Fude no Sato Suse Kobo | Japan Highlights Travel, for sightseeing around Tokaido

The writing brushes of Toyohashi ("Toyohashi-fude" in Japanese) were designated as traditional handicrafts in 1976. The brushes are highly regarded by calligraphers for the way they take up the ink and give a smooth writing movement through a "nerimaze" mixing technique using water. Traditional craftsmen make various types of brushes for use in calligraphy, Japanese-style painting and industry, and continue a traditional craft which was first encouraged by the local governor in 1804. The brushes are made by hand, one by one. The workshop is open to the public and there is also a course which gives visitors the chance to experience making their own brush (reservation required).