Kintsugi Workshop in Asakusa: Gold Repair Art Class

Repair broken pottery with gold and learn why the cracks matter

A kintsugi workshop in Asakusa where you mend broken pottery using traditional urushi lacquer and real gold powder under the guidance of a skilled local artisan. You'll assemble ceramic pieces, apply lacquer with precision, and brush gold along the cracks, learning the philosophy behind the centuries-old technique that celebrates imperfection as beauty. The workshop runs about an hour in a peaceful studio steps from Senso-ji Temple, and you leave with your own golden-repaired ceramic piece.

The Experience

You start by choosing a piece of tableware from the workshop's selection—a bowl, plate or cup with a break or crack that becomes the canvas for repair. The artisan walks you through assembling the ceramic pieces and shows you how to apply urushi lacquer with precision, the traditional Japanese material that binds the break. As the lacquer sets, you brush real gold powder along the natural lines of the cracks, watching the damage transform into something deliberate and beautiful.

The studio sits in one of Tokyo's oldest neighborhoods, a few minutes from Senso-ji Temple, and the quiet space is built for focus. Your instructor—bilingual in English and Japanese—shares the philosophy woven through kintsugi as you work: the idea that repair is renewal, that imperfection has its own aesthetic, and that the broken object becomes more valuable, not less, once it's mended. This is not about hiding damage; it's about honoring it.

By the end of the hour, you have a finished piece—your own golden-repaired ceramic—ready to take with you. The workshop provides all the traditional tools and materials; you bring only your attention to the work itself.

What’s included

• Use of the workshop studio and all traditional kintsugi tools.
• real urushi lacquer and gold powder for your repair.
• a choice of tableware pieces to work with.
• bilingual instruction in English and Japanese.
• your finished golden-repaired ceramic piece to take home.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Traveling Tokyo

Is this one for you?The workshop is in central Asakusa within walking distance of Senso-ji Temple and accessible by train or bus, so you don't need a car or a guide to get there—just show up and step into the studio. The cashless payment system (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Diners Club and Discover accepted) means you can book and pay before you arrive, and infants can sit on an adult's lap if needed, making it easy to fit into a day exploring the neighborhood.

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Top questions

What kind of pottery can I repair in the kintsugi workshop?

You choose from a variety of tableware pieces the workshop provides—bowls, plates, cups and other ceramics with existing breaks or cracks. The artisan helps you select a piece that suits the technique and your skill level.

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

No experience is required. The kintsugi workshop is designed for all physical fitness levels and all backgrounds. The artisan guides you through every step of the repair process, from assembling the pieces to applying the lacquer and gold.

What materials does the workshop use for the repair?

The workshop uses traditional urushi lacquer—the authentic Japanese material used in kintsugi for centuries—and real gold powder to highlight the cracks. All tools and materials are provided as part of the class.

How long does the workshop take?

The workshop runs about an hour. You'll have time to assemble the pieces, apply the lacquer, brush on the gold, and finish your piece so you can take it home the same day.

Is the workshop accessible by public transportation?

Yes. The studio is located in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most accessible neighborhoods, with public transportation options nearby. The workshop itself is wheelchair accessible, and all areas and surfaces are accessible to guests with mobility needs.

What happens if I arrive late to the workshop?

Guests arriving more than 15 minutes late may be asked to reschedule, since late arrivals can affect the timing of subsequent reservations and the artisan's ability to guide you through the full process.