Straw Work

Description: Straw craft is a traditional Japanese handcraft that has been deeply rooted in everyday life alongside rice cultivation for centuries. After the harvest, rice straw was carefully reused and transformed into household tools, decorations, and ritual objects, reflecting a way of life that valued harmony with nature and zero waste.

In this experience, you will learn the fundamentals of straw craft from the Bōsō region by working directly with rice straw. Guided by a local farming family that has practiced agriculture for over 15 generations, you will explore basic weaving and knotting techniques while gaining insight into Japan’s cyclical approach to living and resource use.

The workshop takes place in a beautifully preserved 300-year-old farmhouse in rural Bōsō. Using traditional methods, you will create your own straw trivet (nabeshiki), engaging all your senses through the texture and scent of natural materials, and enjoying a quiet, immersive moment in Japan’s rural culture.
Duration: Approximately 1.5–3 hours
Participants: 1–6 people (larger groups available upon request)