Doi Shibaduke HonpoWe visited Doi Shibazuke Honpo, a long-established producer of pickles located in the rural village of Ohara,to observe the production and aging process of their famous, vibrant purple "Shibazuke" (pickled vegetables). Despite it being the peak season for harvesting red shiso leaves ,the staff provided detailed explanations that our group followed with great interest. We also had the opportunity to taste the Shibazuke. The visit was attended by 43 people in total, including 9 Japanese guests, 20 international guests and 14 members.
Kachokan We visited the Kyoto Kachokan Museum near Matsuo Taisha Shrine. Guided by the museum director, Ms. Tahira, we visited 19th-century Meissen porcelain and works by Atsushi Uemura. A friend of a member from Portugal kindly assisted with interpretation, creating a warm sense of international exchange. Surrounded by fresh spring greenery and blessed with fine weather, we enjoyed an enriching time together. A total of 21 participants joined, including guests from five countries.
OkutanigumiWe visited the reference museum at the headquarters of Okutanigumi, a company specializing in shrine and temple construction, located in Kisshoin, Kyoto. Guided by the president, Ms. Mayumi Senda, we toured part of the workshop and viewed fascinating exhibits, including tools used by miyadaiku (traditional temple carpenters), building materials, and structural models that illustrate their craft. We also heard many interesting stories about the techniques and timber used in shrine and temple construction—knowledge that even many Japanese people are unfamiliar with. Finally, under the guidance of a carpenter, we experienced planing wood with a kanna (Japanese hand plane) and made our own chopsticks. A total of 19 people participated: 11 guests and 8 members.