Maine Japanese Woodworking Festival
July 24– 26, 2026

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A midsummer pilgrimage of the Japanese woodworking community, gathered to share and celebrate.

Come spend a long weekend immersed in the traditions of Japanese woodworking through hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Work side by side with masters of the craft to develop your skills, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned tradesperson. Handle and acquire finely made tools for your next project, and compete for prizes in the revered planing contest: chasing the thinnest shaving with a Japanese hand plane

Two men chopping wood outdoors on a sunny day with trees and hills in the background, while two women stand nearby and talk.

Annual Highlights

Ask questions of experts in the world of Japanese carpentry and woodcraft, attend demonstrations, browse top quality tools and socialize on the lush country homestead.

A man with a gray beard, wearing a white t-shirt and shorts, is giving a presentation in a woodworking shop. He is holding a large log and is gesturing with his hands. Behind him, a whiteboard displays sketches of a structure and technical drawings. Several wooden logs and tools are on the table in front of him, and there are attendees sitting and listening.

Expert Presentations
Days are filled with practical lectures on the intricacies of Japanese woodworking. Topics have included lessons, layout, hewing, design, hand planning, tool forging and boat building.

Man marking lines on a piece of wood with a pencil, with several people standing around watching, in an indoor setting.

Hands-on Workshops
Half and full day seminars give participants hands-on experience with woodworking techniques under the instruction of masters in the field. Both beginners and experienced professionals alike will benefit for the knowledge exchange.

A woodworking workbench with various hand tools including hand planes, chisels, a hammer, a square, and a measuring tape, surrounded by wood shavings and scraps in a woodworking workshop.

Tools
Well regarded tool vendors bring top quality Japanese hand tools for sale at the festival along with an annual tool swap meet and used tool sale.

People gathered around a bonfire at night outside a wooden building. Fireworks are exploding in the sky above, casting light and shadows on the scene.

Social Gatherings
Us woodworkers don’t get out much, so once a year we throw a big bonfire party to celebrate our community and toast to those that came before. Make new friends, find a teacher or a skilled apprentice!

What People Are Saying

“It’s hard to imagine a more enthusiastic, passionate, and friendly crowd than the Maine Japanese Woodworking Festival. The atmosphere is upbeat and the workshop speakers are top-notch. For traditional purists to woodworking geeks to aspiring artisans and everyone in between, you won’t leave uninspired.”

— Mike Updegraff, Mortise & Tenon Magazine

“The feeling of community was sweet and strong. In everyone I met there was such passion and intense presence. So happy to be all together. I could not have been happier to give my blessing and full support to what is becoming a pilgrimage worthy Festival.”

— Yann Giguère, Mokuchi Woodworking

“My first year in Maine, I was incredibly moved by the community’s support for one another. The friends I’ve made over the years attending the event and its workshops are connections I’ll keep for life. This is the place to connect with others interested in Japanese craft and is an excellent gateway to further education and deeper community. Come with an open mind and leave with a full heart.”

— Chris Giffrow, Cow Dog Craftworks

Amazing people, great vibe, smooth logistics, and I learned a ton.  One of my personal highlights was getting to spend some time talking to Andrew Hunter, whose articles and videos have been so helpful to me over the last two years.  It's obviously a massive undertaking to do this but it's really a pretty magical thing.

— Greg Gunn

“Being at the festival was life changing for me. I got to meet so many friends in the community for the first time, and saw old friends again. It fed my spirits for months after. I can’t wait to go again and every year after.”

— Brian Lam, Paklan Craft

I was able to connect with many woodworkers I'd only heard of and several I hadn't but am glad to have met. The community y'all have built is incredible and I'm glad to count myself a part of it now. It was encouraging, as a someone at the beginning of their Japanese woodworking journey, to have access to such a broad range and depth of knowledge. Everyone was so willing to offer up guidance and advice!

— Taylor Hamilton
A large group of people posing in front of an old wooden building at the Maine Japanese Woodworking Festival. The building has a sign and American flag, with some people inside the building visible through the open door and windows.
 

Located in Mercer, Maine.

The Maine Japanese Woodworking Festival is held on the grounds of The Wabi Sabi School for Japanese Craft, a lush farmstead amid the pine forests of central Maine.

For lodging, travel and planning your visit see here.

772 Rome Road
Mercer, ME 04957

Hosted By

Register for 2026

Head over to the Wabi Sabi School site to purchase your weekend or daily ticket to the festival and guest passes for the evening meals.

Register Today

Participate

We are always on the lookout for interesting presentations and teachers for the festival as well as tool vendors, event sponsors and volunteers. Let us know if you are interested.

Learn More