6,000 yen/person
Zori are traditional rice straw sandals that have been around since the Edo Period and are traditionally worn during Japanese festivals. While many Zori manufacturers today make their sandals out of vinyl and by machine, here in Yamagata, we prioritize sustainability and craftsmanship, which is why each Zori sandal is made by hand with rice straw left over from the rice harvest.
During this experience, you will learn first learn about the history of Zori sandals in Sagae City before you will then make your own Zori sandals that you can take home and keep. Participants will get to try their hand at weaving, stitching, and assembly and will get to customize their Zori with different colored ribbons known as “hanao.”
Historically, back during the Edo Period, jobs related to feet, such as Zori-making, were considered to be an occupation of low rank because feet were considered “unclean and impure” in Japanese culture. As a result, many shoemakers suffered a great deal of persecution and faced many difficulties making carrying on the craft an arduous job.
Today, however, the Zori artisans of Sagae have persisted and their dedication to their craft has shown through. The Zori craftsmen that lead this experience are third-generation inheritors of their Zori workshop of which has been proudly in continuous operation for over 100 years since the Edo Period.
Due to the authenticity, craftsmanship, and quality of their sandals, their Zori have been frequently worn in historical TV dramas and films and are proudly worn by several prominent sumo wrestlers.
Come and make your own zori sandals and learn about the very heart and “sole” of Sagae with this incredible local experience!
- Zori sandals
- Instructor
- Flights
- Meal
- Accommodation
- Transportation
10:00: Meet at Karube Zori
10:00 – 10:30: Introduction to Zori
10:30 – 11:30: Sew the Zori Sandals and assemble them with the sole
11:30 – 12:00: Practice weaving as you wait for the Zori sandals to dry
12:30: Finish up and try out wearing your new Zori sandals
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and actual times and itinerary flow may vary depending on the day.
Due to the remote nature of the region, it is highly recommended that you rent a car when you visit Yamagata Prefecture. However, that isn’t to say that visiting without a car is impossible in the slightest.
Guests who are still hoping to participate in the Zori Sandal Making experience without a car can take the train from Yamagata Station, and take the Aterazawa Line to Nishi-Sagae Station. From there it is a 20-minute walk or a five-minute taxi ride. The train fair should be ¥330 and the entire journey should take roughly an hour and fifteen minutes.
