Meet a Master Craftsman and Discover the Legacy of Japanese Inkstones
Ryukei Suzuri is the name given to inkstones made in Tatsuno Town of the Ina Valley. They are considered to be one of the three great inkstone producers in all of Japan. “Suzuri” is the Japanese word for inkstone. And “Ryukei” roughly translates to mean “Dragon Valley”, in reference to the area’s longstanding folklore, in which it is cast as a land of dragons.
The rare rocks used to make Ryukei Suzuri formed over 200 million years ago, thousands of meters underneath the sea. Though black on the inside, the surface of these ancient rocks have beautiful hues of gold and red. Since around 200 years ago, the incredible inkstone craftsmen of Tatsuno Town have been carving the stones into elegant pieces of Japanese art. Such was their quality that, once, only people of high status were allowed to use them.
Unfortunately, as with so many traditional crafts in Japan, the demand has dwindled. The great masters working in the once-booming industry, the keepers of the knowledge, now number only two. In this experience, master craftsman, calligrapher, and teacher, Mr. Izumi, will teach you all about Ryukei Suzuri. Not only will you try calligraphy for yourself, but you will also experience carving inkstones the traditional way, and watch as Mr. Izumi gives a special calligraphy performance.
Culture/Activity
・This is a one-of-its-kind experience in that you can learn about, and get hands-on with, both Japanese inkstone carving and calligraphy in the same tour.
・Mr. Izumi is one of only two remaining Ryukei Suzuri master craftsmen alive today. He is also a master of calligraphy and will expertly guide you in both disciplines during this immersive experience.
・Enjoy a special calligraphy performance by Mr. Izumi.
27,000JPY~ for 2ppl
19,000JPY~ for 3ppl;
15,000JPY~ for 4~6ppl
11,000JPY~/person for 7~12ppl
(Please contact us re. requests for larger group size.)
Heartland Japan
10:00/13:30
(The time can be arranged according to your request. The activity duration is approx. 90 min, depending on the total number of participants)
Between 10:00 ~ 13:30 (Your itinerary can be arranged according to your request.)
Inabe-juku Former Isawa Family Residence (12 min. walk from Inashi Station on JR Iida Line)
Inabe-juku Former Isawa Family Residence
(4 mins by car from Inashi Station on JR Iida Line)
[Parking: Available]
Late-April ~ Mid-November
No restriction
30 days prior
Minimum 2 Maximum 12
(Please contact us re. requests for more than 13 persons.)
You may get ink on your clothes. Please wear clothes that you do not mind getting stained and that are easy to move around in.
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This is an indoor and relaxing program.
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No skills are necessary. Even if you are new to Japanese calligraphy, you will be carefully guided by Mr. Izumi, so please relax and enjoy yourself.
Japanese guide fee, English-speaking guide fee, experience fee
Transportation to/from the meeting point, insurance (please purchase travel insurance in your own country), anything else not specified in “what is included” above.
(bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the participants)
N/A
[Cancellation at customer’s convenience]
-8 to 20 days prior 20%
-2 to 7 days prior 30%
-Day before 40%
-Same day/No show 100%
[Cancellation at the discretion of the organizer]
-In the case of stormy or freezing weather, departure cancelation will be determined the day before
and contact will be made only if the tour is canceled. In the case that the activity is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, no cancellation fee is required.
-In the case of light rain, the tour will go ahead with waterproof gear.
-After the tour begins, depending on the weather, we may have to change the route or cancel the tour. In this case, no refund will be given.
-If the tour cannot continue after it has started due to bad weather, no refunds will be given.