Miya-Daiku, the Japanese Shrine Carpenters

An immersive and enlightening experience into the world of the Miya-daiku, the Hanbara temple carpenters,  renowned for their cultural heritage and spiritual craftsmanship.

The Art of Miya-Daiku

Miya-Daiku refers to traditional Japanese carpenters who specialize in the construction and restoration of wooden structures, such as Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. These artisans employ ancient techniques, particularly joinery, or Kigumi, which connects wooden pieces without the use of modern tools like nails.

This method necessitates a profound understanding of wood’s natural properties, allowing them to create enduring and aesthetically pleasing structures.

The spiritual dimension of their work is significant, as it involves various rituals and ceremonies, making it not just a craft but also a form of religious devotion.

Through their efforts, Miya-Daiku carpenters play a vital role in preserving Japan's cultural heritage, ensuring that these sacred sites remain functional for future generations.

The Legacy of Hanbara

Among the esteemed groups of Miya-Daiku is Hanbara, one of the oldest and most skilled, konwed for having restored Edo castle, and located in the Sagamihara region near Tokyo. This group is now committed to safeguarding traditional carpentry techniques by passing down their extensive knowledge through apprenticeships.

These programs allow aspiring carpenters to learn directly from seasoned experts, ensuring that the art of Miya-Daiku is not only preserved but also adapted for the future. By engaging with the Hanbara Miya-Daiku Training School, visitors are invited to step into the world of these craftsmen, experiencing their skills and dedication firsthand.

Engaging Experiences in Sagamihara

Visitors to the Sagamihara region will find themselves immersed in a rich cultural landscape, where they can engage with both expert and apprentice Miya-Daiku. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice traditional woodcrafting techniques while gaining insights into the spiritual aspects of their work. Highlights of this immersive experience include 

• Exploring a historic wooden residence built by Hambara carpenters, a living testament to the region’s craftsmanship and history
• Visiting a majestic waterfall once used as a site for mountain ascetic practice
• Admiring the architecture of a grand temple gate crafted by the Hambara carpenters

Such experiences provide a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind these wooden structures.

Hands-On Learning with Miya-Daiku Techniques

During this experience, participants will have the chance to try two essential Miya-Daiku techniques.

• The first is the Kanna, or Japanese plane, a precision tool that can smooth wooden planks to within a millimeter, making the wood both smooth and waterproof.
• The second technique, Kigumi, involves shaping wooden pieces into geometric forms that interlock like a three-dimensional puzzle. This intricate method requires careful thought and planning, as the complexity can be challenging to assemble or disassemble.

The highlight of the visit is the opportunity to interact with an actual Miya-Daiku, who will share personal anecdotes and invaluable architectural insights. Walking alongside this expert in various shrines and wooden buildings will unveil architectural details that might otherwise go unnoticed, enriching the visitor's appreciation of these cultural treasures.

It is recommended to undertake this activity at the beginning of your stay, especially before exploring Kyoto or other areas rich in temples and shrines, to enhance your overall experience throughout your journey.

Embark on a one-day introduction, or fully immerse yourself in the countryside with a two-day experience

For a deeper connection and greater insight into the Sagamihara region, we recommend the two-day package, allowing you to truly explore the mountains and culture.

After enjoying a lavish dinner and a tranquil stay at a local Japanese inn with onsen, the following day will be devoted to further discovering the beauty of the region.

Highlights include a riverside lunch (featuring occasional game dishes), visits to buildings of historical significance, and an enlightening tour of a family-owned sake brewery, where you can savor a variety of richly flavored sakes. (For fans of Japanese television and ninja lore, this brewery is where the series "House of Ninjas" was filmed.)