Kintsugi Experience: Art of Golden Joinery in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Turn something old into something new during this lesson in the Japanese art of "Kintsugi," the practice of repairing broken pottery. Stemming from a Japanese belief that breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, rather than a reason to throw them away, your class involves repairing damaged items with lacquer mixed with gold. Don a "samue" as you refinish one traditional pottery item, leaving with a newfound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and a unique souvenir.

Learn the Japanese art of Kintsugi (pottery repair) in Tokyo
Discover the philosophy behind this unique art, reflecting a Japanese belief in repairing, rather than wasting, broken pottery
Don the traditional "samue'" work clothes) of the Japanese craftsman
Take home a repaired item as a souvenir from your lesson

What's Included

Lesson fee
A plate you will use for the lesson, and to bring home after lesson.
All necessary equipment included
All taxes, fees and handling charges

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

TNCA Minami-Aoyama Studio
3-chōme-8-2 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
The atelier is in the basement of the OG building.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your own way to the centrally located studio in Tokyo's Minami-Aoyama neighborhood, ready to try your hand at the Japanese art of kintsugi. Meet your teacher and small group of no more than 10 guests, then put on your *samue,* a traditional Japanese craftsperson's garment.

Over one hour or so, your teacher will guide you through the technique of kintsugi, using a ceramic plate supplied by the studio. You'll also learn about Japanese culture and philosophy and get insights into traditional Japanese crafts. By the end of the lesson, you'll have a unique souvenir to take home and a new perspective on the value of objects.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation

Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

138 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 138 reviews

Kintsuki experience

IOANNA_S, May 2024

Kintsugi unique experience. They give us a small broke plate, that we remake it step by step! We keep it!

Unique Experience

Kory_B, May 2024

My wife and I signed up for the class while visiting for the week. We had a fantastic time learning about Kintsugi and making our own, unique piece of art. Additionally, some of the pieces produced by the studio were for sale and absolutely beautiful.

Amazing cultural experience

Bryce_M, Apr 2024

This was an amazing experience. Tako is an amazing instructor and just a great cultural class into such a beautiful practice. A must do if looking for a unique cultural experience

Beautiful One of a Kind Souvenir

Caitlyn_H, Apr 2024

This was such a unique and fun experience to participate in! You are taught so much about the history of kintsugi from a very knowledgeable instructor. At the end of the experience, you get to take home your beautiful plate which is a one of a kind souvenir. They provide a sturdy box and packing peanuts to help you get your plate home safe. A wonderful experience overall!

A beautiful and spiritual experience

JeanMarie_N, Apr 2024

We were honored to be students of Taku Nakano for a few hours as we learned about the philosophy behind and the technique of kintsugi. He was patient, kind, and his words were so moving that there were moments that we were in tears because it was such a powerful message. We left with beautiful art and even more beautiful memories of the experience.

Kintsugi no to Kintsugi pro

Lauren_B, Apr 2024

This is a great experience that gives you a glimpse into the art of kintsugi. It’s fast, so you learn about the origin, the Kinstugi Master Taku, and then get to work. You’ll leave with a little dish that’s protected in a box for your journey home. Very fun and engaging.

Fascinating philosophy on recycling and life.

Fran_M, Apr 2024

Loved the philosophy of kintsugi: There is beauty in our flaws. It was a fun class as well. We did not get to do the real process because of time and safety limitations but we did get to learn the process and got to do a “cliff notes” version that allowed us to appreciate kintsugi and take home our project.

Best class ever.

Susan_G, Apr 2024

Took an Kintsugi class with my daughters Toyko. Amazing instructor. Learned so much about this ancient craft and LOVE my little wabi sabi bowl!

Very fun class!

Akash_M, Apr 2024

Very cool class where the instructor did an excellent job showing us how to make kintsugi and guided the process very well. We ended up with some extremely cool souvenirs and made an awesome memory in Tokyo. Works recommend for fans of pottery and unique souvenirs!

A terrific way to learn...

Monali_R, Apr 2024

A terrific way to learn about a traditional Japanese art form and philosophy. Our teacher, Taku Nakano, was wonderful - experienced, knowledgeable, warm, funny. We met other travellers from across the globe interested in Japanese arts. Would love to experience again in the future.

Well worth it! Don’t hesitate

Claire_J, Apr 2024

This was awesome! We loved this experience. The Kintsugi art form was explained well and modified for our short timeframe (usually the lacquer takes months to dry!) The instructor spoke English and was very helpful, offering individual explanation if needed. We now have two beautiful plates to display and a unique Japanese experience. Highly recommend

A wonderful cultural experience

Marianne_F, Apr 2024

This workshop was the highlight of our visit. Spending 90 minutes at wooden work benches in a basement potter's studio being taught, step by step, the art and philosophy of wabi-sabi (change over time) as it applies to kintsugi. Potter Taku Nakano is a patient sensei (teacher) who works with another potter to be sure each student understands the steps. When we arrived we selected one of five designs of small plate. Each design had it's own meaning and had been broken. Then we filed down edges, accentuating the "charm point", glued the pieces back together, lacquered the break line, and finally added gold powder along that line. My repaired plate was stronger and more beautiful in its display of imperfection. A metaphor for all those who may have taken a few knocks in life. I will treasure this experience and my kintsugi plate. Arigato gozaimasu, sensei Taku!

Was fun

Brad_V, Apr 2024

Interesting location but we found it. Very knowledgeable and helpful host. He was very artistic and dressed the part well.

Amazing day creating art with a master.

Ora_B, Apr 2024

This was an amazing experience. The artist who taught us the art form is very kind and helpful. He also was very clear with his instructions so that everyone was able to complete the project. He helped each of us with the parts we didn’t do quite right. We also were able to buy works of his art to take home. 5 stars, I can’t say enough nice things about this experience and this artist.

Easy and Fun

Emily_M, Apr 2024

This was a lovely experience and we had so much fun learning how to do Kintsugi! The studio was super neat and the process easy to follow. Bonus - you get to take a souvenir home at the end!

Insight into a beautiful craft

Trevor_L, Apr 2024

The host is a great teacher! So patient and helpful. It’s obvious he has a great passion for his work. The workshop was fun and the product at the end was so beautiful. Thank you for providing protective packaging for our plates for travel too! We loved it!

A worthwhile experience

Stephen, Apr 2024

The instructor was great in guiding us through the kintsugi experience! Helpful for those interested in repairing their own pottery.

Wonderful unique experience

Steff_A, Apr 2024

Had a lot of fun learning about kintsugi and creating a unique art piece. Very happy with the experience.

Great time and good lessons!

Charlene_C, Mar 2024

Gave some really good history as well as good technique. Was super friendly and good environment, the space was beautfiul.

Wonderful

Eden_H, Mar 2024

Very fun experience, instructors were very helpful with explaining, guiding and helping if needed. Very happy with my experience and my little bowl got packed in a clear box after finished.

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