Mokuhanga Studio Stay and Study Information
Welcome to our Mokuhanga Studio Residency. We want you to feel comfortable while you are with us, and also to get the best use of your time, so please read the following information. A more comprehensive guide will be emailed to you after your residency is confirmed.
About staying with us
We have had many people stay with us short or longer term, and enjoy the company, and especially teaching you about mokuhanga. We look forward to see your work and progress. We hope you feel welcome, relaxed and comfortable. The studio is a house is a semi-residential area, with two rooms available for accommodation, a carving studio, printing studio/kitchen, office, and other household facilities. While you are staying please make yourself comfortable. You will be shown the facilities and what is available to use when you arrive.
About the neighbourhood
There is a mix of residential homes, holiday houses and shops as our neighbours. We ask you to respect the quiet and orderly nature of the area and Japanese society in general - everything you do reflects no only on yourself but also on our studio and standing in the community, and visitors to Japan in general. We do have some house rules, please make yourself familiar with them.
Location
We are located in Karuizawa, a short 10 minute walk from Karuizawa station (Shinkansen & local trains). A well-stocked supermarket is nearby, as well as a Post Office, convenience store, restaurants and cafes, There are many pleasant walks around town and in the nearby hills to enjoy in your break times. Tokyo is just over an hour away by shinkansen, and there are many interesting destinations further into Nagano either by local trains or shinkansen. Karuizawa itself is a famous resort town with many facilites and is often very busy with domestic and international tourists.
Karuizawa Weather
Karuizawa is an alpine resort town, while summers are generally very comfortable without the extreme heat and humidity of other parts of Japan, winters are cold and with occasional heavy snow. The studio has a wooden floor, which is cold on the feet so please bring warm slippers, even in warmer months.
Studio Timetable
• Tuition available from 11.00am until 5.00pm
• Lunch 12pm (according to progress) for about half an hour
• Tea / Coffee break - any time we feel like it!
You may continue to work on your own as you feel like. Please make the most of your opportunity.
TV / Internet / Phone
These are not provided at the studio - please arrange your own phone and internet access before you arrive. There is free Wi-fi available at Karuizawa station, just a short walk away.
Bathroom / Laundry
The bathroom and toilet is shared, and a washing machine is available for you to use when you wish. Clothes are hung outside to dry on the second floor verandah. We have a Japanese style bath which is very nice to relax in!
Smoking / Alcohol
There is no smoking allowed in the studio. You may enjoy a little alcohol as you feel like outside work hours, but we don't want this to interfere with your study, or to create any disturbance with other students or neighbours.
Pets
There are no pets at the studio, and no facility for pets to stay.
Guests
Inviting guests to the studio is not allowed without prior permission.
About preparing meals
You are free to prepare meals and drinks as you feel like it. The kitchen is also used as our printing studio, so please make sure you have tidied up after your meals. You are welcome to eat your meals wherever is convenient, however please take care not to spill food or drink on the tatami mats.
General cleanliness
You are responsible for cleaning up after yourself and making the work areas, shared facilities, bathroom and toilet good to use both for yourself and other people using the studio. There is no room service, it's up to you to keep your room tidy. Feel free to use the washing machine to wash your sheets as you feel like.
Shoes
Shoes are not worn inside the studio, as is almost universal in Japanese houses. The small entrance area (genkan) has a cupboard to store your shoes. Slippers are worn inside as needed. (please don't wear the slippers outside)
Tatami mats
Your bedrooms have tatami mats which have some rules - only socks or bare (clean) feet may be used on the tatami. This is a universal rule in Japan! You may take food or drink into your rooms, but please take care not to spill anything on the mats. You will be required to pay for an damage to the mats.
