If you’ve ever spent the summer in Japan, you’re probably familiar with Japan’s rainy season, a month of intense rainfall beginning at the start of June and ending in early to mid-July.
Called tsuyu in Japanese, the rain can come in short showers followed by blue skies or last all day. Refreshing and cooling it may be, the unpredictable rainy season can make it hard to get out for an extended period of time.
That’s where indoor arts & crafts come in. What better way to spend the day when it’s pouring down than immersing yourself in Japanese culture via a traditional craft? Having been done for centuries in Japan and varying from region to region, craftsmanship is held in high regard in Japan, so it’ll impress any Japanese friends!
From a pottery workshop to an udon and calligraphy class, we have the right experience for you and any loved ones you want to bring along.
Best indoor arts and crafts experiences in Japan
- Paint and sip in Tokyo
- Udon and calligraphy class in Tokyo
- Gold leaf workshop in Ishikawa
- Hirashimizu tour of pottery, sake and silk in Yamagata
- Japanese pottery workshop in Kyoto
- Artisanal washi paper and mochi making in Kyoto
- Calligraphy class and Japanese tea ceremony in Osaka
1. Paint and sip in Tokyo
Located on the hip Cat Street in Harajuku is this Japanese artwork-themed paint and sip experience. Indulge in a glass of wine, sangria or the soft drink of your choice as you chat with fellow art enthusiasts. As many visitors are Japanese, you can even practice your Japanese in this relaxed environment.
Don’t fret if it’s been a while since you’ve held a paintbrush — our friendly instructors will guide you through the process so you’ll be proud to hang your masterpiece up in your home.
Enjoy a meditative night of low-key socializing and getting creative by booking your wine and painting class today!
2. Udon and calligraphy class in Tokyo
Can’t decide between a cooking class or a craft workshop? Combine the two in this udon and calligraphy workshop and get messy with ink and flour as you spend a fun day indoors in Tokyo.
After a warm welcome, you’ll make udon noodles from scratch — a surprisingly physical process! While the dough is resting, you’ll transition to the calligraphy portion, practicing different brush strokes and kanji characters of your choosing.
Once the dough is done, you’ll be able to eat your freshly made udon and exchange stories with our knowledgeable host.
Engage in a delicious cultural exchange by reserving your spot today!
3. Gold leaf workshop and onsen tour in Ishikawa
Experience a night of luxury at Kaga’s Yamashiro Onsen resort, where you can soak in a private onsen, feast on a seasonal kaiseki dinner, have a tasting of different types of sake and finish off the night with a kinpaku gold leaf painting workshop.
Based in Ishikawa — famous for centuries of honing the art of gold leaf — it’s only natural that you learn this craft for yourself here.
Truly get to know the traditions and tastes of Ishikawa by booking this Kaga onsen tour and craft workshop for your upcoming trip.
4. Hirashimizu tour of pottery, sake and silk in Yamagata
For those seeking an experience off the beaten path, venture out to this peaceful village in Yamagata prefecture for an extensive tour of the local crafts!
Once a pottery village, Hirashimizu specializes in pottery and sake — and the locals want to invite you to try it out with them.
In this Hirashimizu tour, you’ll try your hand at making your own ceramics at the historic Shichiemongama workshop, complete with a walk-through of the factory and ceramics showroom. Once your creations are finished, you’ll enjoy a guided sake tasting followed by a tour of Kameya, a boutique silk shop that is perfect for finding unique souvenirs to take home.
After your ceramic masterpiece has been fired in the kiln, the hosts will kindly ship it to you anywhere in the world.
If you love learning about local arts and crafts in Japan, be sure to snag a ticket to this artistry tour in Hirashimizu today!
5. Japanese pottery workshop in Kyoto
Engage in the ancient art of pottery near the picturesque sight of Nijo Castle in central Kyoto.
Everyone from beginner potters to experts are welcome to try their hand at making two separate cups or dishes on an electric potter’s wheel. Guided by the instructor, you’ll hear a brief overview of Japanese ceramics and have your work finished for you by the instructor, after which they’ll ship it to you.
Once you’ve finished making your creations, enjoy a stroll through the castle grounds and a meal at the many local restaurants nearby.
Be sure to bring a spare change of clothes that you don’t mind getting messy at this historical pottery workshop in Kyoto!
6. Artisanal washi paper and mochi making in Kyoto
Escape to the countryside of Kyoto prefecture in the village of Kurotani, where the local people have been making washi (traditional Japanese paper) for 800 years.
Observe the process from harvest to decoration as you make your own washi postcards — a sweet gift to send your friends back home.
To bond even more with the villagers, you’ll pound mochi before enjoying the sweet fruits of your own labor.
Sound like a fun day to you? Reserve your spot in this washi paper and mochi-making class soon!
7. Calligraphy class and tea ceremony in Osaka
For an authentic experience of Japanese craft and culture, join this calligraphy and traditional tea ceremony in Osaka — easily accessible from Osaka and Shin-Osaka Stations.
You’ll be guided through the meditative art of calligraphy first, learning how to sweep your calligraphy brush across paper to create striking Japanese words.
Afterward, you’ll move to a traditional tea ceremony tatami room, where you’ll get to grind matcha leaves with a stone grinder. This method is rare to see these days, but is believed to best preserve the freshness and flavor of matcha.
Whisk the matcha to frothy perfection before the tea master serves you wagashi, delicate Japanese sweets that are often served alongside green tea to offset its bitterness with their subtle sweetness.
Book this calligraphy and tea ceremony in Osaka!
Hopefully, this article gave you some fun ideas on how to beat the tsuyu blues. Looking for more strategies to survive the rainy season in Japan? Check out 10 tips on how to make the rainy season more enjoyable as well as what to eat when it’s pouring down.
Rainy day arts and crafts FAQs
1. When is Japan’s rainy season?
While the rainy season starts at the beginning of May on the southernmost island of Okinawa, it doesn’t hit the main island of Honshu until the beginning of June. The rainy season lasts around a month, ending in early to mid-July.
The good news is that the rainy season rarely reaches the northernmost island of Hokkaido, so if you want to escape the rain completely, head north!
But if you’re planning to travel to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or any other area on Honshu, here are a few tips for making the most of the tsuyu rainy season in Japan.
2. What are arts and crafts?
Arts and crafts generally refer to any activity where you are making things with your hands. For some, it can be a hobby they are passionate about, and for others, just a way to pass a rainy afternoon indoors.
Popular arts and crafts include sewing, woodworking and pottery. Taking an arts and crafts class can be a great way of meeting new people and unleashing your inner creativity, so we recommend trying them out regardless of your age or ability.
