About this tour
A 90-minute hands-on workshop where you'll learn Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold, in central Tokyo. No pottery experience needed. You'll work with an English-speaking instructor to mend your own piece using fast-drying materials, then take it home the same day—ideal for travellers keen to pick up a genuine craft skill and understand the Japanese philosophy of valuing damaged objects rather than discarding them.
Highlights
- Repair your own ceramic piece with gold and specialised tools
- English-speaking instructor guides you through each step
- Fast-drying materials mean your piece is ready to pack same-day
- Learn the philosophy of Mottainai—Japanese reverence for useful things
- Centrally located in Shinjuku with wheelchair-accessible venue
- All materials included; ceramic pieces available at various price points
- No prior pottery or craft experience required
What to expect
You'll arrive at the Shinjuku studio and be introduced to Kintsugi by your English-speaking instructor. They'll walk you through the process: selecting or bringing a ceramic piece to repair, applying adhesive, positioning the broken sections, and carefully applying gold powder to the seams. The instructor demonstrates each technique and watches as you work through your own repair.
Because the workshop uses quick-setting materials, your finished piece will be dry and stable by the end of the session. You'll leave with a repaired ceramic object you've made yourself, ready to pack into your luggage or display. The entire experience takes around 90 minutes from start to finish.
What travellers say
- Genuine craft technique you can do same-day, no waiting for firing
- English instruction makes Japanese philosophy and method clear
- Takeaway piece is finished and durable enough to travel with
- No experience required—instructor guides absolute beginners well
- Central location and wheelchair-accessible venue remove logistical friction
- High fitness level noted as requirement—purpose unclear from description
- Ceramic piece options and pricing structure not fully transparent upfront
- 90 minutes is tight for learning a traditional craft thoroughly
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This workshop suits anyone curious about Japanese craft traditions and wanting a tangible souvenir you've actually made, not bought. It's especially good for independent travellers without pottery experience. The venue is wheelchair accessible and close to public transport. Be aware: the listing mentions travellers should have a high level of physical fitness, though the actual workshop is seated work—this likely refers to access or the walk to the studio. The fast-drying materials are a practical bonus for packing, but check whether your piece needs any extra padding for travel. Various ceramic pieces are available at different price points (additional charges apply). Peak times in Shinjuku can be crowded, but the workshop itself is small-group.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.