In Minamisanriku, Kiriko—traditional paper art displayed in Shinto shrines and household altars—is a living community practice. In this experience, the Chief Priest of a local shrine teaches you the cultural stories and spiritual origins behind this art form as you craft your own piece, embedding your personal wishes into this timeless tradition.
Section 1: Walk & History
Walk the serene shrine grounds to learn about its rich history and the memories of the tsunami.
Section 2: Sacred Shrine & Reflection
Step inside the main hall—a sacred space usually closed to the general public—and immerse yourself in its quiet beauty while discovering the heartfelt prayers embedded in traditional Kiriko paper art.
Section 3: Cultural Exchange & Master Craftsmanship
After sharing a warm, conversational moment over tea at the shrine office, craft your very own Kiriko with your personal wishes. Finally, witness a live demonstration of the Chief Priest’s master craftsmanship creating traditional Tai-kazari (sea bream paper ornaments) for a truly immersive, five-senses experience.
| Itinerary | Afternoon Model / Morning sessions available upon request 13:30 – 14:10 | Guided tour of the shrine grounds & historical explanation of local culture and tsunami memories 14:10 – 14:30 | Viewing of the main shrine hall, origin of Kiriko, and quiet time for personal reflection 14:30 – 15:00 | Transfer to the shrine office for an intimate tea and Japanese sweets session 15:00 – 15:40 | Hands-on Kiriko paper art crafting embedded with your personal wishes 15:40 – 16:00 | Live demonstration of Tai-kazari crafting by the Chief Priest, Q&A, and wrap-up |
|---|---|
| Cost | 1 Guest (Solo Private)：¥36,000 2 Guests：¥36,000（Total Group Price） 3 Guests：¥54,000（Total Group Price） 4 Guests：¥72,000（Total Group Price） 5 Guests：¥90,000（Total Group Price） |
| What’s Included | ・Guiding fee ・Kiriko crafting experience fee ・Logistics and arrangement fee ＊Interpreter guide fee is not included. If you require an interpreter, an additional fee of ¥25,000（per group）will apply. |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Booking Deadline | Requests for reservations for this experience must be made at least 4 weeks in advance. |
| Experience Availability | March, May, June, October, November |
| Participants | From 1 to 5 guests |
| Meeting Location | Minamisanriku Portal Center 200-1 Itsukamachi, Shizugawa, Minamisanriku, Motoyoshi district, Miyagi 986-0752 Google Maps |
| Important notes | ・Cultural Significance: Kiriko is a sacred paper-cutting tradition dedicated to local shrines and home altars to pray for safety, health, and good fortune. Please handle the materials with respect to local culture. ・Safety & Tools: Participants will use sharp precision knives. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. ・Protection: Rain/humidity can damage paper. A protective folder will be provided for you to take your artwork home safely. |
Booking & Inquiries
You can send a booking inquiry using the form below. Once we receive your request, we will check availability with our partners and send you an email regarding whether your booking can be accepted.
*Please note that submitting this form does not guarantee availability or confirm your reservation.
・For Travelers Contact Form
・For Organizations Contact Form
・Minamisanriku Tourism Association Booking Site
Cancelation policy
Our cancelation policy for this experience is below. Percentages represent the non-refundable portion of your experience fee.
| Up to 8 days before the tour date | Free (No cancellation fee) |
|---|---|
| 7 to 2 days before the tour date | 20% of the program fee |
| 1 day before the tour date (Eve of the tour) | 40% of the program fee |
| On the day of the tour (Prior to start) | 50% of the program fee |
| No-show or cancellation after the start of the tour | 100% of the program fee |
Hosted By
Kamiyama Hachimangu Shrine
