A Must for Travelers: 4 Kintsugi Workshops in Kyoto Offering One-Day Experiences

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese repair technique that mends broken areas and decorates them with gold. Rather than hiding cracks and chips, it embraces imperfection, creating a new kind of beauty.

Kiyomizu-yaki is a traditional Kyoto pottery that developed along Chawan-zaka, the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Kyoto shares an inseparable bond with Japanese tradition, and with so many historic buildings still standing throughout the city, you can experience the essence of kintsugi even more deeply here.

In this article, we have carefully selected workshops in Kyoto, focusing on those that offer one-day kintsugi experiences.

Types of Kintsugi

Kintsugi techniques can be divided into two categories: simplified kintsugi and authentic urushi kintsugi. Before trying a kintsugi experience, it is helpful to understand the differences between them.

Simplified Kintsugi (Hobby Craft)

This modern repair method uses the same kintsugi techniques but substitutes materials—synthetic resin instead of urushi lacquer, or brass powder instead of gold powder.

Since there is no need to wait for urushi to cure, most one-day experiences use simplified kintsugi.

The advantages are lower cost and convenience, but in terms of durability, it does not match authentic urushi kintsugi, which requires more time for bonding.

Authentic Urushi Kintsugi (Traditional Kintsugi)

This is the traditional kintsugi method using urushi lacquer. It is recommended for those who want to learn the craft properly. However, urushi takes a long time to cure and requires careful humidity and temperature control, so the process takes at least one month to complete.

Vessels repaired with authentic urushi kintsugi are built to last, reflecting the time invested. Additionally, since urushi is a natural material, once fully cured, the vessel is completely food-safe.

What Can You Experience in a Kintsugi Workshop?

The kintsugi process can be broadly divided into three steps: bonding cracks, filling chips, and decorating with gold.

Simplified kintsugi uses synthetic resin that sets quickly, allowing you to experience nearly all the steps in a single day. For this reason, most kintsugi workshops teach simplified kintsugi.

Some places do offer authentic urushi kintsugi experiences, but since urushi takes time to cure, a one-day session will typically only cover how to use the tools.

That said, the sense of accomplishment from completing authentic urushi kintsugi is truly special. If you are planning a longer stay, such as studying abroad, we highly recommend taking a multi-session course to experience traditional urushi kintsugi rather than a one-day workshop.

Recommended Kintsugi Workshops in Kyoto for One-Day Experiences

We have selected four kintsugi workshops in Kyoto that offer one-day experiences. Most sessions last about two hours and focus on simplified kintsugi.

Due to the time required, authentic urushi kintsugi is generally not available as a one-day experience. If you are interested, we recommend enrolling in a multi-session course.

Comparison of 4 Recommended Kintsugi Workshops

Below is a comparison table covering English availability, pricing, and reservation options.

POJ Studio

Source: POJ Studio Official Website

Price	¥16,000 (2 hours)
English	◯ (French also available)
Access	7-min walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station
Kintsugi Type	Authentic urushi only
Online Booking	◯
Bring Your Own Vessel	Not required
Kit Purchase	◯ (From ¥14,000)
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	✕

 

Pieces of Japan Co., Ltd., the company behind POJ Studio, operates with the mission of sharing pieces of Japan with the world through traditional crafts.

POJ Studio offers everything from one-day experiences to comprehensive eight-session courses in authentic kintsugi.

Located in Higashiyama, in the heart of Kyoto near Sanjusangendo Temple, the studio is housed in a renovated 100-year-old Kyoto machiya townhouse.

Experience kintsugi in an immersive space that showcases Japanese craftsmanship and wisdom.

 

Book here

urujyu’s kintsugi

Source: urujyu Official Website

Price	¥22,100 (2 hours)
English	Not listed (inquire directly)
Access	1-min walk from Agake bus stop (Nantan City Bus from JR Hiyoshi Station)
Kintsugi Type	Authentic urushi only
Online Booking	△ (Contact by email or phone)
Bring Your Own Vessel	Not required
Kit Purchase	◯ (From ¥12,100)
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	✕

 

This kintsugi workshop is located in Miyama, a rural village in Kyoto, where you can learn surrounded by nature. Miyama is a scenic destination known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, located about 80 minutes by car from central Kyoto.

While it may not be the most convenient location to visit, practicing kintsugi surrounded by the beautiful nature of Miyama is a truly unique experience.

The workshop also offers accommodation, allowing you to stay for several days and learn authentic urushi kintsugi at a relaxed pace.

Book here

Kintsugi Kobo kulukulu

Source: Kurumi Co., Ltd. Official Website

Price	¥8,900
English	◯ (Interpreter plan available for ¥13,900)
Access	1-min walk from Nijojo-mae Station
Kintsugi Type	Both
Online Booking	◯
Bring Your Own Vessel	Not required (+¥500 if not bringing your own)
Kit Purchase	◯ (Simplified kintsugi kit from ¥11,000)
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	✕

 

Kulukulu is conveniently located just a one-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station, making it ideal for those sightseeing at Nijo Castle or Shinsen-en Garden.

For simplified kintsugi, only materials that meet food safety standards are used, so you can use the vessel you repaired in your daily life right away.

The workshop also occasionally hosts unique sessions where you can create kintsugi accessories, such as earrings. If you are interested, be sure to check it out.

Book here

 

Shikata Kizo Urushi-ten

Source: Shikata Kizo Urushi-ten Official Website

Price	¥7,800 (includes coffee)
English	✕
Access	7-min walk from Karasuma Station
Kintsugi Type	Both
Online Booking	◯
Bring Your Own Vessel	Not required
Kit Purchase	◯ (From ¥7,980)
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	✕

 

Shikata Kizo Urushi-ten is a kintsugi workshop run by urushi lacquer professionals who manufacture and sell lacquer.

One unique feature is that, for an additional fee, you can practice kintsugi on Kiyomizu-yaki pottery.

The shop has been in operation since the late Edo period (1867) and also offers courses in traditional authentic urushi kintsugi. While this is not possible in a one-day experience, we highly recommend it if you have time during your stay.

Recommended Spots to Find Vessels for Kintsugi

Most workshops provide broken vessels for you to practice on.

However, some of you may want to repair your own favorite piece. Some workshops allow you to bring your own vessel, so here are some recommended places to find one.

Chawan-zaka: Birthplace of Kiyomizu-yaki

   

Source: Chawan-zaka Official Website

This pottery district developed along the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Many ceramic artists and pottery shops still line the streets today, making it an ideal place to find a vessel for kintsugi.

Chawan-zaka has a long history, said to have begun when the monk Gyoki produced pottery here in the Nara period (8th century). In the 16th to 17th centuries, the colorful pottery made on Chawan-zaka became known as Kiyomizu-yaki and has been cherished as a traditional craft ever since.

 

Around Heian Jingu Shrine in Sakyo Ward: A Wide Selection of Modern Vessels

Source: Heian Jingu Official Website

The area around Heian Jingu Shrine is home to many museums and cultural facilities.

Some shops sell vessels with chips or cracks clearly marked, with sections dedicated to pieces suitable for kintsugi.

There are also galleries featuring Western art, so if you are interested in trying kintsugi on a Western-style vessel, this is a great place to look.

Can You Buy Kintsugi Vessels in Kyoto? 

In Kyoto, it is not uncommon to find kintsugi vessels sold as souvenirs.

Finished pieces are available at places like Shikata Kizo Urushi-ten, which also offers kintsugi workshops, and at the kintsugi salon in Daimaru Kyoto, a major department store.

Since many kintsugi workshops allow you to take home the vessel you repaired, consider joining a workshop if you have time to spare.