“Spirit” – A Timeless Connection Beyond Generations

◆ Tour Overview

Light and Fabric of Prayer — Wisdom Handed Down Through Generations

Materials and techniques passed down through the ages now resonate with new meaning.

Fujifu, spun from the earth since the Jomon period, was once worn as garments of prayer, connecting people to life itself.
Chochin lanterns, layered with bamboo and paper, have long illuminated hearts with a gentle light.

These are not mere crafts, but symbols that embody the spirit of beauty. Handwork refined across generations invites us to rediscover beauty in the present.

On this journey, you will encounter the living wisdom of Japan—transformed into forms of prayer that continue to shine beyond time.

■ Yushisha (Fujifu Atelier)

Fujifu is considered one of Japan’s oldest textiles, its name recorded in the Manyoshu, and used since ancient times for rituals and sacred ceremonies.
The process of stripping the bark of the wisteria vine, spinning it into thread, and weaving it into cloth tells a story of human patience and coexistence with nature.

At Yushisha, this ancient technique is preserved and reinterpreted for today, revealing the rustic yet dignified beauty of wisteria fiber.

Often described as “a fabric that weaves the voice of the earth,” Fujifu offers an experience of wearing the power of nature itself.

Experience

Hand-loom Weaving: Try weaving wisteria thread on a traditional loom, experiencing its unique rhythm and texture. You will also take home a special keepsake incorporating Fujifu, allowing you to feel the warmth of natural materials and the spirit of prayer that has been handed down for millennia.

Workshop Tour: Witness Japan’s oldest surviving textile, Fujifu, created from wisteria vines since the Jomon period. See how vines are split, spun into threads, and woven into cloth. Experience the quiet rhythm of artisans’ hands, carrying the wisdom of those who lived in harmony with nature.

■ Kojima-an (Chochin Lantern Atelier)

Since the Edo period, lanterns have accompanied daily life and prayer, casting light upon festivals and sacred spaces.

Made from bamboo and washi paper, each lantern is entirely hand-crafted—from framework to papering to finishing—carrying the skill and spirit of master artisans.

Kojima-an in Tango is one of the few remaining ateliers preserving this heritage. The soft glow through washi paper transcends mere illumination, serving as a symbol of prayer and human connection, cherished to this day. Here you will sense how light has long been intertwined with prayer and daily life in Japan.

Experience

Original Lantern Making: Choose your preferred style and size to create your own original lantern. The finished lantern is yours to take home, a glowing memento to light your memories and keep the tradition of Tango alive in your everyday life.

Workshop Tour: Discover the world of lantern-making, crafted one by one with traditional techniques. Observe the meticulous process—from bamboo framework to paper application and painting—and witness the interplay of gentle light and shadow that has accompanied Japanese life for centuries.

◆ Model Schedule

◆ Available Tour Date

This tour is available upon request.

Visits and schedule can be customized upon request. Please let us know your preferred date or destinations through the inquiry form.

◆ Reference Price (Special One-Day Exclusive Plan / Limited to One Group Per Day)

• Approx. 555,500 JPY per person (based on 4 participants)
• Approx. 1,980,000 JPY per person (based on 1 participant)

The above are reference prices only. Final cost may vary depending on season, participant numbers, or special arrangements. A formal quotation will be provided upon inquiry.

All prices are inclusive of tax and stated in Japanese yen.

Included in the price

• Chartered hire car for local transportation in Tango

• Taxi transfer between hotel in Kyoto city and heliport

• Round-trip helicopter fare between Kyoto and Kyotango

• One lunch

• All workshop tours and experiences

• English-speaking guide services

◆ Inquiries

Please fill out the inquiry form with the required information regarding your application.
Based on the details you provide, we will contact you within 2–3 business days.

◆ Cancellation Policy

(Details will be provided at the time of contract.)

◆ Other Notes

This tour is planned and operated by Aero Toyota Co., Ltd. (Registered Travel Agency: Aichi Prefecture, No. 2-1574).
By joining this tour, participants will enter into a travel contract with the company.
Details such as travel conditions and pricing will be provided in the official travel terms and conditions upon request, prior to finalizing the contract.

Planning & Operation: Aero Toyota Co., Ltd. (Travel Agency Registration No. 2-1574, Aichi Prefecture)
In cooperation with: Tangonian (Travel Service Arrangement Registration No. サー771, Kyoto Prefecture)