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Founded in 1868. Discover the secret behind how craftsmanship has transcended the ages.
Visiting Japan's Oldest Paulownia Wood Box Workshop.

Urakami Kiri Kogei, founded in 1868 (Meiji 1), is located in Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture—a “holy land of craftsmanship” where numerous companies with over 100 years of history gather. For over 1,000 years since the Heian period (794–1185), the culture of paulownia boxes has endured as the “quiet guardian,” protecting precious Japanese cultural assets from humidity and fire.

Through dialogue with the eighth-generation craftsman, this program unravels the universal philosophy that flows through this town: “What values have allowed us to preserve our craft?” Beyond a mere experience, we invite you on a luxurious two-hour journey to reflect on the enduring values worth preserving in your own life.

*1 A board that transforms like magic in your hands:
In the hands of skilled craftsmen, you witness rough planks smoothly transform into boxes as if drawn to them, their polished wood surfaces becoming as smooth as silk.

*2 The timeless atmosphere of the factory:
Stepping into the workshop, where traces of history linger and the scent of wood fills the air, feels as if time has stood still. It is a space that sharpens the senses, evoking the journey of Japanese industry.

*3 A Story That Began with “What a Waste(Motai-nai)”:
The origins of Urakami Paulownia Crafts lie in the creation of “boat pillows” using scrap wood from paulownia geta sandals during the late Edo period (mid-19th century). This spirit of valuing local resources has now reached the world, manifesting in commemorative gifts for the G7 Summit and furnishings for luxury sleeper trains.

*4 Carving Tradition: “Wood Joinery Experience” and “Gold Leaf Application Experience”:
Experience a glimpse of the artisan's skill that carries on tradition through “assembling.” Then, select the color of the plate and beautiful foil to engrave onto the paulownia box meticulously crafted by the artisan. We will create a one-of-a-kind paulownia box to protect your precious treasures. (You will take it home as a souvenir along with your memories.)

*5 A Dialogue Questioning “What Value Should Be Preserved”:
In a space rarely accessible to the public, we converse with the eighth-generation master. We delve into the essential question: “Beyond learning techniques, what must be cherished for culture to endure?”

Urakami Kiri Kogei (浦上桐工芸)
Address: 580-3 Deguchi-cho, Fuchu City, Hiroshima
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wGR7LCywU2pVc4nu9

基本行程

■Meeting place: Urakami Kiri Kogei (浦上桐工芸)
726-0032
580-3 Deguchi-cho, Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wGR7LCywU2pVc4nu9

■Access
*By Train:
Transfer to the JR Fukuen Line at Fukuyama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen and get off at Fuchu Station.
Approx. 45-50 -minutes walk from JR Fuchu station.（From Fuchu station, it's about 10 minutes by taxi.)

*By car:
25 minutes from Sanyo Expressway Fukuyamanishi IC (Free parking available)

■Course content
1) Orientation
Learn about the 1,000-year-old paulownia box culture and the story of Japan’s oldest workshop, founded in 1868.

2) Factory Tour
Experience the vast timber drying yard and manufacturing site. Witness the craftsmen's “quiet precision” up close.

3) Hands-on Experience
Experience: A hands-on woodworking experience. Choose your favorite color and traditional pattern to complete your very own paulownia box.

4) Dialogue
Time to converse with the artisans. Together, we consider what should be passed on to the next generation in a sustainable society.

5) Closing
Disperse with your completed paulownia box in hand. It becomes a testament to your journey of deep reflection in Fuchu.

■Included
・Private factory tour with direct commentary by artisans.
・Materials for the experience and artisan instruction fees.
・Souvenir (a paulownia item).
　*Transportation is not included.

■Minimum number of participants: 2 people
■Maximum number of participants: 5 people

助理

English Speaking Guide available

備註

・Capacity: Up to 5 people
・Minimum number of participants: 2 people
・This tour is on a request basis.
・We may guide you together with people from other groups.
・Not available on Sundays and Saturdays.
・Clothing: Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dusty from wood shavings. Complimentary masks are available for your comfort.
・Footwear: Sturdy shoes (no heels) are required for your safety inside the factory.
・Safety Management: While the factory is in operation, please follow the supervisor's instructions and refrain from touching machinery or tools without permission.
・Photography & Privacy: Please follow the staff's instructions regarding photography.
・Age Restriction: This tour is for participants aged 18 and older.
・Prohibited Items: Smoking is strictly prohibited during the tour.

Meeting Point

Urakami Kiri Kogei 浦上桐工芸