[02] Kaminyu Woodpeckers (Maibara City) / Artisanal Woodcarving Workshop

Artisanal Woodcarving Workshop

At Tranquil Kaminyu Village Where Tradition Thrives

Kaminyu Woodpeckers (Maibara City)

Keywords: nature / history & tradition / local food

Season: All year

English Assistance: minimum or partial

Japan is home to many centers of traditional craft, among which, woodworking has been a key tradition, largely due to extensive forests that cover 67% of the country. This high percentage reflects the natural abundance that has supported and sustained Japan’s rich woodworking heritage.

Kaminyu Village in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, is renowned for its wood carving tradition, particularly in the production of butsudan, or household Buddhist altars. This craft has been quietly preserved in the village for nearly 200 years.

In this peaceful village, a unique wood carving experience awaits. Surrounded by the sounds of the river and the tapping of chisels, participants are treated to a peaceful, reflective experience in this unforgettable, hands-on activity.

From JR Maibara Station, take a short train ride to JR Samegai Station. Then, head towards the mountains and follow the Nyu River upstream. After about a 30-minute walk through the rural scenery of rice fields and farmhouses, you’ll reach Kaminyu—a secluded village nestled in a mountain valley, in the foothills of Mt. Ryozen. Known as a home of wood carving, Kaminyu still echoes with the sounds of mallets and chisels, despite the dwindling number of active artisans.

Exploring the village is a wonderful experience. As you walk further along the village path, you’ll be amazed by the picturesque scenery featuring a series of 18 bridges providing private access to the residences and workshops that line the river bank. Here, in this idyllic atmosphere, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by trying your hand at wood carving, guided by the craftsmen themselves. This experience is run by the Kaminyu Woodpeckers, a group of local artisans committed to preserving the village’s traditions for future generations.

The activity typically takes place in the artisan’s actual workshop, depending on the number of participants. Under the direct instruction of the craftsmen, the activity begins with sketching a design on a wooden plate, which can range from small coasters to larger trivets, hangers, or spoons. The time needed varies from ninety minutes to several hours, depending on the design and level of difficulty.

This wood carving experience is available for ages 10 and above, with alternative crafts available for younger children. (Please note that preschool-aged children are not allowed in environments where chisels are used.)

The experience is not only refreshing but also meditative, with the peaceful surroundings inviting you to lose yourself in the handcraft.

Before or after the workshop, also enjoy a visit to Samegai, a historic lodging town about 2.5 kilometers downstream from Kaminyu Village, along the ancient Nakasendo trail. The streets of Samegai are lined with houses along a river fed purely by natural spring water, where the small white flowers of the baikamo (Japanese buttercup) bloom in this clear stream during the summer, adding to the traditional charm of the area. The town is also known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees that line the streets, creating a picturesque springtime scene.

On this street, you’ll also find restaurants serving dishes made with local produce. You can enjoy a meal featuring rainbow trout raised in the waters of the Nyu River, along with rice and vegetables grown in nearby fields and prepared with the same spring water. Accommodations are also available along this riverside street, providing a great environment for those who wish to take their time and fully enjoy the region.

Why did the tradition of wood carving take root in this small, mountain village? With limited farmland, Kaminyu initially developed industries like charcoal production that utilized the forest’s resources. However, in the late Edo period, local villagers sought a more sustainable industry and sent their children to Kyoto to apprentice in wood carving.

The focus gradually shifted from shrine and temple work to the production of butsudan, household Buddhist altars found in many Japanese homes, especially in rural areas.

Nearby Hikone Castle played a role in this transition, as the surrounding area had already established a tradition of butsudan making. The craftsmen of the castle town, who had been making armor during the Warring States period of medieval Japan, repurposed their skills for Buddhist altar production after the unification of the country, as a transition to the peaceful Edo period. As the local craft grew, it spread to the artisans of Kaminyu.

Butsudan making reached its peak about 40 years ago, during Japan’s economic boom. The process involves seven distinct crafts, from carpentry to gold leaf application. Traditionally, Kaminyu was home to six of these artisans, excluding only lacquer painters.

However, with the shrinking size of Japanese homes, declining birthrate, and modernization, demand for butsudan has decreased, leading to a decline in the industry. Where there were once nearly 40 craftsmen, now only a dozen remain. To sustain this tradition, the community initiated this workshop project, centered around the carving experience.

Launched in 2018, the group currently consists of four woodcarving artisans who guide participants in the reservation-based experience. They receive support from other craftsmen and the local community, which also provides guests with the opportunity to interact with village residents. As Ijiri-san, the leader of the Kaminyu Woodpeckers, emphasizes, this welcoming atmosphere enhances the experience for all visitors.

They have accepted visitors, including individuals from Japan and international guests from Germany, Canada, Australia, the United States, and South Korea, who come to engage with the region’s traditional culture. Participants often mention the satisfaction of carving wood, the meditative nature of the activity, and the beauty of the village as highlights.

Looking ahead, the group plans to extend their efforts by involving more craftsmen from surrounding areas. With new residents, including some from Australia, they are eager to create opportunities for a wider audience to learn about the village’s culture and traditions.

Visiting Kaminyu offers a unique opportunity to experience its wood carving tradition firsthand. By participating in this hands-on activity, you’ll help preserve a rich cultural heritage while also enjoying the peaceful surroundings and expert craftsmanship.

Please book directly through the provider

Name of Provider
Kaminyu Woodpeckers

Contact
https://tonton-craft.com/en (EN)

Activities & Pricing
- Workshop Type Examples: 
- - Coaster Carving: 4000 yen per person
- - Trivet Mat Carving: 4500 yen per person
- - Kids Decoration: 1800 yen per person
*Please see the above website for more workshop types and details. 
- Duration: Approx.2 hours
- Group Size: min 2 / max 15 

Reservation
- Reservations accepted through the above website’s reservation form.
- Please book at least one week in advance. Later bookings may be possible depending on availability. Note that your booking is not finalized until you receive a confirmation, which will be sent within 2 to 3 days..

Business Hours & Holidays
Closed during the New Year holidays

Location
611 Shimonyu, Maibara, Shiga 521-0034 (Ishikyu Butsudan Shop)

Payment Method
Cash only / Payment required before the workshop

Age Requirements
- Wood carving experience: For ages 10 and up
- Younger children: Can participate in activities like wooden block decoration
- Preschool-aged children: Not allowed

Support for Foreign Visitors
- Foreign language speakers: None 
- Communication is via translation devices or apps
- Some English written instructions available
- For a full guided tour in English, you can contact Biwako Backroads, a local travel agency that offers tours in this area (LINK https://biwakobackroads.com)

Insurance
Not provided (individual coverage is recommended)

Wi-Fi Access
N/A

Disabled Accessibility
N/A

Access
- From Osaka/Kyoto: Take the bullet train or JR local line to JR Maibara Station. Transfer to the Tokaido Main Line (eastbound) for a 10-minute ride to Samegai Station. From Samegai Station, you can walk (30 minutes). You can also take a taxi at Maibara Station for about 15 mins to the village. 
- From Tokyo/Nagoya: Same as above to JR Maibara Station, or transfer to the Tokaido Main Line (westbound) at Nagoya Station for about 1 hour, then get off at Samegai Station. 

Ride Service
N/A
 

*Prices as of 2024. May be subject to change. Please check with the provider for latest info.