Crafting Traditions in Kanazawa: Ethical Aluminum Animal Candy Sculpting Workshop

Immerse yourself in the ancient heart of Kanazawa, where tradition meets innovation most delightfully. The aluminum animal candy sculpting workshop offers a unique hands-on experience that bridges centuries-old craftsmanship with modern ethical practices.

In this exclusive workshop, participants have the rare opportunity to carve intricate patterns into aluminum slices, transforming them into exquisite animal-shaped candies. Guided by skilled artisans, this journey celebrates the art of candy making and honors our commitment to sustainability by using ethically cast aluminum.

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or a creative soul, this workshop promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. Join us to craft your piece of Kanazawa's heritage and take home not just a piece of candy but also a piece of history.

Tour Highlights

• Create a personalized confectionery cutter by engraving an animal design with meaningful details like names or dates.

• Explore a historical sand casting foundry from 1714 with insights into its operations and the traditional metal pouring process.

• Visit a traditional foundry to witness the enduring legacy of Kanazawa's sand-casting techniques firsthand.

• Engage with the heritage of Kanazawa's craftsmen, including collaborations with tea kettle makers and gong manufacturers.

• Enjoy the hands-on workshop on select business days that combines educational insights with practical crafting skills.

Tour Itinerary

Personalized Engraving Experience:

Select a favorite design from options including pheasant, fish, or horse for your confectionary cutter.

Use hammer and engraving tools for alphabetic and numeric engraving to personalize your cutlery with patterns, names, initials, birthdays, anniversaries, or serial numbers.

Tour of Traditional Sand Casting Foundry:

Visit a historical sand casting foundry with traditions dating back to 1714, currently operational since Showa 45 (1970).

A scheduled tour of the melting and casting process at 15:00, subject to change based on production needs. If changes occur, alternative tours of the foundry and its various methods will be provided.

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Experience days are available on weekdays and some Saturdays.

• Start times are 10:00, 13:00, and 15:00, each lasting approximately 30 minutes.

• The price for the experience is 2,000 yen per person, including tax, product, and workshop fees.

• Suitable for participants aged three years and older, with small children requiring a parent or guardian accompaniment.

• Visitors are advised to wear shoes appropriate for potentially dirty environments.

• Located at 6-100 Matsumura, Kanazawa City, with parking available for seven private cars and accessible by an 8-minute walk from the Hokuriku Railway Bus "Kannondou" stop.

Cancellation Policy

A 100% cancellation fee for bookings canceled less than 0 hours before the event will apply.

Meeting Point

Location: Kanamori Alloy Co., Ltd.

Address: Matsumura 6-100, 920-0348 Kanazawa, JP

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this workshop suitable for children?

Ans: Yes, the workshop suits participants aged three years and older. However, small children will need a parent or guardian to accompany them.

Q: What should I wear during the workshop?

Ans: We recommend wearing shoes suitable for potentially dirty environments, as you will be working with materials such as aluminum.

Q: Is there a cancellation policy?

Ans: Yes, there is a cancellation policy in place. Bookings canceled less than 24 hours before the event will be subject to a 100% cancellation fee.

Q: What can I expect from the personalized engraving experience?

Ans: During the personalized engraving experience, you will have the opportunity to select an animal design and personalize it with details such as names, dates, or initials using a hammer and engraving tools. It is a unique hands-on experience where you can create your personalized confectionery cutter.

Q: Can I purchase the products made during the workshop?

Ans: Yes, the products made during the workshop are available for purchase at an additional cost. They make for unique and memorable souvenirs or gifts. Alternatively, you can bring your aluminum materials to engrave during the workshop.

Q: What can I expect during the tour of the traditional sand-casting foundry?

Ans: During the tour, you can witness the ancient sand-casting techniques used at the foundry, with traditions dating back to 1714. You will also learn about melting and casting metals, gaining a deeper understanding of Kanazawa's rich cultural heritage.

Q: Can I book this experience on weekends?

Yes, the experience is available on some Saturdays, but it primarily runs on weekdays. Please check the availability before making a booking.

Related Read: Hands-On Workshops for Artisanal Souvenirs in Japan