Nagano to Suwa District watch Making Activity

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12 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover the art of Japanese watchmaking in the historic Suwa region with this exclusive one-day tour. Engage in a hands-on experience under the guidance of master artisans, where you will craft your very own mechanical watch. Your journey begins with a visit to Konjakukan, followed by an immersive 5-hour workshop at Gishodo, where you'll learn intricate techniques and assemble your timepiece. Enjoy a delightful lunch featuring local cuisine before completing your watch and taking home a certificate of achievement. Perfect for watch enthusiasts and those seeking a unique cultural experience.

- Hands-on mechanical watchmaking workshop led by expert artisans
- Small group size for personalized guidance (1:2 instructor-to-guest ratio)
- Includes round-trip transportation from Nagano or Matsumoto and local lunch
- Take home your handcrafted watch and a certificate of achievement

ONLY AVAILABLE ON THESE DATES: 3/9, 22/10, 6/11, 13/11, 26/11

What's Included

Please contact us if you have any diet preferences (Vegetarian and other options available))
English-speaking guide, Translation services
Full watchmaking experience (all materials provided), Guided museum visit at Konjakukan
To and From Nagano station, To and From Matsumoto station

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meetup point is inside the station, in front of the Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 07:30.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Join a full-day journey into the world of Japanese craftsmanship in Shimosuwa — the historic heart of Japan’s watchmaking industry.
After meeting your guide at Nagano Station, you’ll head to the Gishodo Watch & Clock Museum, where expert local artisans will welcome you into their workshop.

You’ll spend about 5 hours hands-on, assembling your very own mechanical wristwatch from professional-grade components — no prior experience needed! Step by step, you’ll learn how precision and patience come together in traditional Japanese watchmaking.

Enjoy a relaxing local lunch, take a walk through the charming Shimosuwa streets, and return to complete your timepiece. By the end of the day, you’ll go home with a functioning mechanical watch and a certificate of achievement, as a unique reminder of your journey into real craftsmanship.

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.
Supplied by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Tags

Craft Classes
Likely to Sell Out
Small Group
New Product

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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