Advanced I Course

Laying Out and Cutting a Hip Rafter

A man wearing a blue headscarf and black t-shirt working on a piece of wood in a woodworking shop.
Person working on a detailed architectural or woodworking blueprint on a large light-colored wooden table in a workshop.
Close-up of a woodworking project with marked measurements on a piece of wood, black tools, and a person's arm in a black sleeve.
A person using a hand saw to cut a piece of wood on a workbench, with wood shavings around.
A person using a hammer to work on a woodworking project, with multiple wooden blocks and a drawing of a design on the wood.
A man in a white cap, glasses, and black shirt works on a woodworking project in a cluttered workshop with wood and tools. He appears to be measuring or assembling a wooden structure.
A wooden chair frame being built with several pieces of wood in a woodworking shop.

The first advanced course breaks into the world of the Toryo’s (head carpenter’s) role. Learning the basics of roof design, layout and joinery, you will gain a deeper understanding of the origins of traditional Japanese proportions and aesthetic.

Prerequisite: Foundation and Intermediate

Course Outline:

  • Stereographic drawing of hip roof structure to derive cut dimensions

  • Cutting of joinery to build 1/3 scale model of partial hip roof structure

  • Tea ceremony experience in a tea room built by Somakosha

  • Completion of intermediate course is highly recommended

Class Schedule:

  • Class size: 8 students

  • Lessons: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, Sundays off

  • Our workshop space can be used daily for self-practice from 9am till late

  • Teachers available until 5pm

  • Course will be conducted in English

Additional Info:

  • 2026: Accommodation, Breakfast & Lunch is provided.

  • You will need to prepare the following tools to attend the class. We can help you purchase on your behalf if you do not have them:

    1. Ryoba Saw 240mm

    2. Bench Chisels 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, 15mm (Oire Nomi)

    3. 150 momme Hammer with handle

    4. Plane 54mm (Kanna)

    5. Square 15cm x 30cm, 25cm x 50cm (metric) (Sashigane)

    6. Sharpening Stones

    7. Dozuki Crosscut Saw

    8. Ink Line Marking Gauge (Kebiki)

School Fees:

  • ¥680,000 (Includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch. Does not include required tools.)

  • Spots are only confirmed upon full payment and on a first come first serve basis.

  • Upon confirmation, we will send you an email with more information so that you can plan your trip.

  • Cancellation Policy:

    1. More than 90 days before start date:

      1. Cancel: 100% refund.

      2. Changing of course/course date allowed.

    2. Less than 90 days before start date:

      1. Cancel: 50% refund.

      2. No changing of course/course date.

    3. Less than 45 days before start date:

      1. No refund.

      2. No changing of course/course date.

    4. Any transfer fees for refunds will be deducted from the total refund amount.

    5. Refunds will be issued in Yen.

    6. Travel insurance is mandatory