Erosoku (picture candles) are a traditional craft of the Shonai area. Lord Sakai of Clan Shonai used to take the beautifully painted candles as offerings to the Shogun whenever he visited Edo.
Around 1800 there were more than twenty candle makers in the region, but now hardly any remain.
One of the few remaining shops is Togashi, which offers visitors the chance to try their hand at painting their own candle for only ¥500.
Hannah Warren @hannah.warren
Hannah lives in Sydney and spends most of her time dreaming of being somewhere else. She loves karaoke, hates making plans in advance, and will probably never be able to read a map.
