Ikazaki and Misogi – A Hub For Craft Enthusiasts
Arts and Crafts
Once considered an independent municipality before it was merged (along with Oda) into Uchiko Town, Ikazaki is famous for its production of Japanese paper, kite competitions, and other related handicrafts. Many local artisans offer up educational experiences to visitors such as hand making paper, creating kites, and shaping paper fans. There is also a relatively new style of paper crafting growing in popularity, which culturally combines French gold-leaf techniques with traditional Japanese washi paper crafting, resulting in beautiful gilded paper designs. Whether your interests lie in calligraphy, fans, souvenirs, kite-flying or creation of shogi (sliding paper door screens), there is something for everyone to enjoy and dip their hands into within Uchiko.
Misogi, which is located east of the Ikazaki district, is known for its “rice terraces” which splay out across the mountainous country. Locals recommend viewing this aesthetic as well as pragmatic scene at sunset in particular to make the most of this experience. Additionally, there is a community-operated space called Misogi No Sato, which was created through the renovation of a closed elementary school. There you can find local artists and artisans displaying their work in galleries and shops, open to the public on weekends. If you happen to come by on the second or fourth Sundays of the month, there is also a cafe offering some afternoon eats.
