Green Woodworking in Takayama

Why Choose This Crafting Experience?

• Make something truly your own: Handcraft spoons, knives, or bowls from freshly cut wood—each piece is uniquely yours, shaped by your creativity and guided by expert artisans.
• Step into Hida’s living tradition: Learn time-honored woodworking techniques using traditional tools in a region known for its master carpentry and sustainable forest culture.
• Craft in nature’s embrace: Work surrounded by the forests of Hida, where the scent of cedar and the peaceful rhythm of carving offer a grounding, meditative experience.

• Available language: English
• Activity type: Private guided woodworking workshop + car transfer 
• Duration: 4 hours
• Meeting point: Takayama Station (chartered pickup and drop‑off included)

Create Your Own Green‑Wood Keepsake in the Heart of Hida

The Green Woodworking Workshop immerses you in the timeless craft of green woodworking, using freshly harvested unseasoned wood from Hida’s forests. Under the care of experienced instructors, you’ll use traditional hand tools—such as shaving horses, pig irons, and hook knives—to carve household items like chopsticks and chopstick rests.

Surrounded by the scent and texture of fresh wood, you’ll experience a calming, flow‑state creative process, culminating in a beautiful keepsake shaped by your own hands. Your work is entirely your own creation—making it ideal for hands‑on travelers seeking meaningful connection to local material culture and nature.

This course offers a chance to learn about the strong bond between mountains and the people in the Hida region, and how it has shaped their life and work from the days of old. It’s perfect for beginners and those curious about sustainable craft rooted in Hida tradition.

What You’ll Do

1. Pick‑up: Departure at 13:00 from Takayama Station
2. Tool introduction: At Wood Forum Hida, learn about antique tools used in green woodworking
3. Carving session: Use prepared unseasoned wood to carve chopsticks and choptick rests, or similar items
4. Hands‑on creation: Guided crafting in the workshop, with personalized guidance
5. Drop‑off: Return to Takayama Station around 17:00

Additional Information

• Group size: Private group of 2 to 4 people
• Hotel pick‑up: Chartered pickup and drop‑off from Takayama Station are included
• What’s Included:
  • Private English‑speaking guidance
  • Transportation during the activity
  • Tools and unseasoned wood supplied
  • Introduction at Wood Forum Hida
• What’s Not Included:
  • Transportation to/from Takayama City area beyond provided pickup
  • Meals and drinks
  • Souvenirs or additional materials
• Cancellation Policy:
  • Up to 7 days before: Full refund
  • Between 7 days and 5:00 PM the day before: 50% cancellation fee
  • After 5:00 PM the day before or on the day: Non-refundable

※ Things to know before booking:

Spaces are limited to a small group of 2 to 4 participants, making this a personalized and intimate experience. Booking early is recommended. If your requested time is not available, we may propose an alternative—please check your email for any updates. In the rare case we cannot accommodate your booking, a full refund will be issued.

Please wear comfortable, easy‑to‑move clothing (no shorts or short skirts) and sturdy shoes (no sandals). Work gloves are available at the venue. The activity proceeds regardless of weather conditions.