Workshops / cultural experience?

I�fm planning my second trip to Japan with a few friends who�fll be visiting for the first time. I want to get a bit of a balanced stack of things to do (not just temples and shrines and a lot of walking) and am therefore looking for a cultural experience/workshop to add to our plans.

We�fll likely be staying in Nara, Okayama, Kobe and Tokyo as main stops and I�fd like to find an activity in or very near to any of these cities. I did find a pottery workshop and kimono dress-up in Okayama castle easily enough but other than that it�fs a bit more difficult to find an overview of workshops as I assume a lot of these can be found only on Japanese websites. Has anyone done the Okayama workshop or kimono dress-up and was it fun? And does anyone have any other suggestions?

I think I would really like to do a tatami coasters workshop because that would also make an easy souvenir to bring home and I think there are some in Tokyo but am not exactly sure? But other workshop ideas are also very welcome. Generally, somewhere we can reserve online has the preference.

Check out the govoyagin Japan website, where they arrange all manner of things.
I did their wagashi class, with a lovely Japanese young lady, and another young woman from Indonesia. Had a lot of fun and got to understand what work goes into those beautiful traditional sweets. Other members of my family went to a Zen class in a temple. Prices vary, I'm sure you will find something to interest you.

Hi!

I've not used this company yet, but I've seen several of their craft experiences offered on other websites so...

https://www.veltra.com/en/asia/japan/

There are so many craft opportunities in Japan. We're going to try some in Kyoto and possibly elsewhere.

On Airbnb there are experiences, have a look if any thing is attractive.
In Uji you can also find excursions to tea plantation.
I would also search for any paper making workshops.

Enjoy your trip to Japan!

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I've already posted that link here many times, but since you'll be in Kansai, maybe you'll find something in there: http://www.kansai.meti.go.jp/english/tvlist/e_visit_list.html

We have really enjoyed Nagomi Visit, where you meet the locals and enjoy a delicious meal in their home.

https://www.nagomivisit.com/

http://www.ozuwashi.net/en/workshop.html
500 yen, hard to beat - paper making, plus the museum and there is a good 15 minute documentary/video that explains things as well (3rd floor I think).

When staying in Kurashiki, we took Oshoya udon-making experience in Kotohira (Shikoku). Different island, but really not too far. (https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/ind_tourism/oshoya.html). It was great, even when all was in Japanese. Made our udon, and ate it there.

In same page (https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/ind_tourism/) you can choose by region/theme industrial experiences.