ORIJA EXPERIENCES

Rethink How You Live, Starting With a Tatami Mat

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A hands-on presentaion, workshop and behind the scenes discussion in Myoko with a third-generation tatami Master craftsman Eitaka Yuji hosted by Kinuka and Matt Guy. You'll learn the real fundamentals behind Japanese home design and take home practical ideas for your own space and daily life.

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Intro

Sit on real tatami, talk with a craftsman who's built them his whole life, and make your own mini tatami by hand. Along the way, you'll learn the actual reasoning behind Japanese design fundamentals: how space, proportion, materials, and simplicity work together in a traditional home.

 

You'll leave with ways to apply that thinking to your own home, renovation, or daily routine, wherever you live.

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Who this is for?

• You're skiing in Japan and want to go deeper that the snow and explore Japanese culturethrough a real, hands-on experience alongside the mountain

• You're into design, architecture, DIY, or renovation and want practical ideas you can actually use

• You want to understand the fundamentals of Japanese living

• You would like to chat with local people in a down to earth way

 

Who this isn't for?

• You want a fast souvenir craft with no explanation behind it

• You want a performance rather than a hands on experience

• You're after a big, impersonal group tour

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What happens

We'll walk through the real design fundamentals behind a Japanese room: proportion, space, material choice, flexibility, and more, and how each one applies to a Western home or renovation. Then we will casually interview Eitaka Yuji about his work and what tatami actually means in Japanese life. You'll spend the middle of the session making your own mini tatami with the craftsman's hands-on guidance. We'll finish over local tea, talking through what you'd actually bring home and use.

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The people making this happen

Tatami Master Eitaka Yuji, a third-generation tatami craftsman, one of the few still practicing this trade in Japan.

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Kinuka, bilingual host and live translator who is deeply connected with neighboring Shinano-machi aiming to connect local culture with visitors.

Matt Guy, a local Myoko resident who's lived in both Japan and Australia and keeps the conversation grounded and real on both sides.

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What you'll take home

Your own handmade mini tatami, plus practical Japanese design fundamentals you can apply to your own home, renovation, or daily life.

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Logistics

Myoko / Kurohime, winter season, about 2-3 hours, small group (TBD - most likely around 12 to 16 participants). Dates and pricing are still being finalised. Join the list below to hear first.

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Cost

Around 30,000 yen

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Register interest

Click the button "Register interest" and fill out the form.