1. Introduction of Yuragi Candle

Yuragi Candle, the organizer of the candle-making activity, makes candles and sells them online.

From the Yuragi Candle website

Aroma soy candles, which use a generous amount of natural essential oils, are made from soy-derived materials that are kind to both people and the environment, and come in simple packaging that can easily be matched with any interior decor.

You can light them when you want to relax, or when you want to study or work hard, and enjoy the aroma.

From the Yuragi Candle website

This is a rice candle made using rice bran.

It uses rice wax extracted from rice bran left over after polishing rice, making it gentle on both people and the environment.

There are also candles that are perfect as gifts or for relaxing, such as aromatic soy candles inspired by fruits that are a specialty of Yamagata.

If you are interested, please take a look at the website.

2. Let's try making colorful candles!

Now, let me show you what the actual candle-making activity is like.

This time, I visited Meijin no Yu in Kaminoyama Onsen. I experienced this in a corner of the onsen.

* The venue for the candle-making workshop will change regularly, but will be within the Kaminoyama Onsen area or the Zao Bodaira area (summer only). More details will be sent to you by email after you make a reservation.

① Flow of the day

Here is the flow of the day’s colorful candle making. There are three main steps.

1. Choose your favorite wax and decorations.
2. Place the decorations on top of the warm wax.
3. Wait about 15 minutes, then remove from the mold and it’s done!

The time required is about 45 to 60 minutes, making it perfect for sightseeing or holiday plans!

Also, being able to take the finished candlea home on the same day makes you feel very happy and allows you to soak in the afterglow of your trip.

Please see here for details on the worshop.

② Choose your favorite materials

Now let’s take a look at the actual process!

First, fill the brown silicone mold with wax chips.

You are free to choose any color you like and add it.

The wax chips can be cut as needed, or mixed with other colors and sprinkled on top, and there are as many different ways to make them as there are people.

If you are unsure, you can discuss it with the instructor.

Once you have filled the silicone mold with wax up to the rim, the next step is to choose the decorations to place on the candle.

First, place the decorations on a circular piece of construction paper and imagine what the finished product will look like.

Just looking at the decorations – cute flower shapes, pop star shapes, cake decoration-like toppings – the final image of the candle you want to make will come to mind…

Some of the parts contain aromatic essential oils.

3. Place the decorations on top of the warm wax.

Next, pour the warm wax into the base of the candle.

In fact, this is the best place to show off your candle making skills!

The heated wax is approximately 100°C, so please be careful when around small children.

When pouring the heated wax into the silicone mold, rotate the mold around as it pours.

Even if some wax spills, it can be easily removed later, so it’s no problem!

After pouring in the wax, the decorations you selected earlier are then skillfully placed on top.

As the wax hardened little by little, I had to adjust the angle and try different things to get the candles to stick properly. It was so much fun and I felt like a real candle maker!

③ Wait about 15 minutes and remove from the mold.

Once you’ve done this, wait about 15 minutes for the wax to harden.

Then there will be a break before you wait.

“Phew! I did it!”

Having completed all this work, I feel like my brain has been rejuvenated by this extraordinary experience…! (laughs) I also feel a sense of fulfillment.

The break passed by quickly as we checked out the nearby tourist spots and thought about our next destination!

And here are the candles I made.

The cute, vibrantly colored candles are sure to make you want to take photos.

This was my first time trying to make candles, but when I actually tried it, I was amazed to learn that “So this is how candles are made!” and before I knew it, I was completely immersed in the charm of the process, thinking “Next time, I’d like to make one with a design like this!”

You can only understand how fun candle making is by trying it yourself.

Opportunities for casual creative experiences like this are becoming increasingly rare, so I’m really glad I was able to participate this time!

3. After making candles, enjoy the local attractions!

This time the event was held at Kaminoyama Onsen’s Meijin no Yu, but after candle making, why not take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some local fun as well?

At Meijin no Yu, which has a coffee shop attached, you can enjoy a day-trip hot spring bath with water straight from the source.

After relaxing in the hot springs, why not take a break at a cafe?

The “Bright Red Apple Cake” on the cafe menu is a dish with custard cream and fresh apple jam hidden inside a dome-shaped seaweed apple.

The crispy texture and gentle sweetness of the seaweed apples added a nice accent to it and it was absolutely delicious.

If you are in the Kaminoyama area, be sure to stop by.

4. Message

Finally, Mrs. Saito of Yuragi Candle gave a message to everyone reading VISIT YAMAGATA.

5. Summary

The relaxing candle-making workshop is a great way to commemorate your trip.

Why not light a handmade candle to reminisce about your time at Kaminoyama Onsen or to relax at home?

Basic information
Fee
1,500 yen/person (2 or more people can apply)
Venue
Kaminoyama Onsen area or Zao Boudaira area (summer only)
More details will be sent to you by email after booking.
Target age
Ages 3 to Adult
Time required
Approximately 60 minutes