Published on Apr, 2025

Thoroughly enjoyed Otsu-e workshop by Misato . I enjoyed and appreciate the the cultural origins and stories of the folk art she shares , authentically keeping her family and cultural heritage going. I enjoyed creating my own bell. She also brought us to the Miho Museum and nearby pottery venues around Shiga. Superb experience and highly recommend!

Published on Apr, 2025

We had an unforgettable time with Misato: learning about Otsu-e , the origins and how it has evolved and we painted our individual oni-bells with her. She took us through the process like the wonderful teacher she is and was a great chat over tea and snacks. Thanks again Misato! We strongly recommend this experience to anyone enjoys culture and art, it’s very refreshing after an otherwise touristy itinerary as well.

Published on Nov, 2024

As someone interested in unique travel experiences and learning about traditional culture, my friend and I decided to go for this Otsu-e workshop and it did not disappoint. In fact we got more than we had expected as aside from the art experience, our lovely guide, Misato-san took us for an stroll from Otsu station to her family's studio and told us about the history of the town and several traditional businesses along the way. We were able to try some traditional snacks and tea. At the workshop, she also gave a short presentation of Otsu-e through history. I highly recommend this experience if you like Japanese culture even if you can't draw well like me!

Published on Nov, 2024

As someone interested in unique travel experiences and learning about traditional culture, my friend and I decided to go for this Otsu-e workshop and it did not disappoint. In fact we got more than we had expected as aside from the art experience, our lovely guide, Misato-san took us for an stroll from Otsu station to her family's studio and told us about the history of the town and several traditional businesses along the way. We were able to try some traditional snacks and tea. At the workshop, she also gave a short presentation of Otsu-e through history. I highly recommend this experience if you like Japanese culture even if you can't draw well like me!

Published on Sep, 2024

It was my first visit to Ohtsu city, the capital of Shiga prefecture and the main port of Lake Biwa the largest freshwater lake in Japan.  The city was also the last post town on the Tokaido trail connecting Tokyo and Kyoto in Edo period.  I learned a lot more about the facts and history of the city from the owner of Ichiewado Seminar House and a good friend of mine. After a nice catch up, I painted my own bell at her workshop.  The design is a guardian demon from Ohtsu-e, a local folk painting from Edo period. I chose my colors and started painting. Not quite confident at first, but as I went on painting I was immersed in it having lots of fun. Painting my own Ohtsu-e with a long history made me imagine the time when travelers walked the trail and got rest and food and souvenirs on their way. Now my little guardian demon bell is on duty at the entrance of our house protecting it from any evil spirits that try to come in!