Category: Hidden Gems

  • Experience Traditional Kintsugi in Kyoto

    Experience Traditional Kintsugi in Kyoto

    Explore the traditional methods of Kintsugi at Heiando Kyoto.

    Experience Traditional Kintsugi in Kyoto

    1.5 hours

    Easy

    Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese technique for repairing broken or chipped vessels. This art form has recently gained worldwide attention, extending beyond Japan.

    Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese technique for repairing broken or chipped vessels. This art form has recently gained worldwide attention, extending beyond Japan. While many Kintsugi methods exists, the technique introduced in this class is the most classic and essential Kintsugi method, using 100% natural materials and traditional Japanese “Urushi” lacquer. The traditional process can take about two to four months to complete. In this experience you will take part in one of the most intriguing and final parts of Kintsugi restoration: the decoration with gold powder, using vessels that have been 80% restored by the craftsmen. You can choose to restore either a vibrant, newly crafted vessel from a variety of options, or a unique, antique vessel that has been carefully sourced from Kyoto. Through videos and slides you will also learn about the history and process of Kintsugi, as well as the characteristics of Urushi and the manufacturing process. The skilled team trained by the Kintsugi Master, will guide you through the entire process helping you gain a deeper understanding of both Kintsugi and lacquer restoration!

    *Please note that the duration of the course vary from 90-120 minutes.
    *Optional Guide is available upon checkout
    with an additional charge

    Heiando Kintsugi

     14 Murasakino Monzencho, Kita Ward, 603-8216 Kyoto, JP

    description

    The traditional process can take about two to four months to complete. In this experience you will take part in one of the most intriguing and final parts of Kintsugi restoration: the decoration with gold powder, using vessels that have been 80% restored by the craftsmen. You can choose to restore either a vibrant, newly crafted vessel from a variety of options, or a unique, antique vessel that has been carefully sourced from Kyoto. Through videos and slides you will also learn about the history and process of Kintsugi, as well as the characteristics of Urushi and the manufacturing process. The skilled team trained by the Kintsugi Master, will guide you through the entire process helping you gain a deeper understanding of both Kintsugi and lacquer restoration!

    What do I need to bring?

    please note

    • Master HIROKI Participation: If you’d like to learn from Master HIROKI himself, please contact us in advance. His availability may vary, and additional fees may apply.
    • Vessels: Please note that for antique vessels, additional costs may apply
    • Materials: All materials used are made in Japan and chemical-free. We use traditional Urushi lacquer. Please note: Urushi can cause skin irritation, avoid direct contact.
    • Experience Notes: You cannot bring your own broken vessels. We will provide the items for the Kintsugi experience. If you want to take your item home the same day, we offer a quick-drying decorative paint with the same appearance as lacquer. You can choose from different product grades; additional fees may apply on site. Souvenirs are also available for purchase.
    • Curing & Shipping: Traditional lacquer requires at least 5 days to cure. We offer shipping within Japan for free and overseas (JPY 5,500 per address; fees may vary). Shipping is arranged and paid on site. Delivery can also be made to your hotel in Japan. We recommend receiving the product while you’re still in Japan.
    • About HEIANDO Kyoto: Founded by Master HIROKI, a craftsman with over 50 years of experience in cultural property restoration. His work continues the 10,000-year-old tradition perfected in the Edo period.
    • Transportation: Should you select the guide option, the meeting point will change to Kitaoji Station. The taxi Fare from/to Kitaoji Station needs to be covered separately.
    • Late arrival: In case of delays or no-shows we are unable to extend or reschedule the experience. If you arrive late and it is possible to extend the experience additional fees may apply.

    What’s included?

    • Experience Fees
    • Material Fees
    • One Drink

    Exclusions

    • Transportation fee from/to Kitaoji Station 

    more info

    Experience type

    Day tour / activity

    Booking in advance

    Cut off: 3 days

    Duration

    1.5 hours〜

    Live tour guide

    Difficulty

    Easy

    Know before you go

    Minimum age of participants is: 13

    Cancellation policy

    • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event

    Live your adventure

    +81 3-6824-2055

    info@honeyj.co.jp

    Head Office
    Morimatsu Building 2F 3 Nyorai, Kita, Nagoya

    Tokyo Office
    Nissey Marunouchi Garden Tower 3F 1-1-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    Government-Licensed Class 1 Travel Agency License No. 2149 JATA Regular Member

    © Honey J Corporation 2025
    Formerly Honey J Tours

  • Customizable Osaka Bike Tour

    Customizable Osaka Bike Tour

    Visit Shinise and discover the craftsmanship that has been passed down for more than 100 years.

    Customizable Osaka Bike Tour

    3 hours

    Moderate

    Kyoto was the capital for over a thousand years, home to many artisans who crafted goods for its imperial palaces, temples and shrines.

    Kyoto was the capital for over a thousand years, home to many artisans who crafted goods for its imperial palaces, temples and shrines. These crafts have been passed down through generations of family businesses, preserving traditional techniques for many years.

    On this tour you will be able to visit long-established stores and explore their history and cultural significance. The tour includes a 1-hour hands-on experience in traditional paper printing called Karakami. 

    Start your tour by visiting a paper shop where you will learn about the history and techniques of Karakami. Here you will create your own picture postcard with a special woodblock printing technique, which has been used for many generations.
    After the experience explore long-established shops with products such as traditional lacquerware, calligraphy products, lanterns and even a pigment and paint shop that focuses on natural pigments used in Japanese-style paintings.

    You can start this experience at the following places.

    Exact location will be sent after confirmed booking

    〒600-8421 JP Kyoto 171 Dojishacho Shimogyo Ward

    description

    Join a unique Osaka bike tour tailored to your interests and explore the city like never before!

    This bike tour offers more than just the usual attractions; you’ll discover all the nooks and crannies you would never see walking or with any other means of transportation.
    More than just a bike ride, you will feel like you are spending a day with a local friend who knows all the best places in Osaka.

    G-ZO, your guide who has lived in Osaka for more than 7 years and worked with multiple local Japanese craftsmen, has developed strong relationships with them and is dedicated to supporting Japanese cultural advancement. Having studied Japanese culture for a long time, he has gained a deep understanding of its intricacies. He will guide you in exploring Japanese culture from a fresh viewpoint and how to appreciate it more closely!

    You will explore parts of Osaka depending on your interests, the itinerary will be completely customized for you.
    G-ZO will connect you to the community you have interests in by helping you communicate with locals as well as plugging you into the right spaces!
    Osaka has it all; you just have to know where to look. The possibilities are endless, so join G-ZO on this bike tour to uncover Osaka’s secret treasures and immerse yourself in it’s culture like a local!

    If you would like to add a Japanese cultural experience to your bike tour, please book the “6-Hour Bike Tour” option.
    If the date you would like to book is not available, please contact us.

    What do I need to bring?

    • This is a walking tour, so please wear comfortable shoes suitable for extended walking.

    please note

    • Please ensure you know how to ride confidently, follow local road rules, and are aware of your fitness level for a safe and enjoyable experience
    • A specific start time will be confirmed after consulting 
    • Upon confirmation of the date and time, your guide will contact you to put together a customized itinerary for you
    • The 6-Hour Bike Tour includes one Japanese cultural experience (available experiences will be discussed during itinerary creation)
    • The meeting point will be sent after booking confirmation
    • Please be aware that if extreme weather conditions arise, we may need to cancel the tour to ensure the safety of our guests and guide. Thank you for your understanding.

    What’s included?

    • Guide Fees
    • Japanese cultural experience (only 6-Hour Bike Tour option)

    Exclusions

    • Transportation to/from your hotel to the meeting point
    • Food/drink costs

    more info

    Experience type

    Day tour / activity

    Booking in advance

    Cut off: 2 days

    Duration

    3 hours

    Live tour guide

    Difficulty

    Moderate

    Know before you go

    Minimum age of participants is: 15

    Cancellation policy

    • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 23 hours or less before the event
    • We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 2 days or less before the event

    Live your adventure

    +81 3-6824-2055

    info@honeyj.co.jp

    Head Office
    Morimatsu Building 2F 3 Nyorai, Kita, Nagoya

    Tokyo Office
    Nissey Marunouchi Garden Tower 3F 1-1-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    Government-Licensed Class 1 Travel Agency License No. 2149 JATA Regular Member

    © Honey J Corporation 2025
    Formerly Honey J Tours