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Strolling Nagiso in Nagano
AttractionsSuggested ItineraryDiscover Crafts
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Discover Crafts

Nagiso Lathed Woodcrafts

We have tea caddies, serving trays, and wooden bowls made of Japanese horse chestnut, Japanese yew, and zelkova trees.

[Manufacturer’s Direct Sales Shops]

Lathed Woodcrafts

Hinokigasa (Cypress Weaved Hat) Products

Displayed and directly sold at ‘Hinokigasa no Ie’ in Araragi. In addition to hinokigasa, they make shoe insoles, sun visors, and fans using the nawashiro-ami weaving technique.

[Manufacturer’s Direct Sales Shops]

Hinokigasa (Cypress Weaved Hat) Products

Barrels & Small Wood Crafts

Barrels include sushi barrels, pickle barrels, and hand barrels made of hinoki and sawara. Small woodcrafts including hinoki chopsticks, rice paddles, and other wooden household products are also available.

[Manufacturer’s Direct Sales Shops]

Barrels and Small Wood Crafts

Tadachi Washi (Japanese paper)

Tadachi is known as a washi manufacturer since the ancient times. Records say that they were already engaging in washi-making in the mid-Edo period. “Tadachi Washi House” was restored in 1985 as a part the town’s redevelopment product with an intention to preserve and promote the traditional Tadachi washi technique. Here, you can experience making real handmade paper, sturdy, rustic and 100% made from authentic Kozo materials. (Please make a reservation at least one week in advance.)
Contact: 0573-75-4910 * Winter only: Representative’s home: 0573-75-5066

Tadachi Washi (Japanese paper)

Nagiso Neko

"Neko" is a traditional winter jacket made and worn by people in Nagiso town for generations.
This sleeveless jacket that keeps your back warm while still freeing up your arms was created for Nagiso town’s craftsmen and women. This is ideal for them as they can stay warm while engaging in traditional crafts, such as lathed woodcrafts and cypress weaved hats.
This “neko” is still made by hand, following each family’s own form and method passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, the shape and method of each neko are slightly different. It is so warm and comfortable; you will even forget you are wearing it!
Choose your perfect “neko” from a variety of patterns and materials.

The origin of the name “neko (also means ‘cat’ in Japanese)” is not clear. Some say it came from “nenneko hanten (Japanese jacket for mothers and babies). Others say, “it’s because people who wear it have a round back like a cat when they are working,” or “because it’s warm like a cat.”
We hope you will try Nagiso Town’s beloved “neko”!

[Shop List]

Nagiso Neko Sample