[Yamanashi, Kofu] Enjoy the town of jewels? Experience making jewel soap | Make your own one-of-a-kind sparkling soap

[Gemstone Soap Making Experience Overview] A new craft experience has been born in Kofu, one of Japan's leading jewelry-producing regions! Building on the culture of gemstone polishing, this experience involves layering color (color gel), sparkle (mica), and fragrance (essential oils) onto transparent MP soap to create soap that resembles natural stone. The finished gemstone soap is gift-wrapped and ready to take home, making it the perfect memento of your trip or a gift. This unique experience can be enjoyed alongside a stroll around Kofu or a visit to jewelry shops. ✨ [Recommended for] ・People looking for a unique Kofu experience. The gemstone-themed experience, unique to the jewelry town, will create a special memory you can only experience here in Kofu. ・People looking for a special experience on a girls' trip or couples' trip. The sparkling soap is perfect for photos. Create matching designs or use different colors to create a tangible memory of your trip. ・People looking for a parent-child activity to enjoy together. This hands-on craft experience is suitable for elementary school students and up, and parents and children can work together. It's also recommended for independent research projects and travel journals. - For those who want to enjoy themselves even on rainy days: Since it's an indoor event, you won't be affected by the weather, so you don't have to worry about a sudden downpour during your trip. It's perfect for a break from sightseeing. - For those who want to make their own souvenirs or gifts: They're pre-wrapped and ready to take home, making them perfect for yourself or as a gift. ◆Why is Kofu called the "City of Gemstones"? Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture has long been known as the "City of Gemstones." Its origins date back to the quartz crystals mined in the area around Mount Kinpu in the Okuchichibu Mountains. During the Edo period, polishing techniques introduced from Kyoto spread to Kofu, eventually incorporating swordsmithing techniques and developing into a unique jewelry industry. From the Meiji to Showa periods, it flourished as an export hub, and today it remains one of Japan's leading gemstone producing regions, responsible for the majority of domestic jewelry production. ◆Types of gemstones handled in Kofu: Kofu artisans have specialized in polishing and processing quartz crystals as well as colored stones such as amethyst and rose quartz. The city also has a thriving industry for polishing imported gemstones such as sapphires and diamonds, and has developed into a city that is unique worldwide in being able to carry out an integrated process from planning to processing and sales. ◆The connection between gemstone culture and soap experiences Kofu's tradition of gemstone polishing is evident in the process of "cutting, polishing, and shining." In the gemstone soap-making experience, you cut transparent soap, layer colors and sparkles, and finally polish it to create a finish that looks like a real gemstone. This is a special activity unique to Kofu that truly combines jewelry culture with craft experiences.

Kofu has long flourished as a "city of jewels" and is famous as a hub of the jewelry industry. This is the only place in this area where you can make beautiful, jewel-like soap with your own hands. It's an experience that connects you to local culture, and it's a great way to increase the value of your tourism.

Each piece is unique, as the clear soap is layered with colors, glitter, and fragrance. The finished soap comes with gift wrapping and can be taken home, making it a great souvenir of your trip or a gift for someone special.

The entire experience takes place indoors, so it's not affected by the weather. You can enjoy it comfortably even on rainy days or hot summer days during your trip. All materials, tools, aprons, and gloves are provided, so you can participate without bringing anything with you.