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U-Flat Wooden Tubs Workshop in Hokuriku Region
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
2 Hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Overview
For centuries, the humble wooden tub has been a familiar presence in Japanese life, helping people to wash themselves off before getting into a bath. However, few artisans still make these wooden tubs, as plastic tubs and showers have taken their place in the pre-bath ritual, and plastic and metal tubs have replaced them for larger purposes.
Today, Kumpei Sugimoto is the only person left in the Hokuriku region who still makes wooden tubs, with clients including local sake breweries seeking large tubs made of traditional materials. In addition to his work producing these tubs, he also leads workshops like this, where he teaches guests how to make their own wooden tubs, for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Guests make their own small wooden tubs, roughly 20 cm in diameter and 10 cm tall. Kumpei Sugimoto teaches the process of cutting wood into shape, using specialized tools, and leads guests in cutting the wood, preparing woven bamboo hoops known as “taga,” and assembling a finished tub.
What's Included
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
The guide will be waiting for the guests at the entrance holding a sign with the guests' name.
End Point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Kumpei Sugimoto is the last artisan in the Hokuriku region who still makes wooden tubs the traditional way, and he leads workshops to teach people to make them. Beyond the unusual nature of the wooden tubs being made, these workshops offer an opportunity to use highly specialized tools, rarely encountered even by DIY woodworking enthusiasts. The workshops are more than simply cutting and assembling wood slats: the process also involves making the crucial woven bamboo hoops, called “taga,” that hold the tub together.
Guests make a small wooden tub themselves, from start to finish, for a unique chance to encounter Japanese artisanal crafts firsthand, as well as to create an uncommon memento to take home.
Additional Info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operated by Expressions
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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