Japanese Natural Lacquer URUSHI Experience
— Discover the Traditional Art

At the artists’ studio
4 hours ～
¥22,000 / per person

Urushi lacquer is made using natural extracted sap and it has been used and appreciated since ancient times. You will paint a Japanese traditional fan ‘Uchiwa’ with colorful urushi paints using a paintbrush, you will be guided by Yukiko Futakuchi and Yuki Mori who studied under Tomizo Saratani that is a world renowned urushi artist. Create your own original fan and bring it as a memory of Japanese culture.

※During this experience you will use urushi lacquer that naturally contains urushiol. Please be aware that in some cases urushiol may cause an allergic skin rash on contact.

Chashaku (tea spoon) Making Experience
— Craft a Unique Tool for Enriching Your Tea Time

At Beniya Mukayu
80 min
16,500 yen / per person

The bamboo Chashaku used in Japanese tea ceremony was originally whittled down by the tea masters themselves for each meeting that is to be considered as Ichigo-Ichie, ‘once-in-a-lifetime’.
With bamboo materials such as rough-curved one for Chashaku and one for Tomo-Dutsu ‘small container for Chashaku’, first decide the shape of your Chashaku. Adjust its essential parts such as Kaisaki ‘paddle for scooping’ and Kiridome ‘bottom edge’ using a small knife according to your taste. Finally, write the name of Chashaku and the author’s name in ink with writing brush. Please enjoy making tea with your own Chashaku, combining it with other tea things of your choice.

Kinrande Experience
— The Tradition in Your Hands

At Kinzan Kutaniyaki kiln
2.5 hours (including transfer time, one way 30 min by taxi）
¥22,000 / per person （excluding shipping fee）

Gold and colour: learn how to master them in creating unique Kutaniyaki porcelain at one of the kilns that has excelled in this art, Kinzangama Kiln, founded and run by the Yoshita family since 1906. Meet the artists and artisans that design and realize stunning tableware, look at their techniques and learn how to apply gold leaf to colourful Kutaniyaki porcelain objects using professional tools. Let traditional techniques and patterns fuel your creativity while making your own piece, and feel the tradition being alive in your hands.

The price for the international guests includes a special brochure in English.

Woodturning Experience
― Learn Local Techniques and Craft Your Wooden Masterpiece

At the artist’s studio
2 hours
¥ 22,000 / per person (excluding shipping fees)

Yamanaka is famous for its woodturning and lacquerware and it also hosts a very prestigious school for woodturners and lacquerware artists. Graduated after a four-year program there, Terai Laku has established his woodturning studio in the mountains near Yamanaka where he crafts objects that carry on a tradition that has been passed on for more than 400 years. You will be able to sketch your own piece and carve it from a single block of wood. Laku will then finish it by applying the lacquer and send it to your home address after 3 months.

Japanese Natural Lacquer URUSHI Experience
— Discover the Traditional Art

At the artists’ studio
4 hours ～
¥22,000 / per person

Urushi lacquer is made using natural extracted sap and it has been used and appreciated since ancient times. You will paint a Japanese traditional fan ‘Uchiwa’ with colorful urushi paints using a paintbrush, you will be guided by Yukiko Futakuchi and Yuki Mori who studied under Tomizo Saratani that is a world renowned urushi artist. Create your own original fan and bring it as a memory of Japanese culture.

※During this experience you will use urushi lacquer that naturally contains urushiol. Please be aware that in some cases urushiol may cause an allergic skin rash on contact.