Handmade goods experience atelier IRODORI. The workshop offers hands-on experience making and selling lanterns from recycled “Neptae (Painting of Neputa)” used in the Kuroishi Neputa Festival.

The store is decorated with fans and lanterns made from Nepta paintings, and the colorful shoji windows with Nepta paintings seen through the soft light are stunning.

No two nepta paintings are alike, allowing visitors to create unique works of art. Since the Neputa pictures are cut in advance, they are easy to make, but which image to use and where to use it is where you can show your skills. The process takes about 50 minutes for a lantern, and the price ranges from 3,960 yen for the smallest miniature to 7,920 yen for a three-tiered lantern.

Visitors can also purchase traditional crafts unique to Tsugaru made by Aomori artists. These modern and unique goods include “Ringo Kokeshi Dolls” and “Hatobue E!” and other contemporary “neo-local” toys. We truly hope you enjoy your encounter here and now.