[CRAFT WORK & IMMERSION] Introducing Local Bamboo Craftwork in the Hot Spring Town of Beppu!

BONUS: For the first Special Experiences item you book, we add the value of that item as travel credit for your next trip to Japan!*

On this virtual tour, we take you down to the famous hot spring town of Beppu, to join the charismatic Masa in meeting Cha-san at the Nagai Bamboo Factory. Local varieties of bamboo up to 14 metres in length are processed here at this facility! We talk with Cha-san, a seasoned bamboo craftworker, about the traditional ways that different bamboo types are sourced and prepared for craft work, and are introduced to some of the works created. We chat with a couple of the staff working at this unique venue, to learn a little bit about reasons that draw them to this vocation.

Masa then takes us to the Synergiez Bamboo Workshop, where an energetic artisan named Chikara-san (means Strength!), works us through the intricate crafting experience of making a pair of chopsticks from scratch! From the careful splitting of the bamboo, to hand-whittling and intimate detailing, all the way through to the final engraving of personal stamps.

We invite you to join us on this spiritual (and fun!) experience down in Beppu, and hope to make it a destination on your next trip to Japan!

Terms and Conditions:

1) Virtual touring is conducted via the Zoom/Discord online platform, to be accessed on your device of choice. JTB does not take any responsibility for technical limitations for viewing of the content at the participant’s end.

2) While we do our best to ensure that technical issues are minimized, some issues beyond our control may occur due to external factors such as weather, or connectivity disruptions. JTB does not take responsibility for any such issues which may occur on occasion over the course of virtual touring.

3) The content viewed on virtual tours is the property of JTB and our partners. This content may not be recorded in any way, or shared with any third parties.

4) * Travel Credit is limited to one per person, per booking. Credit is transferrable to a family member only. One credit per person per booking only can be redeemed on travel services to Japan. Conditions: Travel must be prior to 31/03/22 and the total cost of the travel package booked is over $1000 (excluding rail passes). Credit may not be redeemed for cash.

The link to join the virtual tour will be sent to you closer to the tour date.