Top Hiroshima Classes & Workshops

Kyudo is a Japanese martial art based on shooting an arrow from a Japanese bow to a target to reach a complete focus of mind and body. The main difference of kyudo and western archery is that, in kyudo, every movement follows a traditional routine that pays respect to the equipment and to the opponent. You will come to the archery range and dress in an authentic kyudo uniform, which will include dogi—the upper wear—and hakama—the lower wear. I'll give a brief explanation about the art of kyudo as well as instructions and demonstrations. With the knowledge you'll gain, you will learn to shoot arrows at the target. You'll also understand the fun and challenging aspect of the sport, particularly while wearing the traditional hakama and armor. Usually in kyudo, you are not allowed to pull the arrow unless you master the basics. But during our lesson, you will be able to enjoy the real kyudo experience even as a complete beginner. It will be a great time if you are looking for a nice photo or movie to show to your friends.

*PLAN NAME Experience Shodo and Kendo at Miyajima Misen Daihonzan Daisho-in (including samurai lunch)     *OUTLINE You can experience special time at Daisho-in which is the oldest temple in Miyajima in Aki Province. Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) workshop will be provided by a calligrapher, Sekidou Sakaguchi, who is also a Miyajima Tourism Ambassador.  For Kendo  (Japanese fencing,) you can experience "two-sword style” fencing, the style established by the famous Musashi Miyamoto. Shodo and Kendo are both behaviors to calm your mind and seek for truth. The spirits of practices, manners, and courtesy exist in there, and you can touch and feel Japanese old traditional cultures.

We do the activity at 300-year-old Zen temple. Kimono wearing is included in the activity that you will feel this is how it is supposed to be. Tea ceremony with kimono outfit will make you emerge into authentic Japanese traditional culture and it will stay in your memory for long time.

It will be a massage experience. In Japan, there is a traditional technique called “Shiatsu”. We provide a technique called shiatsu stretch that adds stretch to it. It is effective for shoulder pain, low back pain, joint pain, etc. Please experience the technology unique to Japan.

In this experience, you will learn how to forge scaled-down replicas of anchors used by ships sailing in the Seto Inland Sea with a method derived from Japanese sword-smithing techniques passed down through history. Learn from the craftsman who protects and maintains this traditional industry of the historic post town of Tomonoura. HIGHLIGHTS; Undergo a traditional forging experience derived from the forging technique Tomo Kaji, used for making Japanese swords. Witness the dynamic craftsmanship up close. In Tomoura, which is a historic port town, make a Tangjin Ikari anchor, one of the oldest anchor types. Take your anchor home as a souvenir. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand! Learn a traditional forging skill with a local craftsman.

[Experience flow] Tenugui creates patterns using the traditional technique of tie-dyeing. ・ Look forward to what patterns will appear! Marble aperture ・ Ripple stop reminiscent of the waves in Setouchi ・ Snow flower squeeze that produces flower-like patterns. You can choose two colors from over 200 colors. Please be assured that we will support you in selecting colors and color schemes. When the aperture and color are ready, it's time to dye. Wear an apron, gloves and arm cover.  Please be assured that you can experience dyeing without getting dirty. Use a dropper for dyeing. After dyeing work, remove the apron and take a break with a drink. Once processing is complete, Take a commemorative photo with a towel. We will send you photos on Facebook and Instagram. Please register as a friend if you like. When the commemorative photo is over, I will give you a wrapping. We will introduce other fashionable shops and sightseeing spots where you can fully enjoy Fukuyama. Please feel free to ask the staff. [Recommended points] ・ 10 minutes on foot from JR Fukuyama Station! Accessible by bicycle or car. -Experience in any weather! Even children can enjoy dyeing easily. -Perfect for souvenirs! You can enjoy Japanese culture dyed. ・ The shop staff will introduce you to recommended spots in Fukuyama near you. ・ You can bring the dyed items back on the day. 【Precautions】 -Depending on the number of workers and the dyeing work time, the entire experience time may be prolonged. ・ Please come in dirty clothes. * ・ Aprons and gloves can be borrowed free of charge. ・ You can participate from one person, not just a group. ・ Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian. ・ After the dyeing experience, a service drink is included. We also introduce recommended sightseeing spots nearby.

Make your own original makeup brush in Kumano Town, a town that produces the most makeup brushes in Japan. You can see the process of making a makeup brushes and the delicate craftsmanship of making high-quality makeup brushes up close. HIGHLIGHTS; Make your own makeup brush in Kumano Town. Learn the history of Kumano brushes and the process of making the brushes from craftsmen working at the makeup brush studio. Discover the delicacy of the craftsmanship of trimming the bristles of the brush. Choose your favorite design from cute shapes and colors, and make your own original makeup brush. Buy high-quality makeup brushes and traditional calligraphy brushes loved by Hollywood actresses.

Experience making pottery with a Japanese pottery artist from Mihara-city, Hiroshima while enjoying beautiful views of the Setouchi Islands. You will no doubt gain inspiration from the wonderful landscape around you. Come make your own, one-of-a-kind pottery as a souvenir or a gift for a loved one! HIGHLIGHTS; Make a traditional Japanese-style pottery (cup, small plate, etc...). Our instructor studied in America, so English guidance is available. The famous Mount Fudekage is located just in front of our factory. You can enjoy wonderful ocean-front views of the world-famous Setouchi Islands. Make your experience special by not only learning pottery, but with interacting and chatting with the locals!

Enjoy the serene and quiet atmosphere of our 300-year-old Zen temple. You can take pictures as much as you want while you are in here, and we will take pictures of you doing the lessons. You can take pictures in our Japanese garden, too. Our lesson is very good introduction to the Japanese authentic cultures. Wearing kimono make it even more special that could be the highlight of your trip.

・ You can learn how to write kanji with a brush. ・ You can take the brush and folding fan. The lesson is held in central Hiroshima so you can easily participate.

・We also offer a simple "painting course" in which you color the outlined picture. ・The Instructors are professional comic writers. ・English interpreter is available ・The venue is located in the center of Hiroshima city.

・You can experience Japanese traditional craft, Mizuhiki. ・You can take the work you made in the lesson back home. ・The place is 15min. walk from the Peace Memorial Park. ・You can experience dressed in Kimono or Yukata, if you want. Notes:It takes plus 3500yen.Bring T-shirts & short pants.Please write your height and shoe size on reservation. ・Visit the yuzen artists in Hiroshima The second floor of the building is an atelier of yuzen artists. Yuzen is a Japanese dyeing technique for fabrics with hand-painted patterns and it was first invented in Kyoto. Kimonos made in Kyoto are sent to this workshop to be hand-painted since there are few yuzen artists all over Japan. ・Other cultural experiences: Yuzen painting, paper folding, wearing a samurai armor and making a bento. In the first floor of the building there are various workshops of Japanese culture experiences. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in any particular Japanese culture. We can combine activities.

・You can Experience authentic Ikebana in the center of Hiroshima. ・You can select flowers in flower shop. ・Easy for beginners because of the instructor’s kind explanation. ・You can take your Ikebana work back home. ・We will give you a folded paper crane as a souvenir.

・Ikebana lesson is held at Daisho-in temple which is oldest temple in Miyajima. ・Enjoy beautiful scenery from the lesson room. ・You can also enjoy the Japanese style room and tatami floor. ・Instructor will carefully tell you how to arrange flowers so don’t hesitate to ask questions. ・You can take your Ikebana work home and we will give you a fridge magnet of Itsukushima shrine as a gift.

You can dye two items using two different methods.One is Indigo-dyeing that has been developed in Fukuyama over a long time.The other is a method using colorful chemical dyes caused by the development of technique in pursuing colors not available in nature.You will dye 'Tenugui' hand towel with indigo and locally-produced sneakers with chemical dyes.Feel the history of Fukuyama from the dyeing experience. ・An authentic Indigo-dyeing with natural indigo directly taught by the professional from the local establishment with a history of over 100 years ・Bring back your original sneakers and 'Tenugui' (Japanese hand towel) as gifts from Japan ・Get taught by a professional and make your original goods rich in color and pattern ・Locally-produced sneakers developed from the original Japanese footwear, 'Tabi.'Feel how comfortable they are! ・Chill and enjoy dyeing experience in the cozy space that looks like a cafe

【OUTLINE】 Let’s indulge in Hiroshima food culture and cook your own Okonomiyaki. In this program, you will be introduced to the authentic Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, the culinary specialties of Hiroshima and the ultimate staple of Japanese cuisine. The staff from the Otafuku Sauce Co. will teach you some tips to cook the Okonomiyaki. You would be able to learn the deep relations between the Hiroshima's recovery from the post-war and the Okonomiyaki. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 ・In this program, tourists would gain the deeper insight into Hiroshima’s cultural heritage, and master the technique of Japanese cuisine on a teppan (griddle). ・Experience the unique Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki which the number of Okonomiyaki stores per capital in Japan is No.1. ・An especial plan developed by a worldwide manufacturer of savory Japanese condiments, Otafuku Sauce Co., offers a trip to taste the variety sauces for the taste buds

・You can experience Japanese martial arts at the center of Hiroshima. ・It can be a valuable experience as you can hold a Japanese real sword in your hands.

Make the same Kumano makeup brushes that are used by Hollywood actresses. A makeup artist will teach you how to use a makeup brush to create a makeup look that suits your face. (additional fees apply) HIGHLIGHTS: This is a special experience where you can shine in Kumano Town, the town of brushes. You can learn about the history of Kumano brushes, a traditional craft, and observe the makeup brush manufacturing process at the factory. Choose your favorite design from a variety of lovely shapes and colors, and experience making your original makeup brush. Learn from a makeup artist how to apply makeup that suits your face. (additional fees apply) As souvenirs, you can buy makeup brushes used by Hollywood actresses and traditional calligraphy brushes.

・You can experience aikido in central Hiroshima. The venue is about 5~10 minutes away from Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Dome. ・ As a memory of your experience we will give you a complimentary paper crane folded from yuzen-paper!

・You can experience Japanese traditional wrapping method, Furoshiki! ・You can take the Furoshiki used in the lesson back home. ・The place is 15min. walk from the Peace Memorial Park. ・You can experience dressed in Kimono or Yukata, if you want. Notes:It takes plus 3500yen.Bring T-shirts & short pants.Please write your height and shoe size on reservation. ・Visit the yuzen artists in Hiroshima The second floor of the building is a atelier of yuzen artists. Yuzen is a Japanese dyeing technique for fabrics with hand-painted patterns and it was first invented in Kyoto. Kimonos made in Kyoto are sent to this workshop to be hand-painted since there are few yuzen artists all over Japan. ・Other culture experiences: mizuhiki crafting, paper folding, wearing a samurai armor and making a bento. In the first floor of the building there are various workshops of Japanese culture experiences. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in any particular Japanese culture. We can combine activities.

・Visit the yuzen artists in Hiroshima The second floor of the building is a atelier of yuzen artists. Yuzen is a Japanese dyeing technique for fabrics with hand-painted patterns and it was first invented in Kyoto. Kimonos made in Kyoto are sent to this workshop to be hand-painted since there are few yuzen artists all over Japan. Through this experience you will appreciate traditional yuzen patterns and vibrant colors. ・Other culture experiences: mizuhiki crafting, furoshiki wrapping, paper folding, wearing a samurai armor and making a bento. In the first floor of the building there are various workshops of Japanese culture experiences such as tabi-socks painting class, decorative mizuhiki cords crafting and wrapping techniques using furoshiki clothes and papers, wearing samurai armors and martial arts experiences and more. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in any particular Japanese culture. We can combine activities.

・You can experience Japanese traditional Yusen painting. ・You can take the work painted in the lesson back home. ・The place is 15min. walk from the Peace Memorial Park. ・You can experience dressed in Kimono or Yukata, if you want. Notes:It takes plus 3500yen.Bring T-shirts & short pants.Please write your height and shoe size on reservation. ・Visit the yuzen artists in Hiroshima The second floor of the building is a atelier of yuzen artists. Yuzen is a Japanese dyeing technique for fabrics with hand-painted patterns and it was first invented in Kyoto. Kimonos made in Kyoto are sent to this workshop to be hand-painted since there are few yuzen artists all over Japan. ・Other culture experiences: mizuhiki crafting, paper folding, wearing a samurai armor and making a bento. In the first floor of the building there are various workshops of Japanese culture experiences. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in any particular Japanese culture. We can combine activities.

〈used for makeup in Hollywood !〉 Make a blush applauded around the world (simple version) Kumano calligraphy brush making experience. Kumano's brushes are used by a world class make-up brand as well ! While being taught by a traditional craftsman, you can experience the 'finishing touch' of creating a Kumano calligraphy brush,  a world brand. At the end, your name will be curved on the brush and you can take your own original brush home. 

It is a plan that you can enjoy Kendo experience. Kendo begins with thanks and ends with thanks. It is rooted in Japan as a martial art that not only simply competes for a victory, but also develops “mind, skill, and body” such as respect for the opponent and the dojo, and self-study attitude. In this plan, all tools are available so that anyone can easily experience. A souvenir is also included, so please feel free to join us. You can take home “tenugui (a face towel)” used in the lesson as a souvenir. The towels have various Japanese patterns and kanji where you can feel Japanese art. In Kendo, a tenugui is wrapped around the head before wearing a face mask. It is used to fix the face mask, to absorb sweat, and also to show your strong willingness to practice. You can also buy a new bamboo sword(with brim) as a memory of the experience. It takes 2,400 yen per sword. Please inform us in advance if you want to purchase.