Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center

In Beppu, bamboo craft has grown alongside the hot-spring culture. As the town became a nationwide onsen destination in the Edo period, bamboo kitchen tools—rice baskets, strainers, and other light, breathable utensils—spread as practical travel companions and souvenirs.

Training and craftsmanship accumulated over time. In 1967, Shounsai Ikuno became the first Living National Treasure in bamboo craft. In 1979, Beppu Bamboo Crafts were designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan, reinforcing efforts to protect and pass on the skills.

The Crafts Center opened in 1994 as a place for exhibitions and learning. It features galleries as well as spaces for training and research, and hosts special exhibitions and events. Bamboo is used in parts of the interior, setting a calm tone as you step inside.

On a travel day, it’s easy to combine ‘see’ and ‘try’. Join the Bamboo Bell workshop (about 40 minutes, JPY 500) or the Shikainami flower basket (about 60 minutes, JPY 2,000)—reservations are generally required one week in advance, with last reception at 15:30. The center is open 8:30–17:00, and the SHOP & CAFE is open until 16:30.

A nationally designated craft, alive in Beppu

Beppu Bamboo Crafts are designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan. Eight core weaving patterns are officially defined, and their combinations expand to more than 200 variations. Seeing real works makes the differences in texture and shadows easy to notice.

From daily tools to crafted beauty

The galleries include rice baskets, bento boxes, serving baskets, tofu baskets, and practical tools such as strainers and “shoke” baskets. It’s a good way to understand how bamboo’s lightness, strength, and breathability supported everyday life in an onsen town.

Two workshops that fit a travel day

Choose the Bamboo Bell (about 40 minutes, JPY 500) or the Shikainami flower basket (about 60 minutes, JPY 2,000). Reservations are generally required at least one week in advance, and the last reception time is 15:30.

Shop & café, plus web shop links

The on-site SHOP & CAFE (added in 2018) offers bamboo items alongside coffee and bamboo-charcoal drinks and sweets. The official website also lists web shops by makers, so you can revisit a favorite craftsperson after your trip.