Visit a traditional wood beads manufacturer and create your own bracelet
About Wooden Beads Manufacturing in Ōmihachiman
In 619, Prince Shotoku designated Buddhism as the state religion of Japan and vowed to build 48 temples in Omi (Shiga Prefecture) for the purpose of propagating Buddhism. When the last temple was completed in Omi-Hachiman, he named it "Ganjo-ji Temple" and taught the people of the surrounding villages the technique of making beads, which had been introduced from China. This is how the foundation of Japan's first bead making was laid in this area. In the Edo period (1603-1867), when Buddhism spread to the general public, bead making in Omi Hachiman flourished even more, and at that time there were 17 bead shops in the area. Some of the houses were designated as bead shops of major temples throughout Japan. The wooden bead production has been passed down from generation to generation, and even now, 1,400 years later, the production of wooden beads accounts for 70% of the nation's bead production.
Experience
The Kawasaki Wooden Bead Factory was founded in 1928 in Omi Hachiman, the cradle of wooden bead making, and continues to produce wooden beads using traditional techniques with a 1,400-year history. As part of this experience, visitors can first visit the production facility and learn how production has changed over the decades. You can then make your own bracelet from the wide range of wooden beads produced here. You will go home with a unique souvenir!
