The Aji Quarry
In the silence of granite.
— 06:00 – 17:00 / 11 hours
— Private
By invitation only
— Private
By invitation only
— The Silent Journey
A private experience reserved for one party.
Two days into the silence of Kagawa, Japan.
— Invitation
The KASANE Private Journey is a two-day, one-party experience that opens the doors of two of Kagawa's most guarded craftsmen — a stonemason at the Aji quarry, and a third-generation lacquer master. Conversation is sparse. The work speaks.
What you receive is not a souvenir, but a question. What is the difference between a stone and a thing made by hand? When does a substance become a vessel? These are not questions to be answered. They are questions to be carried home.
In the silence of granite.
— 06:00 – 17:00 / 11 hours
Forty years, one brushstroke.
— 09:00 – 18:00 / 9 hours
Day One — Aji
06:00
A car will collect you from your suite in Takamatsu. The driver is briefed not to speak unless addressed.
07:00
The world's most prized granite, reserved for Imperial monuments, is mined here. You will be the first non-worker to set foot inside this quarter of the quarry today.
10:00
Choose a small piece of Aji-ishi. Tanaka-san will guide you through the four stages of polishing. The "斑(fu)" — the pattern unique to Aji granite — will rise as you work.
13:00
Prepared by chef Yano of Takamatsu's Tsuruoka Ryokan, served on a single slab of Aji granite. Twelve courses, paired with locally produced sake.
17:00
A reserved suite at Setouchi Aonagi (designed by Tadao Ando). Your polished stone will be sent ahead for the night.
Day Two — Lacquer
09:00
A 70-year-old workshop in the foothills of Yashima. The third-generation master, Ichiro Yamashita, has accepted no apprentice in fifteen years — until his son, in 2021.
10:30
Yamashita-san's own needle. A single 0.1mm groove on a piece of black lacquer prepared for you. The line, once cut, cannot be undone.
13:00
Yamashita Ichiro and his son Takumi share a quiet meal with you. Photographs are not permitted. Translation provided in confidence.
15:00
Yamashita-san will complete the lacquer piece you carved, then sign and date the underside. It will be shipped to your home in three months, after final curing.
18:00
Private transfer to Takamatsu Airport or your next destination. Your polished Aji stone will be in your luggage.
One party only — up to two guests. No other visitors at either site during your visit.
Aji granite (polished by your hand) and a lacquer piece (completed by Yamashita-san), signed and shipped.
One night in a Tadao Ando-designed suite. Kaiseki dinner included. Spa available.
— Reservation
¥1,000,000 For one party (up to 2 guests) — All inclusive
The journey is offered four times a year. Requests are reviewed individually. We will respond within 72 hours of your submission.