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Forest Tourism and Woodcraft with a Mountain Artist Near Tokyo

Location Saitama Prefecture, Japan
$110.81
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

Nishikawa timber was once a premium wood used in Tokyo’s architecture, its name reflecting origins west of the city and deep ties to Tokyo’s heritage.
Managing centuries-old trees in harmony with the forest is an art, and these foresters are “mountain artists,” shaping nature with care and tradition.
In an internationally certified private forest, normally closed to the public, enjoy the aromas of three types of wood. Learn about thinning—a vital practice for healthy forests—then try log cutting yourself. Find a tree that speaks to you, relax beneath its canopy, and savor a quiet moment.
Join a hands-on craft: use a pyrography pen to inscribe a kanji of your choice on a wooden piece shaped like Edo Castle. This unique creation becomes a smartphone stand and a meaningful souvenir.
Located in Hannō, just an hour by train from Tokyo, the area offers easy access to Chichibu, Kawagoe, and Moomin Valley Park—an ideal nature escape close to the city.
Forest Tourism and Woodcraft with a Mountain Artist Near Tokyo
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

  • The guide will drive you from Higashi-Agano Station to the activity site.
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation costs are not included in the tour price.
  • Lunch is not included in this tour.

Meeting point
Once you exit the ticket gate, please find the guide holding a tour placard.
Return details
Once you exit the ticket gate, please find the guide holding a tour placard.

  • After exiting the ticket gate at Higashi-Agano Station, surrounded by rich nature, please look for the guide holding a tour placard. You’ll meet your fellow participants for the day, receive a briefing from the guide, and then travel to the activity site by car with the guide.
  • At the woodworking studio Kirari, where the craft experience takes place, you’ll receive a lecture from a forestry master—known as a “mountain artist”—about Nishikawa timber and the history of local forestry. Next, you’ll visit a certified forest site that’s normally closed to the public. The tour begins with a visit to a shrine dedicated to the mountain guardian deity. You’ll then explore the forest, learning about the care of centuries-old trees, unique cultivation methods, and the surrounding ecosystem. Enjoy the scents of three different types of wood, find a tree that resonates with you, and relax at its base, quietly “conversing” with it. Back at the studio, choose a kanji character and use a pyrography pen to inscribe it onto a wooden piece shaped like Edo Castle. This hands-on craft becomes a one-of-a-kind smartphone stand to take home as a special souvenir.
  • The guide will drive you back to Higashi-Agano Station, where the tour concludes. Around lunchtime, you’ll arrive at Hannō Station—feel free to enjoy lunch at one of the guide’s recommended local restaurants! (Please note that the guide will not join you for lunch.)

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This experience requires good weather.
    If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers.
    If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met,
    you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
  • How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Forest Tourism and Woodcraft with a Mountain Artist Near Tokyo

    Location Saitama Prefecture, Japan
    $110.81
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
    Delivery options
    eVoucher
    • Free
    • Instant delivery
    • Environmentally friendly
    Physical Gift Box
    • $10.00 fee
    • 2-5 business days
    • Shipping Worldwide

    No expiration date
    Easy refund
    Free exchange
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