Azumino, Nagano, Japan | Chopstick making experience | Choose the wood and length and use a plane - an experience that can only be found here in Japan

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− Experience Overview −
Age: 3rd grade and above Duration: 60-90 minutes Minimum number of participants: 2 or more Types of wood: Cypress wood *We have square timber from 15cm to 24cm available.
*You can choose "Yama Sakura" by paying the difference on-site.
*On some days we may be able to provide limited edition items such as "Azumino Apple Wood" and "Pure Black Ebony", so please contact us in advance.

Choose the wood and length, then use a plane to carve your own original chopsticks. Thick, thin, square, and if you try hard, you might even be able to make chopsticks with eight strokes.
When you hear "we use a plane to shave off a square piece of lumber," you might think it sounds difficult, but don't worry, the craftsman will carefully teach you how to use the plane.
Unlike a typical chopstick-making experience where you just move a plane over a shaft, you will use a plane stand invented by craftsman Kawaguchi.
Enjoy an experience that can only be found here in the whole of Japan in Shinshu Azumino, a place rich in nature where water, light, wind and sky sparkle.

Every time you use your chopsticks, memories of making them and the scenery of Azumino will come back to you, making you feel closer to nature every day!
My chopsticks and rice are the energy of everyone! It makes me feel like I can overcome anything mysteriously~＼(^o^)／

The chopsticks you carve can be painted with genuine Japanese lacquer (additional cost required) or with water-repellent ceramic.
In response to customer requests, "Since these chopsticks are made with care and love, we want them to last a long time..." we have begun coating our chopsticks with genuine Japanese lacquer.

Cypress wood has straight grain, making it easy to plan and difficult to bend.
Cherry wood is hard and has wavy grain, so it has a certain charm. But it's so hard that it might take a long time to carve.


~ Flow of the day ~
①Decide the material and length of the chopsticks.
②Explanation of the process by the craftsman Depending on the person using the plane, there are individual differences in how long it takes to shave the chopsticks. Therefore, the time spent on chopstick making will vary for each customer!
③Four steps
1. Make the thickness easy to use
2. Shave the corners
3. Sanding
4. Your name will be engraved with a hot pen. 4. A craftsman will apply a genuine lacquer coating. We will then apply a water-repellent ceramic coating to the item. Once it has dried, we will send it to you.
*People from overseas can paint the product on the spot and take it home.

[Optional lacquer painting]
We can also paint the product with Japanese lacquer for an additional fee (1100 yen to be paid on site).
When lacquer is applied, the wood is coated and does not absorb water, protecting the chopsticks from mold and bacteria. Lacquer is made from tree sap, which has been used since the Jomon period, so it is also safe for your body.
There are very few shops that use genuine Japanese lacquer.
This is an initiative to help you cherish and use wood for a long time. We also repaint the wood.

[What is water-repellent ceramic coating?]
Since the paint is derived from natural ingredients, it is gentle on the body, does not damage the texture of the wood, and prevents the growth of germs.