A Must for Travelers: 5 Kintsugi Workshops in Tokyo 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.

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

During the Edo period, Tokyo was a major city where craftsmen gathered from all over Japan, and to this day, more than 40 traditional crafts remain. Areas like Asakusa, known for its many artisans, and Ginza, the art district, are home to thriving craft shops.

We invite you to learn kintsugi and experience Japanese traditional culture firsthand.

Types of Kintsugi

Kintsugi techniques can be divided into two categories: simplified kintsugi and authentic urushi kintsugi. The main difference is whether urushi lacquer is used. 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 Tokyo for One-Day Experiences

We have selected five kintsugi workshops in Tokyo 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 5 Recommended Kintsugi Workshops

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

mon cadeau

Source: Official Website

Price	¥19,980 (120 min)
English	◯
Access	12-min walk from Shibuya Station
Kintsugi Type	Both
Online Booking	◯
Bring Your Own Vessel	Not required
Kit Purchase	◯ (¥16,800)
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	✕

The instructor is also a certified teacher of ikebana and kimono, and in addition to the standard kintsugi experience, there is a plan that includes a tea ceremony experience.

This is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of traditional Japanese culture, not just kintsugi.

Book here

Taku Nakano CeramicArts☆

Source: Official Website

Price	¥22,000 (110 min)
English	◯
Access	6-min walk from Omotesando Station
Kintsugi Type	Both
Online Booking	△ (LINE or email only)
Bring Your Own Vessel	Not required
Kit Purchase	✕
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	◯

This atelier is run by ceramic artist Taku Nakano. With his unique artistic vision, you can enjoy one-of-a-kind, distinctive vessels.

You can also experience an original technique called yobitsugi, where broken pieces from different vessels are joined together with kintsugi.

Book here

Makers' Base Tokyo

Source: Official Website

Price	¥5,500 (120 min)
English	◯
Access	1-min walk from Toritsudaigaku Station
Kintsugi Type	Simplified only
Online Booking	◯
Bring Your Own Vessel	Bring your own (vessel available for +¥1,650)
Kit Purchase	✕
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	✕

This is a workshop-focused venue where you can purchase a vessel on the day for a casual kintsugi experience. They only offer simplified kintsugi, but the synthetic lacquer used causes almost no skin irritation, making it easy to participate even while sightseeing.

Book here

Kintsugi Tsugu Tsugu

Source: Official Website

Price	¥6,600 (90 min)
English	◯
Access	4-min walk from Asakusa Station
Kintsugi Type	Both
Online Booking	◯
Bring Your Own Vessel	Not required
Kit Purchase	◯ (From ¥9,980)
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	◯

This workshop is located in Asakusa, an area rich in traditional Japanese culture. It is also close to Kappabashi, the famous kitchenware district, making it a great choice if you want to combine sightseeing with a kintsugi experience.

They sell authentic kintsugi kits that include urushi and gold powder, so you can practice authentic urushi kintsugi at home after purchasing a kit.

Book here

Muto

Source: Official Website

Price	¥6,600 (90 min)
English	◯
Access	5-min walk from Mitsukoshimae Station
Kintsugi Type	Both
Online Booking	◯
Bring Your Own Vessel	Not required
Kit Purchase	✕
Purchase Kintsugi Vessels	◯

This company has been in the lacquerware wholesale business since 1923. In addition to kintsugi, you can experience other traditional Japanese arts such as makie (gold lacquer painting), gold leaf application, and shippo (cloisonné).

The instructors are professionals with degrees from art universities in Japan and abroad or with hands-on experience, so you can enjoy a truly authentic kintsugi experience.

Book here

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.

Kappabashi in Taito Ward: Affordable Artisan Pieces

Source: Kappabashi Dougu Street Official Website

Kappabashi Dougu Street is a historic district that gradually formed as tool and antique merchants gathered here starting in 1912 (Taisho 1).

Today, it is a popular specialty shopping street where you can find all kinds of food-related tools, including multiple shops frequented by professional chefs for tableware.

It is within walking distance from Asakusa, and you can find artisan crafts here, making it an ideal place to purchase vessels.

Ginza in Chuo Ward: For Truly Fine, High-End Vessels

Source: Ginza Utsuwa Gallery Kado Official Website

Since the Meiji era, Ginza developed as a gateway for new and Western culture, and it became known as a district of galleries.

Shiseido Gallery, founded in 1919 (Taisho 8), is known as the oldest gallery in Japan.

There are many galleries in the area, some of which exhibit pottery and other ceramics. Since many shops sell carefully curated, one-of-a-kind pieces, this is the place to go if you are looking for truly exceptional vessels.

That said, it may feel a bit wasteful to break a high-end vessel for kintsugi practice.

Can You Buy Kintsugi Vessels in Tokyo?

In Japan, kintsugi vessels are often treated as "damaged goods," so they are not commonly sold in regular stores.

If you really want to purchase a kintsugi vessel, Tsugu Tsugu, which also offers kintsugi workshops, sells finished pieces. If you are interested, it is worth a visit.

Additionally, most kintsugi workshops allow you to take home the vessel you repaired, so if you want a kintsugi vessel, we recommend considering a one-day experience.