Experience: Glassblowing & Craft
Season
Year-round
Hours
-Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Workshops until 3:00 PM)
-Closed: Wednesdays, 2nd & 4th Sundays
–Feb 25 – Mar 4, 2026: Glassblowing & Sandcast unavailable (Lampworking & Burner work available)
Workshop
All workshops and technical instruction are conducted at The Art Studio 8.
Eligibility
-Lampworking: Glass Beads (Ages 10+), Artistic Accessories & Glass Pens (Ages 6+)
-Sandcasting: Specially designed for infants (up to age 3) and pets (dogs)
Standard Workshop
-Participants: Up to 6 guests
-Duration: Approx. 1 – 1.5 hours
Premium Option: "Artist for a Day"
-Participants: 1 to 2 guests only
-Duration: Approx. 4 hours
(Find details in the activity description.)
Inspiring Glassware Creation at The Art Studio 8
Meet the Artist: Tetsuji Harada
The workshops are led by Tetsuji Harada, a professional glass artist and the founder of The Art Studio 8. With years of experience and a passion for capturing the delicate beauty of glass, Harada-san provides personalized instruction that brings out the creativity in every guest. Whether you are a first-timer or an art enthusiast, you will enjoy a meaningful creative journey under his expert guidance.
Glassblowing Workshop
Experience the traditional art of glassblowing. Using molten glass and professional tools, you can craft functional and decorative items such as:
-Custom Glassware: Create your own tumblers or elegant single-flower vases.
-Glass Apples: A signature workshop to craft a beautiful, solid glass apple (available with or without a leaf).
-Seasonal Specials: Enjoy limited-time projects, including handcrafted Wind Chimes (summer only) and special Winter Edition glassware and plates.
Lampworking & Burner Work
For those who enjoy detailed work, these workshops use a burner to shape delicate glass:
-Glass Beads (Tonbo-dama): Make traditional glass beads and finish them as a personalized necklace or phone strap. (Ages 10+)
-Artistic Accessories: Craft intricate flower pendants, silver foil designs, or stylish stirrers. (Ages 6+)
-Glass Pens: Design and create your own elegant glass dipping pen. (Ages 6+)
Sandcasting
-Original Glass Plates: A unique method of pouring molten glass into sand molds to create textured, artistic plates. This workshop is specially designed for capturing the precious handprints or footprints of infants (up to age 3) and pets (dogs).
Premium Option: “Artist for a Day”
For those seeking a truly immersive and professional glassblowing experience, we offer this exclusive premium course. Under the intensive, personal guidance of Tetsuji Harada, you will spend four hours at the furnace, mastering advanced techniques to create a sophisticated, professional-grade masterpiece. This is a rare opportunity to step into the shoes of a glass artist for a full session.
Before You Book
Please review the following information before making your reservation to ensure a smooth experience.
Note: From Feb 25 – Mar 4, 2026, Glassblowing and Sandcast are unavailable. Lampworking and Burner work will remain available as scheduled.
- How to Book:
1. Please select “Sightseeing” from the tour options on our booking page.
2. On the “Personalize Your Experience” page, select “1” for your preferred workshop option.
-Glassblowing & Craft (1-1.5h)
-Artist for a Day (4h) (Available for up to 2 people)
3. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to a Google Form.
4. In the “Destination” section of the form, please specify “The Art Studio 8” and your chosen workshop type (Glassblowing, Glass Beads (Tonbo-dama), Lampworking, or Sandcasting)
- Workshop Policy:
Please note that each workshop (Glassblowing, Glass Beads (Tonbo-dama), Lampworking, or Sandcasting) is led by a specific instructor. For this reason, we cannot accommodate changes to your selected activity on the day of your visit. Please ensure your choice is finalized in the Google Form before your tour.
- Fees & “Artist for a Day” (Premium Option):
– Standard Workshop: The cost is already included in your tour price. No additional workshop fees are required on-site.
– “Artist for a Day”: This premium course requires an additional fee of 80,000 JPY per group. Please ensure you select this option from the menu during your booking.
– Capacity: Due to the intensive nature of the premium course, we can only accommodate up to 2 guests for “Artist for a Day.”
- Item Collection:
– Lampworking & Burner Work: Items can be taken home on the same day after a short cooling period.
– Glassblowing & Sandcasting: These items require a cooling process and cannot be taken home immediately. They can be picked up at a later date or shipped to your address (shipping fees apply).
- Personal Belongings: LOCAL GUIDE JAPAN is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal items, such as mobile phones, cameras, or jewelry, during the tour. We recommend keeping your belongings secure.
- Tax Information: All prices listed are inclusive of 10% consumption tax.
Sample Schedule
History & Glass Art from Hakuba (8 hours)
| 09:00 | Private Guide Meets You & Seamless Pickup in Hakuba |
|---|---|
| 10:15 | Matsumoto Castle & Former Kaichi School Visit |
| 12:30 | Local Shinshu Cuisine Experience (Lunch) |
| 13:45 | Authentic Glassmaking at The Art Studio 8 |
| 14:45 | Rokuzan Art Museum or Chihiro Art Museum Visit |
| 15:45 | Final Collection at The Art Studio 8 |
| 16:00 | Begin Return Journey to Hakuba |
| 17:00 | Comfortable Drop-off in Hakuba |
Azumino Art & Craft from Hakuba (6 hours)
| 09:30 | Private Guide Meets You & Seamless Pickup in Hakuba |
|---|---|
| 10:45 | Authentic Glassmaking at The Art Studio 8 |
| 11:45 | Lunch (Guest Cost) |
| 13:15 | Return to Studio & Item Collection |
| 13:45 | Rokuzan Art Museum or Chihiro Art Museum Visit |
| 14:45 | Begin Return Journey to Hakuba |
| 16:00 | Comfortable Drop-off in Hakuba |