Kawashiri Craftsmens Tour Discover Sake Blades and Sweets
Kawashiri, a town of artisans with a history dating back to the Edo period, offers a unique experience that immerses visitors in traditional craftsmanship and local culture. Once an important hub for the Kumamoto Domain, Kawashiri was renowned for its high-quality knives, woodworking, lacquerware, and pottery. The town’s artisans continue to pass down these skills through generations.
The tour also provides the opportunity to taste Kumamoto’s renowned sake, including "Akazake," a sake unique to the region, along with other local varieties. Enjoy the rich flavors while learning about the brewing process, making it a perfect introduction to Kumamoto’s local culture.
This tour offers a comprehensive look at Kawashiri’s rich history, culture, and craftsmanship. Although still a hidden gem for many international travelers, Kawashiri holds a wealth of cultural significance waiting to be discovered. Join us and create lasting memories of Kumamoto’s fascinating and lesser-known attractions.
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Kawashiri Craftsmens Tour Discover Sake Blades and Sweets
What's included in Kawashiri Craftsmens Tour Discover Sake Blades and Sweets
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Kawashiri has flourished as a “town of artisans” since the Edo period, attracting many workshops and craftsmen. The area was particularly known for blade manufacturing, with over 40 knife shops at its peak, producing high-quality knives and farming tools. Additionally, traditional crafts such as woodworking, lacquerware, confectionery, and sake brewing thrived, making Kawashiri an important commercial hub for the Kumamoto domain. Even today, the craftsmanship is preserved, and the legacy of Kawashiri blades and Kumamoto crafts continues to live on. Here, you can learn about Kawashiri’s history as a town of artisans, admire the profound works of Kumamoto’s craftsmen, and observe the skilled techniques of Kawashiri blade artisans. You can also purchase these exquisite crafts, so don’t miss the chance to take home a masterpiece.
Kawashiri Public Hall is a historic wooden building located in Kawashiri, Kumamoto. Built in the early 20th century, it is still used today as a venue for community gatherings and cultural events. Inside, it features a spacious 80-tatami hall and two Japanese-style rooms, preserving the characteristics of traditional Japanese architecture. It is also a symbol of Kawashiri’s rich history and craftsmanship, allowing visitors to experience the nostalgic atmosphere of the past.
The Kawashiri Rice Warehouse of the Kumamoto Domain was built during the Edo period to store rice collected as tax. Kawashiri was an important economic hub for the Kumamoto Domain, where rice was gathered and managed. This historic warehouse still stands today and has been designated as a national historic site. In 2023, it was opened to the public as a museum, showcasing the history of Kawashiri and the rice trade. Visiting this site offers a glimpse into how rice played a key role in Japan’s economy and daily life during the Edo period. Additionally, the museum has interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of that time, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Inclusions
- Admission Fee for the Kawashiri Rice Warehouse of the Kumamoto Domain
- Guide Fee
- Food and drink costs at Tenmeido are separate.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Meet in front of the local line ticket gate at Kumamoto Station. Your guide will be waiting with a tour sign.
