peli In 2026, the “DIY Class” at Hayama Woodworks Studio was renamed to “Woodworking School (Mokko Juku).”
Rather than limiting ourselves to “DIY,” we wanted to create a space where you can learn woodworking at your own pace. It’s not about being taught—it’s about learning together and having fun. That’s the spirit behind the new name, envisioned by our artisan, Mr. Obara.
Spending time with wood brings back the simple joy of making things and the calm focus it inspires. This is a woodworking school that’s both relaxed and just a bit serious.
What Makes Our Woodworking School Special
Meet Your Instructor｜Yasumasa Obara
Mr. Yasumasa Obara, your instructor, is a seasoned furniture maker who has been working with wood for over 40 years.
After working in the corporate world, he studied woodworking at a technical college and opened his own workshop in Matsumoto, Nagano in 1985. Since then, he’s worked in Tokyo, Saitama, and now Hayama, Kanagawa.
He has crafted hundreds of custom furniture pieces and is skilled in repair, restoration, and even string instrument maintenance—a truly experienced and highly skilled craftsman.
But his talent is not the only reason he’s beloved.
“When choosing wood, I listen to what it wants to become.”
—That’s something he says quite naturally.
He observes the grain, scent, even the sound of the wood to figure out how to bring out its best expression. This deep respect for both wood and people is what makes him so well-loved by the Hayama community.
At our woodworking school, you won’t just “make things”—you’ll enjoy time spent in quiet conversation with the material itself.
Learn alongside Mr. Obara in a space that’s fun, focused, and full of warmth.
All levels welcome—from curious beginners to aspiring pros!
All tools are free to use. Come empty-handed!
You can bring your own wood or buy locally at the studio.
We welcome kids, adults, seniors, and women—everyone is invited!
Simple, All-Inclusive Pricing!
Our pricing includes:
- Workshop usage fees
- Tool rental
- Instructor support—all under one simple, all-inclusive rate
We don’t offer separate pricing for “just renting the workshop” or “just taking a lesson.”
Everything you need to enjoy woodworking is included.
Annual Membership
We kindly ask for an annual fee of ¥3,000 upon joining.
(This helps us maintain our tools and facilities.)
Lesson Menu & Pricing
One-on-One Lessons
Perfect for those who want focused, personalized learning.
If you want to take your time, go deeper into woodworking, and ask questions as you go, this class is for you.
As our core class, this option covers everything from wood selection and design to cutting, assembly, and finishing—guided step by step by Mr. Obara himself.
Beginners are welcome—even if you don’t know what to make yet, we’ll figure it out together.
Many of our students say, “I came for one class and just kept coming back!” or “I want to make something truly my own.” This is the place where that journey begins.
We also welcome those aiming to become professional woodworkers.
| Time | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | ¥5,000 |
| 4 hours | ¥9,000 |
Woodworking School | Group Lessons (2–4 people)
Hayama Woodworks Studio offers beginner-friendly group woodworking lessons.
“I’d like to try woodworking, but I don’t know where to start.”
“I’m a little nervous to do it completely on my own…”
This gentle introductory class is perfect for those kinds of beginners.
You’re welcome to join with friends or family, and solo participants are also welcome (please note that if you join alone, we may coordinate the schedule with other participants).
What you’ll learn
• How to use basic hand tools (hand saws, planes, chisels, etc.)
• Fundamental knowledge about wood (grain, drying, warping, etc.)
• Creating a simple woodworking project
Individual advice is provided based on each participant’s level. If you would like more in-depth instruction on fine joinery, design, or advanced techniques, we recommend the one-on-one lesson.
Schedule
• Every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (including public holidays)
• Time slots are flexible — please contact us to discuss
• Capacity: 1–4 people (the number of participants may vary each session)
Fees (per person)
| Duration | Fee (per person) |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | ¥3,000 |
| 4 hours | ¥5,500 |
*The 4-hour lesson is completed in a single day. It cannot be split over multiple days.
*The number of participants may vary for each session.
“If you have tools and a workspace but don’t know how to use them,”
“If you’d like to make something together with your family,”
“If you want to try woodworking before committing more seriously”
We recommend starting with a group lesson.
Enjoy a calm, focused time working with your hands, surrounded by the natural scent of wood.
Important Notes
- Material costs (wood, etc.) are charged separately. On-site purchase available.
- Additional storage or processing fees may apply depending on your project’s size or complexity.
- All tools are provided for free. No need to bring anything!
Final Thoughts
Woodworking is not just about shaving wood—it’s a full, hands-on experience.
The joy of completing a project, the frustration when things don’t go right, the thrill of using a new tool—each moment is part of the journey.
We hope you’ll come join us and experience it all for yourself.
If you’re interested, feel free to reach out anytime!
For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram ✨
👉 Instagram： @hayama_woodworks
Let’s enjoy a day filled with the warmth of wood together 🌿
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