Traditional craftmanship

• Craftsmanship that brings history alive

  The many types of materials that artisans work and communicate with every day are gifts of nature unique to each locale.
  Yamagata has numerous traditional crafts that make the most of the local resources and characteristics, and the artisans’ skills and techniques have been passed down since long ago. They are all historical crafts that have been handed down through the generations in each area, such as Tendo shogi (Japanese chess) pieces, Yamagata metal casting, and Okitama tsumugi (silk fabric). When you take each one in your hand, you can sense its long history and the expert skills of the artisans.

• Commemorate your travels in Yamagata

  Instead of just buying a souvenir, create an original one with your own hands to make a great memory of your trip. You can try safflower dyeing in the towns of Kahoku and Shirataka where it is grown, or make your own shogi piece in Tendo City. There are many more hands-on activities available, including making handmade washi paper or pottery. Don’t miss out on taking home your own handmade craft to commemorate your enjoyable travels in Yamagata.