At Yume Kobo, local artisans breathe life into wood, bamboo, and straw to create beautiful daily goods, ornaments, and nostalgic toys like bamboo dragonflies. One of their most enchanting creations is the "Hotaru-kago" (Firefly Cage)—a spiraled vessel hand-woven from barley straw, traditionally used to catch fireflies and enjoy their soft, flickering light through the delicate gaps. In this hands-on program, you will learn directly from the skilled members of Yume Kobo to craft your own firefly cage or a "Shimenawa" (sacred straw rope). The experience is made even more memorable by the warm hospitality of the instructors, who are famously known for their encouraging and friendly nature. Whether weaving the seasonal firefly cages from late May to September or crafting Shimenawa year-round, you’ll enjoy a heartfelt cultural exchange rooted in the local traditions of Tokuji.