Netsuke are small carvings attached to the edges of inro (seal cases) and tobacco pouches that were all the rage during the Edo period. They were once popular souvenirs from pilgrimages to Ise Shrine, and even today Ise is known nationwide as the home of many netsuke craftsmen.
Nakagawa Chuho, known as a master of Ise Netsuke, continued his creative work for over 45 years, but passed away at the end of May 2025. Currently, 5 to 30 of his representative works are on display, allowing visitors to appreciate his intricate techniques.
There is also an experience program using Asama boxwood, a tree unique to Ise that is also known as the "jewel of wood." You can enjoy making your own original, one-of-a-kind netsuke as a memento of your trip. The program is designed so that even beginners can participate with ease, and is popular with many visitors from both Japan and abroad.
Tours and experiences require a reservation, so if you are interested, please contact us using the details below.
