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Recently, our group took a two-day trip from Beppu to Okawa City in Fukuoka Prefecture. Okawa is famous for its incredible woodworking industry. Our goal was to learn about local crafts and connect with the community.

Day 1: Into the Heart of Okawa's Woodworking

Seeing the Magic Happen

We set off from Beppu early and arrived in Okawa by 10:30 AM. We wasted no time and jumped right into a tour of a local furniture factory. It was mesmerizing to watch raw wood be transformed into the polished, finished Okawa furniture the city is famous for. Also, we had the incredible privilege of visiting a dedicated Kumiko artist’s factory. Seeing the absolute precision required for this traditional craft up close gave me a whole new level of respect for the artisans.

Getting Hands-On at Okawa TERRAZZA

At 1:00 PM, we officially kicked off the program with lunch at Okawa TERRAZZA. Once we were fueled up, it was time for the real test: a hands-on Kumiko workshop! We got to make our very own Kumiko pieces. Trying to piece together those delicate, geometrically patterned wooden strips without a single nail was definitely challenging, but holding the finished product felt amazingly rewarding.

A Picture-Perfect Evening

By 5:00 PM, we checked into our stay for the night, the cozy Mikawaya Ryokan. But the day wasn't over yet! At 6:00 PM, we walked over to the iconic Chikugo River Lift Bridge. Watching the sunset from the bridge painted the sky in gorgeous colors and was the absolute perfect way to wind down. We capped off the night back at the ryokan with dinner and a reflection session to process everything we had learned.

Day 2: Secret Recipes and Community Connections

Walking Through History

Day two started with a hearty breakfast at Mikawaya, followed by a guided walking tour of the town. This helped us understand the deep historical and cultural roots of Okawa. A massive highlight of the morning was visiting the Shoubunsu Vinegar Brewery. It was fascinating to step back in time and learn how they have carefully inherited and preserved their secret family recipe from generation to generation.

Karaage and Conversations

For lunch, my team and I broke off to visit a local favorite called Tanaka. We shared some seriously amazing karaage (fried chicken)! It was the perfect chance to bond with my group over great local food.

In the afternoon, we sat down for an exchange session with local residents. In our small groups, we had in-depth, honest discussions about the town, the challenges it faces, and its hopes for the future. Hearing directly from the people who pour their hearts into Okawa was incredibly moving. By 4:00 PM, we said our goodbyes and boarded the bus back to Beppu.

Final Thoughts: The Enduring Spirit of Okawa

Looking back, this two-day trip was a totally eye-opening experience. I could truly feel the craftsmanship spirit of Okawa in everything we did and everyone we met.

What amazed me the most was seeing how these artisans and business owners have managed to sustain their traditional crafts in a modern world. They are not just running businesses; they are successfully passing down their dedication, their intricate skills, and their secret recipes to the next generation. It was a perfectly organized trip that showed off both the industrial strength and the incredibly welcoming, warm spirit of Okawa.

If you ever get the chance to visit Okawa, take it! You might just leave with a new appreciation for the things made by hand.