Glassware production is a traditional art of Otaru City in Hokaido, which dates back to the Taisho era (1912-1926). You can still find traces of the past around town, including the gas lamps that illuminate the streets along the Otaru Canal, a popular tourist attraction. The glass studio, located near JR Otaru Station, allows you to easily enjoy a hands-on experience creating a local traditional craft.
You can select the shape and color of your choice from a wide variety of options. Although there are eight colors that are most popular among participants, requests for others are accomodated as often as is possible. There are also shapes other than the basic ones that are available upon request.
The temperature of the glass rises to about 1,000 degrees but participants wear gloves to protect hands and arms from burns. Staff provide attentive support to avoid any accidental touching of hot melting glass, so that even children can participate.
The workshop is run by the studio owner, a talented glass artisan who has won a number of awards at a number of national contests. At the studio, you can actually see the award-winning artworks and they may be a good point of reference when making your own piece.