Transform something broken into a beautiful piece of art.

Kintsugi, which roughly translates to “golden joinery”, is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold- or silver-dusted lacquer.
While most approaches to repairs may seek to hide an object’s flaws, kintsugi embraces these imperfections and treats them as a valuable part of the object’s history. This fifteenth century repair method is an excellent example of how Japan has long prioritized using resources to their fullest.

In Tokyo, a hub of traditional art, join a kintsugi workshop and create your own one-of-a-kind piece of pottery! Some facilities even allow you to bring your own damaged pottery. Of course, if you do not have your own pottery, do not worry.
Most courses provide you with all the necessary equipment to perform kintsugi. At the end of the class, you will be left with a unique souvenir that embodies Japan’s culture.

The following workshops offer authentic kintsugi experiences with English support.
Tsugu Tsugu offers multiple types of kintsugi classes ranging from 30 to 90 minutes and costs between 4,400 and 6,600 yen. At this facility, learn how to restore plates by authentic kintsugi or create chopstick rests and earrings by kintsugi-like method without lacquer.
At Taku Nakano CeramicArts☆ in Minato City, learn kintsugi from Taku Nakano—one of Japan's leading kintsugi masters. During his workshops, which start at 6,600 yen, you can even wear samue, or traditional Japanese work clothes.
As prices are subject to change, please check the facility’s official website for up-to-date pricing.

Kintsugi Workshops in Tokyo

Sakura City Samurai Tour

Tsugu Tsugu Ebisu Studio is a 12-minute walk from Ebisu Station on the Hibiya subway line and JR Saikyo, Yamanote, and Shonan-Shinjuku lines, and Asakusa Studio is a 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Asakusa subway line and from Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza subway line.
Taku Nakano CeramicArts☆ is a five-minute walk from Omote-Sando Station on the Chiyoda, Ginza, and Hanzomon subway lines. Be sure to book a kintsugi workshop for a unique cultural experience, and learn more about this sustainable art form.

View more “Art & Culture” Category View more Tokyo