Cross Hotel Kyoto (location: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; General Manager: Yoshihiro Hanmyo), a space that brings people together across generations, will host the third installment of Discover Japanese Craft, part of their CROSS DELIGHTS event series that connects with local communities and culture. This time, the hotel welcomes Takeshi Nishimura from Nishimura Yuzen-Chokoku to present live demonstrations of yuzen stencil carving and hands-on workshops on January 23 (Fri) and 24 (Sat), 2026.
Takeshi Nishimura of Nishimura Yuzen-Chokoku has honed his skills for many years as a "yuzen carving craftsman," a specialized profession supporting Kyo-Yuzen stencil dyeing. The stencils he creates are made from "shibu-gami" (persimmon tannin paper)—three layers of Japanese paper coated with persimmon tannin and steamed—and represent the crystallization of traditional techniques where intricate and delicate patterns are precisely carved with a single knife. As the kimono industry faced challenges, the traditional craft was in danger of extinction, but in 2012, he participated in Kyoto City's "Kyoto Contemporary" project, working with overseas designers and buyers to create new value and striving to preserve the craft. Beyond traditional kimono stencils, the patterns born from free-spirited creativity reveal the pure passion and breath of a craftsman who simply wants to carve. Please experience this firsthand.
Discover Japanese Craft vol.3 Nishimura Yuzen-Chokoku Workshop Overview
1. Live Yuzen Carving Demonstration
A master yuzen carving craftsman will perform live demonstrations in the lobby lounge. Watch the poetic expressions of yuzen carving up close.
2. Hands-on Kyo-Yuzen Traditional Technique "Stencil Carving" Experience
Experience "kata-hori" (stencil carving), a traditional Kyo-Yuzen technique. Using an awl to carve stencils, participants can carve their preferred designs and print patterns onto postcards using color chalk and a puff. Easily enjoy this special experience of touching Kyoto's traditional craft.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 23 (Fri) to 24 (Sat), 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Location | Lobby Lounge |
| Duration | Approximately 60 minutes |
| Fee | 5,000 yen per person (tax included) ※Cash only |
| Activity | Create 1 to 3 postcards per person |
| Age | Elementary school age and above (preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian) |
| Capacity | 4 people per session, available on a walk-in basis |
| Reservation | Not required ※In case of high demand, waiting time may occur |
3. Exhibition and Sales of Works
Works by Takeshi Nishimura will be on display and available for purchase. Items include candle covers showcasing the beautiful shadows created by carving and tablet cases boldly designed with Buddha images.
Products (partial list) ※Prices include tax
- Komorebi Wood Light: 7,720 yen
- Cowhide Bi-Fold Wallet: 27,500 yen, and more
About Takeshi Nishimura of Nishimura Yuzen-Chokoku
Founded in 1934 as an exclusive stencil carver for a Kyo-Yuzen custom dyeing factory. In 1967, Takeshi Nishimura apprenticed under Yukichi Nishimura and inherited all techniques of yuzen carving, dedicating himself to the yuzen carving profession. In 2010, he received Kyoto City's designation as a "Future Master of Traditional Industries." Based on inherited techniques, he aims to deliver "stencils that speak to people's hearts," carefully carved one by one, into daily life, and is working on product creation and sales through new approaches.
About Cross Hotel Kyoto:
Located along Ryoma-dori, one block south of Kawaramachi-Sanjo in Kyoto, Cross Hotel Kyoto is a lifestyle hotel where refined design merges with traditional aesthetics. The hotel features 301 rooms including suites, themed around "Kyo-kan (Empathy)" and "Ki-dzukai (Thoughtfulness)." The first floor showcases playful spaces adorned with striking graphic and painting art, and houses KIHARU Brasserie, a restaurant and bar with a lively yet nostalgic atmosphere where guests can enjoy genre-free menus for breakfast and lunch.
Official Website: https://www.crosshotel.com/kyoto/
Instagram Official Account: https://www.instagram.com/crosshotelkyoto/
About CROSS HOTEL:
CROSS HOTEL is a lifestyle brand located in prime locations in major cities, connecting people and places to create unique and irreplaceable stays. Under the brand concept "NEW DISCOVERIES, NEW CONNECTIONS," the hotels deliver moments of new discoveries and stimulation every visit. Currently operating three Cross Hotels in the centers of Sapporo, Kyoto, and Osaka, these properties bring people together without barriers, offering accessible extraordinary experiences.
About ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS:
ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS is the ryokan and hotel operation brand of ORIX Hotel Management Co., Ltd. With properties ranging from luxury to casual and encompassing both ryokan and hotels across a broad spectrum, the brand aims to provide "A place you'll want to visit again," delivering experiences tailored to guests' various life stages. With plans to open "Cross Sweets Tokyo Asakusa" in summer 2026, the brand operates 15 ryokan and hotels under six brands from Hokkaido in the north to Fukuoka and Oita in the south.
ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS Official Website: https://www.orixhotelsandresorts.com/
ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS Instagram Official Account: https://www.instagram.com/orix_hotels_and_resorts/
