Kyoto, Uji, experiences with exceptional Japanese locals
Art History, Culture, Nature
The unique spirit of “mottainai” in Japan. Experience craftsmanship at a Japanese repair shop that fixes all kinds of things. Fixing memories by fixing things.
Tour Number 04
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Tour Features
It is said that the word "MOTTAINAI" is a uniquely Japanese spirit.
When translated into English, the Japanese express the meaning below with a single word "MOTTAINAI".
① It's wasteful. ② It's a waste of time. ③ It's too good for me. ④ How stupid of me!
And the world interprets it that way.
3R Environment + Respect = Mottainai
It not only expresses the 3Rs of environmental activities - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - in one word, but also contains respect for the irreplaceable resources of the earth. The word is "Mottainai".
▶︎About this experience
We will visit "Naoshiya", a workshop in Uji, Kyoto.
Here, a carpenter fixes a scratch, remakes an old grandma's desk so it's usable again, and more. It's a repair shop that craftsmen can rely on.
Rather than padding the board and fixing it, the craftsmanship of creating the wood grain color on the board and drawing the wood grain one by one to fix it is mind blowing.
We live in a convenient and prosperous time where it's natural to "use and throw away", but there are still many things that can be used by breathing new life into them and fixing them. Here you can spend time concentrating and immersing yourself in the actual repair.
Tour Program
Input "fix" and "MOTTAINAI" using slides
It's time to know how to "fix"
First, we will visit the RojiUra Journey store and take some time to reflect on the “repair”.
Looking back in Japanese history, there was a long period of national isolation where transportation and trade with other countries was prohibited. At that time, it was necessary to make the life of objects last.
Long before today, when environmental and social issues are highlighted, there was a time that could be called the origin of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
We will talk about these things using visuals and enjoy the experience after that.
Mr. Ishikawa, representative of the workshop
To the restoration workshop
The restoration workshop, which is about a 10-minute drive from “RojiUra Journey”, is located in Shirakawa, an area of Uji town rich in nature and with tea plantations. There, the artisans of the workshop will guide you through the experience. First, we'll hear about the craftsmen's philosophy, such as examples of real-life repairs, how they repair, and what kind of thoughts they want to convey to people.
Discover the know-how of repairing damaged floors
Refurbish a damaged wooden board.
What is surprising here is that if you think you are repairing the wood by replacing it, you will be able to create the same color as the wood grain with paint and draw the wood grain one by one to restore its original look. The hole disappears very easily and comes back anew like the original board.
You can see the skill of the craftsman who will explain to you that: "You can make any color using these four colors."
It's time to experience "repair" and immerse yourself.
Then we will experience a know-how that makes it easier to repair objects.
Even if you use the same color, there is a subtle difference... The work of drawing the wood grain makes my hands shake... When actually trying to fix it, you can feel the craftsmanship again.
Repairing and redesigning dishes
Since you have come all the way to Uji, you will be able to make something related to Ujicha tea, which is a specialty of Kyoto and Uji, and also use a container to put sweets during the tea ceremony and take it home .
During this experience, instead of restoring the original look, we will restore it by creating a color with resin and pigments and creating a new object and a beautiful pattern. You can take it home as a plate or coaster that you can use at home.
Finally, take a sip of Uji tea in a restored container with the Kintsugi
At the end of the experience, you can enjoy a cup of Uji tea with the craftsman while feeling the taste of restored pottery. With the idea of the work done.
Tour Details
Tour Number 04
(Including workshop visit, restoration experience and interpreter/guide)
If less than two people wish to participate, a minimum guarantee fee of JPY 49,500 will be charged for the total group amount.
*Children under 3 years old are not allowed to participate. (Nor can they be accompanied.)
*Subject to change without notice depending on the status of the new coronavirus infection.
From 3 days to the day before to the day before the day before the start of the trip 30% of the total
100% from the day before
Historically, tea has always been a touristic resource for the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture.
“Roji ura Journey” offers immersive encounters to discover various tea producers.
You'll learn about their philosophy through experiences like tea ceremony, calligraphy,
zazen, Buddhist art, ikebana, artwork restoration, crafts, and art. With the theme of
meditation and mindfulness, deeply linked to the tea culture in Uji, discover your
“inner self”. Take advantage of this precious time to rediscover yourself and embark
on a real “local trip” through the alleys of Uji.
BACK STREET JOURNEY UJI,KYOTO,JAPAN
