• Kawashiri, a town of artisans with a history dating back to the Edo period, offers a unique experience that immerses visitors in traditional craftsmanship and local culture. Once an important hub for the Kumamoto Domain, Kawashiri was renowned for its high-quality knives, woodworking, lacquerware, and pottery. The town’s artisans continue to pass down these skills through generations.
• The tour also provides the opportunity to taste Kumamoto’s renowned sake, including "Akazake," a sake unique to the region, along with other local varieties. Enjoy the rich flavors while learning about the brewing process, making it a perfect introduction to Kumamoto’s local culture.
• This tour offers a comprehensive look at Kawashiri’s rich history, culture, and craftsmanship. Although still a hidden gem for many international travelers, Kawashiri holds a wealth of cultural significance waiting to be discovered. Join us and create lasting memories of Kumamoto’s fascinating and lesser-known attractions.

Kawashiri has flourished as a “town of artisans” since the Edo period, attracting many workshops and craftsmen. The area was particularly known for blade manufacturing, with over 40 knife shops at its peak, producing high-quality knives and farming tools. Additionally, traditional crafts such as woodworking, lacquerware, confectionery, and sake brewing thrived, making Kawashiri an important commercial hub for the Kumamoto domain. Even today, the craftsmanship is preserved, and the legacy of Kawashiri blades and Kumamoto crafts continues to live on. Here, you can learn about Kawashiri’s history as a town of artisans, admire the profound works of Kumamoto’s craftsmen, and observe the skilled techniques of Kawashiri blade artisans. You can also purchase these exquisite crafts, so don’t miss the chance to take home a masterpiece.