The glass crafts here are exquisite and charming. Each piece shows a unique sense of artistry. The staff are super friendly, and shopping here is a real pleasure!
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Akiha Glass
Try your hand at creating unique blown glass and stained glass pieces at this workshop nestled at the foot of the mountains.
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Located in the Akiha Ward of Niigata City, an area historically known for glass production, Akiha Glass is now one of the few blown glass workshops remaining in Niigata Prefecture.
The workshop produces glass pieces with elements of traditional crafts and offers hands-on classes for visitors. Book one of their highly sought after blown glass experiences and learn to use a pipe tool to shape molten glass into items like cups or vases. Even the craftiest of travelers know that molding glass can pose a challenge, but experienced glass artisans on-site with step-by-step guidance means this experience is great for even novice crafters. Other activities include stained glass workshops and torchwork experiences for crafting beads or rings—all available by reservation.
Your blown glass creations are available for pickup at the workshop starting the following day, with the option to ship to your home if preferred. Other crafted items can be taken home on the same day. The workshop also features an adjacent shop selling handcrafted glassware, including everyday items like glasses and decorative pieces—ideal for gifts or souvenirs. Be sure to drop in and browse the shop even if you haven’t booked a class at this easy stop just waiting for a visit.
Highlights
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Workshop located in Akiha Ward, Niigata City, historically known for glass production.
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One of the few remaining blown glass workshops in Niigata where artisans craft unique pieces.
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Full menu of activities to try including blown glass and stained glass making.
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Most creations, except for blown glass, can be taken home on the same day.
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Includes an on-site shop where you can purchase handcrafted glass products made by skilled artisans.
Photos
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Glassblowing experience with choice of items to try like glasses or vases.
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Experts by your side so even novice crafters can try.
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Create intricate glass beads using a torch in the bead-making experience.
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Try your hand at crafting vibrant stained glass pieces.
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Master artisan Koichi Terui leads the workshop.
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Compact-sized glasses and tumblers are popular products.
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Professionally crafted pieces are available for purchase in the workshop's attached shop space.
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All experiences require advance reservations.
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The workshop is nestled at the foot of Akihayama, surrounded by lush nature.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
Sorry, we don’t.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes, it is.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
Not available.
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Do you offer tax-free services?
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No, we don't.
Q
Are there any smoking areas?
A
Yes.
Reviews
2
Partially translated by AI.
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This workshop sells glass tableware, accessories, and interior pieces, all carefully crafted by artisans. Since each item is handmade, every piece is unique, so finding your favorite feels like a treasure hunt—super fun!
If you’re lucky, you might catch the artisans at work in the on-site studio. Watching them create with such focus is really impressive.
They also offer glass-making experiences, but you’ll need to book ahead. Contact them by phone, email, or Instagram DM for a smooth reservation. -
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 秋葉硝子
- Postal Code
- 956-0833
- Address
- 2-12-32 Kusozucho, Akiha-ku, Niigata City, Niigata
- Telephone
- 0250-47-8402
- Closed
- Wednesdays, Irregular holidays
- Business Hours
- 10:00am - 5:00pm
- Price
- Burner work experience from 2,000yen, stained glass experience from 3,300yen, blown glass experience from 3,500yen, and more.
- Access
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(1) About 12 minutes walk from JR Ban-etsu West Line’s Higashi-Niitsu Station.
(2) 10 minutes by car from Tōhoku Transversal Expressway, Niitsu IC. - Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)