Learn directly from a Tokyo Metropolitan Government-certified traditional craftsman! How to make a foldable "Edo lantern" | 1.5 hours | Ikebukuro, Tokyo
・Beginner-friendly: You'll work together to decide on your favorite characters or the text you want to include, and then fill in the lantern that Mr. Hayakawa has sketched and outlined. It's easy for anyone to try, and you can achieve a beautiful result relatively easily.
Intermediate level: You will create your own letters or drawings from scratch. Recommended for those who want to create something from scratch or who want to pursue originality.
You can choose from two types of lantern shapes: rounded and elongated.
Each person will think of a character individually:
We'll work together to decide on the characters to put on the lantern, such as your name or famous characters. Don't worry, the guide will be flexible and can convert your name into katakana, suggest characters, and more.
Furthermore, we offer around 10 ink colors, allowing you to create unique and personalized lanterns.
○ Direct instruction from a Tokyo Metropolitan Government-certified Traditional Craftsman:
This is a valuable cultural experience where you can receive direct instruction from one of the few remaining genuine artisans.
Even if you encounter difficult parts or things don't go as planned, you can rest assured that the craftsmen will provide careful support.
Practical and lightweight souvenirs:
The biggest feature of Edo lanterns is that they are "foldable." They are durable, lightweight, and can fit in a suitcase, making them perfect as souvenirs.
The completed lanterns will be placed in a special box and handed to you on the spot.
〇Free LED light included!
Lanterns were once used as a source of light by placing candles inside.
We're giving away one carefully selected LED light (battery operated) that beautifully illuminates the space! When you turn it on, you can enjoy a soft, gentle glow.
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Product Info
What You Can Expect
1 Day
- Meet at Exit 1 of Zoshigaya Station on the Tokyo Metro. Look for the "Tokyo Sakura Tram" sign and take the escalator to ground level. *It takes about 5 minutes from the ticket gate to the exit. Please allow ample time.
- We will then travel with our guide to the Hayakawa Lantern workshop (approximately a 3-minute walk).
- We're finally going to visit the workshop. It's a traditional workplace with a long history.
- Mr. Hayakawa will give a lecture on Edo-style lanterns and the production process. A guide will provide interpretation, so please don't worry.
- Let's start the lettering experience. First, choose the shape of your lantern. You can choose between a rounded type and a tall, rectangular type.
- Next, let's decide what to write on the lantern. You can decide what you want to write beforehand, or we can think about it together on the spot! If you're unsure, the guide will be happy to offer suggestions.
- You decide whether to leave the sketching and outlining to a craftsman, or to do the sketching yourself. *This time, I tried sketching "Abra" myself, and Mr. Hayakawa outlined "Cadabra," creating a lantern with the tour name "Abracadabra"!
- After sketching the design on paper, it's time to transfer the design onto the lantern.
- Using a brush, we'll outline the letters on the lantern. Be careful not to make any mistakes.
- Fill in the outline. If you entrusted the sketching and outlining to a professional, this is where you start.
- For difficult parts or areas where you're having trouble, the craftsmen will provide direct support.
- Filling in the outline is harder than I imagined! I'll concentrate to avoid going outside the lines.
- My one-of-a-kind original lantern is finally complete!
- Make it a memento of your trip by attaching an original sticker from the Hayakawa Lantern workshop, which boasts a 120-year tradition.
- It folds up so compactly! It comes in a special box, so you can take it home immediately after your experience.
- We offer about 10 different ink colors.
- All of the colorful and unique lanterns are original designs conceived by Mr. Hayakawa.
- Please also take a look at the lanterns that are displayed throughout the workshop.
- The program will conclude with participants being dismissed at the venue.
Purchase Notice
Regarding communication methods: Confirmation of your reservation and any changes to the date and time will be sent to the email address you registered. Please be sure to check your email.
• Target age: 7 years and older. Participants under 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Regarding attire: The lettering is a hand-painted experience using pigments. In case of accidental staining, we recommend wearing clothing that you don't mind getting dirty.
・About the workshop environment: The workshop is held in a historic, traditional workshop with a long history. We value the authentic production environment where you can hear the breath of the craftsmen, so space is limited. However, this allows you to enjoy a special time filled with a sense of immersion.
• Regarding group participation (7 or more people): If you are a group of 7 or more people, we can arrange a separate venue for your event. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
• Regarding on-site experiences: We can also conduct "on-site experiences" at a location of your choice. Please contact us individually for details regarding events, training sessions, etc.
Reminders
This program will be supported by guides who can communicate in both English and Japanese.
If you do not arrive at the meeting place by the designated time, it will be considered a no-show and a cancellation fee will be charged.
・We are not responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur to participants during this program (however, if we are found to be at fault, we will compensate for direct and ordinary damages up to the amount of the program participation fee). If you wish to purchase insurance to prepare for any accidents or injuries, please do so at your own discretion.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Meeting Point
Location Name: Tokyo Metro Zoshigaya Station, Exit 1
Address: 2-7 Zoshigaya, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0032Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 2 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 60% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What are Edo Chochin lanterns and what makes them unique?
Edo Chochin are traditional Japanese paper lanterns with a history spanning over 120 years. Their unique characteristic is their foldable design, making them durable, lightweight, and easy to transport. This traditional craft allows for personalized designs, making each lantern one-of-a-kind.
2. What is involved in the Edo Chochin making experience?
During the Edo Chochin making experience, you will visit a historic workshop and be guided by a Tokyo Certified Traditional Craftsman. The main activity involves personalizing a lantern by applying characters or designs. You can choose between filling in pre-drawn outlines or freehand drawing your own designs from scratch.
3. Can I choose the shape and design for my Edo Chochin during the workshop?
Yes, you have options for personalization. You can choose from two lantern shapes: a rounded style or an elongated one. For the design, you can pick your preferred characters or a picture, and there are about 10 ink colors available to create your unique Edo Chochin.
4. Who teaches the Edo Chochin making workshop in Ikebukuro?
The Edo Chochin making workshop is led by Mr. Hayakawa Fukuo, a Tokyo Certified Traditional Craftsman. He directly imparts his skills and knowledge accumulated over generations, offering valuable cultural instruction. He provides careful support throughout the process.
5. What options are available for personalizing an Edo Chochin at the workshop?
You can personalize your Edo Chochin in several ways. You can choose the text, such as your name or famous characters, with assistance for Katakana conversion. There are also about 10 different ink colors available. Additionally, you can select between two lantern shapes: round or elongated, ensuring a unique creation.
6. Are the handmade Edo Chochin lanterns practical to take home as souvenirs?
Yes, the handmade Edo Chochin lanterns are highly practical as souvenirs. A key feature of Edo Chochin is their ability to fold, making them sturdy, lightweight, and easy to pack into a suitcase. Each finished lantern is provided in a dedicated box for safe transport.
7. What is included with the completed Edo Chochin lantern?
Upon completion of your unique Edo Chochin lantern, it will be presented to you in a dedicated box. Additionally, you will receive one battery-operated LED light as a gift. This light is specially selected to beautifully illuminate your traditional lantern, allowing you to enjoy its gentle glow.
8. Is the Edo Chochin making experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Edo Chochin making experience is suitable for beginners. For those new to the craft, the craftsman can provide a pre-drawn outline of your chosen characters for you to fill in. This makes the process approachable and helps ensure a beautiful finished product for everyone.
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