URUSHIY®
Kintsugi experience
What is URUSHI/KINTSUGI?
Kintsugi is an ancient Japanese restoration technique that is now famous around the world, but do you know what it really involves?
Before striking gold powder is applied, the broken edges are fixed together and smoothed out with urushi, a type of lacquer made from the sap of the Asian tree species Toxicodendron vernicifluum, which is secreted when the bark is cut.
Urushi is an organic and eco-friendly material that has had deep roots in Japanese culture for thousands of years - in fact, the world's oldest urushi tree, unearthed in Japan in 2011, is estimated to be around 12,600 years old.
Completed with both urushi and gold, kintsugi is deeply linked to the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which teaches us to cherish the beauty in broken and imperfect things, and to cherish the natural forms of objects.
We invite you to appreciate wabi-sabi not only through kintsugi with us, but also in your visit to Japan and your everyday life.
What we believe in
Our Values
Sharing the masterful traditional techniques of Japanese craftsmanship
Uplifting the community by using locally made items and materials
Ensuring safe use of authentic materials
Promoting sustainable practices like upcycling
Maintaining post-trip connections
Providing quality experiences and items directly from artisans to consumers
Why choose URUSHIY?
Main attractions
important point
Although it varies from person to person, lacquer may cause an allergic reaction.
In the unlikely event that an allergic reaction occurs, we will not be held responsible.
If you notice any abnormalities, please consult a medical institution immediately.
Learn from Kyoto's artisans as an apprentice for a day.
You don't need to bring anything. We will provide all tools and materials. And you can take them home right away.
Let's support the Kyoto community. Everything and the people involved are mostly local!
Support your local artisan community.
Kintsugi Classes
¥37.000-JPY(par1)
/2-2.5h(1day)
・Free admission fee
・No need to bring anything.
・Story about lacquer
・Comes with matcha tea served in a kintsugi tea bowl and Japanese sweets
・Demonstration by craftsmen
・Kintsugi lessons taught by a professional art restorer
・Includes Kintsugi kit
・Restored works can be taken home
・Please feel free to ask us any questions about sightseeing in Kyoto!
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How do I book this experience?Please contact us directly.
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How do I go to this experience?Please come by taxi or bus. There is no parking lot available.
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What kind of clothing is appropriate for this experience?Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
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Can children participate in this experience?This experience is intended for people 13 years of age or older.
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Do I need to speak Japanese?You don't need to speak Japanese. Can communicate in Japanese or English.
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What is the difference from other Kintsugi experiences?Many kintsugi experiences deviate from traditional techniques to speed up the process and reduce costs. URUSHIY is a program taught by professional art conservators using local materials. It is also a community support program, including lacquer and tools purchased from a long-established lacquer shop in Kyoto, and pottery provided by Kyoto artisans. You can also enjoy some of the Japanese culture related to Kintsugi.
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How should I clean my Kintsugi work?Rinse gently with water by hand. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher as it can damage the gold and lacquer.
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Can I eat or drink from Kintsugi works? Can it be used in the microwave, oven, or dishwasher?The parts repaired with Kintsugi can be used as tableware, but the gold may wear out with repeated use, so we recommend using them for display purposes or to hold accessories. Also, regardless of the characteristics of the original piece, it cannot be used in the microwave, oven, or dishwasher.
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Can I learn more about Kintsugi and arts and crafts?For more tips and details about Kintsugi. We also conduct follow-up sessions at related spots as needed.
