Niigata’s Traditional Crafts - A Legacy of World-Class Mastery
2025.10.09Niigata Prefecture is home to traditional crafts shaped by the daily life of the locals that live in this snowy region and its natural environment. With 14 production areas and 17 Traditional Crafts designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Niigata ranks second nationwide for the number of such designations, up there with Tokyo and Kyoto. From delicate, handcrafted textiles to metalworks hammered from single sheets and elegantly carved wooden lacquerware, this article introduces the wonders of several of Niigata’s traditional crafts and where you can experience them firsthand. Keep reading to explore the beauty and craftsmanship of these local crafts and discover Niigata’s authentic artistry.
Echigo Jofu and Ojiya Chijimi - Textiles Nurtured by the Snowy Climate
“Echigo Jofu” and “Ojiya Chijimi” are textiles designated National Important Intangible Cultural Properties whose traditions have long been passed down in Niigata Prefecture. Characterized by their breathability and crisp texture, they are considered among the finest summer fabrics. They were recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages in 2009 for their use of traditional techniques - from processing of the raw materials to weaving - that have not only been passed down for generations but also reflect the unique culture of Japan’s snowy regions.
Both textiles share the same origin, but the plain weave textiles produced mainly in the Minamiuonuma area are known as “Echigo Jofu.” In the Ojiya area, three types of fabrics are produced: “chijimi,” “tsumugi,” and “momen,” but the most celebrated is “Ojiya Chijimi.” This premium textile is made by using tightly twisted weft threads, which are then washed in hot water to create a distinctive and beautiful crinkled texture called “shibo.” One of the most unique aspects of these two textiles is the traditional bleaching process called “yukizarashi,” where woven cloth is laid out over the snow and exposed to sunlight, creating a natural chemical reaction that whitens the fibers. The process usually occurs around March every year, making it a seasonal spectacle unique to Niigata’s heavy snow climate.
Both textiles share the same origin, but the plain weave textiles produced mainly in the Minamiuonuma area are known as “Echigo Jofu.” In the Ojiya area, three types of fabrics are produced: “chijimi,” “tsumugi,” and “momen,” but the most celebrated is “Ojiya Chijimi.” This premium textile is made by using tightly twisted weft threads, which are then washed in hot water to create a distinctive and beautiful crinkled texture called “shibo.” One of the most unique aspects of these two textiles is the traditional bleaching process called “yukizarashi,” where woven cloth is laid out over the snow and exposed to sunlight, creating a natural chemical reaction that whitens the fibers. The process usually occurs around March every year, making it a seasonal spectacle unique to Niigata’s heavy snow climate.
If you’re curious to learn more about the craftsmanship and history of Ojiya Chijimi, check out the weaving studios in Ojiya City that are open to visitors. At Takuminoza, you can watch Ojiya Chijimi being produced up close and purchase finished goods. At Orinoza, you can even try your hand at weaving by making a coaster on a loom! Creating your own masterpiece is a memorable way to connect with Niigata’s rich weaving culture. These studios offer deep insight into the textile culture of the Echigo region, so be sure to stop by if you’re in town!
Takuminoza and Orinoza Ojiya Textile Workshops
Takuminoza and Orinoza Ojiya Textile Workshops
- Address: Ojiya City Sogo Sangyo Kaikan in Sun Plaza, 1-8-25, Jonai, Ojiya-shi, Niigata
- Access: From Ojiya Station on the JR Joetsu Line, take a bus for about 5 minutes and get off at the Sun Plaza-mae bus stop
- Phone: 0258-83-2329
- Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Closed: Wednesday, beginning and end of year holidays (December 29 – January 3)
- Price: Free admission; Coaster-making workshop: Adults – 1,200 JPY / Elementary school students – 800 JPY
- Parking: 70 passenger car spaces, 6 large bus spaces
Murakami Carved Lacquerware - Dynamic Carvings and a Splendid Sheen
“Murakami kibori tsuishu” is a type of lacquerware created by carving dynamic yet delicate patterns – often depicting natural landscapes, flowers, and birds - into wood before applying layers of lacquer, which give the surface a deep, lustrous sheen. This craft originated in the Edo period (1603 – 1868) by samurai warriors in Murakami City, famous for its lacquer production, and flourished under the encouragement of the local feudal lords. Today, it is recognized as a Traditional Craft of Japan, admired for the way its luster grows deeper and richer over time through extended use.
Visitors can experience this tradition firsthand at Murakami Kibori Tsuishu Hall. Here, you can try a one-hour workshop to carve and create your own chopsticks while getting a glimpse into the skills of master artisans. The hall also displays informative materials and showcases the creative works of individual artists, illustrating the spirit of the craft. Another workshop offered is the two-hour course that allows you to carve a teapot coaster. Why not create your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece as a memento of your trip?
Murakami Kibori Tsuishu Hall
Murakami Kibori Tsuishu Hall
- Address: 3-1-17, Matsubara-cho, Murakami-shi, Niigata (Inside the Murakami Tsuishu Business Cooperative）
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Murakami Station
- Phone: 0254-53-1745
- Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Closed: Beginning and end of year holidays, Obon holiday, Murakami Grand Festival (July 6 and 7), and Sundays from December to April (Operating days are subject to change)
- Price: Chopsticks workshop – 1,000 JPY; Teapot coaster workshop – 2,000 JPY
Artisans can apply the lacquer finish and deliver at a later date.
（Chopsticks: Lacquer finish – 1,000 JPY, Domestic shipping – 500 JPY; Teapot coaster: Lacquer finish – 2,000 JPY, Domestic shipping – 500 JPY）
*International shipping is available. Please inquire about shipping fees. - Parking: 5 spaces
- Other: Workshops must be booked 1 week in advance.
Tsubame-Tsuiki Copperware - Infinite Possibilities from a Single Sheet of Copper
“Tsubame-tsuiki copperware” is a type of metalware made around Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture. “Tsuiki” is a technique of hand-hammering a metal sheet while slowly giving it more dimension to shape it into various forms. The method utilizes the extensibility of copper to shape the sheets and requires the mastery of experienced craftspeople. In Tsubame City, the development of this craft was supported by high-grade copper ore extracted from neighboring areas.
The coloring method involves a chemical reaction on the copper surface and is one of the unique characteristics of Tsubame-tsuiki copperware. The appearance ages over years of use and care, adding to the beauty and appeal of the craft.
The coloring method involves a chemical reaction on the copper surface and is one of the unique characteristics of Tsubame-tsuiki copperware. The appearance ages over years of use and care, adding to the beauty and appeal of the craft.
The craft began over 200 years ago, and today, Tsubame City remains the only place in Japan where hammered copperware is still produced. Among its workshops, Gyokusendo, founded in 1816, is highly recommended as a long-established studio renowned worldwide for its delicate and beautiful works. Gyokusendo was originally established as a kettle maker producing everyday utensils, but over time, it adapted its products to suit changing times and lifestyles. At its main store in Tsubame City, visitors can watch artisans at work up close in the factory built about 100 years ago.
Gyokusendo (Tsubame Main Store)
Gyokusendo (Tsubame Main Store)
- Address: 2-2-21, Chuo-dori, Tsubame-shi, Niigata
- Access: An approx. 5-minute walk from JR Tsubame Station
- Phone: 0256-62-2015
- Hours: Weekdays 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
*Workshop tours offered 5 times a day at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:10 pm - Closed: Sunday and national holidays
- Price: Free (Groups of 6 or more are charged a fee)
- Parking: 22 passenger car spaces, 1 large vehicle space
Niigata’s traditional crafts reflect the local climate and way of life, kept alive by skills that have been passed down through generations. Be sure to visit these destinations and experience the quality, beauty, and refined techniques of these time-honored crafts in person.