pictures of the floating world,” is one of Japan’s most beloved traditional art forms, famous for its vivid depictions of landscapes, kabuki actors, and beautiful women from the Edo period. In the Kiso Valley, home to the historic Nakasendo Trail, is home to a museum dedicated to sharing the technique of woodblock printing that has been perfected over centuries.
There you’ll not only discover the history and significance of ukiyoe and its tie to the samurai road, but also get to create your own ukiyoe masterpiece.
7. Tour an Art Island - Sakushima
Ideal for: Contemporary art fans, cyclists, summer travelers
For those who are looking to explore art in a more contemporary and natural setting, a trip to Sakushima Island is a must. Located a short ferry ride from Nagoya, Sakushima is one of Japan’s emerging “art islands.” The island is home to numerous art installations that blend the beauty of nature with modern art—featuring a mix of open-air sculptures, modern installations, and beautiful ocean views.
Rent a bicycle and spend the day visiting quirky art pieces, relaxing in coastal cafes, and snapping photos of works that playfully interact with the natural surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are craft workshops in Japan suitable for children or families?
Many workshops in Japan are suitable for kids. Activities like painting lucky cats, food replica making, and indigo dyeing are very family-friendly. Most workshops also offer beginner-level options.
How much time do I need for each experience?
Most workshops last between 1–3 hours, depending on the craft. Full-day trips are recommended for destinations like Gujo, Iga, and the Kiso Valley.
Do I need to reserve in advance for craft workshops in Japan?
Yes, advance reservations are strongly recommended—especially during weekends, public holidays, or peak travel seasons. A guided tour is the best way to participate in the workshop as your guide will assist with translation and arrange all the transportation and reservations for you.
Can I keep what I make at craft workshops in Japan?
Absolutely! Most experiences allow you to take your creation home as a unique souvenir of your trip to Japan. However, many pottery experiences and workshops which require things to be glazed unfortunately do not ship products overseas. Should you wish to participate in a pottery workshop in Japan, please contact Snow Monkey Resorts and we can arrange a custom tour for you.
How can I join a crafting experience in Nagoya?
Snow Monkey Resorts offers guided tours and workshops in Tokoname, Arimatsu, Gujo, and other popular crafting destinations. If you’re interested in a location not featured in a current tour, we can arrange custom tour or charter.
PRIVATE CHARTERS
If you are looking for transportation to/from major destinations in Central Japan, our company is happy to help! Our buses and vehicles are suitable for single travelers, couples, families and groups of up to 45 people. Click the button below to browse some of our popular charters and to inquire directly.
PRIVATE TOURS
In addition to providing transportation, we can also accommodate your tour needs by providing guides with the itinerary of your choice. If there are tours that you want us to conduct or if you want to adjust our current tours to your needs, feel free to contact us. There are a number of private tours already on our website that allow you to enjoy our tours without the stress of having to worry about other guests, so check those out, too. Click on the button below to make an inquiry.
Additional Tips for Crafting in Japan
- Book early or with a Guided Tour: Some workshops fill up fast, especially in popular towns like Arimatsu or Gujo.
- Dress for mess: Indigo dye and pottery materials can stain—bring an apron or wear older clothes.
- Bring cash: Smaller workshops may not accept cards.
- Travel light: Some crafts may be fragile; consider extra padding if you're flying home soon.
- Learn a little Japanese: Even a few basic words can go a long way in local workshops.
Nagoya and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of traditional and contemporary crafts that can provide travelers with a deeper understanding of Japanese traditions while creating meaningful souvenirs that can serve as reminders of your journey. So, whether you’re painting a lucky cat, creating an indigo masterpiece, or braiding a traditional braided cord, these crafting experiences are an unforgettable way to connect with the heart of Japan.
