Make an Authentic Calligraphy Brush with a Traditional Craftswoman

【OUTLINE】

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Make a Kumano brush which is used as a high quality product around the world.
• Learn directly from one of only three female traditional craftswomen in Kumano.
• Appreciate masterpieces of famous artists, drawn using Kumano brush.

【SCHEDULE】

You can choose the start time for this plan. Please choose your preferred start time when you make your reservation.

1. Watch the demonstration of a traditional craftsman
2. Brush making experience (from arranging bristles to finishing touches)
3. Receive an original brush
4. Try writing with various brushes to compare their feel
5. Look at the work of calligraphers

【DETAILS】

Experience making a calligraphy brush from Kumano, a world brand. 

Kumano's make-up brushes are used in Hollywood and in fashion shows on a global scale and have gained worldwide support. Their calligraphy brushes are also loved by many calligraphers, such as the world famous artist Shiko Munakata. In the world's "city of brushes", experience making a calligraphy brush while being directly taught by a craftswoman, of which there are only three in Kumano city. 

In this plan, you will witness the skilled techniques. While being taught by a traditional craftswoman, you will experience making a brush in 4 different steps. Your name will be carved on the brush so it will turn into your own original Kumano brush souvenir.

Additionally, you’ll experience the differences among brushes made from weasel, horse, and goat hair by actually writing with them.

In this plan, it is also possible to take a look at the work of calligraphers, such as the world famous artist Shiko Munakata. Enjoy using a Kumano brush and learning about Japanese culture. There is also a shop, so please feel free to buy calligraphy or make-up brushes as a souvenir.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting point：Houkodou 　[MAP]
  10-6-23, Dekiniwa, Kumano-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima-ken
  
• Access：
  【Bus】
  1. Take the Kure line from JR Hiroshima station and get off at JR Yano station（around 10 min.）
  2. Take the Hiroshima Electric Railway bus bound for Kumano from Yano Station and get off at the Hiroshima Electric Railway Kumano Eigyosho bus stop. (around 15. min)
  3. After getting of of the bus, it's a 1-minut walk.
  
  【Taxi】
  From JR Yano station  7 min.
  From JR Hiroshima station  40 min.
  
  【Car】
  From Hiroshima city via the Hiroshima Kumano road  30 min.
  From Kure city 30 min.
  From Higashi Hiroshima city   30 min.
  From the Shiwa Interchange of the Sanyo Express way 35 min.
  Parking space：3 large buses, 10 passenger cars
  
  
• Language support：Japanese, English (optional)
  
• Included：
  ・Calligraphy brush
  ・Experience fee
  ・Description in Japanese
• Excluded：
  ・English-speaking guide (optional)
  
• Participation requirements：Not specified. Even pre-schoolers can enjoy the experience.
  
• Free Wi-Fi：Yes
• Toilet：Yes
• Other things to note：
  ・This plan is only available in Japanese. If you would like an English-speaking guide, please select it as an option when booking.
  ・You can have your name curved on the handle of the calligraphy brush (free of charge)
  　*When you make a reservation, please fill in the name of the participant at Special requirements. (in Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, or English)
  　*The number of characters can be put on the brush up to about 20 characters.
  ・You can take the brush you make home.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
3 to On the day of the tour 100% of the tour price