Experience Traditional Japanese Tataki Earthen Floors & Coffee from the Edo Period

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Event Details


Date(s)

October 17 (Fri) to November 30 (Sun)
*Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays

Time(s)

9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Please call or check the website for screening times for the footage of Tataki flooring process)

Cost

¥1,500 (includes documentary film viewing, visiting the newly restored earthen floor, special exhibition commemorating the 60th anniversary of the museum’s opening, Goemon coffee & yokan sweets)

What are Tataki floors? Discover Japan’s traditional earthen “concrete.”

Step inside the historic Kumaya Art Museum, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, and experience a piece of Japanese history. This year, the residence’s earthen floor was carefully restored by local plasterers using centuries-old methods. In the museum’s storehouse, you can view rare archival footage capturing the process and techniques of the traditional tataki flooring method. During your visit, enjoy the special 60th anniversary exhibition ‘What Will One Day Become a Record’ and savor Goemon Coffee—a unique revival of a brew once described in Edo-period documents, recreated with organic Toarco Toraja beans. Alongside the coffee, listen to family stories about the Kumaya family’s traditional yokan (sweet bean jelly), lovingly passed down by Grandma Aiko.

Meet the Host

Iori Eguchi | Director at Kumaya Art Museum

The Kumaya Art Museum has preserved its home and family history in Hagi for over 400 years, safeguarding both tangible and intangible cultural treasures for future generations. 

We invite you to step into the centuries-old storehouse and enjoy archival footage of the traditional tataki flooring method. See the techniques used, then admire the finished product yourself in the freshly restored earthen floor—connecting tradition with the changing times.


Schedule

  1. Meet at Kumaya Art Museum
  2. Tour of the Important Cultural Property Kumaya Art Museum, including the newly restored earthen floor
  3. Visit the special exhibition: ‘What Will One Day Become a Record’
  4. Watch archival footage of the Tataki flooring technique in the storehouse
  5. Enjoy Goemon Coffee and hear stories about the Kumaya family and Grandma Aiko’s yokan sweets (alternative drinks available for those who don’t drink coffee)

*Schedule may change due to weather conditions, etc.

Photo Gallery

Kumaya Family Residence, a Nationally designated Important Cultural Property
Enjoy viewing the beautiful Kumaya Residence main building, with its freshly restored earthen floor
Our 600-year-old Japanese sago palm and 300-year-old sacred pine tree known as Yogo no Matsu, welcoming you to the garden
A tranquil moment of mindfulness under the woodland elaeocarpus tree
The recreation of Goemon Coffee, based on Edo-period manuscripts
Skilled plasterers at work restoring the Tataki earthen floor using traditional techniques
A rare family photo of Grandma Aiko, with the current director of Kumaya Art Museum in her childhood

Treasures Found Here

Kumaya Family Residence, an Important Cultural Property

A historic residence where samurai stayed during the late Edo period, and where tea masters of the Meiji era once gathered.

Kumaya Family Garden

This garden from the Edo period is said to have the kind of magnificent scenery you would find in old books on garden design.

Kumaya Family’s Yokan Sweets

Enjoy delicious Goemon coffee from the Edo period while learning about the secrets of yokan passed down through the Kumaya family.

Information

Date(s)October 17 (Fri) to November 30 (Sun)
*Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays

On days when the director is absent, other museum staff will guide you.
Time(s)9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Please call or check the website for screening times for the footage of Tataki flooring process)
LocationKumaya Art Museum
47 Imauonotanamachi, Hagi-shi 758-0052
AccessBy car: Right next to the Kumaya Art Museum parking lot (free parking)

Using the Hagi City Circular Hop-on Bus: Take the Eastern Route to Kumaya Museum (E19) bus stop.
ParkingAvailable—Please use the Kumaya Art Museum parking lot. (30 standard cars, 3 buses)
Cost¥1,500 (includes documentary film viewing, visiting the newly restored earthen floor, special exhibition commemorating the 60th anniversary of the museum’s opening, Goemon coffee & yokan sweets)
Payment MethodCash only
Capacity5 to 10 people each time
Must be of school age and above (preschool children free)
What to bringA gentle spirit ready to walk carefully on the freshly prepared tataki floor, and flat shoes (no heels)
Please noteThe event will take place even if it rains. If severe weather is forecast, we will contact you by the morning of the event to confirm whether it will proceed.
How to make a reservation・By phone: 0838-25-5535 (9:00 am to 4:00 pm, except Wednesdays and Thursdays)

・Via SNS: @kumaya_artmuseum (Instagram)
Reservation DeadlinePlease reserve at least 3 days in advance.
CancelationsDay before: Must pay 50% of program cost
Same day: Must pay 100% of program cost
Recommended for…
  • solo-travelers
  • families
  • friends
  • couples
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