Earth-friendly art: Bamboo straw workshop (+lodging)

MORNING PROGRAM:

Traditional craft with an earth-conscious focus! 

On this tour you will have the chance to meet and talk directly with a local lacquer-ware artisan in Northern Miyagi Prefecture. 

After being invited into his workshop space, learn more about the history, tradition and techniques of his craft before trying your own hand at decorating a beautiful lacquered bamboo straw. 

With each use of this straw, not only will you reduce your use of plastic disposables, but you will recall a fond memory of your journey to the Japanese countryside!

Included in the experience is a delicious lunch of local Japanese cuisine (vegetarian options available), also served in traditional lacquer-ware bowls and dishes. 

Support the local traditions and crafts of Tohoku whilst minimising your ecological footprint. 

EVENING PROGRAM:

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Naruko Onsen village, before checking in to your lodging for the evening – Onuma Ryokan. 

Naruko Onsen is a quaint hot spring village with a history of over 1200 years and known for the healing properties of the mineral waters that flow from some 400 different sources! 

After settling in to your Japanese-style room, recharge your body and mind as you take a relaxing soak in the eight different baths on offer (six available for private use). 

In the evening, enjoy a local dinner with a twist! Onuma Ryokan is famous for its original 農ドブル （Nors-d’œuvre） menu. ‘Nors-d’œuvre’ is a play-on-words, with ‘Nors’ referencing the Japanese word for agriculture, or farming (農・ のう）.

Guests will dine on a delicious menu of dishes made exclusively from locally sourced ingredients. 

OUTLINE

MEETING PLACE

TOUR COURSE

10:30

Meet your guide at Nakayamadaira-onsen Station and be taken to the nearby lacquer-ware workshop.

**If coming from Sendai by train, the below timetable is most convenient: 

JR Tohoku Line: Sendai Station (08:01) → Kogata Station (08:47) 

JR Rikuu-East Line: Kogata Station (09:07) → Nakayamadaira-onsen Station (10:14)

11:00

Begin a lacquerware workshop with the local artisan.

Learn about the techniques and traditions of the craft before you have the chance to decorate your own lacquered bamboo straw with your favourite design. 

12:30

After all that creativity, you’ll be in need of a feed! 

Sit down to a delicious lunch of local Japanese cuisine, served in beautiful lacquer-ware bowls and dishes. 

*Vegetarian menu is available upon request!

13:30

Enjoy some time to explore the gallery of other beautiful lacquer-ware pieces on display. 

14:15

Drive to the quaint hot-spring village of Naruko Onsen and take a walk around the town area. 

Check-in to your lodging at Onuma Ryokan.

Stay overnight in a beautiful traditional Japanese room.

With eight different baths to choose from, you’d better start your hot-spring marathon before dinner to fit them all in!!

Dinner

Indulge in a feast of tasty dishes made exclusively from locally sourced ingredients! 

Wash it all down with a glass or two of local sake and head to baths for another soak before bed! 

10:30

Enjoy another delicious and healthy meal for breakfast and check out of your room by 10:30. 

The rest of the day is yours to explore in the Naruko area or head on to your next destination!