Hands-On in Hyogo: How Traditional Crafts Promote Responsible Travel
Hyogo Prefecture is often overlooked by travellers sticking to the “Golden Route” but is a fantastic place to visit for those wanting to beat the crowds. Most well-known for the port city of Kobe and the well-marbled beef of the same name, there is so much more to discover in Hyogo! The National Treasure of Hyogo Castle, warm waters of Kinosaki Onsen, and the mountainous ruins of Takeda Castle among just a few of the amazing sights this prefecture has to offer. Hyogo is also home to a multitude of traditional crafts and has a rich cultural heritage, ready for the discerning traveller to discover. By including off the beaten track areas in your itinerary, you will help alleviate over tourism and uncover some of your own hidden gems along the way!
Fortune favours the bold
If you’re ever feeling in need of a boost of good fortune, a visit to the Toka Ebisu festival may be in order! The celebrations in early January centre around the god of commerce, Ebisu, and participants buy good luck charms to get them through the new year. Make your own luck in this activity where you will craft good luck charms called fukumi to take home as souvenirs.
Take a stab at it
Japan is well-known for being the home to some of the most skilled knife artisans in the world. In this activity you will have the opportunity to meet some of the cultural treasures responsible for creating a traditional blade which is unique to Hyogo. Tour the workshop, which has been open for over 130 years, and understand the process of creating the higonokami blade before having a go at making your own!
Solve all your problems
Many have never seen, let alone used an abacus – a traditional tool used to make complex calculations. The banshu soroban is unique to Hyogo, which has been a manufacturing hub for this beautiful invention. Wooden beads lined up precisely in a frame come to life in the right pair of hands to become a high powered calculator. In this activity you will have the chance to craft your very own abacus and become a math genius!
Come out smelling of roses
Awaji Island is the stepping stone between the main island of Japan and Shikoku, connected by the world’s longest suspension bridge. This island is fascinating in its own right but is also Japan’s leading producer of incense sticks. In this activity you will learn about the rich cultural history of the community that has created this traditional fragrance for over 170 years. Take your very own souvenir home with a chance to craft your very own fragrance, unique to your preferences.
In conclusion, creating your own souvenir in Hyogo Prefecture not only provides a unique, hands-on experience but also embodies the principles of responsible tourism. By engaging in traditional crafts like making good luck charms, knives, abacuses, or incense, you contribute to the preservation of local culture and support artisans who have kept these traditions alive for generations. These meaningful souvenirs, crafted from sustainable local materials, offer a deeper connection to the region, making them much more than just keepsakes. Through such activities, you help sustain cultural heritage, minimise environmental impact, and form unforgettable memories of your visit to Japan.
