本文へ移動

Experiences

A Private Encounter with 1,500 Years of Stone Heritage

Just 30 minutes from Kyoto Station lies a secluded satoyama landscape where a 1,500-year-old stone tradition—dating back to the Kofun period—continues to live quietly within the land.
For over 120 years, SAIDA Stone has served this region as master stonemasons.
Today, the 5th and 6th generations uphold this unbroken lineage of craftsmanship.
As descendants of a 1,500-year-old stone-working heritage, we offer exclusive, private cultural experiences designed for discerning guests,
In the tranquility of rural Kyoto, experience the rare privilege of engaging with the authentic heart of Japanese stone culture.

Programs & Pricing

Stone Masonry Heritage Field Tour

  • A Refined Journey into Craft, History, and Living Tradition

    Situated in Houki, Sogabe-cho—at the western edge of the Kameoka Basin and at the historic gateway to the Settan Road—this serene satoyama landscape quietly preserves the legacy of generations of master stonemasons.

    Within this secluded countryside remain the traces of historic stone-working sites, along with a shrine dedicated to the safety and prosperity of the craftsmen who shaped the region’s cultural landscape.

    This curated tour offers a rare and privileged opportunity to explore the history, philosophy, and refined techniques of Japanese stone masonry. Guided through these enduring sites, guests gain insight into a tradition that has shaped both sacred spaces and everyday life for centuries.

    The experience concludes with freshly ground matcha prepared using a traditional stone mill—an exquisite expression of the stonemasons’ ingenuity that supported the evolution of Japan’s tea culture.
    As you savor the tea, you are invited to contemplate the enduring relationship between stone, landscape, and cultural memory.

    - Pick up at Kameoka Station or meet at Saida Stone workshop
    - Lecture about Japanese stone culture and Stone tour

    亀岡盆地西部、摂丹街道の入口に位置する曽我部町法貴。
    この里山には、石工たちの遺跡や、石工の安全と繁栄を祈願した神社が今も残されています。

    本ツアーでは、石工の歴史的遺構を巡ります。
    最後には、茶の湯文化の発展を支えた石工の知恵の結晶である石臼で碾いた抹茶を味わいながら、石とともに歩んできたこの土地の物語を紐解きます。

    - 亀岡駅集合 or 齋田石材現地集合
    - 日本の石文化、石造品についてのレクチャー、石文化ツアー

    • ¥6,000 / person
    • Duration: approx. 60min

Optional Experiences

  • Stone Candle Holder making 石のキャンドルホルダー作り
    • +¥12,000 / person
    • Duration: approx. 45min
    • Upgrade to Kiriko style +¥25,000 / person
  • Sekimori Stone making 関守石作り
    • +¥12,000 / person
    • Duration: approx. 45min
  • Stone Mill Matcha Experience 石臼を使った抹茶体験
    • +¥3,000 / person
    • Duration: approx. 30min

Custom-made Tour & Workshop

  • We offer tailor-made experiences based on your interests—architecture, design, art, or cultural research.Available for individuals, hotels, and travel companies.

    事前相談のうえ、オリジナルツアー・ワークショップを企画します。

    • From ¥20,000 / person
    • Duration: approx. 3 hours

A Day in the Workshop

  1. Field Experience

    This field tour takes place in a satoyama landscape with over 1,500 years of stonemasonry history. Participants will explore a giant stone torii gate carved entirely by hand over 100 years ago, as well as a shrine quietly nestled in the mountains, founded by stonemasons in prayer for safety and prosperity. Through these sites, you will learn about the region’s history, culture, and natural environment that shaped its stonecraft tradition.
    1500年続く石工文化の歴史がある里山で100年前に全て手作業で作られた大鳥居や山の中にひっそりと佇む石工を祈願するために創建した神社や風土を学ぶフィールドツアーになります。

  2. Stonecraft Demonstration

    Observe traditional stonemasonry techniques demonstrated using authentic hand tools, and visit the working studio where these skills continue to be practiced today.
    伝統的な道具を使っての石工技術のデモンストレーションや工房を見学

  3. Mini Stone Lantern Workshop (Optional)

    Under the guidance of a master stonemason, participants will carve stone using traditional tools to create a tabletop stone lantern. Your finished piece can be taken home the same day.
    石工のレクチャーのもと、伝統的な道具で石を削りテーブルランタンを作成します。（当日持ち帰り）
    • +¥２,000

  4. Sekimori-ishi Workshop (Optional)

    Learn about the history and cultural role of sekimori-ishi—sacred boundary stones essential to tea gardens and Japanese gardens. Participants will create their own under expert instruction and take it home the same day.
    お茶庭や日本庭園に欠かせない関守石の歴史や役割を学び、レクチャーのもと制作します（当日持ち帰り）
    • +¥6,000

  5. Matcha Stone Mill Workshop (Standard)

    Matcha Experience with a Traditional Stone Mill (Option)
    Grind tencha tea leaves using a traditional stone mill and enjoy freshly prepared matcha while viewing stone lanterns handcrafted by a master stonemason. You will also learn about the history and mechanism of the stone mill.
    伝統的な石臼で碾茶を碾き、石工が手作業で制作した石灯籠を見ながら新鮮なお抹茶を飲みます。 石臼の歴史や仕組みを学ぶことができます。（オプション）
    • +¥２,000
Contact/ Reservations