In a quiet agricultural and forested town in Ibaraki Prefecture, a new model of sustainable tourism is taking root—one that doesn’t chase crowds but cultivates connection, preservation, and purpose.

Launched in 2024, the Daigo Urushi Forestry & Kintsugi Workshop brings together international participants, municipal government, foresters, and local traditional artisans for a one-of-a-kind cultural immersion experience. Designed and facilitated by Taketombo Corp., and in close collaboration with the Forestry Division of Daigo Town, this initiative goes beyond craft education: it is a working model for how regenerative tourism can support endangered traditions, reenergize hand crafts and revitalize rural economies.
With the success of its inaugural program in 2024, this initiative is now being formalized as an annual commitment—

Unlike conventional tourism centered on consumption and sightseeing, we invite participants to step into the full lifecycle of Japan’s urushi lacquer craft at its source —from tapping raw lacquer in the forest, to getting hands-on with kintsugi pottery repair craft using traditional tools and natural materials.

Over the course, guests engage not only with skilled artisans and forestry professionals, but also with the rhythms of a town where craftsmanship, ecology, and daily life still intertwine. We also focus in supporting local small businesses, emphasizing economic sustainability and cultural respect. Participants gain insights in the fragility of Japan's urushi forestry, its social challenges, and the importance in building resilience and sustainability. We want inbound visitors to look beyond the candy-coated Tokyo and Kyoto and give voice to a little-known forest industry that sustains an important traditional craft of Japan.