- Culture
- Kanagawa
Hakone Yosegi Zaiku Woodcraft
A traditional craft passed down to the present day
Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture is one of the most well-known hot spring destinations in Japan. It is also known for the Hakone Yosegi Zaiku, a traditional woodworking craft that skillfully creates geometric patterns by gathering woods of various natural colors, said to have developed about 200 years ago in Hatajuku of Hakone. They are crafted in various sizes and patterns, such as coasters, small boxes, drawers and trays, and the puzzle box which is quite difficult to open is especially famous. The product is popular not only in Japan but also overseas as a distinctive Japanese traditional craft.
Hakone Yosegi Zaiku
The most significant feature of Hakone Yosegi Zaiku is its detailed geometric pattern made of natural wood colors. There are about 50 types of patterns, and depending on the combination, it is said that nearly infinite patterns can be created. Each unique and beautiful geometric pattern creates a subtle charm. Yosegi Zaiku is made by making patterns by combining different types of wood, arranging them by the thickness and thinly shaving the starting sheets and pasting them on the surface of small boxes. Other times, solid types of wood are combined and processed. All works are completely handmade, creating a natural sense of warmth.
Location
| Name | Hakone Yosegi Zaiku Woodcraft |
|---|---|
| Website | (In Japanese) https://www.waza-ya.com/ |
| Address | 1-1-9 Sakae-cho, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa |
| Access | Approximately a 1-minute walk from Odawara Station on the JR and Odakyu Railway Exit the ticket gate and turn right. WAZA-ya shop on the 5th floor of Lusca Odawara |
| Business Hours | 10:00 to 20:30 |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0465-23-7749 |
