-Authentic Experience · Kyoto
Absolute commitment to authentic Kintsugi—using strictly organic, tree-derived sap and genuine gold powder, completely avoiding synthetic epoxy glues.
Duration
90-120 min
Group size
1-8 guests
From
¥38,500
Location
Kyoto・Tokyo
By Lily Terada
Category: Cultural Experience
Reading time: 12 min
Most craft workshops hand you a pre-mixed chemical glue, point to a crack, and tell you to paint it gold. This one is different. Here, you are taught to understand the soul of living Urushi lacquer before you ever touch a brush.
I
場所 · Basho
At a Glance
To step into a traditional urushi (lacquer) studio is to cross a threshold. You enter a world regulated by a completely different concept of time. In particular, Honey J Travel grants travelers exclusive access to the quiet sanctuary of Heiando Kyoto. This space feels heavily weighted with history.
Furthermore, the studio operates far away from the frantic rush of mainstream tourist corridors. It functions not as a superficial performance space but as a genuine living workshop.
This profound setting centers entirely on the presence of Master HIROKI (Hiroki Suezaki) . As a revered lacquer art restorer, he has dedicated more than 50 years of his life to preserving Japan’s material culture.
Moreover, he serves as a direct successor to traditional techniques originally established during the Edo period.
Honey J Travel now expands this exclusive access to Tokyo. Specifically, Master HIROKI’s classical kintsugi methodology has found a new home in the sophisticated districts of Ginza and Omotesando. Tokyo is famously characterized by its hyper-accelerated lifestyle. In contrast, these Tokyo studios act as intentional counter-spaces, operating as urban monasteries of slow culture.
Furthermore, these new locations replicate the exact environmental principles and silent focus of the original Kyoto workshop. Indeed, stepping off the bustling streets into these serene spaces provides a startling, beautiful contrast. This experience demonstrates perfectly that Edo-period craftsmanship is not a static museum piece bound to the past. Instead, it stands as an active, living philosophy that offers a profound antidote to the stresses of modern metropolitan life.
Each location offers an identical commitment to the 100% natural Urushi philosophy, adapted beautifully into a modern metropolitan setting. To explore availability, view specific studio galleries, and secure your private session, select your preferred Tokyo sanctuary below:
50年
YEARS OF mastery
2大都市
kyoto & tokyo
100%
natural urushi
The Kyoto studio is an intimate, atmospheric sanctuary. In particular, the space relies on a dramatic interplay of shadow, warm illumination, and rich traditional textures. The interior features deep charcoal-toned wooden pillars, dark tiled floors, and a striking exposed high-ceiling structure.
Along the main wall, an illuminated display features a collection of fine ceramics. Specifically, these pieces sit neatly arranged across minimalist floating wooden shelves. This entire display is backlit by a warm, glowing amber horizon layer. Furthermore, a floor-to-ceiling vertical wooden slat screen rises directly above the shelving.
For the hands-on experience, long, dark timber workshop tables stand ready in the center of the room. In addition, the studio pairs these tables with matching high-backed wooden chairs. Overhead track lighting and glowing spherical paper lanterns illuminate your workspace perfectly. Finally, large windows span the far wall. These windows feature dark traditional valances and rolled bamboo blinds that offer a quiet view of the green garden foliage outside.
“We are working to pass on to the future natural materials that can be returned to the earth and the craftsmanship that has been accumulated over the past millennium.” — Master HIROKI
金継ぎ Kintsugi—Historically, classical Kintsugi has never been a rushed or synthetic act. Instead, it stands as an exercise in profound patience and seasonal alignment. True masters gather raw tree sap and work in rhythm with atmospheric humidity. Consequently, none of this meticulous process can be simulated with rapid, thirty-minute commercial alternatives. This art requires an absolute presence of mind, material respect, and deep philosophical intention.
Furthermore, engaging in this craft alongside a master with five decades of conservation knowledge recovers a rare authenticity. This exclusive session ensures that what is happening is entirely real. In fact, it matters intensely to the lineage keepers hosting you. Your private participation represents a genuine contribution to the survival of a millennium-old natural craft rather than a mere commercial transaction.
II
漆 · urushi
To truly understand Kintsugi (金継ぎ), literally meaning “to join with gold,” one must look far beyond the aesthetic appeal of a gold-seamed ceramic bowl. In Western restoration traditions, the primary objective is almost always to achieve invisible repair—to erase the damage, disguise the fracture, and trick the eye into believing the object never suffered trauma. Kintsugi turns this philosophy entirely on its head. It treats the breakage not as an unfortunate accident that diminishes the object’s value, but as a defining, monumental chapter in its history. The fracture is celebrated, highlighted, and illuminated using one of the earth’s most precious materials: gold. This practice is intimately bound to the Japanese aesthetic framework of Wabi-Sabi (the acceptance of transience and imperfection) and Mottainai (a deep sense of regret over waste, combined with a reverent gratitude toward material objects).
本
漆
Hon-Urushi
Hon-urushi・本漆
In the classical lineage of restoration, materials are treated as sacred, living entities. Authentic Hon-Kintsugi relies strictly on pure, unadulterated tree sap combined with organic elements like wheat flour and wood dust. This organic compound cannot dry through simple exposure to air; it requires a humid wooden chamber (muro) to undergo a complex enzymatic reaction. Because natural Urushi cures by literally breathing in atmospheric moisture, it forms a food-safe, permanent crystalline bond. Over the centuries, this living lacquer continues to polymerize, becoming increasingly durable and resilient with age.
新
漆
Shin-Urushi & Epoxy
Shin-Urushi & Epoxy · 新漆・エポキシ
A modern commercial alternative designed to bypass the rigorous timelines of traditional craftsmanship. Most high-volume tourist workshops utilize synthetic epoxy glues, chemical resins, and brass powders disguised as “quick-fix kintsugi.” While these chemical combinations allow an object to stick together and dry in under thirty minutes, they are fundamentally toxic and entirely unsafe for actual culinary use. By relying on a cheap, artificial chemical reaction rather than the slow, natural curing process of real tree sap, this superficial method severs the spiritual and historical lifeline of the craft.
However, Master HIROKI emphasizes a critical distinction that is frequently lost in modern interpretations: the absolute spiritual and physical necessity of using Hon-Kintsugi (classical, authentic kintsugi) rather than synthetic alternatives. Today, many commercial workshops catering to tourists utilize modern epoxy glues, chemical resins, and synthetic brass powder to provide a “quick fix” that dries in thirty minutes. To Master HIROKI, this artificial approach completely severs the cultural and spiritual lifeline of the art.
Classical Kintsugi relies exclusively on Urushi, the sap of the toxicodendron vernicifluum (lacquer tree), combined with organic materials like flour, clay powder, and pure wood dust. Urushi is not a chemical glue; it is a living, organic substance harvested drop by precious drop from trees that must be at least ten to fifteen years old.
Consequently, Each tree yields only about 200 grams of sap in its entire lifetime before being harvested, making it an incredibly scarce and sacred material.
The relationship between the artisan and Urushi is profoundly collaborative. Because natural lacquer dries only under high humidity through an enzymatic reaction, the process cannot be rushed by human impatience. In fact, natural Urushi hardens by absorbing moisture from the air. This organic process makes the restored vessel completely food-safe and exceptionally durable.
Consequently, healing a broken ceramic vessel with living tree sap allows you to participate in a spiritual cycle of rebirth. The vessel actually becomes stronger at its fractures than it was before the breakage. Through the lens of Master HIROKI’s teachings, Kintsugi serves as a physical metaphor for human resilience. Therefore, it beautifully reminds the traveler that our own hidden scars and traumas are precisely the elements that make our personal narratives uniquely strong and precious.
ス
タ
ン
ダ
｜
ド
Standard Plan
スタンダードプラン
Select from a curated collection of newly crafted ceramic vessels prepared exclusively for this experience. Choose your favorite piece from our diverse selection and transform it into your own unique work of art.
ヴ
ィ
ン
テ
｜
ジ
Vintage Plan
ヴィンテージプラン
Choose to work upon a vintage ceramic vessel, hand-selected with care in Kyoto. As authentic vintage pieces, these vessels may feature subtle blemishes or historical wear—imperfections that add to their deep, individual character.
Note: Additional fees apply for dedicated English-speaking interpreter services and for private studio sessions specifically requesting Master HIROKI.
III
先生 · Hiroki
To sit across from Master HIROKI is to come face-to-face with a living bridge to Japan’s cultural past. For over fifty years, Hiroki-sensei has operated at the absolute pinnacle of Urushi restoration. In this discipline, mastery is not measured in years. Instead, it requires decades of silent observation and an intuitive understanding of organic chemistry. His journey began not as a commercial pursuit, but as a deep, vocational calling to preserve what the passage of time threatens to erase. As the designated successor to historical lineages established during the Edo period, his hands have touched, analyzed, and healed objects that form the very fabric of Japanese history—from sacred temple artifacts and national cultural properties to priceless antique tea bowls passed down through generations of tea masters.
The depth of his expertise makes Master HIROKI an international ambassador for Japanese craftsmanship. Specifically, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly dispatched him to European cultural capitals. His historic lectures at the Vatican City and restoration seminars in Oxford have established him as a global authority. Yet, despite these institutional achievements, his true passion lies in sharing this knowledge intimately. By opening his studio doors through Honey J Travel, he ensures this sustainable worldview continues to breathe.
Furthermore, guests learn that Kintsugi is fundamentally an act of deep reverence. In a modern global society dominated by a disposable mindset, his workshop stands as a radical counter-cultural space. Indeed, spending hours applying a microscopic layer of living tree sap teaches you how to value things deeply. Master HIROKI ultimately teaches you how to look at the world with an entirely new level of gratitude.
IV
流れ · Nagare
| TIME | WHAT HAPPENS | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| 10-20min | Ancestral Welcome & Legacy | Meet your instructor—either Master HIROKI or one of his senior disciples. Enjoy seasonal tea/bottled water while discovering the history of natural lacquer and why this session focuses on the definitive fifth stage of classical kintsugi. |
| 20min | Creative Vision & Sketching | Establish clarity of mind on paper first. Guided by the studio staff, you will use a pencil and paper to sketch the fluid lines or organic geometric designs you intend to apply to your ceramic vessel. |
| 20min | Precision Lacquerwork | Receive a fine brush charged with pure, red-pigmented Urushi. Under close instruction, paint your design. Because all red parts will turn to gold, you will learn to strategically leave some black parts for a vibrant contrast. |
| 30min | The Golden Rain & Muro Curing | Sprinkle pure gold powder across the wet lines, then gently brush away excess dust with a soft cotton-like ball. Your instructor provides the finishing touch before placing the vessel into the Muro chamber to set. |
| 10-30min | Master Review & Packaging | A final personalized evaluation of your work by the instructor. The studio staff will then securely nestle your living piece of art into a specially engineered travel box so it can safely complete its natural curing process on your journey home. |
What’s included: Experience fee, authentic natural Urushi lacquer, pure gold powder, a ceramic vessel of your choice, custom travel packaging, and seasonal Japanese tea or bottled water.
Safety and accessibility: Natural liquid Urushi resin can cause temporary skin irritation upon direct contact. Wet lacquer stains clothing permanently; comfortable clothes with rollable sleeves are highly recommended. Once completely cured, the finished piece is hypoallergenic and 100% food-safe.
感想 · Guest voices
John from australia
“I had such a great time at this kintsugi workshop in Kyoto! The process of repairing ceramics with gold was fun, hands-on, and surprisingly calming. The best part was meeting the artist—he was super friendly and made the whole experience really enjoyable. I left with a beautiful piece to take home and a memory that feels very “Kyoto.” Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something unique to do here!”
Arushi from Seattle, WA
“This experience is truly unique and exceptional! It is keeping alive a tradition using only naturally derived ingredients and a great spirituality behind it. The sensei, apprentices and translators were all incredibly warm, passionate and knowledgeable! You are missing out if you don’t do this in Kyoto!”
1 Guest
One people
¥38,500
Standard Plan
Experience the fine, meditative art of classical Kintsugi using 100% natural Urushi lacquer and pure gold powder on a beautifully crafted contemporary ceramic canvas.
w/ English Interpreter
¥74,800
Vintage Plan
Enjoy our Vintage Plan with a dedicated English interpreter. Worry no more about language barriers as you breathe new life into hand-selected historical ceramics, guided step-by-step through the rich spiritual heritage of classical Urushi design.
Larger groups
Enquire
maximum 5 guests
よくある質問 · Before you book
Raw, wet Urushi belongs to the sumac family and contains urushiol, which can cause temporary skin irritation upon direct contact. However, Master HIROKI’s studio prioritizes guest safety above all else. We provide protective gloves and arm covers, and the entire experience is closely supervised by expert apprentices. Once the lacquer has completely cured, it becomes 100% inert, hypoallergenic, and entirely safe to touch and eat from.
Raw, wet Urushi belongs to the sumac family and contains urushiol, which can cause temporary skin irritation upon direct contact. However, Master HIROKI’s studio prioritizes guest safety above all else. We provide protective gloves and arm covers, and the entire experience is closely supervised by expert apprentices. Once the lacquer has completely cured, it becomes 100% inert, hypoallergenic, and entirely safe to touch and eat from.
The overwhelming majority of commercial tourist workshops utilize fast-drying synthetic epoxy glues and metallic brass powder to complete a piece in 30 minutes. These materials are toxic, not food-safe, and bear no connection to true Japanese craftsmanship. Honey J Travel guarantees a 100% authentic experience using pure, tree-harvested Urushi lacquer and genuine gold powder under the guidance of a government-recognized restoration master.
Raw, wet Urushi belongs to the sumac family and contains urushiol, which can cause temporary skin irritation upon direct contact. However, Master HIROKI’s studio prioritizes guest safety above all else. We provide protective gloves and arm covers, and the entire experience is closely supervised by expert apprentices. Once the lacquer has completely cured, it becomes 100% inert, hypoallergenic, and entirely safe to touch and eat from.
Year-round · Private · 2–6 guests
Availability is limited. Enquire to check your preferred dates — we typically respond within 24 hours.