Experience the beauty of imperfection and the healing power of art at a kintsugi workshop in Tokyo, led by the renowned Kuge family. Located near Shin-Koenji Station in Suginami City, this hands-on kintsugi experience gives you the rare opportunity to repair broken pottery with gold-colored lacquer in a warm and welcoming setting.
Whether you're a curious traveler, an art enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper cultural connection, this experience invites you to slow down, reflect, and create something beautiful from something once broken.
The workshop is led by the Kuge family, respected ceramic artisans with over four decades of experience. Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro Kuge are known for their warm hospitality, patience, and passion for preserving the ancient craft of kintsugi. Their son Shu helps bridge the language gap with fluent English, while Yoshiko communicates with care and clarity in conversational English — making the workshop accessible to all.
You’ll be guided through the full kintsugi process, from filling and smoothing the cracks to applying gold-colored lacquer and finishing with a beautiful metallic dusting. This version uses modern, faster-drying materials (epoxy and cashew-based lacquer) that mimic traditional techniques, allowing you to complete your repair in a single session — no previous experience needed.
Before the workshop begins, enjoy Japanese tea and homemade sweets served by your hosts. The session feels more like visiting a friend’s home than a formal class — a rare chance to experience Japanese omotenashi (hospitality) in a personal and meaningful way.
The studio provides a variety of chipped ceramic pieces, some over 100 years old, including cups and small dishes from the Edo and Taisho eras. These historic vessels give your finished piece deeper character and a tangible connection to Japanese heritage.
More than just a craft, kintsugi is a philosophy. It embraces flaws as part of an object’s history and celebrates the beauty of restoration. Many visitors say the experience feels therapeutic, offering time to reflect and reset — a perfect match for mindful travelers or couples seeking a meaningful shared memory.
Unlike commercial studios or drop-in experiences, this workshop at Kuge Crafts Studio is run by a real family of artisans who have practiced kintsugi and ceramics for over 40 years. Many workshops in Tokyo use synthetic materials, but few explain the techniques and cultural philosophy as clearly or intimately as the Kuges do.
Here, you are welcomed into a cozy, home-like studio setting — not a classroom. Tea and sweets are served, stories are exchanged, and the learning is both hands-on and personal. Participants often describe it as "therapeutic" and "life-affirming."
While other classes may rely on staff with limited traditional training or lack historical context, this studio provides antique Japanese pottery, meaningful conversation, and a genuine sense of connection to Japan’s craftsmanship culture. This is more than a craft session — it's a cultural experience you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
Is this a traditional kintsugi class with urushi lacquer?
No. This is a modern kintsugi-style workshop using epoxy and cashew lacquer. This allows for same-day completion and avoids allergic reactions that may occur with natural urushi. The look closely resembles traditional results.
Can I bring my own broken pottery?
This workshop currently provides chipped pieces for all participants. You’ll select from historic Japanese ceramics, some over 100 years old.
Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes. No prior experience is needed. The instructors guide you step by step, and the session is relaxed and beginner-friendly.
Do I need to speak Japanese to join?
No. The workshop is conducted in simple English. While the instructors are not fully fluent, communication is warm, supportive, and effective. Many international guests attend without issue.
How many people are in each class?
The workshop is typically held in small groups for a personal experience. Early booking is recommended as spots fill quickly.
By joining this kintsugi workshop in Tokyo, you’re not only learning a traditional Japanese craft — you’re creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake and connecting with a powerful philosophy that values resilience, imperfection, and beauty through transformation.
Book now for an unforgettable experience with the Kuge family — a highlight of your time in Japan.
KUGE Crafts
1-34-10, Naritahigashi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
