{"product_id":"kiitoskikaku202609","title":"10\/16-17 Ishidere Shirakawa Food and Handicrafts ~ Kogin Zashi and Rice Dumplings ~ (Autumn Edition) – Enjoy During Your Stay at Guesthouse KIITOS","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAutumn.\u003cbr\/\u003eThe season when rice ears turn golden.\u003cbr\/\u003eEnjoy your harvest, and give thanks for its bounty.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a 5-part series held in February, May, July, October, and December. While staying at KIITOS, the guesthouse of Iwatori Western Goods Store that opened in November 2025, guests get to enjoy handcrafted artisanal work and Iwatori's seasonal food culture across all five program installments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDear KIITOS Admin, I, Sayuri Kii, who deeply loves handmade crafts and Ittobira traditional cuisine, have organized this project!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/fc3f8409df0009d0acd2c6db4b0c11e7_480x480.jpg?v=1764184815\" style=\"float: none;\"\/\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocated roughly 700m above sea level, Itoshiro has its own unique, stunning beauty in every season, from spring through winter.\u003cbr\/\u003eWe invite you to visit Itoshiro to experience its unique character in every season. We also host special events in October that align with the shrine's sacred rituals, so you can enjoy both experiences during your stay.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/L1002133_e5efe235-86a6-496c-98b9-65bd075d005e_480x480.jpg?v=1764269839\" style=\"float: none;\"\/\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\/\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOne of the biggest draws of this event is that beyond crafting lucky charms using the traditional kogin-zashi embroidery technique, you’ll get to fully enjoy everything autumn in Iwatoro has to offer while immersing yourself in the local Iwatoro lifestyle and food culture, including making kome-dango jiru rice dumpling soup.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the 4th installment, the \"Autumn Edition\", of our 5-part seasonal series🍂\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"L1050182_2.jpg__PID:375e865b-a48f-4c0b-bc47-8fba2cb801d2\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/L1050182_2.jpg?v=1751784961\"\/\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eIn Itoshira, which has welcomed autumn\u003cstrong\u003eCrafting Kogin Embroidery Lucky Charms\u003c\/strong\u003eThis is a 2-day, 1-night program for you to enjoy.\u003cbr\/\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the foot of Mount Haku, in Itoshiro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStitching one prayer at a time into every protective amulet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItoshiro, a place nestled deep in the mountains of Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis village, located on the southern foothills of Mt. Hakusan, has passed down age-old traditions of faith in Mt. Hakusan, along with reverent prayers honoring nature itself—including the mountains, forests, and rocks that shape the local landscape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the heart of those prayers is Hakusan Chūkyū Shrine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWithin these shrine precincts stand massive ancient trees that have lived through countless ages; this is also a place where people have long sensed the sacred within nature, coming to offer their prayers here for generations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery autumn in Itoshiro, the \"Annual Autumn Grand Festival\" is held to give thanks for the year's harvest and pray for a bountiful harvest the following year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe offer our freshly harvested rice to the gods, and all people may partake in its blessed bounty.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere, in Itoshiro, you will find a way of life built on cherishing the gifts received from nature, giving thanks for them, and carrying that ethos forward into the next season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt this workshop, we will be making small protective lucky charms using kogin embroidery, right here in the land of Iwatobiro.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/L1120266.png?v=1787965573\" width=\"440\"\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy kogin embroidery in Itobewara?\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/L1120253.png?v=1787965632\"\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\"Kogin-zashi\" is a sashiko embroidery technique passed down through generations in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture.\u003cbr\/\u003eDuring the Edo period, farmers were not permitted to freely wear cotton clothing, and primarily used linen cloth for their garments.\u003cbr\/\u003eHowever, while hemp is sturdy, it is thin and lets cold pass through easily.\u003cbr\/\u003eSo the women, by densely stitching cotton thread all over their hemp kimonos,\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake the fabric durable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMakes it difficult for wind to pass through\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ewarm up\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrevents fraying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\nIt seems they came up with that clever idea.\u003cbr\/\u003eThis craft was created to protect you from bitter cold. We stitch cotton thread one stitch at a time into linen fabric to make the material durable and as warm as possible.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThat single stitch, once a practical necessity for daily life, eventually grew into beautiful patterns, and this craft is still passed down from hand to hand between people to this day.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/2_07e181cb-4270-4554-8461-18e2fb4593a3.png?v=1788216513\"\/\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/3_43fcc07d-6500-42e4-b434-587ff077e674.png?v=1788215871\"\/\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/3_43fcc07d-6500-42e4-b434-587ff077e674.png?v=1788215871\"\/\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/3_43fcc07d-6500-42e4-b434-587ff077e674.png?v=1788215871\"\/\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eKogin embroidery, which originated in the remote Tsugaru region, and Itoshiro, a community that has coexisted with nature at the foot of Mount Hakusan. At first glance, these may appear to be entirely separate cultural traditions, but\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eProtecting what is important\u003cbr\/\u003eBeing grateful for all that we receive from nature\u003cbr\/\u003ethe act of passing wishes from hand to hand, and on to the next person\u003cbr\/\u003eDon't you think there's a lot that resonates with those kinds of feelings?\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\/\u003e \u003cimg alt=\"\" height=\"398\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/L1120260.png?v=1787966192\" width=\"497\"\/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou do not need to tie any specific wish to your omamori.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou can wish for your family's safety.\u003cbr\/\u003eIt’s okay to wish for healthy, peaceful days.\u003cbr\/\u003eIt’s fine to wish for a safe trip.\u003cbr\/\u003eIt's okay to wish for whatever is about to begin.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eOr, for yourself, who is here right now.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThat time you spend moving your hands, counting every thread in the fabric as you sew one stitch at a time, could easily become a moment to steady your mind and gently touch upon your own personal wishes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eBreathe in the crisp autumn air of Itotaira, surrounded by the peaks of the Hakusan mountain range. Using the kogin embroidery technique passed down to this region from distant lands, why not turn your very own 'prayer' into a small protective charm?\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalabash (Gourd Pattern)\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/L1120255.png?v=1788155297\" width=\"413\"\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eKogin-zashi, just like sashiko, features countless beautiful patterns.\u003cbr\/\u003eEvery single one of these patterns holds its own unique meaning, stitched with the wishes of the people who created them. Some patterns are unique to specific local regions, and one of the most charming aspects of \"Kogin-zashi\" embroidery is that you can enjoy far more than just the designs themselves — paying attention to the meanings and wishes woven into each pattern is also part of what makes this craft so fascinating.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003eThis time, the pattern we will be embroidering is that of a bottle gourd (hyoutan) which is referred to as fukube.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood health and freedom from illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProsperity for future generations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts good fortune\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFamily prosperity and happiness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis item is imbued with those very heartfelt wishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name 'Fukube' is an old term for a gourd.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e▼You may also select your preferred stitching pattern for the reverse side.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/L1120255_4ecc8026-d070-449a-b192-b5b261f0a9a1.png?v=1788404688\"\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the past, every household in Itotora incorporated growing hemp, spinning its fibers, weaving cloth, dyeing the fabric with indigo, and sewing clothing for their family into their everyday lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItobira is a remote mountain village located on the prefectural border with Fukui Prefecture. Every winter, the village is sealed off by snow, welcoming the start of a harsh seasonal period.\u003cbr\/\u003ePeople devised clever methods to make their cloth and clothing sturdy and long-lasting, by applying indigo dyeing and sashiko stitching to their fabrics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn fact, the folk clothing sourced from homes in Ittobe was indigo-dyed, and featured reinforcing patches and sashiko stitching. Even as the garments grew tattered, people would repeatedly add layers of stitching to mend them, making clear that they cherished and used their clothes for many, many years.\u003cbr\/\u003e(This item is also on display at the Stable Gallery at Ishitoro Western Goods Store, so please be sure to come view it in person!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/f2afd4343b5a94eda1aef84739e5df74.jpg?v=1773192559\"\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003eFor the \"Spring Edition\" of this course, we invited a \"sashiko artisan\" residing in Itoshiro to serve as an instructor, and created sashiko works together with all attendees. Within the Itoshiro village, there are people who, drawn to its beautiful patterns, have been stitching \"kogin-zashi\" for many years\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\/\u003eMs. Minako Kawata is here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth of these embroidery techniques share the core purpose of reinforcing fabric by stitching, and we thought it would be incredibly fun to offer workshops for both! Following our spring edition class focused on sashiko, this fall’s session will welcome that same instructor to guide all participants in creating kogin stitching.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/1_7e356f49-9f78-43e2-a685-737e418b793e.png?v=1788216426\"\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\/\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAnnual Grand Autumn Festival・\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGedo barrel toss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eAt Nakai Shrine, annual festivals are held in spring, summer, fall, and winter.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe annual autumn grand festival takes place every year on the third Sunday of October, and it is a celebration to give thanks for the harvest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\/\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" height=\"755\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/fe9e4816bbfb0ff0c76b7aea5b208ba1.jpg?v=1788113910\" width=\"425\"\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA key standout feature is a ceremonial offering called a gedo, which is written using the kanji characters 餉筒.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a traditional Japanese preserved food called \"gedo\" (餉筒): it is made by grinding this year’s newly harvested non-glutinous rice, shaping the resulting paste into square, hardened mochi-like blocks, and wrapping those blocks in rice straw.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an item crafted only by the families of Kami-zaisho, a district within Itoriburo. Each household makes their own, and leaves their offering at the shrine the night before the relevant occasion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThen, the next day, a Shinto priest throws items toward the worshippers.\u003cbr\/\u003eThis is said to originate from the myth in which Izanagi-no-Mikoto threw a bundle of hair while fleeing from the Underworld.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewas thrown \"\u003cspan\u003eration cask (gedo)\u003c\/span\u003e\"It is considered extremely auspicious that people will scramble to pick these up. The mochi you bring home is boiled and eaten in 'dango soup', while the straw is used as an evil ward to protect your home.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn other words, the \"newly harvested rice\" contained in the gedo is not merely a \"food item\", but\u003cbr\/\u003eNewly harvested rice from that year is regarded as a symbol of gratitude to the gods and a wish for a bountiful harvest the following year.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eOn the day of the autumn festival at Hakusan Chūkyō Shrine, dango soup made with newly harvested rice was once served, as a way to give thanks for a bountiful harvest of all five staple grains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOffer the newly harvested new rice to the gods,\u003cspan\u003eMess tin (\u003c\/span\u003eused in Shinto ceremonies as gedo), with people also partaking of that newly harvested rice\u003cbr\/\u003eThey express their gratitude, saying, \"We harvested another successful rice crop this year. Thank you very much.\"\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIt is said that this practice also carries a meaning similar to the Naorai, a ritual in which gods and humans share newly harvested grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\/\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/023f35b4307f16904618d7edfda13d7a.jpg?v=1788120623\"\/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAlso, Itobiru is a high-altitude mountain village, and it gets quite cold around the time of the autumn festival.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBy forming newly harvested rice into dumplings and adding them to a warm broth, we all get to warmly enjoy the blessings of the harvest together.\u003cbr\/\u003eThis might just be a food culture perfectly suited to life in Itoshiro: everyone gathers to split and eat that year’s newly harvested rice, warming their bodies as they prepare to welcome winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eIncidentally, a dumpling stew featuring rice-flour dumplings simmered in broth has also been passed down through generations in Shirakawa Village in the Hida region, which neighbors Itoshiro. It is said that this dish has endured in Shirakawa Village as part of a food culture long tied to traditional events such as prayers for a bountiful harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s all make that same ‘dumpling soup’ using new rice from Itoshiro!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\/\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e【Highlights of This Workshop】\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e〇 A special time spent in Itetōshira, at the foot of Mount Haku\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNestled among mountains, you’ll work slowly with your hands while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Itoshiro and the sacred prayers of Hakusan Chūkyū Shrine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e○ Stitch by stitch, create your very own one-of-a-kind lucky charm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInfuse your own personal wishes into the beautiful patterns of Kogin-zashi embroidery, and craft a one-of-a-kind lucky amulet that is the only one of its kind in the entire world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e● Turn your \"wish\" into a handcrafted creation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a time where instead of entrusting your wishes to someone else, you quietly face your own personal desires as you sew every single stitch by your own hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e〇 Discover Itoshiro’s autumn and the culture of its local way of life\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile visiting Itoshiro during the season when its annual grand autumn festival is held, you can experience the land’s deeply rooted prayers, local way of life, and food culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\/\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e【Recommended for the following types of people】\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*For those who love handcrafts\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* For anyone drawn to shrines and the generations-old prayers passed down in that local area.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*For anyone interested in long-standing local lifestyles, regional culture, and food culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* For anyone who wants to spend time slowly working with their hands surrounded by nature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo anyone who has ever felt even a flicker of curiosity, wondering, \"What kind of place is Itoshiro?\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo prior experience with Kogin embroidery is required.\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOur staff will provide thorough, easy-to-follow guidance even for those trying kogin-zashi embroidery and hand-sewing for the very first time, so even complete beginners can participate with total peace of mind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile taking in the autumn air of Itadorihaku,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMove your hands, eat, talk, and pray.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe would be so happy to get to enjoy that time together with you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e【Instructor Introduction】\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cbr\/\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" height=\"587\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/781a5ff358851cac30021026392cbe5c.jpg?v=1788114131\" width=\"391\"\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMinako Kawada \u003c\/h3\u003e\nI was born and raised in Ishitōro in 1957. Influenced by my mother who loved handicrafts, I also love every kind of handiwork.  \u003cbr\/\u003eI first got into Kogin embroidery after seeing it in a craft book; I fell in love at first sight with its white patterns on a navy blue base.\u003cbr\/\u003eWe also craft geta thongs featuring traditional kogin embroidery, and these geta are sold at the wooden clog shop named \"郡上木履\" located in Gujō Hachiman.\u003cbr\/\u003eThe embroidery on the clothing from Iwatoro Western Goods Shop is also stitched using kogin-zashi embroidery.\u003cbr\/\u003eThis craft is incredibly simple—all you need to do is stitch along the fabric's grain following the pattern, so let's all enjoy working on this together!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchedule: October 16 (Fri) – 17 (Sat), 2026　\u003cbr\/\u003eTime: Starts at 13:30 on 10\/16  , concludes at 13:00 on 10\/17 *You may use public transportation to travel to the venue.\u003cbr\/\u003eVenue: Guest House KIITOS at Iwatetsushiro Apparel Store\u003cbr\/\u003eParticipation fee: 26,500 yen. This price includes the full 2-day course fee, plus all costs for dinner, lunch, and snacks.\u003cbr\/\u003e　　　　\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\/\u003e*Guests staying overnight will be charged an additional 7,000 yen plus 1,500 yen for breakfast.\u003cbr\/\u003eMaximum capacity: 6 people (minimum of 4 participants required to hold this event)\u003cbr\/\u003e　　　*If the minimum number of participants is not met, the event may not be held.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSchedule\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e〈Day 1〉\u003cbr\/\u003e13:00 Registration begins\u003cbr\/\u003e13:30  Start (Welcome remarks, self-introductions)\u003cbr\/\u003e14:00 Kogin Embroidery Introduction \u0026 Stitching Time\u003cbr\/\u003e15:00  Snack Time\u003cbr\/\u003e15:30   Tingly Time\u003cbr\/\u003e17:30  Group cooking session: Preparing rice dumpling soup\u003cbr\/\u003e18:30  Dinner Social Mixer\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e〈Day 2〉\u003cbr\/\u003e7:30　　Breakfast\u003cbr\/\u003e9:00   Hakusan Chugu Shrine Visit: Attend a talk by Mr. Hayato Iwatetsushiro and tour his store\u003cbr\/\u003e10:00 Tingly Time\u003cbr\/\u003e12:00 Lunch (MAGOEMON) \u0026 sharing time\u003cbr\/\u003e13:00 End (Departs Nishi Zaisho at 13:19)\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ePersonal belongings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eSewing supplies (straight pins, thread scissors, pincushion)\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWe will provide the fabric, thread, kogin needles, and round cord required for kogin embroidery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e※You may select any color you like for the fabric, thread, and round cord.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eCancellation Policy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCancellations made after you submit your application up to one week before the event date: 5%\u003cbr\/\u003eCancellations made 6 to 3 days before the event date: 50%\u003cbr\/\u003eCancellations made after that point: full amount\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUpcoming Workshop Schedules\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecember 18 (Fri) – 19 (Sat) Food and Handcrafted Works of Itoshiro (Winter Edition)\u003cbr\/\u003e~ Make a New Year's Decoration from Hemp + Try Your Hand at Pickling (You can take home the pickles you make as a souvenir)\u003cbr\/\u003eIf you join us for both fall and winter consecutively, you’ll have even more to look forward to!\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e～To help you enjoy your stay in Itoshiro～\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eHead to a nearby hot spring in the evening. Be sure to enjoy the starry night sky too.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eOn Sunday, October 18, a Shinto ritual will be held at Hakusan Chugu Shrine in Itoshiro.\u003cbr\/\u003eAt our annual autumn grand festival, we host the \"Gedo Nage\" tradition, where mochi (rice cakes) made from dedicated uruchi (non-glutinous) rice—offered to share the joy and gratitude of a bountiful harvest—are tossed out to festival attendees. Don't miss this rare, special opportunity: be sure to extend your stay in Itoshiro to join us for the event!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eAbout the Venue: KIITOS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a casual guesthouse that opened in November 2025. Please note that depending on the number of participants for this workshop, you may be required to stay in a shared room during your stay, and we ask for your understanding of this arrangement.\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/itoshiro.org\/pages\/kiitos\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePlease view the details here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/ai_33b53ce9-ba6a-49e5-bc77-0a09e20f191b_480x480.jpg?v=1764188506\" style=\"float: none;\"\/\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/itoshiro.org\/pages\/store\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e* Please view our access information here. (Our scheduled times work for visitors arriving via public transit, and you will have roughly 2.5 hours of leeway before your return bus departure time.)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"石徹白洋品店","offers":[{"title":"Only the course","offer_id":53456517300524,"sku":null,"price":26500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Course + Accommodation","offer_id":53456517333292,"sku":null,"price":35000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0331\/4355\/4185\/files\/L1120253.png?v=1787965632","url":"https:\/\/itoshiro.org\/en\/products\/kiitoskikaku202609","provider":"石徹白洋品店","version":"1.0","type":"link"}