8 experiences to add to a trip in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kyushu or Okinawa

Days and opening hours

• Factory viewing area (regular hours)Monday–Sunday, subject to closures below10:00–17:30 (Last admission / reception 16:30)Official source

Closures and exceptions

No regular closing day, but closed January 1–2, 2027. On December 31, 2026 and January 3, 2027, hours are shorter and paid-area ticket reception ends at 15:30. Official source 1 · Official source 2

Getting there

Take the Tozai subway line to Miyanosawa, then walk about 7 minutes. From Sapporo Station, change at Odori. Official source

Putting the visit together

Choose your workshop session first, then fit factory viewing around it. Factory last admission is not a workshop check-in deadline.

Days and opening hours

• MuseumMonday–Sunday, subject to closures below11:00–18:00 (Last admission / reception 17:30)Official source

Closures and exceptions

Closed December 31, with possible temporary closures. Guided tours normally pause on Mondays, moving to Tuesday after a Monday holiday; self-guided visits follow museum opening days. Official source 1 · Official source 2

Getting there

Walk about 8 minutes from JR Naebo Station’s north exit, or 10 minutes from exit 4 of Higashi-Kuyakusho-mae on the Toho subway line. Official source

Putting the visit together

Choose self-guided admission for English or Chinese audio; reserve a session if you prefer the guided tour.

Days and opening hours

• May–AugustMonday–Sunday, subject to closures below09:00–19:00 (Last admission / reception 18:30)Official source
• September–AprilMonday–Sunday, subject to closures below09:00–18:00 (Last admission / reception 17:30)Official source

Closures and exceptions

Closed August 9–10, December 31 and January 1, plus all day on October 11, 2026. Official source 1 · Official source 2

Getting there

About 1 minute on foot from JR Aomori Station. Official source

Putting the visit together

This can fit around an arrival or departure at Aomori Station; leave time for luggage and boarding.

Days and opening hours

• Namahage MuseumMonday–Sunday, subject to closures below08:30–17:00Official source

Closures and exceptions

The museum opens year-round. Folklore sessions also run daily in winter, with fewer sessions to choose from. Official source

Getting there

From JR Oga Station, take the reserved Namahage Shuttle, about 25 minutes to the museum. Some JR Oga Line services are suspended on selected autumn/winter 2026 dates; check the notice and return connection before booking. Official source 1 · Official source 2

Putting the visit together

Reserve outward and return transport before choosing a folklore session; this is not a casual walk from Oga Station.

Days and opening hours

• Doll painting (finish within the session)Days: Fri / Sat / Sun / Mon10:00–11:30 / 14:00–15:30Official source

Closures and exceptions

Closed on the fourth Monday of each month, or the next weekday if it is a public holiday. Check the monthly craft schedule too. Official source 1 · Official source 2

Getting there

About 4 minutes on foot from Kushida Shrine Station on the Nanakuma subway line, or 15 minutes from JR Hakata Station. Official source

Putting the visit together

Arrive with time to finish the craft. Tuesday offers papier-mâché painting, Wednesday spinning tops, and Thursday a bentwood box.

Days and opening hours

• Centre opening; workshop time arranged separatelyMonday–Sunday, subject to closures below08:30–17:00Official source

Closures and exceptions

Closed Mondays, or the following day when Monday is a public holiday, and December 29–January 3. Open September 19–23, 2026; closed September 24 instead. Official source 1 · Official source 2

Getting there

Take bus 25 from JR Beppu Station’s east side to Takezaiku Densankan-mae. Check the timetable before traveling. Official source

Putting the visit together

Wait for workshop confirmation before arranging the rest of the day; opening hours do not mean a workshop place is available.

Days and opening hours

• Hands-on room (also closes 17:30 on Fri/Sat)Days: Tue / Wed / Thu / Fri / Sat / Sun09:00–17:30Official source

Closures and exceptions

Closed Mondays, moving to the next weekday for public holidays, substitute holidays or Okinawa Memorial Day. Closed December 29, 2026–January 3, 2027; typhoons can cause temporary closures. Official source

Getting there

Take the Yui Rail monorail to Omoromachi, then walk about 10–15 minutes. Official source

Putting the visit together

On Friday or Saturday, use the hands-on room before staying later for the galleries; the room does not stay open until 20:00.

Days and opening hours

• Park (last entry 16:00)Monday–Sunday, subject to closures below09:00–17:30 (Last admission / reception 16:00)Official source
• Bingata / shisa painting receptionMonday–Sunday, subject to closures below09:00–16:30Official source

Closures and exceptions

Severe weather may affect shows and operations; check official notices. The glass workshop has separate closing days and reception hours. Official source 1 · Official source 2

Getting there

From Naha Bus Terminal beside Asahibashi Station, take bus 54 or 83 to Gyokusendo-mae, then walk about 2 minutes. Check the return timetable. Official source

Putting the visit together

Do not arrive at 16:00 expecting to start a craft immediately. With a stroller or wheelchair, confirm the route with the park; Gyokusendo cave is not accessible.