All Reviews for Traditional Crafts

I brought along a couple of friends who live overseas. They explained everything in a polite manner in both Japanese and English, so even as beginners, we were able to create something enjoyable and wonderful. I was really happy to see my friends so pleased.

海外に住む友人夫婦をお連れしました。丁寧に日本語・英語で説明いただいたので初心者でも楽しく、素敵に作ることができました。友人夫婦にとても喜んでもらえて嬉しかったです。

Since I went to Okinawa, I wanted to have an experience that was unique to Okinawa, so I signed up for Shuri weaving. The staff were very polite and provided excellent guidance, allowing me to complete my project successfully.

At first, I was a bit clumsy and had to use my voice to keep the rhythm, which confused me, but I quickly got the hang of it.

The finished piece can be taken home as is, so I've been using it since I got back home. I would love to do it again.

沖縄に行ったからには、何か沖縄らしい体験をしたいと思い、首里織を申し込みました。スタッフの方が、とても丁寧に、指導して下さり、ちゃんと完成することが出来ました。　
初めはたどだどしく、声でリズムを取らないと頭が混乱しましたが、すぐに慣れました。
できた作品はそのままお持ち帰りできるので、さっそく家に帰ってから使っています。
またやりたいです。

This was my second time here with my son and my friend from Japan joined for her first time and we all loved it. We had an English speaking instructor who was very helpful and showed us step-by-step what we needed to do to make our design how we wanted it. We practiced on a separate glass and that was so helpful to improve our technique. The instructor gave us additional tips along the way. It's so nice to take home such a unique product from our time spent in Japan.

I thought it was just an experience of blowing glass for ten minutes, but there were also steps for adding cracks and expanding the glass. With the assistance of the craftsmen, a very beautiful glass was created. It was a lot of fun.

１０分間でガラスを吹く体験だけかと思いましたが、ひびを入れる工程だったり、グラスを広げる作業だったり職人さんのアシストを受けながらとてもきれいなグラスが出来上がりました。とても楽しかったです。

I thought it was just an experience of blowing glass for ten minutes, but there were also steps for adding cracks and expanding the glass. With the assistance of the craftsmen, a very beautiful glass was created. It was a lot of fun.

１０分間でガラスを吹く体験だけかと思いましたが、ひびを入れる工程だったり、グラスを広げる作業だったり職人さんのアシストを受けながらとてもきれいなグラスが出来上がりました。とても楽しかったです。

I thought it was just an experience of blowing glass for ten minutes, but there were also steps for adding cracks and expanding the glass. With the assistance of the craftsmen, a very beautiful glass was created. It was a lot of fun.

１０分間でガラスを吹く体験だけかと思いましたが、ひびを入れる工程だったり、グラスを広げる作業だったり職人さんのアシストを受けながらとてもきれいなグラスが出来上がりました。とても楽しかったです。

I had heard that the staff would be kind and helpful based on reviews, but I was worried that with so many people, there might not be enough time to work at the stations. However, in reality, there was one instructor for every six students, and each student had their own workstation. The instruction was thorough and attentive, and there was plenty of time to work. It was more challenging than I expected, but after practicing, I was able to decide on a design that suited my skill level, and I think I ended up with something really good.

口コミで親切に教えてもらえるとありましたが、人が多く作業台も人と使うとゆっくり作業する時間ないかも…と心配してました。
実際は先生1人に生徒6人で1人一台ずつ作業台があり、しっかり丁寧に教えてもらえて作業時間もたっぷりありました。
思ったより難しかったですが、練習した後にデザインを決めれたので、実力に見合った柄を選べて良いものが出来たと思います。

I participated with a total of five friends, including both American and Japanese friends. It was everyone's first time, but we enjoyed choosing glasses, selecting designs, and the entire experience. Even if we made mistakes, the unique flavors of handmade items created great memories. Everyone was incredibly focused, so time flew by!

アメリカ人の友達と日本人の友達、合計5人で参加しました。全員初めてでしたが、グラス選び、デザイン選び、体験まで楽しむことができました。失敗しても手作りならではの味が出て良い思い出。全員ものすごく集中していたので、時間が経つのがあっという間でした！

I was able to practice thoroughly and immerse myself with peace of mind.

It was challenging, but I was able to focus and enjoy the experience, so I would like to try a different design next time.

練習をしっかりさせてもらえて、安心して没頭出来ました

難しかったですが、集中して楽しく体験出来たので、次は違うデザインで体験したいなと思います

My 3-year-old daughter was able to participate as well. We received assistance each time, but we were able to complete our work successfully. They provided explanations for each step, and the two people in the workshop were polite and pleasant. They shared that Okinawa's cherry blossoms are different from those in Tokyo, and on our way back, we took an early cherry blossom walk in the nearby park. (The cherry blossoms in Okinawa are of a type that doesn't shed petals and had a stronger pink color.) Due to flight delays and road traffic, we had to change our schedule, and the office staff were very helpful. Thank you very much.

3歳の娘も体験できました。補助に都度都度はいりましたが無事に作品を完成することができました。ひとつひとつの工程に説明をいれていただき、工房の二人の方が丁寧で感じのよい方でした。沖縄の桜は東京とは違いますよというおはなしをいただき帰りにとなりの公園？で一足早くお花見散歩して帰りました。(沖縄の桜は花びらが散ることがないタイプで桃色が強かったです)
飛行機遅延と道路渋滞で日時変更をさせていただき事務所の方にも大変お世話になりました。ありがとうございました。

My first experience with Edo Kiriko was challenging but fun. They let you practice, so you don't have to carve directly onto the glass without any preparation, which makes it manageable. I was a bit shocked to find out that colored glasses come with an additional fee; it might have been mentioned somewhere, though.

初めての江戸切子体験、難しいですが楽しかったです　練習もさせて下さるし、ぶっつけ本番でグラスに彫るわけではないのでなんとかなります　色付きのグラスは追加料金がかかるというのはちょっとショックでした　どこかに書いてあったのかもしれないけど。

We enjoyed every minute of this workshop! The teacher was very informative and gave everyone personal attention, making suggestions and only too happy for us to continue practicing if we weren't confident of going onto our personal glass. At the end, she glamour shot our glasses, showing them off beautifully. We will definitely be back to try a harder design. Highly recommended!

The fourth and first graders experienced it. At first, I was worried about how it would turn out, but the staff taught them patiently without rushing, and they were able to complete their works on their own. The finished products turned out even better than I imagined. Although there were some mistakes, they turned out beautifully, and I was very satisfied.

四年生と一年生の子供が体験しました。最初はどうなってしまうかなと心配していましたが、スタッフの方が焦らさずにしっかり教えてくださり、自分たちでちゃんと作品を仕上げることができました。出来上がりも想像以上によく、失敗してしまった箇所もありましたが素敵に出来上がり大満足でした。

I participated with my clumsy husband. It was easy to access International Street, and we had a great time. My husband was reluctant to join since it's not his strong suit, but he seemed to enjoy completing it. The instructions were thorough, which made the experience reassuring. It's located on the second floor of a building near the Calbee shop. The experience room is at the back and not visible from the street, so you need to go up the stairs and turn once you reach the top.

不器用な夫と参加しました。国際通りでアクセスもしやすく楽しかったです。
夫は苦手なので渋々参加でしたが楽しそうに完成させていました。
説明が丁寧で安心して体験できます。
カルビーショップのそばの建物の2階にあります。体験の部屋は裏側になっていて通りからみえないので階段を上った先を曲がるとあります。

The instructor was very kind, and although the design was difficult, I was able to complete it with their advice! I'm happy to have made a glass that I'm satisfied with. I will cherish it from now on (^^).

教えてくれる方がとても親切で、難しいデザインでしたがアドバイスいただいたりして最後まで作ることができました！
満足な出来のグラスができて嬉しいです。これから愛用していきます(^^)

I was taught very carefully, and I was able to create a glass that I’m satisfied with. It's great that I can take it home on the same day! I'm already enjoying some delicious sake.

凄く丁寧に教えて頂き、納得のいくグラスができました。
当日持って帰れるのも良いです！
早速、美味しいお酒を飲んでます。

I had wonderful experience painting a lantern with Japanese motives 😁😍 o love how it was packaged in the end, great experience 😍

I was looking forward to my first kiriko experience. After practicing a few times, it was straight to the main event. I received a brief explanation at first, but then I felt a bit abandoned. I think the enjoyment of the experience varies depending on the instructor.

初めての切り子体験を楽しみにしてました。
練習を何度かし、直ぐ本番。
たんたんと最初に説明を受け
そのあとは放置された印象。
教えてくれる方により
楽しさが違うと思いました。

The staff were very polite and taught me well, and I was able to create something I am very satisfied with! I would love to go again if I have the chance to visit Tokyo! ✨

スタッフの方も丁寧に教えて下さり、とても満足のモノを作ることができました！
また東京に行く機会があれば行きたいです✨

Takato Matsudaira was instructive, protective, and kind as he taught us about the knife-making process. It gave us a renewed appreciation for the knives that we use every day. At the end of this class, we produced wobbly, pitted knives that we'll treasure forever, because despite, or probably because of the imperfections, we made it ourselves!

This class was so much fun. Our sensei was amazing. We received excellent explanations & demonstrations to help us understand the process. I would highly recommend this class!!

The workshop was very hot.
We made items while learning about several processes in about 10 minutes each.
Since I couldn't pick it up the next day, I had it mailed to my home. When I made it, the drinking spout was bent, but they fixed it. I've been using it often and it reminds me of Okinawa.

工房はとても暑かったです。
一人10分弱の体験時間で、何工程かあるのを教わりながら作りました。
翌日の受け取りが無理だったので家に郵送してもらいました。作った時、飲み口が曲がっていましたが、直してくれていました。度々使って、沖縄を思い出しています。

This was my second experience. Last time, I chose a cherry-colored tumbler from a wide variety of glass shapes and colors, but this time, the colored glasses were limited to light blue, dark blue, and dark red, with only one shape available for each color. Since there were 11 participants from a company alumni gathering, I had hoped to create something with my preferred glass, but in the end, I had no choice but to select a clear glass. Many participants expressed disappointment afterward, saying, "It's a shame there were no colored glasses."

Additionally, last time, the staff made adjustments after the pieces were completed, but that didn't happen this time, which was disappointing. At first, I was nervous about carving, but as I got used to it, it became enjoyable, and I felt like I wanted to challenge myself to create a more elaborate piece with colored glass next time. Overall, it was a very fun experience, and I would like to try it again.

今回2回目の体験です。前回はグラスの形状、カラーが豊富で桜色のタンブラーを選びましたが、今回はカラーのグラスが薄い水色、濃いブルー、濃い赤のみでそれも各色1種類の形状のみでした。今回は会社のOBの集まりで11名参加と言うこともあり、出来るだけお好みのグラスで作成して頂きたかったのですが、結局、透明のグラスを選ぶしか無くて、参加後の感想も「色のグラスがなかったのが残念」と言う声が多数ありました。
また、前回は出来上がってからお店の方が修正を入れてくださったのですが、今回はそれがなかったのが残念でした。
始めは恐々削っていましたが、慣れてくると楽しくなって、カラーグラスでもう少し凝った作品にチャレンジしたいと思いました。
体験としてはとても楽しかったのでまた体験したいと思います。

I experienced this with my 6-year-old child, and the artisan's operation was smooth and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to receiving the glass we made.

6歳の子供と体験しましたが、職人さんのオペレーションがスムーズで楽しめました。
作ったグラスが届くのが楽しみです。

I had the opportunity to experience Bingata at a hands-on workshop where I could try my hand at everything from coloring to outlining in about 90 minutes. I chose a tote bag and received a lecture from the instructor about the history of Bingata. It was a direct experience that made me realize just how difficult this art form is, and I truly appreciated its value. On the third day after bringing it home, I washed it... Although it's a rather clumsy piece I made myself, it has become a precious souvenir that carries the unique cultural scent of Okinawa. I hope Bingata becomes more widely known.

90分ほどで作品の色差しから隈取りまで体験させてもらえる体験型工房での紅型。トートバッグを選び、先生より紅型の歴史やレクチャーを教えてもらい、ダイレクトに体験して、こんなにも難しいものかと紅型という芸術の価値を改めて感じたひと時でした。持ち帰って3日目に洗いにかけて…自分で作ったへなちょこ作品ではありますが、沖縄のかけがえのない文化的な香りのするお土産となりました。もっと紅型が普及しますように。

I had the opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese craft of kiriko for the first time. Thank you for the thorough explanation. I'm glad that I was able to create a lovely piece by generating new ideas from my mistakes. If there is another opportunity, I would love to participate again.

初めて日本の伝統文化切子の製作を体験させていただきました。
丁寧なご説明をいただきありがとうございました。失敗したところから新しいアイデアを生まれ、可愛い作品を出来上がって良かったです。
また機会がございましたらぜひよろしくお願い致します。

Along Kokusai Street, you can experience Ryukyu glass right in the heart of Naha, making it a great option for a little free time or on rainy days.

While there aren't many shapes and colors to choose from, if you want a more authentic experience, other studios in Yomitan or Onna are better options.

国際通り沿い
那覇のど真ん中で琉球ガラスの体験が出来るので、ちょっとした隙間時間や雨の日にもオススメ。

選べる形や色は多くはないので、
より本格的に楽しむなら読谷や恩納などの別の工房がバターです。

The young woman who helped me was kind and gentle. In contrast, what about the people at the shop on the first floor? At the end, I was able to take a photo, and it turned out beautifully.

教えていただけた若い女の人が親切でやさしかったです。それに引き換え一階の売店にいた人達は？
終わりに写真を撮らせていただけるのですが、きれいに写すことができました。

The staff worked efficiently, so I was able to go with the flow and it was a quick experience. Since it's a one-on-one session lasting about 10 minutes per person, it's better to consider the total time as 10 minutes multiplied by the number of participants when joining with a group.

You can choose the color and shape of the glass, whether or not to include a dot pattern, and whether or not to add cracks.

The finished piece turned out to be larger and thicker than I imagined! I had wanted a Ryukyu glass vase before going to Okinawa, and being able to make it myself turned out to be a wonderful memory that I can cherish.

スタッフさんが手際よくサクサク進めてくださるので、流れに身を任せてあっという間の体験でした。マンツーマンで1人10分という感じなので、複数人数で参加する際は10分×参加人数の所要時間と考えていた方がいいです。
ガラスの色、形、ドット柄の有無、ヒビ入れの有無選べます。
想像よりも大きくて厚みのある作品になりました！
沖縄に行く前から琉球ガラスの一輪挿しが欲しいな〜と思っていて、実際に自分で作ることができて、形に残るより良い思い出になりました。

My spouse and I experienced Shuri-ori for the first time. To be honest, I was a bit worried at first that it would be quite difficult and that we would struggle a lot. However, we had a very kind instructor who guided us, and all my worries disappeared in an instant (laughs). We were able to spend a very enjoyable hour. We chose the coaster course, but the patterns are so beautiful that it feels almost too precious to use. Therefore, we are thinking of buying a small frame to put it in and display it at home. Thank you very much!

夫婦ふたりで、首里織をはじめて体験しました。正直申して、最初は少し難しくて、かなり苦戦するのかなと心配していました。ところが、とても親切にご指導してくださる方かついて下さり、心配事がいっぺんに吹き飛びました(笑)。とても楽しい、約1時間を過すことができました。選んだコースはコースターでしたが、模様がきれいすぎて、今後、使うことがもったいないくらいです。ですので、我が家では、小さな額縁を買ってきて、その中に入れて、飾りたいと考えています。本当にありがとうございました。