Bottlecap Visited MERI for a Traditional Japanese Zori Workshop
The other day, the wonderful duo behind Bottlecap visited MERI to join our Japanese zori-making workshop in Tokyo.
Bottlecap is run by Alan and Samantha, a couple who travel all across Japan discovering unique Japanese cultural experiences — many of which even Japanese people have never tried themselves. From traditional crafts to hidden local activities, they beautifully share the charm of Japan through their adventures.
You should definitely check out their Instagram. You’ll be amazed by the incredible places and experiences they introduce.
Bottlecap
At the time, they were living in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, and were about to move to Kanazawa with their cats (they have already moved now!). Even during such a busy time in their lives, they made time to visit our workshop, and I was honestly so happy to meet them.
Since they’ve experienced so many Japanese cultural activities before, they quickly picked up the zori-making process. Both of them speak Japanese fluently, so we spent the afternoon chatting, laughing, and weaving together.
During the workshop, we discovered that we shared a common obsession:
“SHOGUN.”
Yes — the drama starring Hiroyuki Sanada.
I was still in the middle of watching it, while they had already finished the entire series. We got very excited talking about Lord Toranaga and all the unforgettable scenes from the show. Now we’re all looking forward to SHOGUN Season 2.
Samantha also showed me photos from many of their experiences around Japan. One of them was from Asakusa, where she dressed in samurai armor — she honestly looked like a character straight out of SHOGUN.
If you love Japanese culture, hidden local experiences, and travel inspiration in Japan, you should absolutely follow Bottlecap.
And this was all of our footwear on the day.
Everyone was wearing tabi socks and tabi shoes!
You can really feel their enthusiasm for Japanese culture. Their tabi-style shoes were so cool that I started wanting a pair myself. Apparently, you can even find them in Asakusa.
And then — in less than three hours — their handmade zori were complete.
Pretty amazing, right?
Alan chose hanao straps inspired by one of Japan’s famous sweets: fruit daifuku.
Samantha’s design was incredibly stylish and elegant.
It was truly such a fun and inspiring three hours.
Recently, many of our international guests have been teaching us new things about Japan through their own perspectives and experiences. It inspires us a lot. It also reminds me that I should continue researching and discovering more wonderful places and cultural experiences in Japan so I can share them with future visitors.
I’ll continue introducing interesting places and stories here on this blog, so I’d be very happy if you stop by from time to time.
And if you are someone who loves sharing unique experiences in Japan, please feel free to contact me.
MERI
I’d love to meet you someday.
Book the experience on Airbnb.