Here is my completed Suruga Bamboo Lattice Vase. I took a class and assembled it myself. I think it is beautiful!

When planning our trip to Japan, it was important to me to take some traditional craft classes. My language partner Mariko found Takumi-shuku (Traditional Hand Crafts Art Center) in Shizuoka. Mariko was kind to make our initial reservations for us by phone. I fine tuned our reservations with the staff via email. We reserved 3 classes each. They offered classes in Suruga bamboo lattice ware, fabric dying, wood working, lacquer, ceramics and plastic models. The center was beautiful and the staff were helpful and friendly. I loved this place! It would make a nice side trip between Kansai and Tokyo (we did it between Nagoya area and Tokyo).

Wednesday July 10

• Shinkansen from Nagoya to Shizuoka
• Taxi to Takumi-Shuku (Traditional Hand Crafts Art Center)
• Takumi-Shuku Handicraft Museum
• Lunch at Hachi & Mitsu
• Bamboo Ichihime Vase class
• Wooden hexagon box with lid class and a shrink plastic flower accessory class (niece took other classes)
• Taxi to Shizuoka Station