A History of 400 Years - Magemono Bento Box Making and Hakozaki Shrine (2.5 hrs)
Magemono are containers made from thinly curved pieces of wood that are glued and bound with cherry tree bark. At the Hakata Magemono Gallery run by artisan Tamaki Shibata, learn about the history of Magemono and the techniques used to create it. Experience the final step of the making process by binding the box closed with the bark of a cherry tree. Once the bento box is complete, fill the box with an assortment of prepared side dishes that include onigiri. Next, move to Hakozaki Shrine, where a shrine priest will introduce the shrine’s connection to Magemono. Enter areas of the shrine that are closed off to regular visitors, including the main sanctuary and treasure room.
- ● Learn about Hakata Magemono from 18th-generation artisan, Tamaki Shibata
- ● Experience binding a bento box with cherry tree bark
- ● Fill the bento box with a variety of prepared side dishes
- ● Take home the completed bento box
- ● Tour Hakozaki Shrine, which has a deep connection with Magemono, with a shrine priest
- Tamaki ShibataHakata Magemono Craftsman
- Shibata’s connection with Hakata Magemono dates back to childhood, where she often assisted her father, the 17th-generation head. Following her father’s passing in 1996, Shibata succeeded as the 18th-generation head of the family’s Magemono business. Holding solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Kyoto, and other locations, Shibata strives to develop and promote Magemono that preserve traditional techniques and fit contemporary lifestyles. In 2025, “Hakata Magemono” was designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of Fukuoka Prefecture. Tamaki Shibata was recognized as one who holds the technique for making “Hakata Magemono.”
What is Hakata Magemono?
Hakata Magemono are wooden containers made from cedar or cypress boards that have been heated, curved, glued, and bound with the bark of a cherry tree. In Kanto, this craft is called Magewappa. Since no metal is used, the containers are light and, with proper care, can last a long time. The people of Maidashi, the town where Hakozaki Hachiman Shrine stands, take pride in their lineage of shrine service. Among the ritual items offered before the deity are Magemono goods, which represent their respective household crafts. The Shibata family is one such lineage, having produced Hakata Magemono for over 400 years. Source: Hakata Magemono Shibata Website
Hakozaki Shrine’s Deep Connection to Hakata Magemono
Hakozaki Shrine is one of Japan’s Three Great Hachiman Shrines. It is said to have been founded in 921 AD by Emperor Daigo and has played a vital role as a gateway for international exchange. Renowned as a deity for warding off misfortune and bringing victory, it is cherished as a shrine that colors the seasons of Fukuoka and Hakata through events like the Tamatori Festival and the Hojoya Festival. During the tour, a shrine priest will guide you through Hakozaki Shrine, focusing on its connection to Magemono goods. Guests will be able to enter the inner sanctuary and treasure room, areas normally closed to the public. Source: Hakozaki Shrine Website
Bound With Cherry Tree Bark
Of the more than ten steps involved in making Magemono, experience the final highlight yourself: binding the wood with cherry bark. Using a small knife, pierce holes into a preglued bento box body and lid. After smoothing a strip of cherry bark with a knife, thread it through the cut holes to bind the wood and complete the box.
Fill the Bento Box With an Assortment of Side Dishes
After the tannins from the wood are removed with hot water, experience filling your own Japanese bento box! Fill the completed box with an assortment of prepared side dishes, which include onigiri. Take home the bento box and enjoy the contents.
| Tour Code | GFFK04 |
|---|---|
| Dates | 10:00〜 *Weekdays are generally not available, but may be possible on certain days upon consultation. |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Schedule |
*The above schedule can be adjusted depending on the needs/requests of the customer. |
| Language | Japanese *We can help arrange for an English interpreter (additional cost required). Please contact us if necessary: tour@unalabs.jp |
| Participants | Minimum 2/ Maximum 10 (1 person can participate if the price for 2 is paid) |
| Meeting Location | Hakata Magemono Tamaki/Hakozaki Showroom 3 Chome-8-18 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka 812-0053 *Please note that there is a different Hakata Magemono location in Kasuya. The correct location is in Hakozaki. By Train: 5 minutes walk from “JR Hakozaki Station”, 10 minutes walk from “Hakozaki Kyudai-mae” subway station By Car: 15 minutes from Fukuoka Airport. There is no parking lot. Please use a nearby coin parking lot if you come by car. |
| Reservation Deadline | Up to 14 days prior to the experience (by 5pm JST) |
| Payment Method | Advance payment by credit card (VISA, Master, Amex, JCB) using a form once the request has been confirmed. |
| Attire | Please wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. There are places where you will need to remove your shoes. |
| What to Bring | All the items necessary for the experience are provided. |
| Notes |
|
| Cancellation Policy | Cancellation:
|
Travel Planning: Implementation
- UNA Laboratories Inc. (Fukuoka Prefectural Governor Registration #2-951)
- 3-12-22-302 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0022
- TEL: 092-982-7956E-MAIL: tour@unalabs.jp
- Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors:
Aya Tamura, Noriko Yahata, Rei Watanabe - Business Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays) - *Requests received outside of business hours will be processed the following business day.
- *Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors are responsible for transactions held at the sales office that processes customers’ travel. Please do not hesitate to contact the aforementioned Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors with any questions or concerns regarding the travel contract.
Tour Information
- Dates
- Dates: 10:00〜 *Request type: Please send us a request 14 days or more before your desired tour date.
- Duration
- 2.5 hours *The schedule can be adjusted depending on the needs/requests of the customer.
- Recommended Age
- 10 years and older
- Price
- 22,000yen (tax included)
- Remarks
- Includes: Experience fee, bento box material fee, lunch fee, and guide fee. (Please contact us in advance if you have any allergies.)