Find Peace in Otokuni’s Bamboo Groves on a One-Day Taxi Trip

For lunch, we visited Uosu in Nagaokakyo City, a restaurant known for its bamboo-inspired dishes. Their signature bamboo shoot sushi was created 40 years ago. The juicy bamboo, with a pineapple-like texture, contrasts beautifully with the soft rice. Stewed in sake, mirin, and dashi stock, the shoots are hollowed out and filled with sushi rice, delicately seasoned with a hint of yuzu and kinome (Japanese pepper) leaves, adding a refreshing, aromatic touch.

Uosu also serves bento boxes filled with seasonal ingredients and authentic Japanese course meals, along with bamboo-themed desserts like bamboo yokan jelly and bamboo soy milk ice cream. These desserts feature bamboo shoot chunks and bamboo leaf powder, adding a subtle earthy sweetness and mint-like aroma. These ingredients provide a unique textural contrast to the silky ice cream and yokan.

After a busy morning of exploring, we arrived at Shop & Gallery Chikubuen, run by the renowned bamboo craft studio, Takano Chikko. Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Kyoto, Chikubuen’s craftsmen sustainably make timeless bamboo items like bowls, cups, and tea ceremony tools. Each piece is made with care using local bamboo grown right on their own land, blending tradition with a deep respect for nature.

Upon arriving, we got a sneak peek of their upcoming garden tour. Walking through the lush bamboo grove, we learned about different species, like the ornamental tortoise-shell bamboo, and how bamboo grows. The bamboo was so close we could reach out and touch it!

Next, we couldn’t resist trying the bamboo chopstick workshop. Guided by the shop staff, we used a planer to shape our chopsticks before sanding down the edges. The process was so satisfying and from start to finish took about 30 minutes. The best part? We got to take them back home with us!

After our light workout making chopsticks, we were treated to another upcoming experience—traditional tea ceremony. It features matcha and a Japanese sweet served with Chikubuen-made bamboo tea tools. If you’re a fan of tea culture, their bamboo tea scoop workshop is a fantastic option. Want something more challenging? Try their vase-making workshop. Both workshops are available in English.

This stop was the perfect mix of relaxation, shopping, and hands-on fun. If you’re looking for a meaningful, immersive experience in Kyoto, Chikubuen is the place for you.

Reservations are required for the chopstick and bamboo tea tools workshops.

・Chopstick workshop reservations:
https://wabunka-lux.jp/experiences/en_chikubuen/

・Bamboo tea tool and vase workshop reservations:
https://tradi-jp.com/bamboo-craft-workshop.html