Written by Greg Goodmacher
A hands-on workshop in a small atelier teaches visitors to make contemporary versions of traditional Japanese bamboo lanterns.
The workshop happens by the entrance to Akame 48 Falls, a deep, narrow gorge in Nabari, Mie Prefecture, where, according to countless folktales, dragons and ninjas once lived. After creating a lantern, you can enjoy an evening riverside stroll to the Akame 48 Waterfalls Bamboo Illumination Festival.
Note: The workshop and festival only take place on weekends and holidays. You can attend the lantern festival without participating in a workshop.
2000 beguiling handmade lanterns of various shapes and sizes twinkle and sparkle in the ripples and eddies of the flowing river and a string of cascading waterfalls. During the Bamboo Lantern Festival, legends of ninja warriors, mythical creatures, and traveling monks seem to come alive in the enchanting display. Wondrous surprises arise around every bend. Chairs and tables are set up in one spot where visitors savor hot chocolate, the view, and the rejuvenating mountain air.
Lantern creation
Creating a bamboo lantern was surprisingly uncomplicated, taking about 40 minutes. First, bamboo artisan Tomoya Kawasaki of Bamboo Atelier Sou showed me three lanterns made from thick bamboo stalks. He had created unique patterns by drilling holes that revealed images when a light bulb was switched on.
Light glittered through the outline of the sun and the raindrops on one lantern. Another lantern presented light like flowing waves. The third showed numerous old-style Japanese handheld fans.
I chose the sun lantern design. Kawasaki handed me a bamboo stalk with a paper outline taped to it. Dots on the paper showed me where to drill holes of various widths. My job was to operate a power drill to drill holes of various sizes at points on the outline. Doing so without fragmenting the bamboo required concentration and a steady hand, a sort of meditative mindfulness.
After all the holes were drilled, we removed the outline. Kawasaki taught me to use sandpaper to smooth rough edges and make the bamboo shine, enhancing its appeal.
An LED light and electrical cord are included in the workshop fee. After taking the lantern home, all I had to do was insert the light and plug it in. Because the lantern is sturdy, attractive, easy to carry, and practical, it is an excellent Japanese travel souvenir.
Workshop details: Schedule, reservations, and pricing
Participation is limited to 1 to 3 people at a time. During the Bamboo Illumination Festival, guests can choose either a standalone workshop or a workshop with a private festival guide and ask for interpretation. Prices vary accordingly.
Workshop fee (with interpreter): ¥12,000
Workshop and guide (with interpreter): ¥17,000
Reservations: Book on the “bamboo atelier sou” page on Get Your Guide.
Bamboo Illumination Festival Schedule
The 2025-2026 Akame 48 Waterfalls Bamboo Illumination Festival started in October. From now until January 25, you can experience the magic from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Accommodation nearby
Several hotels are located near the entrance to Akame 48 Falls. For budget and mid-range sojourners, Tomaru Cafe Sankaku is the best. The reasonably priced, large rooms have great views, the café food is cheap and delicious, and the location is a five-minute walk from the Akame 48 entrance. This small hotel provides friendly service to all travelers, from solo to group to family travelers.
For a traditional and luxurious Japanese ryokan experience, visit Sansuien or Taisenkaku. Both provide high-quality, gourmet, local dishes and relaxing Japanese hot-spring baths.
Getting there
Bamboo Atelier Sou and the entrance to Akame 48 Falls can be reached by car and public transportation from Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto.
From Nagoya Station: Cars take around 2 hours; trains take between 2 and 3.5 hours.
From Osaka Station: Cars take around 1.5 hours; trains take between 2 and 2.5 hours.
From Kyoto Station: Cars take around 2 hours; trains take slightly over 2 hours.
