Kintsugi Experience at Shikata Urushi, A Centuries-Old Japanese-Urushi Shop in Kyoto

The program as a whole was excellent and we enjoyed the experience. The translator and sensei were patient and clear in their explanations. We were able to get a first hand experience at Kintsugi and enjoyed both the process and result of repairing and beautifying a damaged ceramic piece.

J.S. United States

Our interpreter was so lovely and very good at her job, as well as being so fun to talk to. She reached out early to introduce herself and made sure she got to know us and our interests before arriving at the class. We loved the class! The three of us that attended are all artists, so it was really great to get an in-depth introduction to a new art form. And all of our pieces made it back to the USA safely!

K.T. United States

It was the highlight of our trip. We learned so much. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

L.K. Australia

It was a fabulous experience as i wished and imagined. Meeting the artist and the translator was very lovely, interesting and friendly, the working process was very calm and well explained, we enjoyed every second of it.

O.P.E. Israel

I really enjoyed this experience. It was very informative.

T.L. United States

We had a fantastic time with this kintsugi experience. We learned about the history of the traditional practice and its place in Japanese culture, got hands-on with the process. Loved it!

M.D. Australia

It was an amazing experience and felt so authentic and local. Nothing was overly extravegant which is what we were looking for - a true kintsugi making workshop. The conversations were outstanding, partly thanks to our interpreter. We had so much fun both hands-on and hands-off as a result. Great memories were made and a lot was learned about the culture and art around lacquer.

H.L. Germany

It was an excellent day. Booking through Wabunka was very easy, the interpreter was absolutely amazing, and the experience itself was lovely.

G.S. United Kingdom

A wonderful opportunity to experience a unique part of Japanese culture. Not only was it highly educational and informative but to finish the experience with a memento made the session bit more special.

J.M. Australia

We absolutely loved the experience. Our translator was very pleasant and interactive. It was a very intimate atmosphere and a well passed afternoon. The Kintsugi pieces we are taking home will have a special place in our hearts.

J.T. Portugal

The experience was very spiritual for me. It was humbling to take part in a centuries-old practice. Our Sensei explained the experience very well with all the important details. He was very patient with our questions and very encouraging with our progress. Our interpreter was very helpful and friendly.

M.F. Philippines

Honestly, experience was everything I could have hoped for. Would recommend anyone visiting Kyoto! I have learned everything I hoped and now have beautiful bowls as a souvenir!

A.B. Poland

Interesting experience, very good.

C.N. United Kingdom

This was a highlight of our trip. It was informative and fun. The instructions were easy to understand and the interpreter was very helpful.

M.C. United States

I was keen to learn of this ancient art of repair from a skilled practitioner. The basis of the craft was well explained as was the physical skills to complete the task. The interpreter was delightful and responsive.

C.P. Australia

Sitting with an experienced craftsperson/ master was truly special. An unforgettable experience.

J.W. Australia

Everything was wonderful.

A.B. Romania

High quality instruction, great translation, fun activity. Makes me want to book another activity.

R.S. United States

Good insight and history, with practical guidance.

F.K. United States

This was one of my most cherished memories from my recent visit to Japan. Learning kintsugi from a true artist was memorable, unique, and simply a joy. Our interpreter, was thoughtful, kind, and made the experience seamless.

C.S. United States

We were very happy to be able to learn about and execute Kintsugi. The instruction was interesting and clear and we were very satisfied with the results. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed an the interpretation was flawless.

J.P. Germany

Both the teacher and the interpreter were great. We were led through the process step by step very clearly. We Wanted exposure to kintsugi, to try it ourselves and we loved the experience. Able to get questions answered.

N.W. United States

Very informative and we have learnt a lot and enjoyed every minute of the experience.

Y.Y. China

The class was very nice, very well explained and translated. I learned things that I didn't know about kintsugi.

D.S. Brazil

Everything about the experience exceeded expectations. From the teacher, to the interpreter, to learning about Kintsugi and then actually repair a simple break, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I can't wait to do a further more complex repair!

A.P. Australia

The overall experience was terrific. The guide's communication in setting a meeting time was great and the overall experience was super informative. Our instructor for the kinsutgi experience was also very knowledgeable and helpful. It was great just it being the two of us. It felt very intimate and we felt like we were able to take our time.

N.P. United States

The experience exceed our expectations. It was wonderful to learn the background of the method of Kinstugi, learning about each step and where the lacquer comes from. Our instructor was very supportive and helpful with her instructions. Our interpreter was very personable and a joy to have along with us.

A.M. Australia

We learned about the history of Kintsugi craftsmanship as well as the hands on experience. It deepened my appreciation for Japanese dedication to mastery and taking something broken and making it more beautiful in the process. It was the best craft experience we’ve had. Thank you, very much!

R.I. United States

I thought it was great! I would have loved to dig even deeper around the history and theory of kintsugi. I think it supported my perception that there is a very thoughtful creative culture of people who care deeply about their work in Japan. It is really great to meet real people and have a hands-on experience.

P.R. United States

It was a fun and educational experience. Our guide who was a very good interpreter and gave us additional info about visiting Kyoto.

T.S. United States

The interpreter was very caring and friendly.

P.D. India

The content was solid for an introductory course. The duration was appropriate. Customer service from Wabunka was attentive all the way. Our interpreter was excellent.

J.L. United States

Very happy with the experience and definitely worth the money. Had a wonderful experience and was very welcoming.

B.H. Australia

This was a peaceful morning spent learning about a craft from an expert with helpful guidance. We have an added appreciation for all things Urishi! This is a one of a kind immersive experience.

A.M. United States

Fun and informative.

C.M. Austria

The exceptional instruction and translation made it very easy and enjoyable. Getting to experience traditional Japanese craft in a private and intimate setting was wonderful. Amazing and very worthwhile!

J.J. United States

We loved it, it was very special. Even more than the Kintsugi itself, what made the workshop so memorable was the human experience. Ebina San and the interpreter both were very kind and generous, and having a casual conversation with locals was very meaningful to us. I was very impressed learning how gentle and patient the Urushi extraction process is towards nature, and how ancient this craft is. Trust me it's better than anywhere else, just go there.

S.T. Portugal

Intimate. Educational. Comfortable. Like a dinner party where you learn something together. The interpreter was so gracious and helpful. Ebina was a graceful, thoughtful and understanding teacher. It felt like sitting with friends with whom I’ve had experiences for ages. I felt when we asked questions that both my interpreter and my instructor were invested and interested in my understanding. Our view of Japan is tantamount to no other place: this reaffirmed our sense of belonging/adventure/joy/exploration/learning.

K.G. United States

A must for anyone who is creative and wants to learn first-hand from a passionate expert. So glad we found out about the workshop and that we did it! Yuki the entire experience learning Kitsugi from you was wonderful! And my daughter loved every minute. We can't wait to continue to practice with our take-home kit!

E.K. Australia

We loved everything, especially learning about the techniques used. Wabi Sabi - learning to appreciate the things as there are, even if not perfect. It’s a relaxing and very mindful activity. Highly recommend if you would like to learn about this art form.

T.K. United Kingdom

Loved every bit of it! It was very special! We very much appreciated how kind translator and Ms. Ebina were. They were very encouraging and also connected with us and how this experience was celebrating our anniversary and we’re intentional about making it a wonderful experience. It was so easy to follow along, Ms. Ebina is a great instructor and the translator is wonderful ! I loved the intimate nature of just the two of us and the instructor and translator- this made it feel more special. It was cool to hear the history of Urushi and also partaking in kintsugi helped me appreciate the time, patience and care that goes into such beautiful pieces. My husband and I felt cared for throughout the experience Ms. Ebina and the translator were so incredibly kind! Also we are walking away with beautiful ceramics that carry the memory of this wonderful experience. It made me appreciate how delicate and intentional certain traditions are in culture and the beauty of practicing something that has been done over generations and generations.

S.P. United States

Everything was just fantastic. I loved how we learned the craft and the cultural significance. It is always great to learn about a cultures past and present. I would describe this experience as learning a way to fix a broken item in a beautiful way.

R.K. Canada

The Kintsugi-workshop was great, but the greatest moments were those, to meat wonderful and very kindly people, as the young female teacher and the interpreter and to speak with them about the Japanese and German culture and the actual political situation. It showed me the similarities, but also the differences, between both cultures. In short words: it was wonderful.

T.K. Germany

A fun, educational, arts experience. I felt the experience was enjoyable, a good value, and a great way to learn and receive a memorable souvenir. Our interpreter was excellent, and very helpful. We greatly enjoyed the experience to try the Kintsugi process. Learning the history of the art form as well as trying to reproduce it was interesting.

A.R. United States

Fun, interesting, educational. Excellent experience in every way. The entire kintsugi experience, including the translator, was terrific. It helped us understand one more historical craft.

D.M. United States

Personal, informative, historic, hands-on. Our translator and instructor were both so kind and great to talk to. It was interesting to learn about the history of Kintsugi.

A.J. United States

Incredible and such a special memory! We were able to ask so many questions and it just felt so personal and unique. I have been fascinated by the idea of kintsugi and turning something broken into beauty for years, but I learned so much about this art form and the care and time it takes. Don't skip this!

A.D. United States

The best experience I have had in japan so far… We felt very cozy and comfortable. Chatting and laughing with each other and the facilitators… the hospitality is amazing. Such a heritage and an amazing craft of a rich culture. Seeing these beautiful and artistic crafts pass through generations, and presented with such pride, is inspiring to say the least. Must try! "

A.A. Saudi Arabia

Learning about the history of urushi and the process gave me an appreciation for the precious material and a better understanding of why it has been used for thousands of years. The interpreter and teacher were lovely people and we enjoyed spending the afternoon with them. The interpreter made the experience accessible and also brought a wonderful other level to it.

L.R. United States

A wonderful glimpse into the Japanese art of kintsugi and repairing something that was damaged to make it beautiful and unique. Everything was explained in detail and the time allowed us to experience more of Kyoto but also not feel rushed. We enjoyed learning about the respect the Japanese culture shows in repairing, instead of replacing, broken pottery.

S.L. United States

Both the interpreter and craftswoman were very polite, supportive, and helpful during the class. The interpreter took us to the shop afterwards and we were able to purchase an urushi kit to try using what we learned once we got home. It helped me understand some of the importance of ceramic when it was not a commodity yet as well as appreciate more of the wood craft I saw during my trip. I saw many urushi bowls, cups, and other tableware as well as discovered that they also covered their armor in urushi to help protect it from water damage. It was impressive to see how widely used urushi became in Japanese culture. It's a skill to learn in repairing ceramics at home, it makes you mindful of not being wasteful, and really does make you have greater appreciation for the urushi craft once you see how widely it was used.

W.A. United States

It was an amazing experience from beginning to end! Mayuka Ebina was incredible; so attentive, knowledgeable and so very kind. The interpreter was also incredible and she was also very attentive and helpful. Our Kintsugi experience was the highlight of our Japan holiday. Very informative, very hands on and the level of knowledge was incredible. We truly appreciated all the history. It increased our love for Japan; it’s amazing history and culture. We have already texted several family members and friends; highly recommending they reserve a Kintsugi experience with you. Our experience was really wonderful and offered a great introduction to the history of Kintsugi.

D.H. United States

A memorable experience for those who wish to discover the true essence of Japan. Everything was perfect. Experiencing an ancient Japanese art with such a thoughtful and kind teacher was truly unforgettable. Being in Kyoto and participating in this workshop was the highlight of our trip. My husband and I absolutely loved it. The interpreter was exceptional and made it possible for me to fully enjoy and understand every part of the kintsugi workshop. This experience helped me truly understand, through hands-on practice, the depth of Japanese culture and philosophy as expressed in various art forms, including kintsugi. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto.

M.M. Brazil

It gave me more understanding and appreciation for philosophy and beliefs of Japan.

S.A. United States

Lovely welcoming people, very knowledgable and skilled. Great thing to try.

V.B. United Kingdom

A once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a traditional art form with a 8th generation master. Our interpreter was outstanding and a integral part of our amazing experience. We highly recommend this to anyone who is visiting Kyoto. It reinforced my beliefs regarding Japanese culture and their ability to find beauty in the imperfect.

P.N. United States

Es war eine wunderbare Erfahrung, der Austausch mit Mayuka-Sensei und Miho-San war sehr wertvoll. Ich schätze Traditionen und das Besondere der Kulturen. Dieses Workschop vermittelt genau das. Ein Eintauchen in die japanische Kultur, das einen innerlich reich macht.

M.M. Switzerland

Everything was great! Truly wonderful experience. I appreciated getting to make something whole again and finding how to take what is broken and make it beautiful in a new way. It made me appreciate patience more. The lengthy process to make kintsugi makes the art all the more valuable and inspiring. It was a true learning experience and I enjoyed the artful process very much. Definitely recommend.

K.K. United States