Artisans' Village: Ise Katagami Stencil Festival 2026

About this event

Held in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, 'Artisans' Village: Ise Katagami Stencil Festival 2026' is an event where visitors can experience the history of Ise Katagami stencils and the Shiroko and Jike districts that nurtured the craft. Centered at the Suzuka City Traditional Crafts Center and with hubs at the Ise Katagami Museum, Ise Katagami Osugi, Koyasu Kannonji Temple, Sakura Kindergarten Kannonji Campus, and others, events allowing visitors to fully enjoy the Shiroko-Jike area for a whole day will be held. The festival features a stamp rally across venues and workshops to experience artisans' craftsmanship. A particular highlight is the fine-pattern dyeing (komon-zome) demonstration by Junichi Akatsuka, a certified Nagoya Yuzen traditional master craftsman, showcasing the vital 'nori-oki' (resist-paste application) process in which meticulously carved Ise Katagami stencils are turned into fabric bolts. Workshops include dyeing an original tote bag using Ise Katagami stencils with various patterns carved by artisans (priority to reservations, 2,500 yen), 'Become an Ise Katagami Artisan!' to experience the tool carving (dogubori) technique (priority to reservations, 2,000 yen), and an experience making coasters from stencils carved by yourself (walk-ins accepted anytime, 800 yen). Children below 4th grade of elementary school require parental assistance. In addition, Buddhist image tracing (shabutsu) of Odaishi-sama and Heart Sutra transcription (shakyo) using Ise Katagami stencils and Suzuka ink will also be offered (reservation required: 059-386-0046). Stamp rally cards will be distributed on the day at each hub and at Shiroko Station.

Venue

Suzuka City Traditional Crafts Center

3-10-1 Jike, Suzuka, Mie 510-0254