Intermediate Course

Building a Japanese Timber Frame

The intermediate course begins your journey of building a traditional Japanese timber frame. From designing, to cutting, to scribing, the class will culminate in a finished model structure. Prerequisite: Foundation

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Class details:

Course Outline:

  • Completion of foundation course is highly recommended

  • Lectures on building design, layout and traditional proportions

  • Learn how to choose the right joinery when designing a timber frame

  • Learn how to acquire, select and orient material

  • Laying out using traditional center-line methods with ink and sashigane

  • Scribing round and irregular material to achieve a tight fit

  • Hand tool practice through the cutting of complex joinery (using saws and chisels)

  • Complete a 1/3 scale model of a traditional frame, collaboratively

  • Experience a tea ceremony room built by Somakosha

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 separate handle (Genno) (you will make your own handle in class)

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

    5. Sharpening Stones

    6. Dozuki Crosscut Saw

    7. 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

Register
Register