Machinami Takekobo Bamboo Craft Workshop
Takehara is famous for its bamboo and bamboo craft industry. The name Takehara (竹原) means bamboo field—literally, take (bamboo) and hara (field).
The Takehara Bamboo Craft Promotion Association has more than 100 members dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional bamboo crafts. The group participates in and helps organize four major annual events and attractions, including a bamboo festival, a bamboo tunnel made entirely of bamboo strips, the Takehara Shokei no Michi Candle Festival, and the Machinami Takekobo Bamboo Craft Workshop.
The Takehara Shokei no Michi Candle Festival is a two-night illumination event during which the streets of the historic district are lit up with bamboo candles, lanterns, and other lights.
At the Machinami Takekobo Bamboo Craft Workshop, visitors can make a bamboo basket or pinwheel by weaving individual bamboo sticks together.
Several artisans make items in the workshop daily. You can observe them demonstrating their skills or browse the various bamboo products for sale, such as bags, trays, and boxes.
The workshop is located in a remodeled merchant’s warehouse off the main street (Honmachi-dori) in the historic district near Shorenji Temple. Outside the building is an open space decorated with bamboo plants.