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Authentic Plan: Master the Art of Traditional Komodaru Barrel Making with Artisans and Explore Japanese Sake Culture & History - Hyogo Prefecture
- A confirmation email for your reservation will be sent to you within 48 hours.
- Required Time:
- 120minutes
*Time required from arrival to the end of the tour
- Reservation Time:
- 09:50 / 14:20
- Supported Languages:
- Japanese / Mandarin / English
- Participants(Min.):
- 3 People
- Participants(Max.):
- 8 People
- Min. Participants Required For Activity:
- 3 People
- Payment Method:
- Credit Card (VISA/MASTER/AMERICAN EXPRESS/JCB)
- Fee:
- Experience fee(13 years - 85 years) USD 70.10
- Age (Min.):
- 13 years old
- Parent/ Guardian Required:
- Under 13 years old
- Cancellation:
- Yes
- Booking deadline:
- 4 days prior by 17:00
Activity
Learn about the history of Japan's traditional komodaru barrels
With over 120 years of history, Kishimoto Kichiji Syoten, is a long-established company specializing in komodaru barrel production. The komodaru originated in the Edo period (1603-1867), when sake barrels were wrapped in woven straw mats to protect them from swaying and damage during transport by taru-kaisen (sake shipping vessels). Eventually, breweries began applying their trademarks and designs to the wrappings (komo straw mats). Today, komodaru are commonly seen at celebratory occasions and events such as the Kagamibiraki ceremony (breaking open a sake barrel). This tradition helped Amagasaki, located near the famous sake-producing districts of Nada and Itami, flourish as a production center for these straw mats and ropes. The craft is still passed down as a proud local industry by skilled artisans.
During the factory tour, you'll learn about the following topics while observing the artisans at work:
• The origins of traditional komodaru (sake barrels wrapped in komo straw mats)
• The connection between the region and sake culture
• How komodaru are used today
More than just seeing the process, learning about its origins will deepen your understanding—be sure not to miss this opportunity during your trip.
Observe the craftsmanship behind komodaru up close
More than just showing how the barrels are made, the tour offers detailed explanations of the history, techniques, and local significance behind the craft.
The tour begins with the creation of the komo straw mats that wrap the cedar barrels. Each rice straw is fed into the machine one by one, and the komo is woven. The artisan's hands move with astonishing speed and rhythm, almost like playing an instrument—a testament to years of skill and experience.
Next, the brewery's mark is hand-heat-transferred onto each woven straw mat. This delicate process requires adjusting the pressure and heating time according to the day's temperature and humidity—a true display of craftsmanship.
Finally, the komo is wrapped around the cedar barrel and tied with ropes in the finishing process. Artisans use their whole bodies to secure the ropes vertically and horizontally around the large barrels. A skilled craftsman can complete one large komodaru in just 20 minutes!
The tour concludes with a Kagamibiraki experience, featuring a fun little performance. It will be a playful, photo-friendly surprise that's sure to bring smiles. However, you'll have to wait until the day of the experience to find out what kind of performance it will be!
Witness the depth of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the beauty of artisan skill—make it an unforgettable moment.
Create your own original komodaru
Draw designs or your name on a mini komodaru to create a personalized piece. Its compact 300 ml size makes it perfect to take home. Display it as decor or use it as a container for your favorite drink.
Easy to reach from central Osaka
Amagasaki is close to central Osaka, making it very easy to access. You can get from Hankyu Umeda Station (Osaka) to Hankyu Tsukaguchi Station (Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture) on the Hankyu Kobe Line with no transfers, taking about 20 minutes.
Schedule
Arrival procedures
Show the reservation page from your My Page upon arrival.
Company introduction and komodaru history & Brewery tour
• Company Introduction and Komodaru History: First, you'll watch a video introducing Kishimoto Kichiji Syoten, a long-established komodaru manufacturer with over 120 years of history. Komodaru originated in the Edo period (1603-1867), when sake barrels transported by ship were wrapped in woven straw mats to protect them from damage. Eventually, the breweries began printing their trademarks on the wrappings. Today, traditional komodaru are widely used for celebratory occasions, such as the Kagamibiraki ceremony. / • Brewery Tour: In addition to exploring the main house, you'll see each stage of komodaru production, including straw mat weaving, press processing (transferring designs onto the komodaru), and the printing process (creating transfer paper for trademarks and designs). The tour provides an up-close look at traditional techniques and the beauty of the artisans' handiwork.
Komodaru wrapping experience
After watching the artisans at work, you'll take part in the komodaru wrapping experience. By engaging in the traditional process, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry of komodaru craftsmanship.
Exclusive Kagamibiraki experience and commemorative photo session
This is a unique experience offered only by a komodaru manufacturer. Enjoy commemorative photos along with a special surprise presentation.
Make an original komodaru
Decorate a 300ml komodaru (approx. 10cm diameter x 10cm height) with your favorite illustrations or lettering. Take home your finished original komodaru in a clear display case.
Included in the Fee
Not included in the Fee
Meeting Place
In front of the Dai-mon gate (Reception at the office in case of rain)
2-8-25 Tsukaguchi Hon-machi, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo PrefectureDirections
Nearest Station：Tsukaguchi Station (Hankyu Railway)
Directions to Nearest Station：About a 7-minute walk from Tsukaguchi Station (North Exit)
Destination by Taxi：Kishimoto Kichiji Syoten Co., Ltd
Things guests need to prepare on the day of the activity (clothes, belongings, etc.)
• Glasses (recommended for reading brochures)
Cancellation Policy
The cancel fee is based on the timing of the cancellation. Please check the cancellation policy below.
- After 1 days before date of use
- 50%
- The day of use
- 100%
Notes
• Children ages 12 and under can participate in the experience if accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• If a child creates and decorates their own komodaru, the experience fee will apply for one person.
• If a child participates without decorating, accompanied by a guardian, only the adult fee applies—no fee is charged for the child.
Language Support:
• English brochures are available.
• Use of translation apps for English and Chinese.
Parking availability:
• Free parking is available
Cancellation Policy:
• The experience may be canceled for safety reasons due to bad weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances. In that case, WAmazing Play's customer support or the organizer will contact you using the emergency details you have provided. Please be sure to check your email on the day. (Notifications are typically sent after 4:00pm on the day before the event.)
Organizer
Kishimoto Kichiji Syoten Co., Ltd
2-8-25 Tsukaguchi Hon-machi, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo Prefecture 661-0001