Kintsugi pottery repair workshop in Kyoto: Repair your own plate

Gold-seamed cracks turn a broken plate into something whole again

A kintsugi workshop in central Kyoto where you repair a ceramic plate using the traditional Japanese technique of highlighting cracks with gold-colored lacquer. The 75-minute session includes bilingual staff guidance, all tools, and the plate you work on. You leave with your finished piece. Children must be at least 7 years old. The space is wheelchair accessible.

The experience

The workshop sits in Kyoto's cultural heart, designed to let you slow down and focus on the repair itself. You'll work with a ceramic plate and learn the step-by-step process of kintsugi: a technique rooted in the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection rather than hiding damage. The staff speak English and Japanese, guiding you through preparing materials and applying the gold-colored lacquer to transform cracks into deliberate design features. By the end of the 75 minutes, you'll have a one-of-a-kind piece that carries the marks of the repair as part of its story.

The experience is built for beginners with no prior pottery or art experience needed. You work at your own pace, and the calm atmosphere lets you absorb not just the technique but the cultural idea behind it: that broken objects deserve care and renewal rather than disposal. The workshop provides everything: the ceramic plate to repair, all the tools, and the lacquer materials. You take the finished plate home as a tangible reminder of what you made.

What’s included

• Use of the workshop space and all tools.
• a plain ceramic plate.
• bilingual staff guidance in English and Japanese.
• lacquer and gold-colored materials for the repair.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 18:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Traveling Kyoto

Is this one for you?The workshop runs 75 minutes of hands-on work at a relaxed pace, so it suits anyone who wants to learn a craft without a full day commitment. Children must be at least 7 to participate. The space is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What exactly is kintsugi and why is it done this way?

Kintsugi is the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by filling cracks with lacquer and gold, turning damage into a visible and beautiful part of the piece. Rather than hiding the break, the technique celebrates it, rooted in the philosophy that imperfection and repair add meaning and beauty to an object.

Do I need any experience with pottery or art to join this workshop?

No experience is required. The workshop is designed for beginners, and the bilingual staff guide you through each step of the repair process, so you'll learn as you work.

Will I actually take home the plate I repair?

Yes, you take home the ceramic plate you repair during the session. It's your own finished work of art and a lasting reminder of the experience.

How long does the workshop take?

The session runs 75 minutes, which includes learning the technique, repairing your ceramic plate, and applying the gold-colored lacquer finish.

What's included in the workshop fee?

The workshop includes use of the space and all tools, a plain ceramic plate to repair, bilingual staff instruction in English and Japanese, and all the lacquer and materials you need to complete the piece.

Are there different plate options I can choose?

A variety of plates is available as an upgrade option at checkout, so you can select a different ceramic piece if you prefer beyond the standard plain plate included in the base workshop.