Creating Tsugaru lacquerware is a time-consuming process. The glossy wares are coated by layers and layers of colored lacquer. Each layer has to be completely dry before the next one is applied.
Tsugaru-Nuri
Tsugaru lacquerware —
At the end of the process, beautiful patterns with a rich sheen and sense of depth emerge. Production of Tsugaru lacquerware began in late 17th century around the castle town of Hirosaki in Aomori prefecture.
Tsugaru-Nuri
Magewappa —
Magewappa food containers are made by soaking or steaming shaved wood, such as cedar or cypress, and bending it. The craft originated in Akita prefecture.
Kurikyu
Kurikyu —
The award-winning brandKurikyu, founded in the city of Odate, is particularly famous for its innovative magewappa designs.
Kurikyu
Erosoku —
These beautiful painted candles are made out of layers of wax that have been extracted from the seeds of lacquer trees. Artisans in Aizu, Fukushima have been making them by hand for hundreds of years.
Aizu Hanko
Kokeshi dolls —
These dolls are believed to have first been made during the Edo period (1603 to 1868) in an onsen area in Tohoku's Miyagi prefecture. Today, modern versions sporting creative hairstyles and kimonos can be found throughout the country.
JNTO
The Fab Four —
Even the Beatles were into Kokeshi. Kind of. In 1965, members of the band -- alongside EMI chairman Sir Joseph Lockwood -- were given traditional Kokeshi dolls to go with the gold discs they received for selling over 3 million records in Japan.
Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Nambu kodai katazome —
Originally a fashion statement worn mainly by samurai, these funky patterns can now be found on items such as kimonos, bags and wrapping cloths. The production technique, called Nambu kodai katazome, involves using a stencil to create intricate and geometric details.
Nambu Koshiki Katazome
Kogin-zashi embroidery —
Kogin means "small cloth" and zashi means "stitches." Stitched on dyed linen, these geometric patterns originated in Aomori prefecture during the Edo era.
HIROSAKI KOGIN INSTITUTE
Morioka Handiworks Square —
The Morioka Handiworks Square, located in Iwate prefecture, offers workshops and demonstrations highlighting some of the area's traditional food and arts specialties.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Hokutogama —
The Hokutogama pottery shop, located inside Morioka Handiworks Square, sells everything from coffee cups to decorative miniature villages. The shop has a pottery classroom as well.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Michinoku Kobo —
At the Morioka craft complex's Michinoku Kobo shop visitors can experience traditional Japanese toy making.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Nanbu tekki —
The square's artistans create traditional "Nanbu tekki" ironware, including teakettles, hibachis, vases and ornaments.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Nanbu tekki teakettle —
This handmade Nanbu teakettle goes for 46,440 yen, close to $450. Nanbu ironware was designated a traditional craft by the Japanese government in 1975.