Kiriko Making Experience

Happy participants holding their handmade Kiriko papercrafts, which they can take home as a memorable souvenir

In Minamisanriku Town, there is a tradition of displaying white paper cutouts called “Kiriko” on household Shinto altars. The tradition began in the mid-Edo period and reflects the prayers of local people who wished to make offerings to the gods even during times of poor fishing or harvests. In this experience, participants learn about the origins of Kiriko from a Shinto priest before making their own Kiriko using a craft knife. Through this hands-on activity, participants can explore local history, beliefs, traditional culture, and the history of disasters in the Tohoku region.

A participant carefully cutting traditional Japanese paper along a beautiful Kiriko pattern
A Shinto priest explaining the deep spiritual meanings and various types of sacred Kiriko cutouts
Visitors learning about the sacred art of Kiriko directly from a Minamisanriku Shinto priest
A close-up view of a participant using a craft knife to carefully shape their traditional Kiriko artwork
Recommended for

This program is recommended for those interested in Japanese traditional culture and who want to deepen their understanding of local culture and the role of religious traditions in people’s lives.

Basic Information

Program ContentsAfter learning about the origins of Kiriko from a Shinto priest, participants create their own Kiriko using a craft knife. The experience also provides an opportunity to learn about the history of disasters in the Tohoku region.
Dura2.5 hour
ParticipantsFrom 10 to 40 participants
Cost¥2,530 / person
*Additional venue fees apply if a location other than the shrine office is used.
Notes
DL
LocationKamiyama Hachimangu Shrine and other locations
27-2 Kaminoyama, Shizugawa, Minamisanriku, Motoyoshi District, Miyagi 986-0751Google Maps
A local Shinto priest introducing the traditional Kiriko paper-cutting culture of Minamisanriku

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