Can You Try Kintsugi in New York? Recommended Workshops to Explore for Beginners

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.

For those who think "traveling to Japan is too expensive" or "I want to try kintsugi closer to home," we have carefully selected five services where you can take kintsugi classes in New York, USA. We also explain the costs if you choose to do it yourself.

The True Value of Japanese Tradition Lies in Authentic Urushi Kintsugi

There are two types of kintsugi: simplified kintsugi and authentic urushi kintsugi.

The main difference is whether urushi lacquer is used. Simplified kintsugi uses synthetic resin and substitute gold powder instead of urushi. Since it can be completed quickly, it is often used for one-day experiences.

On the other hand, authentic urushi kintsugi is the traditional Japanese method, using urushi lacquer and gold powder that have been cherished since ancient times. Unlike synthetic resin, urushi takes time to cure and requires humidity control.

However, vessels repaired with authentic urushi kintsugi contain no chemical substances and are completely food-safe.

In Japan, urushi has been used for everything from everyday tableware to shrine and temple decorations and the preservation of Buddhist statues, making it an important material with a long shared history.

If you have the time to learn properly, we encourage you to try authentic urushi kintsugi to fully experience its true essence.

 

Kintsugi Workshops in New York

There are not many places to learn kintsugi in New York. Below, we introduce workshops where you can take kintsugi classes in or around New York.

Kintsugi Workshop Comparison

[Currently Unavailable] POJ Studio: A Leading Name in Kintsugi with Locations in Japan

Source: POJ Studio US

 

Price	Kintsugi Experience: From ¥24,782
Address	180 Duane St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Instructor	Japanese
Kintsugi Type	Both
Format	Both
Online Booking	✕
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	◯
Kit Purchase	◯ (From ¥14,000)

POJ Studio is a company that sells Japanese tableware and furniture with the mission of connecting Japanese artisans with the world and preserving tradition. They have a store in Kyoto, Japan, and are dedicated to promoting kintsugi culture both domestically and internationally.

They have partner workshops in New York and Los Angeles, allowing you to experience kintsugi without traveling to Japan. Japanese instructors teach the classes, so you can also learn about the spiritual aspects.

As of November 2025, workshops are not being held in New York, but if you are interested, it is worth checking back regularly.

 

GEN SARATANI: Learn Directly from a Professional Restorer

Source: GEN SARATANI Official Website

 

Price	Kintsugi Class: ¥69,680 per person
Address	43-01 22nd Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
Instructor	Japanese
Kintsugi Type	Authentic Urushi
Format	Multi-session only
Online Booking	◯
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	◯
Kit Purchase	✕ (Provided during class)

This kintsugi class is taught by Gen Saratani, who specializes in restoring art and woodwork using urushi lacquer.

The price is a bit higher, but you can expect instruction from a true professional restorer. Experience the authentic spirit of Japan, not just the technique.

Book here

 

Yuko Gunji: Learn Kintsugi from a Japanese Female Kintsugi Artist

Source: YUKO GUNJI Official Website

 

Price	One-day Experience: ¥9,296 (2.5 hours) Kintsugi Class: ¥68,165 (4 weeks)
Address	Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
Instructor	Japanese
Kintsugi Type	Both
Format	Both
Online Booking	◯
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	◯
Kit Purchase	◯ (From ¥19,985)

Yuko Gunji is a student of Gen Saratani mentioned above. Through urushi, she explores the delicate dialogue between restoration and creation, finding new beauty while bringing broken forms back to life.

Classes are held in Brooklyn at scheduled times. One unique feature is that kits are available for individual purchase.

Book here

 

Class Bento: An Accessible Workshop Experience

Source: ClassBento Official Website

Price	From ¥20,908 (2.5 hours)
Address	Within 60km of Manhattan (Varies by date)
Instructor	American
Kintsugi Type	Simplified only
Format	One-day only
Online Booking	◯
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	✕
Kit Purchase	✕

Class Bento is a service that offers experience-based classes in art, crafts, cooking, cocktail making, pottery, wine tasting, and more.

They also offer kintsugi workshops, and compared to other kintsugi classes, the prices are more affordable, making it easier to participate casually.

One unique feature is that they also incorporate spiritual practices such as meditation. This is recommended for those who want to cultivate the "spirit of kintsugi."

Book here

[Special Feature] Kinokuniya New York: A Bookstore with Authentic Japanese Products

Source: Kinokuniya USA Official Website

Price	N/A
Address	1073 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018, U.S.A.
Instructor	—
Kintsugi Type	—
Format	—
Online Booking	✕
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	✕
Kit Purchase	✕

Kinokuniya is a bookstore founded in Japan in 1927, and this is their New York branch.

While you cannot take kintsugi lessons directly from anyone here, they carry a wide selection of Japanese books and stationery, so you may be able to find and purchase books on how to do kintsugi.

The store also offers Japanese food and tea, making it worth a visit if you want to experience the atmosphere of Japan.

How Much Does Kintsugi Cost?

Taking Classes: ¥10,000–20,000 for One-day Experiences, From ¥60,000 for Multi-session Courses

When learning kintsugi at a workshop in the New York area, multi-session courses (about once a week for 4 weeks) typically cost from ¥60,000. In Japan, the average is around ¥20,000, but considering the cost of living in the United States, this may be unavoidable.

Doing It Yourself with Materials: ¥10,000–15,000

If you gather the materials and do it yourself, kits typically cost between ¥10,000 and ¥15,000.

Most kits come with instructions, so with determination, you can do it without attending a class.

Source: POJ STUDIO Official Website

However, you may encounter challenges with technical aspects like urushi viscosity and determining if the lacquer has cured properly. We recommend attending at least one kintsugi class, even just to ask questions.

Requesting Professional Kintsugi Repairs: Approximately ¥12,000–23,000

Professional kintsugi repairs typically cost around ¥23,321, or about ¥11,663 if brass powder is used instead of gold powder.

Since some services offer actual repairs as part of a hands-on experience for around ¥10,000, if you are not particular about using real gold, it may be more economical to have your vessel repaired during a kintsugi workshop.

For authentic kintsugi, the ¥60,000 course fee may seem high, but since the skills last a lifetime, learning for the cost of about three professional repairs is not expensive at all.

Unless you are truly pressed for time, we recommend repairing it yourself rather than requesting professional repairs.

Experience the Spirit of Kintsugi in New York

Generally, broken or damaged items are seen as "bad omens," but kintsugi is a Japanese traditional culture that transforms such cracks and chips into new value.

Even if you do not live in Japan, you can learn this spirit of kintsugi through the art of kintsugi.

We invite you to experience Japanese culture through this hands-on practice.