Otaru Glass Making Experience: Recommended Plans | Complete Guide to Making Glass Beads, Glass, and Accessories
On this page Hokkaido ・ Otaru A popular experiential activity for travel is Otaru glass (glass) experience Is a major feature.
You can make your own glass (cup) using the classic blown glass method, as well as glass beads and glass accessories. Recommended experience plans & shop/studio reservation information We will introduce the following.
Why Otaru Glass Became Famous or History and Features In addition to the annual " Otaru Glass Market " is also explained.
Popular with a wide range of people, including families with children, couples, school trips and student trips "Otaru glass experience" with Hokkaido gourmet and walking Please enjoy.
The history, characteristics and why Otaru Glass is famous
One of Japan's leading glass towns became famous as Otaru and History of Otaru Glass (Otaru Glass) was used for household purposes before the widespread use of electricity. Kerosene lamp " and " used in fishing (herring fishing) Float " has its roots in this.
Until the mid-Meiji period, The production of glass oil lamps and floats is thriving. There were many glass factories and workshops in Otaru.
Founded in 1901, Kitaichi Glass When the company began selling glass oil lamps to tourists as souvenirs, the popularity of Otaru's glass crafts spread rapidly.
In modern times, due to the spread of electricity and the decline of herring fishing Demand for "oil lamps" and "floating balls" has decreased significantly I will continue to do it.
Therefore Otaru The glass craftsmen who work in Started manufacturing tableware and interior accessories with an emphasis on design To do.
Otaru's glass products are made with high-quality techniques. The colors, designs, warmth unique to glass, and beauty of the works themselves are highly rated. It became popular among the citizens of Otaru and tourists alike.
This eventually created the culture known as "Otaru Glass." Established an image brand of "Otaru is a glass craft" It went on like this.
About Otaru Glass Market
Every year " Otaru Ushio Festival " period ( Late July ) in accordance with Hokkaido's oldest remaining railway Former Japanese National Railways Temiya Line "and" Ironai Square " at the venue "Otaru Glass Market" is held will be done.
Glass workshops in Otaru and around the country Otaru The glass artisans' passion is embodied in Proud accessories or glass , wind chime Exhibitions and sales of etc. Various events at each location will be held.
Many wind chimes were displayed along the railroad tracks.
"
Wind Chime Tunnel
" is a popular photo spot
..
In addition to being enjoyed as a "sound,"
The illuminated area at night creates a fantastic atmosphere
is.
At Ironai Square
Glassblowing experience
or,
Demonstration by craftsmen
will be held.
Also,
Glass accessory making experience
There is also a booth where you can
A popular event where you can casually experience glass crafts
is.
Types of Otaru Glass Experiences and Recommended Plans
Hokkaido ・ Otaru " is a synonym for experiential activities and is extremely popular among tourists. Otaru glass experience ".
For the Otaru glass experience plan that beginners of glass crafts can participate in Various types due to differences in manufacturing processes and techniques there is.
Below are the main "Reservations accepted at Activity Japan" Types of Otaru glass experience Will be introduced together with the recommended plan.
The original work made in Otaru A wonderful souvenir or memento of your trip It will also happen.
Blown glass experience
"Blowing breath from a wiping rod into glass melted by the fire of a burner to mold works such as glasses (cups)" Blown glass (whistle-blown glass) ".
Although it is usually difficult to experience because it requires skill and technique, You can experience authentic glass crafts and crafts This is why it is the most popular course.
Recommended plan is The experience lasts about 15 minutes So, while being taught one-on-one by the craftsman, Patterns including various shapes, colors and options from Make your own original glass or dish You can do that.
Recommended plan
- 3.9
- (7 reviews and experiences)
Why not try making your own original glass in Otaru? Our glassblowing experience will be attended to one-on-one by our craftsmen, so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind. ~Plan flow~ ① Gathering and check-in ② Decide on the product to make while looking at samples ③ Start of glassblowing experience ④ End and disband
Review and word-of-mouth experience
Until the end!
It was a very good experience.
Start with a hot glass ball!
It said 15 minutes per person, so I thought it would just be glass blowing, but...
We were kindly instructed on how to use tools to spread out the glass beads and cut them, and we were able to create them.
The finished glass arrives,
I was happy to see that the slight distortion was the same as it was back then, and it became a fond memory.
For 3,500 yen, I was able to gain valuable experience and get my own glass, so it was a very good experience.
The instructor was also very kind and took care to make sure we didn't get burned.
thank you very much.
5.0
★★★★★
Experience date: January 2025
Sandblasting experience
Using a technique called shot blasting, you can draw pictures, patterns, letters, etc. on glass crafts and crafts by spraying abrasives. sand blast ".
Because you can engrave the design such as name, date, message, etc. Recommended as a souvenir or gift to create memories at your travel destination. It is a course of.
Our recommended plan includes three courses to choose from, including glasses and glassware handcrafted in a glass-blowing studio. Enjoy designing from a wide variety of cutting sheets ..
Recommended plan
- 4.3
- (3 reviews / experiences)
～Plan flow～① Gather ② Choose your favorite glass: 5 minutes ③ Start the experience!: 50 minutes ④ Once it's finished, sand it (staff will do it): 5 minutes ⑤ Peel off the sticker and it's done!!
Review and word-of-mouth experience
Sandblasting experience This time I participated in the activity with five friends. First of all, the store clerk kindly guided me and explained, and the answers to my questions were solid and easy to understand, so I was relieved. I was very interested in the fact that even a beginner could do it in a large space. It was a wonderful store that made me want to stop by when I went to Otaru. 5.0 ★★★★★ Experience date July 2022
Recommended plan
[Hokkaido, Otaru] Choose from 3 types of "Sandblasting experience"
Blow fine sand into glass to carve it...it's a sandblasting experience! Draw your favorite design or letters on a cutting sheet, cut it out, and stick it on a glass vessel. Blow special sand onto the glass with the sheet attached to give it a frosted glass finish, and it's finished! It can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Review and word-of-mouth experience
There are currently no reviews or reviews for this plan.
Fusing experience
A technique for creating glass crafts by fusing colorful glass fragments and granular glass particles together at high temperatures in an electric furnace or dedicated kiln. Fusing ".
The works created from the characteristics of the production process do not have the same shape as one, You can make only one glass craft in the world Is attractive.
In the recommended plan,
Your own
key ring
or
accessories
,
Chopstick rest
Can be produced
..
The experience takes about 30 minutes
So it's also recommended for a break from sightseeing.
Recommended plan
It seems that many glass crafts have been passed down from ancient Egypt. Among them, fusing produces a finish reminiscent of a mosaic pattern. Glass chips called millefiori are arranged on colorful plate glass. After that, when it is baked in an electric furnace, the glass melts and the colors and patterns of each other look just like mosaic art. You can create your own unique art with the finished product.
Review and word-of-mouth experience
There are currently no reviews or reviews for this plan.
Glass bead accessory making
"
Glass beads (dragonfly beads, glass beads)
" means red, blue, yellow, purple, etc.
A general term for glass beads made from colored glass
..
Generally, they are about 1 to 4 centimeters in diameter and have a hole for threading a string through.
Glass Town Glass beads with colors and designs unique to Otaru Choose your favorite from Experience finishing your work into necklaces, straps, and bracelets teeth, Highly recommended for small children is.
Recommended plan
- 4.0
- (1 review and testimonial)
We offer a variety of glass beads, unique to Otaru, the city of glass. Choose your favorite color and design from the selection. Then, we will tailor it into a necklace, strap, or bracelet to your taste. Why not try wearing glass decorations, which have been passed down since the Heian period in Japan, as modern accessories?
Review and word-of-mouth experience
Glass bead accessory making
We were given detailed instructions on how to make accessories using glass beads.
I think it was great that even small children were able to enjoy it and complete it.
4.0
★★★★☆
Experience date: February 2024
Making stained glass accessories
" stained glass "of Photo frame or mirror , candle holder Production experience.
You will create your piece by pasting stained glass-style cut colorful chips and special color film onto the prepared base. It's relatively easy to design ..
Recommended plan
This is a new craft in glass art! The special color film is relatively resistant to sunlight. When exposed to sunlight, it looks just like stained glass. Enjoy this magical craft using color film, which is said to have originated in England. This is the only place in Otaru where you can experience this!
Review and word-of-mouth experience
There are currently no reviews or reviews for this plan.
Recommended plan
Candles have become an essential healing item all over the world. Why not try making a candle that will soothe your soul? Along with making a candle, you will also make a holder to light it. You will finish it by pasting colorful chips cut in a stained glass style into the glass vessel you have prepared.
Review and word-of-mouth experience
There are currently no reviews or reviews for this plan.
Otaru Glass Experience Details
Next, the experience fee (price), age for participation, availability of reservations on the day and the day before, types of glass works that can be made, etc. Information required before booking an Otaru glass experience I will check.
Otaru glass experience fee (price)
Currently at Activity Japan Reservations can be made from the lowest price of 1,760 yen (tax included) per participant. Introducing the plan of Otaru glass experience.
The experience fee usually includes the cost of instruction from the craftsman, rental fees for tools and equipment used in making the work, and material costs other than those selected as options. Everything you need for the experience is included (Postage may be different if mailed at a later date.)
Target age of Otaru glass experience
Currently at Activity Japan Participants range from 3-year-olds to 100-year-olds. We are accepting reservations for the Otaru glass experience plan.
You will receive detailed instructions from glass craftsmen on how to make the glass and what to be careful of. Safe for beginners who are new to glass crafts You can enjoy it.
Otaru Glass Making Experience - same-day or previous-day reservations
Currently at Activity Japan The shortest last minute reservation is possible until 23:59 2 days in advance Introducing the Otaru glass experience plan.
We are not currently introducing experience plans that can be booked on the day or the day before, so please choose one that fits your travel schedule. Advance reservations are safe is.
What you can make with Otaru glass experience
Even if you say Otaru glass (Otaru glass) in a bite, it is an experience plan that you can make a reservation at Activity Japan Creating a variety of glass crafts I can do it.
Classic blown glass or sand blast Glasses (cups) and dishes made with Fusing Technique Key holders, accessories, chopstick rests, Glass beads You can combine them to make necklaces, straps, bracelets, stained glass style photo frames, mirrors, candle holders, etc. Popular with a wide range of people regardless of age or gender there is.
Otaru glass experience recommended for children
The "glassblowing experience" where you actually blow hot glass is one of the most authentic experiences. Suitable for ages 8 and up However, カラフルな板ガラスに硝子チップを並べる" Fusing " or, 組み合わせて作る" Glass bead accessory making "," stained glass風雑貨作り " teeth, Recommended for ages 3 and up is.
Otaru glass experience holding shop, workshop
Finally, "Activity Japan is currently accepting online advance reservations. Otaru glass experience holding shop, workshop Will be introduced in a list.
You can check the basic store information such as shop location (address), business hours, regular holidays, handling activities, leisure, experience, and play plans from the shop link.
- 4.0
- (10 reviews)
- Hokkaido
- Hokkaido (Central Hokkaido)
- Otaru / Kiroro / Shakotan
- Glasswork / glass studio
- sand blast
- Leather craft classroom
- 4.0
- (1 review)
- Hokkaido
- Hokkaido (Central Hokkaido)
- Otaru / Kiroro / Shakotan
- Glasswork / glass studio
- Handmade candles and candle making
- Handmade accessories / accessories making
*The content of this article is current as of October 2025.
![[2025] 8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Yoichi! Includes a Standard Model Course](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/yoichi-kanko_thumb.jpg)
![[2025] Recommended sightseeing spots in Shakotan! Images introducing the standard model course](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/shakotan-kanko_thumb.jpg)
![Blue Cave Hokkaido Summary Otaru, Shakotan, Hakodate Recommended Tour [2025 Edition] Images](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/bluegrotto_hokkaido_thumb.jpg)
