EXPERIENCE YOSHINO -
from Forestry to Traditional Carpentry
EXPERIENCE YOSHINO -
from Forestry to Traditional Carpentry
Yoshino, Nara-ken, JAPAN
25-29 October 2026
A 5-day immersive workshop in
Yoshino, where you can experience
wood, natural materials, and
traditional craftsmanship.
Come and learn about wood in the most famous place in Japan for Cedar and Cypress cultivation!Yoshino, where you can experience
wood, natural materials, and
traditional craftsmanship.
Explore the forests with 7th-generation forester
Visit a sawmill and timber yard...
... and experience a live timber auction
Learn about the repair process at Mooshaus in Yoshino
Hands-on build your own sample fusuma to take home
Learn to plaster traditional mud walls
Renew old shoji-doors with new washi
Get acquainted with carpentry tools with Japanese carpenters
5-day Schedule:
Sunday, October 25th
Forest tour & Forest bathing
Lecture: Japanese Craftsmanship, Architecture, and Yoshino
Workshop: Kumiko
Lecture: Japanese Craftsmanship, Architecture, and Yoshino
Workshop: Kumiko
Monday, October 26th
Timber auction market, Q&A
Visit: Yoshino Cedar House
Tour: Sawmill
Workshop: Earthen walls
Visit: Yoshino Cedar House
Tour: Sawmill
Workshop: Earthen walls
Tuesday, October 27th
Workshop: Fusuma wooden frame making
Demonstration: Carpentry tools
Demonstration: Carpentry tools
Wednesday, October 28th
Workshop: Renew shoji doors
Workshop: Fusuma wooden frame making
Workshop: Fusuma wooden frame making
Thursday, October 29th
Workshop: Fusuma paper application
Farewell dinner!
Farewell dinner!
More Information
This is a special 5-day course organised by architect Rieko Uchida and myself in Yoshino, Japan. We have invited professionals in forestry to carpentry to come and teach you many things about wood and carpentry. It will take place once a year in Yoshino, (Nara-prefecture) at the renovated, traditionally-built house called Mooshaus.
Find out more here: mooshaus.utsuwa-project.com
Today, industries related to timber construction, traditional building crafts, and material production face a serious shortage of successors. In particular, the decline in young people entering skilled trades has become a critical issue. This challenge is not unique to Japan; our colleagues in Europe are facing similar circumstances.
In response, the UTSUWA Project (utsuwa-project.com) seeks to provide inspiration, awareness, and practical opportunities for young people who aspire to become craftspeople, as well as for those who are genuinely interested in hands-on DIY renovation. Through direct experience on an actual building site, participants will gain valuable insights into traditional skills, materials, and ways of working.
As the first step in this initiative, we are planning a five-day residential workshop program in Yoshino and at Mooshaus in the autumn of 2026. We would be grateful for the support and cooperation of local craftspeople, material suppliers, and community members, and would like to present the following program proposal for your consideration.
Locally-prepared lunches are included in the fee.
Course Fees
1200 € Regular fee
900 € Educator fee
750 € Young person (25 or younger) aiming to become a craftsperson: (max. 2 places)
Booking and Payment
Please contact us for a invoice to book your place on the course.
Email me for any queries you may have : contact@emishinmura.com
