Hands-on Experiences

Learn about the living art of Bonsai!

Unlike other forms of art, it undergoes several changes in form and style throughout its life. There are masterpieces from hundreds of years ago that are still circulating both in and outside of Japan.

With this workshop, you can learn about Bonsai and have a chance to create your very own Bonsai. "Make Your Own Bonsai" workshop to start your own tree and learn the fundamentals of how to care for your tree.

The workshop requires on-site registration and payment, and space is limited.

First-come, first-served.

Japanese calligraphy, "shodō", also known as "shūji", is a form of artistic writing in the Japanese language. Its origins lie in Chinese calligraphy, but over time it has developed a distinctly Japanese style.

Visitors are welcome to try their hand at shodo, using sumi (black ink) and fude (Japanese brush) on washi (rice paper) to create a unique piece of art.

A Japanese kimono lets you experience Japanese culture. People wore kimonos every day until the Meiji era.  Today, people wear kimonos on special occasions like summer festivals, New Year's celebrations, and weddings.

 
Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese cloth used for wrapping, carrying items, and fashion. It is a square piece of fabric with an elegant design. Furoshiki is an eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper. There are many ways to wrap items in Furoshiki.

TBD

Step into the calming and creative world of the “Origami Christmas Trees & More” room at JapanFest 2025! Visitors will enjoy a soothing Japanese-inspired atmosphere while exploring an exhibit and sale of unique handmade items, including origami art, pottery, and traditional black-ink (sumi) works.

In addition, guests can take part in fun and engaging 15-minute Japanese language mini-workshops, perfect for beginners and curious learners.

These sessions are offered throughout the day and are designed to give you a taste of the language in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Mini-Workshop Schedule

Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM (additional sessions available upon request)  

Come learn, relax, and experience a touch of Japanese culture through art and language!

Hakata-ori, a traditional craft with a history of over 780 years, is famous for Japanese kimonos and obi.

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Hakata-ori obi belts have been popular among Japanese samurai since the Edo period.

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The kimonos and obi are woven from silk thread, a very durable fabric.

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You can experience making coasters using the silk.

You can create your own original coaster that is one of a kind.

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780年以上の歴史ある伝統工芸品「博多織」は、日本の着物や帯で有名です。

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江戸時代から日本のサムライも愛用していた博多織の帯。

その着物や帯は絹糸で織られており、とても丈夫な生地です。

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その生地を使って作るコースター作り体験。

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“世界にひとつだけのオリジナルコースター”が作れます!

Tatami craftsmen ( 畳職人) specialize in the traditional art of making tatami mats, which are essential components of Japanese homes, temples and other traditional spaces. These craftsmen oversee the entire process of creating tatami mats, from measuring the space to cutting the straw or other materials to size, weaving the layers together, and sewing the edge fabric known as tatami-beri.

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Masayoshi Honda, a tatami craftsman from Chiba prefecture and the 14th generation of Tatami-manufacturer Hiroshimaya, will showcase his skills at JapanFest. He will demonstrate how to weave igusa (a type of rush grass) into tatami mats and offer attendees the chance to try weaving igusa themselves. 

Ikebana, also known as Kado, is a traditional Japanese flower arrangement with seasonal elements chosen to symbolize a theme or complement a room's decoration with colors.

You will gain knowledge of Japanese flower arrangements and create your masterpiece to take home with you. 

Japanese fake food samples/food replicas, known in Japan as "shokuhin sampuru", are a fascinating part of everyday life in Japan. You'll find them displayed outside Japanese restaurants, acting as visual menus.

These colourful, inedible replicas convincingly mimic the real thing, but they're made entirely of plastic or wax. Visitors can learn how to make the food replica and take their piece of art home. 

If you're looking for more thrills and chills, then the VR Zone is the place for you! Get ready to dive into a world of virtual reality games that will blow your mind.

From realistic games designed by Japanese game makers to Japanese-themed adventures and games that take you to the heart of the action in Japan, you'll be amazed!

TBD​

Hakata Dolls are a traditional Japanese craft that boasts a history of over 400 years.

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It is a painted clay doll made from unglazed clay.

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They come in a wide range of themes, samurai, and lucky charms, and are displayed in many homes and shops across Japan.

You can try your hand at painting a Hakata doll, a lucky charm that brings good fortune.

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Display your finished work at home to bring good fortune!

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400年以上の歴史を誇る「博多人形」は、日本の伝統工芸品です。

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粘土でできた素焼きの彩色人形です。

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歌舞伎やサムライ、縁起物など幅広い題材があり、日本の多くの家や店などに飾られています。

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福を呼ぶ縁起物の博多人形の絵付け体験に挑戦できます。

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完成した作品は家に飾って福を呼び込もう!

Atlanta Bujinkan Dojo - When they hear the word ‘Ninja’, most people think of turtles, evil assassins, anime characters, or masked minions in comic books.

Reality is quite different. Historical ninja were monks, spies, bodyguards, the ‘special forces’ of their day, or simply farmers, defending themselves from someone else’s war.    

Modern students of ninjutsu are cops, soldiers, artists, programmers—ordinary people protecting themselves from today’s dangers. The Atlanta Bujinkan Dojo is the original school for authentic ninjutsu in the Western Hemisphere. We invite you to visit our booth & come see one of our presentations of this extraordinary martial art!

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(atlantabujinkan.org | Social: @ATLBujinkan)