Build Your Own Japanese Yumi
A Three-Day Traditional Bowmaking Workshop in the Netherlands
Travel to the Netherlands and spend three days building your own Japanese Yumi under personal guidance — then take home a bow you made with your own hands.
A few times a year, I open the doors of my workshop to a small group of participants who want to experience the art of traditional bowmaking.
This is more than simply building a bow. Over three intensive days, you will immerse yourself in the craft of making a Japanese Yumi — learning how wood and bamboo are carefully selected, shaped, combined and brought to life as a functional bow.
The Yumi is one of the world’s most distinctive traditional bows. Its elegant asymmetrical shape and layered construction make it both fascinating and challenging to build.
During this three-day workshop, you will work step by step through the complete bowmaking process under my personal guidance. At the end of the workshop, you will take home your very own handmade Yumi.
No previous bowmaking experience is required.
The Workshop Experience
The workshop takes place at my personal bowmakingshop. Each day begins at 8:30 AM and usually finishes around 5:00–5:30 PM, with lunch included.
For three full days, we will work together in and around my workshop. Much of the handwork takes place in the shop, allowing you to experience the craft in a practical and hands-on environment.
This is a small-scale and personal workshop. With a maximum of only six participants, there is plenty of opportunity for individual guidance throughout the entire process.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the workshop, you’ll be guided step by step through the process of building a traditional Japanese Yumi.
We will cover:
- Selecting and understanding suitable wood and bamboo
- Reading the natural characteristics of the materials
- Preparing and shaping the wooden core
- Designing your bow with balance and efficiency in mind
- Creating and shaping the bamboo layers
- Building the layered construction of the Yumi
- Gluing and setting the bow using wedges
- Rough shaping the bow
- Beginning the tillering process
- Understanding how the Yumi bends and performs
- Finishing your bow
- Basic maintenance and care for your Yumi
I provide all the necessary materials, tools and personal instruction.
You’ll leave not only with a handmade Yumi, but also with a much deeper understanding of traditional bowmaking and the skills involved in working with natural materials.
A Hands-On Experience
Building a Yumi is a physical and practical process. You will spend three days working with your hands, using both traditional hand tools and workshop equipment. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and to put real work into your bow — the experience is designed to be immersive and practical.
Participants must be 16 years or older. Basic woodworking experience is helpful, but not required.
Make It a Three-Day Getaway
For international participants, the workshop is located in a beautiful area near Arnhem in the Netherlands. Conveniently, the workshop is located right next to Recreatiepark De Veerstal, making it easy to combine the workshop with a short stay in the area.
At De Veerstal, you can book accommodation ranging from:
- A campsite for your tent
- A place for your camper or caravan
- Chalets and other holiday accommodation
The park is located beside the water in the Rhederlaag area and offers a convenient place to stay during the three-day workshop. You can find accommodation and camping information at:
Please note: accommodation is not included in the workshop price and should be booked separately.
Practical Information
- Duration
- 3 full days
- Workshop hours
- 8:30 AM – approximately 5:00–5:30 PM
- Location
- Near Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Group size
- Minimum: 2 participants
Maximum: 4 participants - Price
- €1150,- per person
The price includes:
✓ All materials needed to build your Yumi
✓ Use of tools and equipment
✓ Three full days of personal guidance
✓ Lunch on all three days
✓ Your completed handmade Yumi
Dates Available – 2026/2026
- Check out the website booking information, select your date.
- Only 6 places available.
- If the workshop is fully booked, send me an email and I can add your name to the reserve list.
Interested in Joining?
If you’d like to take part in this unique three-day bowmaking experience, use the registration form below or send me an email:
bamboo.bows@gmail.com
Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy
Booking and Payment
- A place in the workshop is officially reserved once full payment of the workshop fee has been received.
- By booking the workshop, Bamboo Bows reserves a place for the participant and begins making the necessary preparations and arranging materials for the workshop.
Cancellation by the Participant
- If you are unable to attend the workshop, please let us know at least 14 days before the workshop start date.
- Cancellations made at least 14 days before the start of the workshop are eligible for a 100% refund of the workshop fee.
- If you cancel within 14 days of the workshop, we can discuss the possibility of rescheduling your participation to another available workshop date.
- If rescheduling is not possible, cancellations made within 14 days of the workshop start date are eligible for a 50% refund of the workshop fee.
- In the event of a no-show, without prior communication, 50% of the workshop fee will be refunded.
Transferring Your Place
- If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your place to another person, provided that Bamboo Bows is informed in advance.
- The replacement participant must meet any applicable requirements for participation in the workshop.
Cancellation or Changes by Bamboo Bows
- Bamboo Bows reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a workshop due to insufficient participants, force majeure, or circumstances that reasonably prevent the workshop from taking place.
- Participants will be informed as soon as possible.
- In this situation, participants may choose between joining another available workshop date or receiving a full refund of the amount paid.
Right of Withdrawal
- The statutory 14-day right of withdrawal may not apply to workshops and leisure activities scheduled for a specific date or period, in accordance with applicable consumer legislation.
Participation and Safety
- Participation in the workshop is at your own risk.
- Bamboo Bows will take reasonable measures to provide a safe working environment and clear safety instructions.
- Participants must always follow the safety instructions provided by Bamboo Bows and the workshop instructor.
- Bamboo Bows reserves the right to end a participant’s involvement in the workshop in the event of dangerous, unsafe, or seriously inappropriate behaviour.
- In such cases, no refund will be provided, unless required by law.
Liability
- Bamboo Bows is not liable for personal injury, loss, or damage to personal belongings, except where liability cannot legally be excluded or limited.
- Participants remain responsible for their personal belongings.
Agreement to These Terms
By booking a workshop with Bamboo Bows, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.
