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Kintsugi Class in Tokyo - Hands-On Pottery Repair with Gold Powder

5.00· 14 reviews

Highlights

Learn traditional kintsugi from a seasoned artisan trained at Kuge Crafts
Restore broken pottery with gold in a hands-on, guided workshop
All tools and materials provided—just bring yourself
Take home your completed, gold-mended ceramic as a unique souvenir
Option to repair your own cherished item (advance approval required)

What to expect

Discover the Beauty of Kintsugi in Tokyo

Kintsugi, meaning “gold joinery,” is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold-colored powder. Instead of discarding broken items, this method celebrates their flaws, embracing the philosophy of wabi-sabi—the beauty of imperfection and resilience.

In this engaging kintsugi-style class in Tokyo, you’ll get hands-on experience restoring a ceramic piece using a simplified, modern approach. Under the guidance of an experienced artisan trained at Kuge Crafts, you’ll learn each step of the repair process—from bonding the broken pieces to brushing on shimmering gold powder. No previous experience is required, and the class is designed to be beginner-friendly and calming.

Whether you're looking for a unique cultural activity, a mindful escape, or a meaningful souvenir, this experience offers a deeper connection to Japanese aesthetics and values.

What You'll Do

Learn the philosophy and modern techniques of kintsugi
Use easy-to-follow tools and materials, including lacquer and gold-colored powder
Repair a ceramic item with step-by-step guidance
Sand, bond, and decorate your piece with gold to complete your design
Bring home your finished kintsugi-style pottery as a one-of-a-kind souvenir

What’s Included

Instruction in basic English, with handouts for easy understanding
Guidance from an artisan trained at Kuge Crafts
All tools and materials provided (ceramics, lacquer, brushes, gold-colored powder)
Use of apron and workspace during the class
One ceramic item to repair (or bring your own item—prior approval required)
A sturdy box to safely take your completed piece home

Why Choose This Experience

Beginner-Friendly: No art experience needed—perfect for all skill levels
Skilled Artisan: Learn directly from an experienced craftsperson
Cultural Insight: Discover Japanese aesthetics through a hands-on activity
Personal Souvenir: Leave with your self-made, gold-mended ceramic
Relaxing & Mindful: A calming, creative way to experience Japanese culture

How long is the kintsugi class?

The workshop lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, providing ample time to complete your ceramic restoration at a comfortable pace.

Is the class suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The process is beginner-friendly and taught step-by-step. No prior art or pottery experience is needed.

What language is the class conducted in?

The class is taught in basic English, and printed English handouts are provided to support your understanding.

What materials are used?

You’ll use a modern kintsugi-style method with lacquer and gold-colored powder. While inspired by traditional techniques, this version is simplified and designed for same-day completion.

Can I bring my own broken pottery?

Yes, you may bring one broken ceramic item. However, we kindly ask that you send a photo in advance to confirm its suitability for the class.

Do I get to keep the piece I repair?

Yes! You will take home your completed kintsugi-style ceramic, packed in a sturdy protective box—perfect for travel.

What should I bring to the workshop?

Just yourself! All materials, tools, and an apron will be provided. If you are bringing your own ceramic piece, don’t forget to email a photo in advance.

About this experience

Starting at: 10:00, 14:00

Schedule

—
Meet Your Instructor at Kintsugi Masubuchi
—
Overview from Instructor
Receive a comprehensive overview of the day's activities from the instructor. Learn about the process and philosophy of Kintsugi, setting the foundation for your hands-on experience. Rest assured, everything you need is prepared and waiting for you in the classroom.
—
Start of Kintsugi Experience
The hands-on experience starts with preparing the broken ceramics and applying putty or paste to smooth surfaces. You'll then use lacquer and gold dust for repair, with an option to add personal touches like signatures or patterns to your piece.
—
Finish and Take Home Your Creation
Once the repair is complete and the gold dust has dried, your ceramic piece is ready. You'll leave the workshop with a unique, personally restored item that showcases the beauty in imperfection.
—
Workshop Ends on Site

Location and Directions

Check-in / Check-out
金継ぎ増渕※5月から
東京都台東区浅草3-5-2

Reviews

5.00

14 reviews

514

kintsugi

Posted Date: 2024/06/03

Vivien Wells

well organised

intimate, friendly, welcoming

thorough

excellent accompanying documentation - just need to work out how I can acquire/source cashew tree lacquer back home :-)

attention to detail re: packaging for travel home

Update Feb 2026

Hello, lucky enough to have another trip to Japan and was able to purchase small tin of Cashew Lacquer!
Please remind me what the (paint) powder was that we mixed with the lacquer to form the 'paint'. And is this the same powder that was dusted on at the end. (I have… well organised

intimate, friendly, welcoming

thorough

excellent accompanying documentation - just need to work out how I can acquire/source cashew tree lacquer back home :-)

attention to detail re: packaging for travel home

Update Feb 2026

Hello, lucky enough to have another trip to Japan and was able to purchase small tin of Cashew Lacquer!
Please remind me what the (paint) powder was that we mixed with the lacquer to form the 'paint'. And is this the same powder that was dusted on at the end. (I have bought a small pot of gold coloured paint powder, will this do?) Thank-you

Reply from the operator

ありがとうございます

What an amazing experience in Tokyo!!

Posted Date: 2024/08/13

Paula

Such a fun activity with my 16 year old daughter. We went to the studio and were pleasantly surprised to find out if was a personal lesson for just the two of us! Our teacher was so lovely and you could tell how passionate she was about her craft. She explained the whole process thoroughly and helped us if we needed it on each step. The packaging so we could transport our projects back home was also amazing. I did not expect to have that done for us either! Highly recommend if you're into arts a… Such a fun activity with my 16 year old daughter. We went to the studio and were pleasantly surprised to find out if was a personal lesson for just the two of us! Our teacher was so lovely and you could tell how passionate she was about her craft. She explained the whole process thoroughly and helped us if we needed it on each step. The packaging so we could transport our projects back home was also amazing. I did not expect to have that done for us either! Highly recommend if you're into arts and crafts!!

Business Not Yet on Google Maps But I'm Adding Because It Deserves to Be!

Posted Date: 2025/01/17

Toshi is lovely.

Toshi is amazing. She welcomes you into her workspace and then teaches you all about something she has been doing her whole life. Her mother is also an artist and it is a truly special immersive experience.

Wonderful, memorable experience

Posted Date: 2025/02/23

Katie

Toshie Masubuchi was a wealth of knowledge in Kintsugi, as well as being a warm and detailed teacher throughout the lesson. This was my first time engaging in this art form and Toshi was prepared to teach with detailed handouts (in English), thorough verbal descriptions and visual hands-on examples at each step.

She welcomed me into her art space with a hot cup of tea on a cold morning and was patient and helpful during the entire lesson. I will treasure the memories of this class and recomme… Toshie Masubuchi was a wealth of knowledge in Kintsugi, as well as being a warm and detailed teacher throughout the lesson. This was my first time engaging in this art form and Toshi was prepared to teach with detailed handouts (in English), thorough verbal descriptions and visual hands-on examples at each step.

She welcomed me into her art space with a hot cup of tea on a cold morning and was patient and helpful during the entire lesson. I will treasure the memories of this class and recommend them to anyone visiting Tokyo.

Amazing experience!

Posted Date: 2025/04/03

Traveling fan

This class was a highlight of our trip. My 18 yo daughter and 21 yo son also enjoyed the kintsugi experience very much. Class was just the 3 of us, was very well run and we were able to do all steps of the repair process. Our still wet teacups were packaged very well and came home in one piece without shifting out of place.

Perfect

Posted Date: 2025/04/06

Prince

Very personal. Toshi was an excellent teacher, easy to follow and exceptionally well prepared. We came away with a lovely kintsugi cup each that we made and inspired to do more. Also a deeper understanding of all that’s involved in this beautiful craft.Would absolutely recommend to others.Many thanks.

Don't miss this experience while you're in Tokyo

Posted Date: 2025/04/13

Zane

From start to finish, this was an amazing experience. It's an intimate, private class inside the artist's studio. The instructor provided information on the history of kintsugi and carefully guided us through each step of the process with ample detail. A list of all the tools and materials used in the class are provided in a list as well (make sure to go to Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku to get them yourself!)

Fantastic, favorite event!

Posted Date: 2025/04/23

JZSP

Highly recommend. This was our favorite part of a great trip! Toshie is a wonderful teacher and she has set up this easy-going experience so that it's fun and accessible for everyone. Absolutely worth the price!

Our group was two couples, it was just us; I think she extended the time because she saw we were having fun. Skill and language are no barriers, she has pictures, labels, and experience doing this for many years and it's easy to learn from her and incredibly fun! She serves tea and snac… Highly recommend. This was our favorite part of a great trip! Toshie is a wonderful teacher and she has set up this easy-going experience so that it's fun and accessible for everyone. Absolutely worth the price!

Our group was two couples, it was just us; I think she extended the time because she saw we were having fun. Skill and language are no barriers, she has pictures, labels, and experience doing this for many years and it's easy to learn from her and incredibly fun! She serves tea and snacks to enjoy and you can chat casually as you work and wait for things to dry. Plus you get an incredible, one-of-a-kind souvenir/gift/memento out of it! (Which she packages securely for you to travel without worry of damaging it.)

As a tourist who doesn't speak Japanese, this was the activity that left me feeling the closest connection to the culture.

Rich Experience

Posted Date: 2025/05/03

Mia Randall

We ended our trip here and it was the most relaxing, yet rich experience. The art of Kintsugi is extraordinary and absolutely points me back to my faith and how my broken pieces don’t discount me from the love of Christ. I thought I knew most of the process, but the time spent went deeper than my current knowledge and enhanced my love for the art form even more! It’s a must if you are in Tokyo, or even if you aren’t, make the trip.

Very thorough workshop

Posted Date: 2025/05/27

Luis

The workshop facilitator was pleasant and dedicated. All the information was provided to continue the practice of kintsugi. I enjoyed it very much, as I like meticulous work. I strongly recommend it.

We had a wonderful time

Posted Date: 2025/06/29

Tomi

She was very friendly and went through every step to show us how to do it.
My daughter thinks that she can fix some of chipped bowls at her home.
She is going to buy all tools need while we’re in Japan.

A must-try activity

Posted Date: 2026/01/11

Dave Z

Yoshie-san is talented and impressive as an artist, and manages to make something she’s dedicated so much time to accessible to even first-timers!

Excellent introduction

Posted Date: 2026/07/05

Katherine Chandler

This was a great experience. I learned about Kintsugi and repaired a cup. I highly recommend

Had a great time with a fantastic teacher.

Posted Date: 2026/07/06

Matt Fox

My wife and I did this class and had a fantastic time. It was informative and great fun. If you have ever seen this type of pottery repair and wondered how it's done, this class is for you.

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