The Ultimate Bento-Making Experience: KISHU Urushi Bento (Three days:February 12 to February 14, 2025.)
The Ultimate Bento-Making Experience: KISHU Urushi Bento (Three days:February 12 to February 14, 2025.)
Kishu’s Kumano Kodo, (“Old Road of Kumano”) is one of the sacred sites and pilgrimage trails designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is one of Wakayama’s most iconic destinations. On this journey, however, you will have the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the hidden charms of Kishu. Create your own original Kishu lacquerware bento box under the guidance of a real traditional craftsman. Experience sharpening your own, personally engraved yanagiba knife—an essential tool for Japanese cuisine. Watch the masterful filleting of Kishu’s specialty fresh tuna, and then savor its flavor by crafting your own sushi. Then, you will use your newly sharpened knife to make decorative rolled sushi. Pack your handcrafted sushi into your original lacquerware bento box and enjoy your “KISHU Urushi Bento” surrounded by the natural beauty of Kotonoura Onzan-Souen Garden, a nationally designated scenic spot, as you think back on your experiences of the unique culinary and cultural heritage of Kishu.
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Time schedule
day1
12:00-12:30 p.m. Meet at Wakayama Station and transfer
12:30-2:00 p.m. Lunch, program introduction, and self-introductions
2:30-3:15 p.m. Tour of Wakayama Castle
3:15-4:00 p.m. Knife sharpening experience
4:00-4:30 p.m. Matcha tea
day2
10:00-11:00 a.m. Explanation of lacquerware
11:00-12:00 p.m. Lacquer experience
12:00-1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00-3:00 p.m. Maki-e decoration experience
3:30p.m.- Souvenir shopping
day3
10:00-11:00 a.m. Fresh tuna cutting and sushi experience
11:00-1:00 p.m. Decorative maki sushi experience
1:30-2:30 p.m. Meal and photo session
Create Your Own Kishu Laquerware Bento Box with Traditional Artisan Kumiko Tanioka
5th Generation Yoshinoya Bun'emon, lacquerware artists of the Yoshino linage
Kumiko Tanioka
Kumiko Tanioka is a rare talent, certified as a traditional artisan in the “Comprehensive” category, holding expertise in both lacquer application and maki-e decorative techniques. Recognized in media outlets both in Japan and abroad, she spreads not only the allure of traditional lacquerware but also explores new possibilities for this ancient art form.
- Eight-time award winner at the Kainan City Art Exhibition
- Winner of the Mainichi Newspaper Award at the 57th Wakayama Prefecture Art Exhibition
- Certified as a Traditional Artisan in 2009 (Kishu Lacquerware, Comprehensive Division)
- Awarded the Traditional Craft Industry Merit Award on November 26, 2018
- Finalist at the National Traditional Craft Public Exhibition, 2018 and 2020
- Recipient of the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Award for contributions to traditional crafts on November 2, 2023
Under the guidance of a certified traditional artisan, you’ll have the chance to craft Kishu lacquerware, made from natural materials and known for its durability, lightness, and natural beauty—truly an item for a lifetime. This rare opportunity to learn traditional techniques handed down through generations is invaluable in preserving a tradition at risk of disappearing.You’ll be learning directly from Kumiko Tanioka, the only woman in Japan who is certified as a traditional artisan in the comprehensive lacquerware field. Through the creation of exquisite lacquered items such as a lidded zelkova wood bowl or a bento box adorned with delicate kai-maki-e shell inlay, you’ll delve into the depth of Kishu lacquerware craftsmanship. At the end of your journey, you’ll bring home an authentic, personalized piece of Kishu lacquerware—a meaningful keepsake that embodies Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Yanagiba KnifeSharpening and Tuna Filleting Demonstration with Yoshinori Izumi
Tuna cutting master
Yoshinori Izumi
Yoshinori Izumi first encountered tuna while working part-time delivering fish at Wakayama’s central market during his university days. He and his mentors later opened the Kuroshio Market, a seafood market catering to visitors at Wakayama Marina City at the World Resort Expo in 1994. Since its opening, the market’s tuna filleting shows have been a major attraction. being held three times daily for 27 years, with over 30,000 performances, earning them recognition as Japan’s top filleting show. Recently, increasing inbound tourism has drawn more international visitors to the experience.
With the growing demand for offsite filleting demonstrations, Izumi founded “Maguro Meijin,” a company specializing in mobile tuna filleting shows, delivering around 120 events annually at hotels, high-end department stores, and international exhibitions. He has also taught filleting techniques abroad and actively participates in METI-sponsored Japan events to promote Japanese culture and cuisine. His filleting show collaboration at Tsukiji Yamataka, a popular Hong Kong restaurant in partnership with Toyosu wholesaler Yamaharu, has gained notable attention. Additionally, Izumi's tuna filleting has been selected as part of “Premier Wakayama,” and has been officially certified by Wakayama Prefecture’s Cultural and Arts Division. Known as “The Man Tuna Fear Most,” he has become a celebrated figure in tuna demonstrations.
Discover the charm of Wakayama Castle through a special experience that immerses you in traditional Japanese craftsmanship. In the shadow of historic Wakayama Castle*, you’ll learn the art of sharpening a yanagiba knife from master tuna carver, Yoshinori Izumi, in a location once famed for its Omura sharpening stones. Participants will also enjoy an exclusive tuna filleting demonstration by Mr. Izumi himself, providing insights into Kishu’s fresh tuna culture.
You’ll be able to test the precision of your freshly sharpened yanagiba knife, prepare your own sushi, and bring home a custom knife engraved with your name and a sharpening stone as memorable souvenirs. Conclude your experience with some matcha green tea and seasonal sweets at the Koshoan Tea Room, nestled within the grounds of Wakayama Castle.
*During the winter season, the location for knife sharpening may change.
Kaori Makiko: Bringing the Art of Decorative Sushi to the World
Sushi instructor
Kaori Makiko
Starting with her first rolled sushi in 2008, Kaori Makiko launched her career as a sushi instructor in 2015 with her Valentine-themed sushi creation, "Love Swan." She went on to hold regular sushi classes for 20-30 participants up until 2019. Kaori’s experience extends beyond teaching sushi-making techniques; she has also trained new instructors, consulted for hotel kitchens, appeared on television, and contributed recipes to several magazines. Her classes have attracted numerous international students, and she has even hosted sushi-making workshops in Guam and at historic castles in Turkey, sharing the art of sushi with audiences across Europe.
Using fresh tuna prepared right before your eyes, you will create decorative sushi inspired by the February flower, the "Camellia," and the snow-capped "Mount Fuji." Through this hands-on experience, you’ll delve into the art of kazari maki (decorative rolled sushi) and learn about the culture surrounding it. Once completed, you’ll place your sushi creations in the lacquerware bento box you crafted yourself, giving you a full serving of Japanese bento culture.
The setting for lunch will be Kishu's largest and most exquisite garden, the designated scenic garden of Kotonoura Onzan-Soen. Here, the grounds are decorated by graceful pine groves, with the occasional sound of fish jumping or birds chirping which only add to the tranquility. During the wisteria and azalea seasons, the garden is brought to life with vibrant colors. Take your time to appreciate the refined modern Japanese architecture of the main building, explore the tea rooms, or simply relax on the tatami floor while admiring the full view of the gardens, basking in this serene moment.
Your Interpreter Guide
Noriko Hosokawa
Born and raised in Wakayama, Noriko Hosokawa is a national licensed tour guide. After obtaining her Koya and Kumano regional guide license in 2013, she gained her experience as a volunteer guide in those regions and acquired her national guide license in 2015. Since then, she has led tours not only in Wakayama Prefecture but also in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Shikoku. Her tours focused on the syncretic belief system of Shinto and Buddhism, which is the basis of Japanese culture and traditions, are well received.
In 2021, Noriko gave three Zoom training courses on "Koyasan & Kumano" for national licensed guides. Since 2022, she has been conducting practical field training sessions based on these online courses.
Important Notice (Please read carefully)
Regarding Attire and Belongings
- Please wear clothing that can get dirty on all three days.
- On the first day, as the event will be held outdoors, please dress warmly.
Regarding the creation of lacquerware bento boxes
- If you would like to create an original design for the shell inlay on the bento box, please prepare your design in advance. The size of the box is 180×125×53 mm. We also have preliminary sketches available.
- Due to the nature of lacquerware, a few individuals may experience itching or other reactions. We have gloves and other protective items available for use.
Regarding Knives
- If you would like to have your name engraved on the knife, please contact us by email or other means by January 31, 2025, specifying up to 12 characters.
Regarding Meals
- Lunch is included on all three days (Day 1: Wakayama Castle Gozen at "Chihiro," Day 2: Bento lunch, Day 3: Decorative maki sushi bento made by participants).
- If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance.
Regarding Accommodation
- We also offer a plan with accommodation, including transportation to and from the hotel.
Regarding Transportation:
- We can also offer a private hire vehicle instead of a bus, so please feel free to contact us for further details.
The following items are included in the fee
- Transportation from the meeting point to the final drop-off
- Lunch for all three days
- Admission to Wakayama Castle and Onzanso
- Interpreter guide fee
- Fees for each workshop (knife sharpening, lacquer experience with a traditional craftsman, tuna sushi-making lesson, tuna-cutting show, decorative maki sushi)
- Material costs for Japanese knife, whetstone, bowl, lacquered bento box, etc.
- Matcha tea in a tea room
The following items are not included in the fee andwill be at your own expense:
- Drink costs during lunch
- Accommodation costs if you opt out of the hotel-included plan
