Tour&Workshops of Japanese Traditional Crafts/Gold Leafing Workshop

The art of making "Butsudan" (household Buddhist altars) requires the combined techniques of multiple traditional Japanese craftsmen. Learn about this uniquely Japanese culture and craft by touring part of a Butsudan workshop! Not only that, but try your hand at making your own works of handicraft.- Pressing gold leaf - <Tour> A group of seven master craftsmen with the highest level of skill. We will take you to the workshop to witness firsthand the craftsmanship that is the pride of Japan. Some discoveries and impressions can only be made at the work site. Take your time and observe Japanese craftsmanship in action. Viewing may take place at the store. <Pressing gold leaf> You will be asked to select whichever copper fitting you like (e.g., your own zodiac sign). Apply a bonding agent for the gold leaf, then smooth it out so that it is thin and even. Take a piece of gold leaf so thin that it would get blown away in the wind and carefully stick it onto the copper fitting. Press firmly with silk wadding, remove any gold leaf that did not stick, and you're done. We hope you will decorate your home with it and feel that traditional craftsmanship is, in fact, something close to home. Hikone Nanamagari Road has long been lined with Butsudan shops. Hikone Butsudan are made through the division of labor according to the Seven Occupations of Butsudan Making, namely the Kijishi (maker of the main body), Kudenshi (the palace maker), Chokokushi (sculptor), Urushinurishi (lacquerer), Kinpakuoshishi (gilder), Makieshi (gold and silver lacquerer), and Kazarikanagushi (decorative metalworker). Inoue Butsudan Shop has craftsmen of the highest caliber among its staff. If registering as a group, all members will tour the same workshop and participate in the same activity. This is the makie (gold and silver lacquer) activity. This is the kinpakuoshi (pressing gold leaf) activity. Shop name/Inoue Butsudan