Japanese Dry Stone Walling
Japanese Dry Stone Walling Workshop
WITH REO KANEKO
Join us for a special workshop on the ancient art of Japanese dry stacked stone construction. This immersive hands-on workshop will be led by master stonemason Reo Kaneko, Director of the Dry Stone Walling School of Japan. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, dry stacked stone walls are a fundamental part of Japan’s rural landscapes—supporting terraced fields, stabilizing slopes, and creating enduring structures that blend seamlessly with nature.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the principles and techniques of dry stacked stone construction as practiced in Japan. Unlike conventional masonry, this method requires no mortar, relying instead on the precise placement of uncut stones to create walls that are structurally sound, resilient, and environmentally harmonious.
The workshop will cover:
- Selecting and placing stones for maximum strength and stability
- The philosophy and history behind Japan’s dry stone traditions
- Hands-on practice in building a dry stacked stone wall
This is a unique opportunity to learn with master stonemason, Reo Kaneko, Director of the Dry Stone Walling School of Japan, traveling to the US especially for this workshop.
Whether you’re an architect, builder, or enthusiast of natural building, this unique opportunity offers a powerful alternative to concrete and conventional masonry.
Read more about Reo and this Simple, Ancient Idea That Can Replace Concrete Walls.
- Dates: This course begins with orientation and dinner Friday evening and ends Tuesday 5pm, with a dinner and breakfast following morning provided.
- Meals: are included in the workshop price.
- Accommodations: Camping is available but it is a cold time of year with evenings getting below freezing. We have a bunkroom with beds available which is included in the workshop price. We have a few private rooms available for an extra cost.
Workshop Syllabus
- Lecture on technique and theory
- Setting stone wall foundation stones
- Dry stacking stone
- Dry stacking stone
- Dry stacking stone
- Dry stacking stone
Instructor: Reo Kaneko
1988.4 Born in Kyoto City
2010.7 First discovered dry stacked stone walls in rural villages in Japan
2013.3 Completed a Master’s Degree in Construction Engineering at Waseda University
2013-2016 Research Institute of Construction Technology, Inc.
2016-Present Director of the Dry Stone Walling School of Japan
2020 Completed a Doctor of Engineering
Present As the Director of the Dry Stone Walling School of Japan, Kaneko-sensei has restored over 220 dry stacked stone walls throughout Japan
The Dry Stone Walling School of Japan
The Dry Stone Walling School of Japan is an association that preserves dry stone walling techniques and restores dry stacked stone walls in Japan. The sites are usually in mountainous areas throughout Japan. The association promotes dry stone walling as an appropriate technology for everyday people. Any kind of stone can be used without cutting, and the techniques are strong, fast, and inexpensive. Furthermore, dry stacked stone walls are environmentally friendly and promote biodiversity. The Dry Stone Walling School of Japan was established in 2013 to preserve not only dry stacked stone wall masonry techniques but also Japan’s terraced farmland.
Read more about Reo and his stone masonry techniques here
