Summer Version: Yame Fukushima: Meet the Craftspeople Keeping Traditions Alive (1hrs)
This is a Guided Yame Walking Tour designed during the extreme heat of Japanese summers. Through a 1km route, the course still takes guests to major spots, excluding those that are located outdoors. Yame Fukushima is an area filled with tradition and home to many craftspeople who still make their livelihoods here. This course offers a unique introduction to the living history of Yame through a handpicked itinerary that takes you through streets filled with traditional architecture, inside hard-to-access Buddhist altar and paper lantern-making artisans workshops, and more. Looking for a bit to eat or souvenirs to take back home? Ask our guide for personalized recommendations
- ● Visit workshops of artisans crafting Buddhist altars and bamboo scrolls — places not easily accessible on one’s own
- ● Enjoy Yame tea and matcha sweets at Yabeya Konomi Honke, the oldest tea shop in Yame
- ● Explore the Preservation District of Yame Fukushima for Traditional Machiya town houses
- ● Learn about the historical roots of Yame Fukushima
- ● A portion of the participation fee will go towards funding shrine renovation expenses and running costs of the workshops visited during the tour
- Rei WatanabeGuide / Travel Coordinator
- Born in Tokyo, Rei studied in Canada during high school and later earned a degree in Anthropology from the London School of Economics.
Since joining Unagi no Nedoko in 2015, she has worked as a researcher and interpreter, focusing on regional crafts and culture. As a travel coordinator and editor at UNA Laboratories, she curates cultural experiences and develops editorial projects that communicate the value of local heritage to audiences in Japan and around the world.
Creating Buddhist Altars with Traditional Methods of Yame Fukushima: Ogata Butsudan Honten
In Yame, the craft of making Buddhist altars (known as butsudan in Japanese) is divided amongst different craftspeople, each specializing in their own process. At Ogata Butsudan Honten, they perform the “finishing” part of production; after collecting all the different parts of the butsudan, the workshop applies lacquer and gold leaf before putting it all together. Amidst declining numbers of craftspeople who work in the butsudan production process, Ogata Butsudan Honten is a workshop filled with craftspeople both young and old who continue to pass down butsudan-making traditions.
The Namesake of Yame Tea: Yabeya Konomi Honke
A tea merchant in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Yabeya Konomi Honke is the oldest tea wholesaler in Kyushu. Founded between 1704 – 1710, the wholesaler took various teas of the region, all differing in name and quality, and branded them together as “Yame Tea.” Today, Yame Tea is a high-end strand known for its rich and sweet flavors. After taking a tea and snack break in the shop’s inner parlor, explore the inside architecture of an igura, a traditional late-Edo period townhouse.
A 150-Year-Old Townhouse and “Yame Sudare” Bamboo Blinds
“Yame Sudare” are interior blinds made of bamboo that are produced in the Yame region of Fukuoka. They have been designated as a traditional specialty folk craft by the Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture. Shop owner, Masafumi Nakamura made the bold decision to protect the declining bamboo industry, quitting his job to establish Machiya Curation Omoyai. Nakamura now engages in a variety of activities utilizing Yame Sudare. Visitors are welcome to enter the second floor of the 150-year-old townhouse that serves as his store.
Experience a World of Artisanship at Craft Inn 手 [té]
Located in Yame close to the Unagi no Nedoko store (10 minutes by foot) is Craft Inn 手 [té], an inn operated by UNA Laboratories that was renovated from a traditional Japanese building. From the furniture to the fixtures, bath, and decorations, every aspect of the inn highlights the craftsmanship of local artisans. An overnight stay at Craft Inn 手 [té] paired with a craft tour is a great way to experience the spirit of Kyushu and its craftspeople! Learn more about Craft Inn 手 [té] and reserve a room here.
＼Testimonials of Past Participants／
- ‧ It was incredible to have this experience to retrace the history of Yame and gain a deeper understanding of its traditional craft culture and architecture — all while having fun!
- ‧ I had a lot of fun on this tour, which was filled with visits to places that are usually tough to get access to. I learned so much and also got a sense of the area’s history.
- ‧ It was nice to be walk around the town in a small group and friendly atmosphere.
| Tour Code | GFYM02 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday 15:30~ |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Schedule |
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| Languages | English |
| Participants | Minimum 2 / Maximum 6 (1 person can participate if the price for 2 is paid) For groups of 7 or more, contact tour@unalabs.jp |
| Meeting Location |
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| Reservation Deadline | Up to three days before the tour. For tours that have reached the minimum number of participants and are scheduled to take place, 30 minutes before the start of the tour. |
| Payment Method | Advance payment at the time of reservation (VISA, Mastercard, Amex) |
| Attire | Please wear comfortable clothing and accessories to stay cool, such as a sun parasol/hat, etc. |
| Notes |
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| Cancellation Policy | 3 to 1 day(s) preceding the tour start date: 50% of the tour fee |
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
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday 15:30~ ※Tours are held by request. We will check availability and get back to you. *If you wish to customize or change the time, please contact us at tour@unalabs.jp
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Recommended Age
- Any age (should be able to walk comfortably for 1 hour)
- Price
- 7,800yen (tax included)
- Remarks
- ※ Children under 6 years old: free
※ Children between 6 and 12 years old: ¥1,500 (tax included)