Hakone Yosegi Zaiku Honma Wood Workshop

The Honma Yosegi Museum and Honma Wood Workshop are located in Hakone Yumoto, Kanagawa Prefecture.  On the museum’s first floor is “Yosegi Kobo”, the wood workshop and a shop selling Yosegi Zaiku (wooden mosaic) products.  The second floor houses the Yosegi Zaiku exhibits. The museum features Yosegi Zaiku objects said to be used since the Edo Period. Some items are on permanent display, for example Zushi (cabinets) or dressers. Other exhibits may change with the seasons.  The pattern made on one area of the ceiling is a must-see display.  Reservations can be made to join one of the Yosegi Zaiku workshops that is held four times a day. Participants can create their own wooden mosaic coasters with hemp leaf motifs as a craftsman gives instructions. The coasters can be taken home right after the workshop, making them a wonderful trip memento.