Building a Japan craft marketplace for workshops, products and apprenticeships.

Journeyhorizon developed Bottlecap as a multi-format craft marketplace for Japan, combining bookable workshops, physical products and apprenticeship opportunities with Webflow content and supporting marketing integrations.

Platform and marketplace model

Bottlecap is a Tokyo-based marketplace connecting travelers, learners, and craft lovers worldwide with Japan's master artisans - through workshops, direct e-commerce, and long-term apprenticeship programs. Built to ensure centuries of traditional craftsmanship don't disappear with the generation keeping them alive.

The platform allows artisans, studios, and cultural educators across Japan to list and sell their experiences and products directly to an international audience - from pottery and kimono-making to kintsugi, woodwork, and bonsai.

In this marketplace:

Sellers (Artisans & Studios): Craftspeople, workshops, and cultural educators looking to reach a global audience, get verified, and grow their bookings.

They are looking for:

• Visibility beyond local word-of-mouth
• A trust layer that sets verified artisans apart
• A simple way to manage listings across multiple experience types

Buyers (Travelers & Learners): International visitors and lifelong learners seeking authentic, hands-on craft experiences in Japan.

They are looking for:

• Curated, trustworthy experiences matched to their interests
• Easy search by craft type, location, language, and group size
• Booking confidence through verified artisan profiles

Journeyhorizon’s engagement

Sharetribe marketplace development, Webflow content implementation, lead and marketing integrations, SEO and content architecture. The delivery used Sharetribe with a Webflow content and SEO layer.

Key functionality

• Rich text editor
• Auto-menu based on categories
• Hero section with image carousel
• Webflow blog
• Quick filters for search
• "Authenticated" badge for listings
• Inquiry form (collect information from buyers when they submit an inquiry)
• Save submitted inquiries to Google Sheet
• Sync contacts to OnePage
• Newsletter with Ombisend
• Contact form with Hubspot
• Integrate Pirsch Analytics
• Integrate Google AdSense
• Manage lead time for bookings
• Make customer commission non-refundable

Client perspective

Thank you very much. You and your whole team have been so wonderful. We are excited to continue our work together making V1 improvements and building V2 features!

Aran Graham - Co-Founder Bottlecap