A new guided day tour in Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture, offers a look inside a Buddhist statue repair workshop that is normally closed to the public. Departing from Tobu-Shin-Kanuma Station on Saturday, November 28, 2026, the tour is now on sale. Its theme is "the passing on of prayer" and "craftsmanship," two things Kanuma takes pride in.
The tour is sold by Tobu Top Tours, which is working on regional revitalization together with the Tobu-Shin-Kanuma Station Area Revitalization Council. Triggered by the redevelopment of the area in front of Tobu-Shin-Kanuma Station, the council aims to bring more life to the station front through the development of the surrounding area, community building, and a stronger local community. The tour goes on sale based on the results of a monitor tour held in advance as part of this project.
The tour is held under the fiscal 2026 (Reiwa 8) "Project to Promote Turning Regional Tourism Resources into Content to Disperse Tourism Demand." At its core are a visit to the normally closed Buddhist statue repair workshop of Sanjodo (三乗堂), a general incorporated association, and time spent with its craftspeople. Beyond simply looking around, participants hear directly from a restorer working on the front line about the historical background of Buddhist statues and the spirit of repair, "passing people's prayers on to future generations." The program also includes local food and hands-on experiences of the traditional culture that is still alive in Kanuma.
Scenes from the monitor tour: commentary on a carved festival float, a visit to the Buddhist statue repair workshop, and the craft beer brewery and Kanuma shumai at Torii-do Brewing
Tour Highlights
1. Special Access to a Normally Closed Buddhist Statue Repair Workshop
Participants can visit the Buddhist statue repair workshop of Sanjodo, which is normally closed to the public. Beyond the visit itself, they can learn in depth directly from a restorer working on the front line about the spirit of "passing people's prayers on to future generations" that goes into Buddhist statues.
2. Kanuma's First Craft Beer and the Local Specialty Shumai
At Torii-do Brewing (トリイ堂醸造), a lively gathering spot in front of Tobu-Shin-Kanuma Station, participants enjoy house-brewed beer (or an original drink) together with Kanuma's locally loved shumai. Kanuma is the hometown of the founder of a famous shumai bento and has been gaining momentum as a "shumai town." While tasting the local food, visitors can also feel the enthusiasm of the local people taking on community development.
3. Kanuma's Craftsmanship: Kokedama Making
Gardening culture has long been deeply rooted in Kanuma, and participants make their very own original kokedama (moss ball). Specialist staff provide thorough support, so beginners can take part with confidence.
Tour Overview
| Tour Name | Sneak Into a Normally Closed "Buddhist Statue Repair Workshop," Try Kokedama Making, and Experience Local Traditional Culture With All Five Senses |
| Departure Date | Saturday, November 28, 2026 |
| Departure and Arrival Point | Tobu-Shin-Kanuma Station |
| Price | Adults: ¥17,500 / Children (elementary school students): ¥15,000 |
Schedule
- 10:30 AM: Meet at Tobu-Shin-Kanuma Station (departure at 10:35 AM)
- Yatai no Machi Chuo Park (屋台のまち中央公園)
- Kikusuien (掬翠園)
- Lunch
- Sanjodo (三乗堂): visit to the Buddhist statue repair site
- Machi no Eki Shin-Kanuma-juku (まちの駅新・鹿沼宿)
- Ki no Furusato Kogeikan (木のふるさと工芸館): kokedama making
- Torii-do Brewing (トリイ堂醸造)
- Around 4:40 PM: Arrive at Tobu-Shin-Kanuma Station
Tour details and applications: application form
Tour flyer
