Kintsugi class in Tokyo: restore pottery, take it home

Repair a broken bowl with gold and walk out with it wrapped.

A two-hour kintsugi class in Shibuya, Tokyo, where you choose a piece of broken pottery from the studio collection, learn the Japanese restoration technique from an English-speaking instructor, and take home your repaired work in a gift box. The class holds two to six students, opens with matcha tea and seasonal sweets, and includes all materials, a worksheet guide and personalized instruction.

The Experience

The class starts with matcha tea and seasonal Japanese sweets in the studio, a short walk uphill from Shibuya crossing. This opening ritual sets the pace for what comes next—a two-hour restoration where you work at your own speed on a piece you choose from the collection. The instructor demonstrates the kintsugi technique step by step, then guides you through the repair of your own pottery, filling the cracks with gold lacquer in the traditional way.

You get a worksheet that walks you through each stage of the restoration, so the process stays clear even as you're working with your hands. The instructor stays close, offering personalized feedback and adjusting the pace to match your experience level. By the end, your piece is ready to take home in a special gift box designed for the finished work—a souvenir that is actually something you made.

Everything you need is provided: the broken pottery, the gold lacquer, the tools, the matcha, the sweets and the box. You bring yourself. The studio is small, capped at six people, so the attention stays personal and the room never feels crowded. Children from age six are welcome, and the class suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• All materials and tools for the restoration.
• matcha tea and seasonal Japanese sweets.
• a worksheet guide to support you through each stage.
• personalized instruction from your English-speaking instructor.
• gift box for your finished piece.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mon Cadeau - Kintsugi Workshop

Is this one for you?The studio is a short walk uphill from Shibuya crossing and reachable by public transportation, so you don't need a car or a long commute from central Tokyo to fit this into your day. The two-hour length and small group size mean you get real attention without the class running so long that it dominates your schedule.

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Top questions

What exactly is kintsugi and how does the instructor teach it?

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer, treating the break as part of the object's history rather than a flaw to hide. Your instructor demonstrates the technique step by step, then guides you through restoring your own chosen piece with hands-on support throughout the two hours.

Can I bring a piece of pottery I've already broken, or do I choose from the studio?

You choose from the studio's collection of broken pottery pieces. This ensures the pieces are suitable for the kintsugi technique and that you have options to match your preference.

How long does the class actually take, and what happens at the beginning?

The class runs two hours total. It opens with matcha tea and seasonal Japanese sweets to settle your mind, then moves into the hands-on restoration work, with the instructor guiding you through each stage.

Is the studio easy to reach if I'm staying in central Tokyo without a car?

The studio sits uphill from Shibuya crossing, and public transportation options are available nearby. You can reach it by train or bus without needing a rental car or taxi.

What do I get to take home, and how is it packaged?

You take home your restored pottery piece in a special gift box designed for kintsugi work, making it a finished souvenir ready to display or use.