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  7. Make Your Own Herbal Shimenawa Workshop at Kumamoto Herb Garden Lemongrass
Product #536279
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A hand holds a finished, aromatic lemongrass shimenawa from Kumamoto Herb Garden. Adorned with natural herbs against a blue sky, this unique Japanese craft is a traditional New Year decoration.
Multiple beautifully crafted lemongrass shimenawa, made by participants at Kumamoto Herb Garden workshop, are displayed on a table. Each unique piece serves as a fragrant, traditional Japanese New Year decoration.
Fresh lemongrass, dried herbs, flowers, and decorative elements are displayed on a table. These abundant materials from Kumamoto Herb Garden are ready for participants to craft their unique shimenawa New Year decorations.
An instructor guides a participant in weaving the base of a lemongrass shimenawa on a rustic wooden table at Kumamoto Herb Garden. This beginner-friendly workshop teaches traditional Japanese craft techniques.
The instructor demonstrates to a participant the delicate process of braiding fresh lemongrass into a shimenawa at Kumamoto Herb Garden's workshop, emphasizing the hands-on crafting of this aromatic Japanese tradition.

Make Your Own Herbal Shimenawa Workshop at Kumamoto Herb Garden Lemongrass

Japan-Kumamoto , Kumamoto City
Booking confirmed within 2 working day(s)
Duration:1 hour(s) 30 min(s)
Guided language: 日本語
Free cancellation 4 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
Unique Materials: Craft traditional Shimenawa using fresh lemongrass and other herbs from Kumamoto Herb Garden.
Beginner-Friendly: Instructions will carefully explain how to make it so that it is easy for even beginners to understand.

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Package Options

Cultural Experiences

Transportation methodGet there on your own
Activity levelBeginner
Rental duration2 hours

Product Info

Lemongrass Shimenawa-Making Workshop
This workshop teaches you how to create a decorative Japanese shimenawa using lemongrass.
Part 1: The Basics (Instructor-Led)
First, the instructor will explain the historical background of shimenawa and the herbs used. Then, you'll work together to create the main rope.
1, To make the lemongrass pliable, it's first moistened and kneaded thoroughly.
2, Secure the base of the lemongrass with a clamp and divide the material into three equal sections.
3, Twist two sections together, then wrap the remaining third section along the groove of the twisted pair.
4, Shape the rope and form a circular loop.
Part 2: Finishing Touches (Individual Work)
Once the rope is made, you can decorate it on your own.
You'll adorn your shimenawa with your favorite herbs and decorations. Feel free to be as colorful or as simple as you like.
NOTE: A bag will be provided for you to take your shimenawa home. However, if you plan to put it in a suitcase, it's recommended that you attach the delicate herbs and decorations after you get home to prevent them from getting crushed.

What You Can Expect

Duration: 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

1 Day

  • ** Lemongrass Shimenawa-Making Workshop ** This workshop teaches you how to create a decorative Japanese shimenawa using lemongrass.
  • Part 1: The Basics (Instructor-Led)
  • This workshop teaches you how to create a decorative Japanese shimenawa using lemongrass.
  • Part 2: Finishing Touches (Individual Work)
  • Once the rope is made, you can decorate it on your own.

Purchase Notice

■ The experience starts at 13:00 (end of the experience).
■ Generally, you will be sharing a table.
■ Languages spoken by instructors: Simple English and Japanese
■ If you are participating alone, you can use the course for the price of two people.

Includes/Excludes

  • Beverages
  • Experience fees

Reminders

  • Standard group / Time: 90 minutes

  • Please note that there are no toilets on-site

  • Please check for yourself regarding bringing plants into foreign countries.

  • If you are late, you will be asked to start the tour in the middle of the tour, or the tour will be shortened, or you will not be allowed to participate in the tour.

  • Please come to the designated place 10 minutes before the reserved time.

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Experience Location

Location Name: 熊本ハーブ園レモングラス

Address: 日本、〒869-0461 熊本県宇土市網津町１７−１

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • 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 the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. What is shimenawa and what are its basic characteristics?

Shimenawa is a traditional Japanese sacred rope, often seen at Shinto shrines, signifying purity and warding off evil. It is typically made from rice straw. In the Kumamoto Herb Garden workshop, you'll craft your own special New Year's decoration using fresh lemongrass and other fragrant herbs, offering a unique aromatic twist to this traditional item.

2. What is the cultural significance of shimenawa beyond sumo wrestling?

Shimenawa holds deep cultural significance as a "sacred rope" in Japan, marking sacred spaces and warding off misfortune. It is commonly displayed during New Year celebrations to invite good fortune and purify homes. While famously seen in sumo, its primary role is rooted in Shinto traditions, symbolizing divine presence and blessings for health and prosperity.

3. What basic weaving techniques are taught in the Herbal Shimenawa Workshop?

The Herbal Shimenawa Workshop teaches fundamental weaving techniques. Participants will learn how to twist and braid natural materials, specifically fresh lemongrass cultivated in the garden, to form the distinctive rope structure of shimenawa. The clear guidance ensures that even beginners can easily grasp the crafting process and create their own piece.

4. What unique materials are used in the Herbal Shimenawa Workshop at Kumamoto Herb Garden?

The workshop stands out by utilizing fresh lemongrass, carefully cultivated directly at Kumamoto Herb Garden, as the primary material for crafting shimenawa. In addition to lemongrass, participants may also incorporate other aromatic herbs from the garden, allowing for a personalized and uniquely fragrant traditional New Year's decoration.

5. Is the Herbal Shimenawa Workshop suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Herbal Shimenawa Workshop is specifically designed to be beginner-friendly. The instructors provide clear, step-by-step guidance throughout the entire crafting process, making it easy for anyone, regardless of prior experience, to understand the techniques and successfully create their own herbal shimenawa.

6. What kind of experience can participants expect from the Herbal Shimenawa Workshop at Kumamoto Herb Garden?

Participants can expect an immersive and sensory experience. You'll learn about the history and cultural significance of shimenawa while crafting your own piece. The workshop takes place amidst the refreshing scent of fresh lemongrass from the garden, providing a calming and engaging environment where you connect with Japanese tradition and natural herbs.

7. What can be created during the Herbal Shimenawa Workshop?

During the Herbal Shimenawa Workshop, participants will craft their own unique herbal shimenawa, which serves as a special New Year's decoration. This handmade piece, infused with the refreshing aroma of lemongrass, is traditionally used to welcome good fortune and purify spaces for the upcoming year, blending tradition with a personal touch.

8. Why is lemongrass used in the Herbal Shimenawa Workshop?

Lemongrass is specifically chosen for this workshop because of its unique aromatic qualities and fresh appeal. Using freshly cultivated lemongrass from Kumamoto Herb Garden infuses the traditional shimenawa with a delightful, refreshing scent. This distinctive material offers a modern, fragrant twist to the ancient custom, enhancing the decorative and sensory experience.

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