Lacquer Polishing in Odawara: Create Japanese Tableware

Design and polish your own piece of Japanese tableware

Learn lacquer polishing in Odawara and create a unique bowl or plate with your own pattern using water sandpaper. An English-speaking guide leads the two-hour workshop at the craft studio. Transport from Odawara Station, materials, and shipping are included. The craftsman applies lacquer and finishes the piece over two months, then delivers it to your home.

The experience

Odawara lacquerware has been designated a Traditional Craft since 1984, and this workshop lets you make one yourself. You'll work with water sandpaper to carve your own design into a bowl (or a plate, for an additional fee), then watch the craftsman apply two coats of lacquer by hand. The piece dries and gets carefully polished over about two months before shipping to you, so you take home something you made, finished to the standard of the craft.

Transport from Odawara Station to the workshop is included, as is an English guide who walks you through the process. The studio is wheelchair accessible, and children from age four can participate. You'll get an apron and cloths. The only choice is whether to work on the basic bowl or upgrade to a plate. Because the lacquering and polishing happen after you leave, you're not waiting around for the finish. You book the experience, make the design, and the craftsman takes it from there.

What’s included

• Transport from Odawara Station to the workshop.
• an English-speaking guide.
• a basic ceramic bowl (or plate for an additional fee).
• all materials and tools for the polishing process.
• aprons and cloths.
• lacquering and polishing by the craftsman.
• shipping of your finished piece to your home address.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and Sunday

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (7 to 15 years) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AYA

Is this one for you?The workshop includes pickup from Odawara Station, so you don't need a car or local transport. Book it as part of your day in the city and the guide handles getting you there and back. If you're staying elsewhere in the area without a rental, this solves the logistics while you focus on making something.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 15 years); Child (4 to 6 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

How long does the actual polishing take on the day I visit?

The workshop itself runs two hours, during which you design and carve your pattern into the vessel using water sandpaper. The lacquering and polishing happen afterward at the studio over about two months.

Can I choose what shape I want to make?

Yes. A bowl is included in the price. If you prefer a plate instead, an additional fee applies and you choose on the day of the experience.

How do I get from Odawara Station to the workshop?

Transport from Odawara Station to the lacquer polishing studio is included in the booking, so you don't need to arrange your own way there.

What happens to my piece after I finish polishing it?

The craftsman applies two coats of lacquer to seal and shine your design, then carefully polishes it. After drying over about two months, it's shipped directly to your home.