Tonbo-dama (Glass Bead) Experience Guide
Welcome to Tonbodama-kan
Welcome!
On this page we introduce
the flow from check-in to receiving your finished piece.
Please relax and enjoy the experience.
STEP1 Check-in (from 9:00)
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Same-day walk-in only
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Reception opens at 9:00
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Experiences start in order from 10:00
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Payment at check-in
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Receive a numbered ticket (turn card)
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Specific times cannot be reserved
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Prices vary depending on the pattern
Once you have checked in, you are free until your turn!
STEP2 Enjoy your waiting time
30 min wait →
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We recommend using the time to imagine your accessory.
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The shop has plenty of accessory parts such as necklace chains, leather cords, straps, key rings and bookmarks.
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Just looking at the samples while thinking "What kind of accessory shall I make?" is a lot of fun.
Wait of 1 hour or more →
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Walking to the canal to take photos is a great idea.
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You can also visit Sakaimachi shopping street.
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(It is about 1 km away, so please be careful not to go too far.)
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Please be sure to come back by the time written on your card.
STEP3 Making your glass bead
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About 15 minutes
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Melt a glass rod in the flame,
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wind it around a stainless steel rod,
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and gradually shape it into a round bead.
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The most important thing is making it round.
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That is actually the hardest part 😊
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Please note during the experience
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We use an open flame
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Please follow the instructor's directions
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Please do not touch the equipment
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The glass is extremely hot
STEP4 Cooling time (about 40 min)
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This is not "waiting time" but time to enjoy.
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Glass cracks if it is cooled too quickly,
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so we cool it slowly over about 40 minutes.
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Please feel free to look around the shop in the meantime.
STEP5 Make a one-of-a-kind accessory
Choosing your accessory is the second experience
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Your finished glass bead can be made into
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a necklace
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a strap
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a key ring
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a bookmark
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or any other accessory you like.
This is actually the step that takes the longest.
That is because the shop is full of accessory parts
and ready-made glass beads.
By combining the bead you made with beads from the shop, you can complete an accessory that is truly one of a kind.
Please enjoy the time spent choosing your combination, too.
*Accessory parts are charged separately.
Picking up your bead
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Your bead will be ready
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about 40 minutes
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after you make it.
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Please pick it up before closing time
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(usually 19:00).
FAQ
Can I make a reservation?
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No, reservations are not accepted
What time does it start?
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Check-in from 9:00
Starts at 10:00
What can I do while waiting?
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The shop, the canal and the shopping street
How long until it is finished?
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15 min to make
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40 min to cool
Accessory finishing?
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Done on the spot