Hidehira-nuri Ochiya, located right at the foot of the historic Konjikido at Hiraizumi’s Chuson-ji Temple, sells traditional Hidehira-nuri lacquerware and holds lacquer-painting experience events.
When visiting historic Hiraizumi, Hidehira-nuri Ochiya is a spot you won’t want to miss.
Our staff toured the shop and workshop, so please enjoy this as if you were visiting Hidehira-nuri Ochiya yourself.
History and Tradition — Hidehira-nuri Makes a Great Hiraizumi Souvenir
Ochiya is located along the way from Hiraizumi Station to Chuson-ji Temple.
It’s 1.2 km from Hiraizumi Station and 300 meters from Chuson-ji.
This lacquerware workshop and direct-sales shop has over 60 years of history in this area.
As Ochiya, we want to preserve the quality of this traditional craft and let as many people as possible know its value.
This is the wish of Mr. Sasaki, the fifth-generation president of Ochiya, embodied in every piece of lacquerware.
Precisely because Ochiya has continued making fine work without being swept up in the changing times, you can feel that value the moment you hold one of their lacquerware pieces.
At the directly operated shop, carefully crafted lacquerware made with traditional techniques lines the shelves.
Hidehira-nuri is said to have originated when Fujiwara no Hidehira, the third generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan who brought 100 years of prosperity to Mutsu Province’s Hiraizumi, had vessels made using generous amounts of Iwate’s specialty lacquer and gold.
Ochiya’s “Tochi Guinomi” (horse chestnut sake cup) was selected as a gift presented at the Ise-Shima Summit.
Products that incorporate design and functionality while cherishing traditional techniques are easy to buy both as souvenirs and for yourself!
Hidehira-nuri Ochiya, Where You Can Learn About History and Traditional Craft, Is Also Famous as an Experience Spot
President Sasaki of Ochiya gave us a special tour of the workshop.
The workshop includes an experience studio where you can try lacquer painting, as well as a workshop where craftsmen make custom orders and products for sale.
The lacquer-painting experience and workshop tour require advance reservation (fee applies).
The spaces introduced below are used for lacquer study sessions, lacquer-painting experiences, and custom-order consultations, and are not normally open to the public.
If you’re interested, please be sure to inquire in advance!
For details on the lacquer-painting experience / tour / study sessions, click here ⇒ Lacquer Painting Experience Studio kuras
↓Stepping inside, many kinds of lacquerware were on display!
This is the Ochiya Creative Room. Here you can learn about lacquer along with the lacquer-painting experience.
This space —
Going up to the 2nd floor, craftsmen were applying their traditional skills.
The scent of lacquer filling the workshop. The sound of polishing lacquerware. You can feel the craftsmen’s dedication and their thoughts for the customers who will use these pieces.
We were also able to see vessels being dried.
↓We heard they’re planning a collaboration hair barrette with female college students. We got to see the drying stage midway through production. We’re excited to see the ideas that come from combining tradition with current trends!
It seems you can also tour the craftsmen’s workshop along with the experience.
For details on the lacquer-painting experience / tour / study sessions, click here ⇒ Lacquer Painting Experience Studio kuras
Visit Hidehira-nuri Ochiya in Hiraizumi! Access and Sightseeing Event Information
Hidehira-nuri Ochiya in Hiraizumi is about a 15-minute drive from BELLINO HOTEL ICHINOSEKI.
The “Open Factory Gokan-ichi (Five Senses Market)” held in November 2019 is a rare opportunity to experience refined traditional techniques firsthand.
Please look forward to the next event! Come and experience the real pleasure of craftsmanship in person.
《Recommended Nearby Sightseeing Spots》
★ Ichinoseki–Hiraizumi’s traditional craft, the Kyoya Dyeing Shop (about a 5-minute drive from BELLINO HOTEL)
★ Recommended for autumn: Chuson-ji’s Kōyō Ginga (Autumn Leaves Galaxy) (a 1-minute walk from Ochiya)
