Traditional Japanese Wooden Sandals & Old Town Walk
Overview
Overview
Geta look simple: a piece of wood and a cloth strap. Yet for centuries they were part of everyday life in Japan. Merchants, craftsmen, travellers and festival-goers all wore different types, designed for specific weather, occupations, and ways of walking.
This gathering takes place inside a traditional machiya townhouse in the heart of Takayama's Old Town. You will spend time with the materials and the tools, choose a wooden base and a hanao strap, and watch your pair being fitted by hand.
Then you step straight out into the streets in the geta you have just chosen and hear the sound of wooden teeth on stone that is one of the most recognisable sounds of traditional Japan.
Geta look simple: a piece of wood and a cloth strap. Yet for centuries they were part of everyday life in Japan. Merchants, craftsmen, travellers and festival-goers all wore different types, designed for specific weather, occupations, and ways of walking.
This gathering takes place inside a traditional machiya townhouse in the heart of Takayama's Old Town. You will spend time with the materials and the tools, choose a wooden base and a hanao strap, and watch your pair being fitted by hand.
Then you step straight out into the streets in the geta you have just chosen and hear the sound of wooden teeth on stone that is one of the most recognisable sounds of traditional Japan.
What to Expect
What to Expect
What's Included & What's Not
What's Included & What's Not
Your host
A local craftsman keeping the tradition of Hida geta alive
A local craftsman keeping the tradition of Hida geta alive
Yukie
For decades, this craftsman has dedicated his life to making geta by hand, carrying forward a tradition shaped by patience, precision, and a deep respect for natural materials.
He does not simply make footwear. Each pair is carefully fitted to the person who will wear it, reflecting the Japanese belief that true craftsmanship begins with understanding the individual.
Through his workshop, guests discover the quiet beauty of monozukuri: the connection between hands, materials, and generations of knowledge.
For decades, this craftsman has dedicated his life to making geta by hand, carrying forward a tradition shaped by patience, precision, and a deep respect for natural materials.
He does not simply make footwear. Each pair is carefully fitted to the person who will wear it, reflecting the Japanese belief that true craftsmanship begins with understanding the individual.
Through his workshop, guests discover the quiet beauty of monozukuri: the connection between hands, materials, and generations of knowledge.
Place
A traditional machiya in the heart of the Old Town
Sanmachi Suji, Takayama, Gifu
Surrounded by wooden architecture, narrow streets and the quiet atmosphere that defines the historic district, the setting offers a more intimate encounter with Japanese culture than a typical workshop or store.
Inside the machiya, guests can slow down and explore the materials and craftsmanship behind geta in a space that still reflects the rhythm of old Takayama.
Surrounded by wooden architecture, narrow streets and the quiet atmosphere that defines the historic district, the setting offers a more intimate encounter with Japanese culture than a typical workshop or store.
Inside the machiya, guests can slow down and explore the materials and craftsmanship behind geta in a space that still reflects the rhythm of old Takayama.
Available options
Additional guided tour
An extra hour through the streets of the Old Town with your guide, wearing your new geta — the shrines, the sake breweries, and the corners most visitors walk past.
Additional guided tour
An extra hour through the streets of the Old Town with your guide, wearing your new geta — the shrines, the sake breweries, and the corners most visitors walk past.
¥32,000
/Adult
Under 12:
¥32,000
3 & under:
¥0
Please note that solo travelers are charged the two-person rate.
This is a booking request, not a confirmation. We’ll contact you within 24 hours to confirm your details.
Why Geta?
Geta is where Japanese wisdom becomes visible.
Each pair carries generations of knowledge from the choice of wood, to the shaping of the dai, to the careful fitting of the hanao strap. Every detail reflects a deeper understanding of nature, movement, and the human body.
By experiencing geta in the hands of a local craftsman, you’ll discover not only a traditional form of footwear, but the quiet wisdom of Japan where simplicity, functionality, and beauty have been refined over generations.
FAQ
FAQ
Is the session held in English?
Is the session held in English?
Is this suitable for children?
Is this suitable for children?
Do we need to bring anything?
Do we need to bring anything?
How long is the walk?
How long is the walk?
Is it difficult to walk in geta?
Is it difficult to walk in geta?
Are there designs for both men and women?
Are there designs for both men and women?
Can we keep the geta?
Can we keep the geta?
What is your cancellation policy?
What is your cancellation policy?
Is "Submit" a confirmed booking?
Is "Submit" a confirmed booking?
See other experiences
See other experiences
©2026 FOUR CIRCLES JAPAN, INC., All rights reserved.
©2026 FOUR CIRCLES JAPAN, INC., All rights reserved.
©2026 FOUR CIRCLES JAPAN, INC., All rights reserved.
From
¥32,000
RESERVE