Toyama Glass Studio — Attraction in Toyama

Great experience glass blowing. The people working there were very patient with me in terms of language barrier and figuring out a way to have the finished item sent to me (I was complicating things by not having any accommodation booked for when the package was due to arrive). They were also patient with my changing decisions on what glassware to make (I didn't realise how much freedom I would have and therefore how much creativity I would need).

They run through the glass making pretty quickly but I guess you have to work fast whilst the glass is hot and malleable. It was an efficient process and I got to "do" everything whilst having the aid of qualified people so the end result wasn't too amateur. 2 days later I received the final product by post at my hotel.

They also have a shop next door selling very nice proper glassware you can purchase.

Boring details: Online booking was full but I phoned them up and they offered me to come on the same day, so try your luck and phone if you're only in town for 1 day and it looks booked. The buses there are not frequent so check transport way ahead of time. I assumed checking for a bus an hour before the start time would suffice but that was too late so I had to get a taxi there instead (¥¥¥). They also deliver internationally for extra money, if that suits your travel...

LOVE this place...ended up going twice during my week-long stay in Toyama city. Interesting open concept of workshop where visitors can view the artists in action.

They also hold scheduled make-your-own workshops which seem like a regular monthly event, e.g. special workshop celebrating Mother's Day.

The gift shop has tonnes of wonderful art pieces. If Toyama was my final travel destination next time, will definitely buy more. I ended up buying some chopstick stands, a pair of earrings n a small vase.

Best of all, the coffee shop there serves a heavenly delicious Mont Blanc (chestnut cream) cake. They also make a great latte! The beautiful glass plates and water cups are made from their glass workshop.

I definitely plan to take my family...

We were unable to do a workshop since we discovered the workshop at 9pm the day before we headed back to Tokyo and they were closed for the day. Nonetheless we decided to still go and see if maybe they had an opening and to see their displayed works, but no success on the workshop so make sure to call and make a reservation!

They were so kind though, they let us sit in the hotshop to watch the ongoing workshop experience which was really wonderful!

Afterwards we looked through their shop section and bought so many fun and beautiful glassworks, I even got to meet the artist who made one of my glass figures I purchased.

Next time I visit Toyama, I'll definitely call to make a reservation and participate in...