"Nushiya Buddhist Goods Store" is located in a quiet neighborhood in the northern part of Hamamatsu City.

About 30 minutes north from JR Hamamatsu Station by car, you will find "Nushiya Buddhist Goods Store" located close to the Enshu Railway's Misono Chuo Koen Station. Some people may feel that a Buddhist goods store is intimidating, but there is a cafe on the first floor and the store has an atmosphere that makes it easy for anyone to visit.

"Lacquer painting" continues from the end of the Edo period

This is a store with a long history that has been involved in lacquering and gold leafing for generations since the Kaei era. The store name comes from "Nurishiya," a lacquer shop that was later changed to "Nushiya."

In order to allow customers to experience lacquer and gold leaf up close, the store will be renovated in 2023 and "Nushiya Cafe" will open on the first floor. In addition, the workshop will be made glass-walled so that customers can freely observe the craftsmen's techniques.

"Makie- Experience traditional techniques

Makie is a technique that uses lacquer to paint pictures, then sprinkles gold or silver powder on the lacquer just before it dries to create various designs and decorate Buddhist altar fittings and vessels. It is a simple yet delicate technique that has been passed down since the Nara period 1300 years ago.

At Nushiya Buddhist Supplies Shop, you can create a one-of-a-kind item using this precious technique of "makie."

What you can experience in this tour

First, there is an introduction to the history and culture of Maki-e. After that, you can choose your own materials and designs and start painting. During the drying time, you can enjoy a drink at the cafe on the first floor and take a look around the workshop.

The entire process takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. (The drying time may vary depending on the weather and temperature. Please allow yourself plenty of time.)

1. Introduction to the history and culture of Maki-e

2. Select the maki-e material and design

Choose from eight different materials and 16 different designs to make a flower stand, candy dish, coaster, accessory stand, necklace, brooch, and more.

The material can also be changed to a larger nameplate (11cm x 17.5cm). (Optional extra 2,000 yen/on-site payment)

3. Decide the position of the design and mask it.

The design is a sticker, so stick it to the material to determine the position of the design. Cover the area other than the design with masking tape to prevent it from getting dirty.

3. Apply cashew paste and let dry

The lacquer used by craftsmen can cause a rash on skin, so an alternative called "cashew" is applied instead.

4. Break and workshop tour (includes one drink)

While the cashews are drying, you can take a break at the cafe for about 40 minutes and enjoy a special smoothie or coffee. The cafe also has a glass-walled workshop, so if you're lucky, you can get a close-up look at the intricate craftsmanship, such as gold leaf stamping.

5. Sprinkle powder (add color)

Choose your favorite color from six colors of powder (metallic powder) and sprinkle it on the surface. You can discuss with a skilled craftsman about the gradation and color intensity.

6. Peel off the sticker and you're done!

Once you've finished sprinkling the powder, you can remove the masking and stickers and finish the project. If it's an accessory, the staff will attach the metal fittings for you.

You can take your completed work home with you. You can make it into a necklace, attach it to your bag, or use it as a flower stand... it will sparkle and become a part of your everyday life.