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What You Will Learn
Through Kintsugi, you can learn about Wabi-Sabi, a concept that lies at the heart of Japanese culture.Kintsugi is a traditional technique that clearly embodies Wabi-Sabi.
This method involves bonding broken pottery with lacquer and decorating the seams with gold.Instead of hiding the repairs, this technique emphasizes them, bestowing a new beauty upon the piece.From a Western perspective, when an object breaks and becomes imperfect, it often signifies the end of its value.However, the philosophy of Wabi finds richness in simplicity and imperfection rather than in perfection.It teaches us to cherish cracks and chips as the unique personality of the piece.This attitude is the essence of the Wabi spirit.
One of the unique features of our Utsukushii JAPAN Kintsugi Experience is the opportunity to connect with people. During the workshop, you'll naturally get to know fellow participants from around the world, chat with Japanese kintsugi artisans, and interact with our friendly staff, including a certified Japanese language teacher. Together, you'll enjoy a relaxed, welcoming, and memorable experience. If you're learning Japanese, curious about Japanese culture, or simply looking for travel tips to make the most of your stay in Japan, feel free to ask us any questions during the workshop. We're always happy to help. Whether you'd like to make friends with Japanese people or meet travelers from around the world, we warmly welcome you to join us. -
Kintsugi Workshop Details
In traditional Kintsugi, the process can take several months, as it includes time for the lacquer to dry.
In this workshop, you will experience the final stage of Kintsugi. You will apply lacquer to the repaired cracks using a fine brush, and then decorate them with gold powder or a gold-like alternative. Due to the recent rise in gold prices, we use brass powder instead.
You will be able to take your finished piece home. After the workshop, please keep it in a humid environment for a few days to allow the lacquer to dry, after which it can be used.
※Live streaming on TikTok and Instagram is allowed.
Note: Contact with lacquer can cause a rash and itching that lasts for about two weeks. Please wear the rubber gloves provided during the workshop.
Kintsugi Workshop Overview
※Live streaming on TikTok and Instagram is allowed.
| Date & Time | Sunday, August 2, 2026 Sunday, August 16, 2026 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (90 minutes) ※The content is the same for all sessions. |
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| Location | 1-3-2 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo ※Please come to the building indicated as “Tokyo Great Tours” on Google Maps. Approx. 5-minute walk from Kayabacho Station (Hibiya Line / Tozai Line), Exit 3 Approx. 20-minute walk (approx. 1.5 km) from Tokyo Station, Yaesu North Exit |
| Fee | ¥10,000 per person (tax included) *Please pay at the venue on the day. Cash only. Credit cards are not accepted. |
| Reservations & Inquiries | To make a reservation, please send us an email at info@o-japan.co.jp Please email us at the address below with the number of participants, your country of residence, name, email address, and mobile phone number. Email: info@o-japan.co.jp Contact: Urasawa Osamu(O-JAPAN) |
| Instructor | Shamanji Mashita (Kintsugi artist and workshop host based in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture) https://www.instagram.com/koedo.kintugi |
| Others | Book Your Hotel in Japan with Agoda |
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What is Kintsugi?
Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese repair technique. It involves bonding broken or chipped ceramics with lacquer and decorating the seams by sprinkling them with gold powder. While lacquer-based repairs date back to the Jomon period (approximately 10,000 years ago), it is believed that Kintsugi, specifically using gold powder, became widespread alongside tea culture during the Muromachi period (approximately 1,300 years ago). The Kintsugi experience is gaining popularity as a fascinating way to revive your own special pottery, allowing you to connect with the Japanese aesthetic and the spirit of cherishing objects.
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What is Urushi?
The Urushi used in lacquerware is sap harvested from the lacquer tree. To collect it, incisions are made in the bark of trees that are approximately 15 years old. Today, over 95% of the lacquer used in Japan is imported, which makes domestically produced lacquer extremely rare. In recent years, however, demand for domestic lacquer has surged, particularly for the restoration of Important Cultural Properties.
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