We had a great time at the kitsugi workshop where we not only learned exactly how to use the tools and create the art but also where we can get supplies to apply our learnings at home.
Wholeheartedly recommend to take 3 hours out of your time in Tokyo to do this.
The kintsugi workshop with Yoshiko and Yochiichiro was one of the top highlights of our trip to Japan. They were so warm, kind and welcoming.
Had the best time on our tour. Our guide Ken was fabulous. He took us everywhere we wanted to go which included the Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple, and Shibuya crossing. When we departed our ship Ken was there to greet us. He and the driver were very professional. My only regret is that we didn't have more time before we had to go to the airport to catch our flight home.
Our family booked 2 sessions of workshop here, the first to make a parfait, ramen and curry rice, and the second to make 2 tempura sets. We went immediately when we touched down and as there were some delays at the airport and it was raining when we were traveling to the workshop, we were late and the owner of the workshop, Ito san, was standing outside looking worried and waiting for us. When he saw us, he warmly welcomed us and was patient with us whilst we settled down. Ito san was extremely patient and kind when teaching us how to make the various display food, especially with my daughter was so still young and so needed more time/strength to compete the display food. He patiently explained to us the different materials used and also made sure our end products were of high quality, adding on more materials as and when needed. In the end we exceeded our allocated time of 2hours but not once were we rushed at all. Ito san’s sincerity and skills shined throughout our workshops. I also heard the other facilitators teaching and they were patient as well. I would highly recommend the workshops here and thank you so much Ito san for such a memorable experience!
You can book back to back sessions if you would also like to make the tempura sets.
We had a wonderful time making our wax & PVC ramen at this workshop. It was fun and engaging and we highly recommend it!
The thrill of repairing an Edo period piece of pottery is indescribable. Yoshiko Kuge gently guided us through the process (after welcoming us with a pasty and tea).
I can't even begin to describe how well thought out and amazing this tour was. I got to see hidden things and fit so much in one day without missing out on the important things. My tour guide was the best and the highlight of my experience. He changed some things to suit my taste but thankfully we were both Zoro fans. It was truly beyond my expectations.
Please don't change anything. Everything was perfect.
The workshop is great, we learned a lot of things. It was my second time coming after 2018 and it is still wonderful. Thanks !
We had a lot of fun and would recommend to everyone!
Tour guides were very informative………………………………………..
The workshop facilitator was pleasant and dedicated. All the information was provided to continue the practice of kintsugi. I enjoyed it very much, as I like meticulous work. I strongly recommend it.
It was the best experience we had during Okinawa trip.
We were lucky and on the selected day there was only us 2 who was diving. Instructions were very clear and there was no language barrier. We booked 2 dives and it was perfect choice, as during 1st one you can feel nervous but during the 2nd dive it should be much easier. Instructor was leading the way trough the water and it was easy to follow and I felt safe because of it.
We even could see a Turtle underwater! So everything was perfect.
Don’t forget to take towel for your wet hair!
This was such a wonderful experience! Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko were so kind and informative. They taught us about the entire kintsugi process and its history. They also gave us all the information we needed to fix our own ceramics when we get home. If you want an unforgettable experience and a one of a kind souvenir, don’t miss Kuge Crafts! The snacks were wonderful too :)
I went for my birthday and it was a nice experience. The current was a little bit strong so we went to a different area for snorkeling. It is perfect for beginners or if it’s your first time snorkeling. Staff was so nice.
This kintsugi class was one of the first things we did in Japan, and yet it was one of our favorite activities over our two-week trip!
Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro are welcoming, patient, knowledgable and talented instructors. We learned about the art of kintsugi and its history, snacked on delicious tea and snacks, and were guided through producing lovely pieces that we'll enjoy for years to come. Furthermore, we had great conversations (English is not an issue) and lots of laughs.
Very short walk from the bus stop as well. Would highly recommend! Thank you Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro!
Ask for local food recommendations and to learn about their cat! :)
We loved our visit to Kuge Crafts! The hosts were super lovely, enthusiastic to share their craft with us, willing to answer questions, and provided lots of beautiful examples of kintsugi to guide our creation process. If you go for a 1-day class, you will only have time to repair small chips in cups, rather than full cracks, as these take time to dry. You will have plenty of time to paint your piece, however, with gold accents!
Really fun hour of skits by different acts - well worth seeing if you're in Osaka
I took my niece to make the ramen sample food and we had fun! Just a short walk from the train stop. The people there are very friendly and easy to talk to. I hope to visit again one day.
From waterfalls, the great cedar trees, beaches and the scenic drive around Yakushima, the full day tour was very enjoyable and informative.
Very well organized. The tour guide and driver are very professional and friendly.
We ended our trip here and it was the most relaxing, yet rich experience. The art of Kintsugi is extraordinary and absolutely points me back to my faith and how my broken pieces don’t discount me from the love of Christ. I thought I knew most of the process, but the time spent went deeper than my current knowledge and enhanced my love for the art form even more! It’s a must if you are in Tokyo, or even if you aren’t, make the trip.
Schedule your trip around time you may spend in Sensoji area since it isn’t far from there.
This was a fantastic experience. The owner and her husband made us feel very welcome and provided excellent tuition. The tea and sweet treats were delicious.
It was very clear that they were exceptionally talented, and the craftsmanship on display was incredible!
We feel very inspired to continue Kintsugi at home and plan on breaking many plates!
Male in his 20s / Germany
I’m currently living in Tokyo on a student visa from Germany, and this was my first time trying out Ninja Zen Meditation.
The staff picked me up at the meeting spot and guided me to the venue, so I didn’t have to worry about getting lost. The place itself was a really cool traditional Japanese house. Just stepping inside made it feel like I was entering a completely different world, which got me really excited for the experience.
The meditation wasn’t just sitting quietly but included unique movements like walking blindfolded and using a wooden sword, which kept things interesting and fun. I never felt bored because the balance was just right, and I found it easy to focus.
There was also an English interpreter the whole time, so I could easily follow along without any stress.
They also gave us a booklet on the “Kuji-Goshin-Ho” (Nine Syllable Protection Method) and an English pamphlet about Ninja Zen Meditation, both of which I’m definitely taking back to Germany as great souvenirs.
Keep an open mind!!
This isn’t your typical meditation session. With blindfolded walking and wooden
It was a great experiance. Tanks to the Team of Veltra.
😍👍😀
We had a lot of free time to spend in the villages. The guide and driver were both very experienced and well organized.
We loved the lunch in an traditional restaurant in a very small village. ( Only 9 houses).
We can highly recommend this trip!
This tour is great and convenient to see many of Okinawa's interesting points at once. It is really time-saving to have a bus (I think you will also end up saving money on trandportation). The guide speaks jamaonese, and even without understanding, I could tell she was great, because she was singing and acting the stories/info she was giving. I think the time managment was good, it was a lot of fun!
Numerous stops offer food (the speciality of the place) so it is okay not to bring lunch.
Highly recommend. This was our favorite part of a great trip! Toshie is a wonderful teacher and she has set up this easy-going experience so that it's fun and accessible for everyone. Absolutely worth the price!
Our group was two couples, it was just us; I think she extended the time because she saw we were having fun. Skill and language are no barriers, she has pictures, labels, and experience doing this for many years and it's easy to learn from her and incredibly fun! She serves tea and snacks to enjoy and you can chat casually as you work and wait for things to dry. Plus you get an incredible, one-of-a-kind souvenir/gift/memento out of it! (Which she packages securely for you to travel without worry of damaging it.)
As a tourist who doesn't speak Japanese, this was the activity that left me feeling the closest connection to the culture.
At the end of the class I wish I had some small gift to give back to our teacher.
Let me start by saying this art form is so cool and everywhere in Japan. And make no mistake, this is an art studio that has been passed down for generations. We had a great time and learned a lot of new things, immersing ourselves in this unique art form with wonderful teachers. Highly recommend.
Four of us visited Hokkaido for the first time in April 2024. After spending a few days exploring the vibrant city of Sapporo, we ventured out to Abashiri—a more remote, rural part of the region. Wanting to make the most of our time and truly experience the natural beauty of the area, we booked a day-long tour through Veltra.
From start to finish, the experience far exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Taki, was exceptional—knowledgeable, organized, and incredibly attentive to both safety and enjoyment. The day was filled with unforgettable moments, from snowshoeing through serene landscapes to spotting local wildlife. Taki's passion for the area and his thoughtful guidance truly made the tour special.
We cannot recommend this tour—and especially Taki—highly enough. If you're visiting Abashiri and want a meaningful, well-curated adventure, this is absolutely the way to go.
Was very easy to locate and helpful staff. Very organised and I had a great time~ Couldn't imagine making my way to the festival without this service. Thank you!
Great personal and professional service. The driver was wonderful and the shuttle bus very comfortable.