[Group plan] Asakusa Paulownia Craftsmanship Tour: Create Your Own Unique Kiri Wood Inlay Box

【STORY】

Did you know there is a long-established kiri (paulownia) craft store in Asakusa, known as the "town of craftsmanship," with a history of over 100 years? 

Kiri craftsmanship produces a variety of items, including kiri boxes for storing art pieces, kiri chests of drawers for clothing, as well as geta (wooden sandals) and cutting boards. 

The material, kiri, is light, fire-resistant, and has moisture control and insect repellent effects. Because of these properties, it has been highly valued in Japan, where there were frequent fires in the past due to drastic seasonal changes. 

In Japanese culture, kimonos are stored in kiri chests, while antiques and valuables are kept in kiri boxes. This tradition of carefully storing precious items in kiri boxes is still ingrained in Japanese culture today. Even now, gifts to loved ones are often presented in kiri boxes. 

The longstanding kiri craft store, Hakocho, utilizes a unique technique called kiri wood inlay craftsmanship in which scraps of kimono fabric are incorporated into the box or chest. By applying silk kimono fabric backed with Japanese paper, the result is an even more beautiful and elegant kiri box.

During this experience, you have the opportunity to learn the art of kiri wood inlay craftsmanship directly from the artisans at Hakocho, allowing you to create your very own special box. Indulge in an experience that is unique to this location in Japan.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Experience a one-of-a-kind kiri wood inlay at a renowned Paulownia craftsmanship store in Asakusa, exclusive to Japan!
  
• Conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station, offering easy access for a delightful Tokyo sightseeing and crafting experience.
  
• Choose your favorite fabric, and engage in coloring and wood inlay activities on a kiri box of your own selection.
  
• Craft your own unique kiri box – a one-of-a-kind creation that exists nowhere else in the world.
  
• Take your completed masterpiece home as a souvenir, directly from this memorable experience.

【SCHEDULE】

You can choose the start time for this plan. Please choose your preferred start time when you make your reservation.
(The following is an example of the schedule)

[08:50]Meet at Orange Street Store
※Please arrive 10 minutes before the experience 

[09:00] Color in the V-shaped groove carved with a triangular knife 

[09:10] Choose your favorite kimono fabric 

[09:20] Select your desired pattern location and secure the template with tape 

[09:30] Cut along the template with scissors 

[09:40] Use a wood inlay-specific spatula to perform wood inlay 

[10:30] Once the wood inlay is beautifully done, your craft is complete. 

            (You can take your finished piece home as a souvenir)

【EXPERIENCE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION】

◆About Hakocho: 

Hakocho is a renowned kiri craftsmanship store in Tokyo's Asakusa, with a history spanning over 200 years. Pioneering the unique technique of kiri wood inlay craftsmanship, the establishment continues to uphold and pass down its traditional expertise. Recently, they have expanded their repertoire to include distinctive products such as battledore, umbilical cord containers, and wine racks. 

◆About the Kiri Wood Inlay Craft Experience: 

Using carving knives, participants carve patterns onto wooden boxes and adorn them with motifs considered auspicious in Japan, such as bells and gourds, using antique kimono fabric known as Kodai-fu (ancient cloth).
*Note: Pre-carved patterns will be provided on the material. You can choose your preferred fabric and experience coloring and wood inlay.*
*The patterns shown in the photos are for illustration purposes and may differ from the actual experience.*

【Other things to note】

• Duration：90 minutes
• Meeting point：Hakocho Orange Street Store　[MAP]
  1-4-5, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032
  
• Access：
  ・3 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
  ・4 minutes on foot from Exit A4 of Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line.
  ・5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line.
  ・5 minutes on foot from Exit A1 of Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express.      
  
• Language Support：Japanese
  
• Included：
  ・Experience fee
  ・Materials such as fabric, box, scissors, and other tools
  ・Your kiri box
  
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation costs to the experience location
  ・Additional purchase expenses
  (You can also buy items from the store. The crafted piece can be taken home for free.)
  
• Items to bring ：None
  *Please bring your own scissors if you are accustomed to using them.
• Clothes：Please come in casual attire
  
• Participation requirements：Because of the handling of blades, the minimum age for hands-on experience is 6 years old.
  
• Free wi-fi：No
  
• Toilet：Yes（Western-style）
• other things to note：
  ・This plan is subject to reservation requests.
  ・Please note that it may not be possible to accommodate based on availability and the number of participants.
  ・The minimum number of participants required is 10.
   *If you wish to book for fewer than 10 people, please inquire separately. (The rate per person will be 33,350 yen.)
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%