DIY Study Tour: Renovate a Genuine Old Folk Residence Passing on the Japanese Way of Life

Learn from skilled artisans about local activities and renovation techniques in a thatched folk house and help pass on local culture.

This is a special tour of a traditional thatched folk house not usually accessible to visitors and built with multiple traditional Japanese techniques.
It is a chance to experience local activities, architecture, and home renovation techniques.

You can even try your hand at renovating the house yourself under the instruction of artisans, trained in the traditional skills of this community.
Hidetsugu Matogawa will be your thatching expert. Hidetsugu learned from local thatching artisans and performs thatched roof refurbishments throughout Japan.
Hajime Wilds will be your woodworker and carpenter. Hajime is well-versed in local traditional techniques, and he also studied design and woodworking in his father's hometown in the USA. He practices new spatial designs that blend traditional techniques.
　Finally, Kyle Holzhueter will be your plasterer. Kyle holds a doctorate in natural materials research and gives workshops throughout Japan as a plasterer and builder.

This workshop in a thatched folk house helps to pass on living culture through the use of traditional tools. You will also be provided with a meal of shijimi soup, a traditional food of the region.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful morning scenery of Lake Shinji, then board a fishing boat to try your hand at clam fishing to get a feel for local efforts to protect fishery resources.
Each part of the trip will be guided by an experienced professional interpreter.
Private cabs are also available for transportation from your accommodation.