- A Stone Sculptor Who Loves Surfing
Katsuyoshi Matsuzaki is a stone sculptor who works with a natural material that is difficult for people to shape. His love of travel and surfing has also led him to expand his activities freely. His studio displays as many surfboards and surfing ornaments as works of art. Matsuzaki also loves music, and his wide-ranging interests and stories from his experiences inspire his visitors. His studio stands amid the lush greenery and bamboo forests of Kyoto's Nishiyama area. During this experience, far from the bustle of the city, you will work in the craftsperson's studio surrounded by nature, focusing entirely on the stone.
Stone Omamori Studio Experience
Carving Quietly Within
Nishiyama, Kyoto
Set within a peaceful natural environment, this experience takes place at the studio of a stone artist who views carving not simply as a craft, but as a quiet form of reflection.
After a brief introduction to the studio, guests create a small stone sculpture known as an omamori. Working slowly by hand, participants respond to the texture of the stone, the rhythm of carving, and the thoughts that naturally emerge through the process.
Rather than focusing on technique or perfection, the experience encourages attention, patience, and self-reflection. Many guests find that the steady act of carving becomes a quiet conversation with themselves, expressed through the material in their hands.
The finished omamori serves as a personal companion and a reminder of the time spent listening — to the stone, to the artist, and to oneself.
- Stone Sculptures Loved Around the World
Alongside his work carving Buddhist statues, Matsuzaki created original artworks of his own. He later devoted himself entirely to his art and began holding solo exhibitions and classes overseas. Today, he exhibits not only in Japan but also in New York, Paris, Taiwan, and China. His heartfelt works are loved by people around the world.
- He says
“By carving stone, you begin a new conversation with yourself. Try speaking about your thoughts and feelings as you carve the statue. It will surely become a trusted companion. Why not experience it for yourself?”
- Stone Sculptor
- Katsumi Matsuzaki
- He is a stone sculptor who has exhibited his art and held classes not only in Japan but also in New York, Paris, China, Taiwan, and other places around the world. At his studio in Oharano, Kyoto, he creates a variety of stone sculptures surrounded by forest. His works are designed to remain close to people's hearts.
Access
6 minutes by train and 15 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station
The marker shows the approximate area.
The exact address will be provided when your reservation is confirmed.
Experiences
- Reserve
Stone Omamori Carving Experience in Kyoto
55,000 JPY / personLeave the city behind for the forested studio of stone artist Katsumi Matsuzaki in Kyoto’s Nishiyama area. A dedicated studio tour introduces his working space and approach to stone as both material and a form of reflection before you begin carving a small stone sculpture known as an Omamori.
Working slowly with hand tools, shape the face, torso, hands, and feet under the artist’s guidance. The finished stone sculpture measures approximately 10 cm tall and weighs around 200 g, making it easy to take home on the day. Participants should have the physical stamina to continue carving stone by hand.
