Ikeda Gankodo: Nara Fans Cut by Hand
See Nara's openwork fan tradition in a working shop, or reserve a two-hour fan-making session.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Ikeda Gankodo: Nara Fans Cut by Hand
Ikeda Gankodo is a Nara-uchiwa maker in central Nara. Its fans are known for delicate patterns cut through the paper and a dense structure of bamboo ribs. The shop traces its craft through more than 170 years of local practice. A display fan, a fan for daily use and a visitor-made fan can all look similar from a distance, but the precision of the cut paper and the alignment of the ribs are where the work becomes visible. The shop offers a separate, advance-booked workshop; a walk-in shop visit does not itself include instruction.
Look through the cut-paper design
The maker describes a thirteen-step hand process for its Nara fans. Its account connects the local craft with fans offered at Kasuga Taisha, a tradition rather than proof that any object on sale is an ancient shrine fan. Examine how the openwork image keeps its shape around the bamboo ribs and how the paper, colour and handle make a light object feel carefully balanced. Ask staff which designs and uses are available now; the web catalogue does not guarantee stock in the shop.
Make a fan by reservation
Ikeda Gankodo publishes a roughly two-hour fan-making experience for two to eight people, at ¥2,200 per person. Sessions can begin between 10:00 and 15:00, but the maker asks visitors to book by telephone at least a week ahead. A larger group needs a separate arrangement. Confirm the date, current inclusive price, age suitability and language support directly; the published page does not establish an English-led class.
Plan for the finished fan to arrive later
The workshop's important practical detail is easy to miss: the newly made fan cannot be taken home on the day of the session. The maker says collection is possible after one week, or it can be shipped for an additional charge. Overseas visitors should settle whether international delivery is available, its cost and the expected timing before reserving. Do not plan to make a fan on the last day of a trip and carry it to the airport that afternoon.
Fit the shop into a central-Nara walk
The operator lists 16 Tsunofuricho, a short central-city detour between the station shopping streets and the Naramachi side of town. Its published shop hours are 9:00–18:00. From September through March it lists Monday as the regular closing day, while April through August has no regular closure. Seasonal and temporary changes remain possible; check the operator's current notice before travelling specifically for the shop or a class. The mapped point is an approximate directory marker, not a surveyed doorway.
What to look for
Openwork paper designs and closely spaced bamboo ribs
A family craft tradition of more than 170 years
Bookable two-hour fan-making session for small groups
Photo notes
No shop, product or workshop photograph is licensed for MyNara. Ask before photographing cutting tools, merchandise, staff or other participants. Do not reuse images from the maker or tourism directory without permission.
Make a day of it
Explore guides close to this map point, then check the actual route before travelling. Distances below are straight lines, not walking distances or travel times; map points may not be entrances.
Sources & editorial status
Original MyNara draft based on the linked sources. Sources reviewed 20 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.