A rare opportunity to enjoy a seasonal feast of the sea, celebrating the 72 microseasons by fish monger and chef Ototojet.
Tue 25 Feb
Visit to Mie for a hands-on workshop with an earthen wall craftsman
9:30 AM
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Seki Town Stroll
Learn about ‘shukuba’ - post towns located along the road that connected Kyoto, the old capital, with Tokyo, the new capital.
Seki is longest stretch of the road that still remains relatively close to how it would have appeared 500 years ago. Peek inside an old hotel that has retained its original architectural features.
11 AM
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Group Lunch
Enjoy a microseasonal meal prepared with local ingredients in the countryside.
12:30 AM
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Conversation with a Sakan
A rare opportunity to engage in an intimate conversation with an expert Sakan about Japan’s architectural heritage and explore the possibilities that lie in the future. Hear firsthand stories of their craft, the challenges of preserving these time-honored techniques, and the deep connection between natural materials and Japanese architecture.
1:30 PM
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Takekomai and Tsuchikabe Workshop at Sakan Studio
Discover the art of Sakan craftsmanship and its place in Japan’s traditional architecture. Learn hands-on the practical skillsets of takekomai bamboo and hemp lath binding, and tsuchikabe earthen wall making, using 100% natural materials.
Wed 26 Feb
Conversations with Maana’s architect; Sudare blinds workshop.
9 AM
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Sudare Artisan Workshop at Atelier
Discover the art of weaving sudare—traditional Japanese blinds used as sunshades or room dividers. Learn their cultural history, versatile uses for home and garden, and craft your own sudare using materials like bamboo, wood, and grass.
12:30 PM
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Group Lunch
2 PM
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Tea and Dialogue with Shigenori Uoya
A dialogue about Kyoto’s architectural history, traditional Japanese construction materials, and the possibilities and risks of mixing traditional and modern architecture techniques.
3:30 PM
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Shigenori Uoya's Favorite Places Tour
Visit architecturally-significant structures in Kyoto that inspired Uoya’s work, and gain insight into his design philosophies.
Thu 27 Feb
Visit a wood joinery studio. Relax, sketch and reflect on the week’s adventure.
10 AM
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Optional Add-on: Indigo Dye Workshop
12:30 PM
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Group Lunch
A lunch in the countryside made with fresh mountain water and local ingredients.
1:30 PM
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Wood Joinery Experience
Learn first-hand the vital tools, materials, techniques, and intricate structural details fundamental to traditional Japanese wood joinery.
3:30 PM
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Garden Sketching Workshop
Learn about the wide spectrum of garden types, how they are designed, and the plethora of variables that are taken into consideration to sketch out your ideal garden.
6 PM
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Farewell Dinner
Our last cozy dinner at Maana Atelier to reflect on what we’ve learnt, what we can take away, and how these sustainable materials and heritage techniques can be applied in your work and everyday life.