Inkstone master craftsman experience

Highlights

• Learn about the inkstone making culture and geological history of Mt. Horaiji from one of the few remaining inkstone craftsmen in Japan
• See the inkstones of a craftsman who has his work in the Tokyo National Museum
• Experience the traditional way of doing calligraphy using high quality inkstones and solid ink
• See how inkstones have been made for centuries

About the experience

This experience is only available on a guided tour with us.

On this experience we'll see a demonstration of the inkstone craftsman working in his workshop, scraping the rock by hand as it has been done for centuries. After the demonstration he'll talk about the dramatic geological history of Mt. Horaiji that created the rocks for inkstones nearby, and why they were necessary for a temple-mountain. You can then try calligraphy the traditional way, grinding ink sticks on inkstones, getting a feel for the high quality inkstones of Mt. Horaiji.

Price

¥1,000 per person. Only run as part of a Hihumi 1.2.3. custom guided tour.

Tour timing and guest numbers

Season/Days: All year round (irregularly held depending on the craftsman's schedule). Please contact us early to let us know your preferred date.
Times: Roughly 1 hour. Start time flexible.
Max/min guests: Minimum: 1 guest, Maximum 4 guests.

Access

Meeting point (for guests using public transport): Hon-Nagashino Station (JR Iida line), Aichi Prefecture, Shinshiro City.
Example route: <2.5 hours. Nagoya → Toyohashi (Tokaido Shinkansen) → Hon-Nagashino (JR Iida Line, spelled i-i-d-a).

Cancellation policy

See our Guided tour policies and conditions page.