TRAVELING JAPAN

Tokyo · Kyoto

Kintsugi: Golden Joinery

Embrace Imperfection, Reveal the Beauty.

Repair and restore plates through the traditional Japanese art of kintsugi, embracing imperfections as you transform cracks into lines of gold and create beauty through repair.

Beyond Just a Souvenir

More than repair,
a moment of reflection

At ZEN Craft, kintsugi is more than the art of repairing broken pottery. It is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and embrace a different way of seeing.

Rooted in Japanese philosophy, kintsugi celebrates imperfections rather than concealing them. Each repaired piece tells a story shaped by time, care, and resilience.

As you restore a broken object with your own hands, you take part in a calm and mindful process, transforming something damaged into something meaningful, unique, and beautiful.

Authentic Craft, Wherever You Go

Choose Your Studio

Select the ZEN Craft Kintsugi Studio that best fits your itinerary and enjoy an authentic Japanese kintsugi experience.

Incredible family experience

Rio patiently guided us through the entire process, breaking the traditional techniques into easy steps. Accessible for any age — my 8 and 12 year olds were fully engaged. A huge variety of ceramics to choose from.

James HJun 2026

A masterclass in art and patience

Led by Mai, the philosophy of celebrating imperfections and finding beauty in broken things repaired with gold is deeply moving. Mai created a warm, peaceful atmosphere and explained the rich history.

Sarina MMay 2026

Fun cultural experience in Asakusa

A great way to dive into the world of kintsugi. The final product looks good and our instructor April gave clear instructions in English. The process takes about 1.5 hours — highly recommend.

Linus CJun 2026

Amazing kintsugi workshop!

So relaxing and the people so welcoming. My teacher Nisa was super friendly, caring and lovely, and Sui explained the history. Such a passionate team — I would love to come back for the other workshops.

andreaJun 2026

Beauty in imperfection

We had fun doing kintsugi with Kanon. Greeted warmly and selected our pottery, the whole experience took about an hour and a half. The pieces came out nice and the staff were very attentive.

Sarah LMay 2026

What To Expect

Experience Overview

01
10 min

Choose

Selecting and preparing the ceramic piece

Begin by selecting a plate with the size and design that best suits you. Then discover the philosophy of kintsugi and learn about the materials and techniques used throughout the workshop.

  • Choose your plate design
  • Introduction to kintsugi and its philosophy
  • Learn about the materials and tools
02
30 min

Prepare & Shape

Kintsugi restoration in progress

Before the repair begins, carefully prepare each broken edge so the lacquer can bond properly. Using a small hand file, you'll smooth and refine the fracture lines before reassembling the pieces.

  • Refine the broken edges with a hand file
  • Prepare the cracks for lacquer application
  • Step-by-step guidance throughout
03
35 min

Apply the Golden Finish

Applying gold along the kintsugi seams

Bring your piece to life by highlighting the repaired cracks with golden accents. Rather than hiding its history, kintsugi celebrates it, transforming each repair into a unique expression of craftsmanship and renewal.

  • Apply the golden finish with powder
  • Reveal the beauty of the repaired lines
  • Complete your one-of-a-kind creation
04

Take Home Your Creation

Finished kintsugi piece ready to take home

Your completed kintsugi piece will be carefully wrapped so you can take it home as a meaningful reminder of your time in Japan.

  • Take home your finished kintsugi piece
  • Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before handling
  • A unique keepsake inspired by Japanese craftsmanship and philosophy

Why ZEN Craft

Designed for International Guests

From repairing broken plate and highlighting its cracks with a golden finish to completing a piece that is uniquely your own, every detail of the workshop is thoughtfully designed for travelers discovering Japanese craftsmanship for the first time.

Clear guidance, a welcoming atmosphere, and hands-on learning come together to create a memorable and meaningful cultural experience.

1

English-Guided

Enjoy the experience with clear, easy-to-understand English guidance. Follow each step with confidence from start to finish.

2

Hands-On Crafting

Create your own souvenirs step by step using real tools. A fully immersive experience where you craft with your own hands.

3

Beginner-Friendly

No experience needed, anyone can join and enjoy. Designed to be simple, relaxing, and easy to follow.

4

Take Your Work Home

Everything you create is yours to keep! A lasting, tangible memory of your journey through Japan.

What's Included

Restore a Piece That's Uniquely Yours

Per Person — From

¥4,000

tax included

Optional upgrades:Premium plate designs & larger plate options

※ Price may vary by day

Included

  • 60–90 minute hands-on kintsugi workshop
  • Choice of standard plate design and size
  • Traditional kintsugi tools and materials
  • Full guidance from an English-speaking instructor
  • Your own repaired plate to take home

Not Included

  • Premium plate designs and larger plate options (available for an additional fee)

Find Your Answer

FAQ

Yes. We strongly recommend booking in advance, as workshop sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure a personal and hands-on experience.

Walk-ins may be accepted depending on availability, but advance reservations are recommended.

Yes. Please contact us 24 hours before the starting time if you need to modify your booking.

Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the workshop are free of charge. Cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows are charged the full workshop fee.

This hands-on Japanese craft workshop introduces you to the traditional art of kintsugi, the practice of repairing broken pottery while highlighting its cracks and history. You'll learn the techniques and philosophy behind this unique Japanese craft while creating your own restored piece.

Yes. Kintsugi has been practiced in Japan for centuries and is deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to experience this traditional art form firsthand.

Kintsugi is more than a repair technique, it is a reflection of the Japanese appreciation for imperfection, resilience, and beauty. By participating in this workshop, you'll gain insight into Japanese culture and leave with a meaningful piece that serves as a lasting reminder of your experience in Japan.

No. All workshops are designed for beginners and first-time visitors.

Not at all. Our instructors guide you step by step throughout the experience.

Yes. Solo travelers are welcome and regularly participate in our workshops.

Yes. Most workshops are family-friendly and suitable for older children.

Yes. The Kintsugi Experience is suitable for guests aged 10 and above. Children under the age of 12 are welcome when accompanied and supervised by a parent or legal guardian. Please note that parents or guardians are responsible for supervising their children throughout the activity, as our instructors are not able to provide full supervision.

Kintsugi is the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer and gold-colored finishes, celebrating imperfections rather than hiding them.

Yes, you may bring your own pottery. We will first inspect the material and condition of the piece to determine whether it is suitable for kintsugi repair. Please note that, depending on the type of material and the extent of the damage, we may not be able to accept it for repair. We appreciate your understanding.

Yes. You can take your repaired piece home on the same day as the workshop. Please note that the repaired area needs approximately 24 hours to dry completely, so we recommend handling it carefully after the workshop.

We use ceramic pieces and specialized materials designed for a safe and accessible kintsugi experience.

Gold-colored materials are used to recreate the traditional kintsugi finish.

No, the ceramic piece used in this experience is not food-safe and should not be used for dining purposes. Traditional kintsugi using natural lacquer requires several days to fully cure. To allow completion within a single visit, this workshop uses adapted materials and techniques.

Yes. The entire experience is guided in English.

Yes. Our instructors provide guidance and support from start to finish.

Absolutely. The experience is specifically designed for travelers visiting Japan.

Yes. The workshop takes place in a comfortable indoor studio.

Yes. The space is climate-controlled and comfortable year-round.

Please check the booking page for the latest location details and availability.

We accept major credit cards and debit cards online. Cash may be accepted for walk-in guests, subject to availability.

Depending on your booking method, payment may be made online in advance or at the venue.

Yes. Photography is welcome throughout the experience.

Yes. Personal video recording is generally permitted unless otherwise advised by staff.

Yes. You will leave with a unique pottery piece that you repaired yourself using the traditional art of kintsugi, creating a meaningful keepsake from your experience in Japan.

Yes. Private workshops can be arranged for families, groups, and special occasions.

Yes. We regularly host corporate groups, incentive trips, and team-building events.

Group sizes vary depending on availability and requirements. Please contact us for details.

Yes. The workshop is beginner-friendly and offers a hands-on introduction to Japanese culture, craftsmanship, and aesthetics through the traditional art of kintsugi.

Traditional craft workshops such as kintsugi offer a deeper cultural experience than typical sightseeing. Rather than simply observing Japanese culture, you'll engage with a centuries-old tradition and create something meaningful with your own hands.

Rather than simply observing Japanese culture, you'll become part of it. This hands-on experience allows you to learn the traditional art of kintsugi, discover the Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfections, and restore a pottery piece with your own hands. You'll leave with a unique creation and a meaningful reminder of your time in Japan.

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Take Home More Than a Souvenir

Ready to restore your own plate?

From repairing broken ceramics to highlighting its history with a golden finish, ZEN Craft offers a thoughtful introduction to the art and philosophy of kintsugi.

Choose your studio

¥4,000

per person · tax included