All Reviews for Art & Crafts Workshops

It was a wonderful experience for our family! The booking process on Veltra was straight forward and most importantly, in English. We decided to make mini ice cream sundaes as they were small and easy to bring home. We received the confirmation email on the very same day. On the actual day, the train line that we needed to take was down due to passenger injury. Thus we needed to change 5 different JR and metro lines to get to the place, instead of the original 2. We called Yamato sample workshop to inform them and they were very kind to wait for us. When we finally made our way there, we were pleasantly surprised that the instructor could speak English quite well. We could customised our sundaes by picking the colour and "fruits"we wanted. The instructor guided us step-by-step, and we found it really easy to follow his instructions. We were so proud of our own creation! If we were to visit Tokyo again, we would like to try own hands at making either a bowl of ramen or tempura prawns with lettuce. :)

The guidance was thorough. I made ramen with my first-year middle school daughter, and we had a lot of fun chatting. It turned out to be surprisingly easy, so I thought it would be nice to make a few more dishes. I want to try again!

丁寧な指導。
おしゃべりも楽しいなか中1の娘とラーメンを作りました。
案外簡単にできたので 数点を続けて作れたらいいなと思いました。また挑戦したいです。

I had a wonderful time with gracious hosts! We were able to communicate effectively despite the language barrier, and I came away with a beautiful cup to remind me of my trip to Japan and the lovely people I met there!

We are highly recommended this workshoop to you all.

This is an experience of making food samples out of wax, which I have seen several times on TV. It was in a room that felt like a house, but since it was a plan for only one group, it was very easy to do. There were many photos of celebrities experiencing it displayed on the walls.

テレビなどで何度か見たことがある、ロウで作る食品サンプルの体験です。
一軒家の一室みたいなところでしたが、1グループだけのプランらしいのでとてもやりやすかったです。
芸能人が体験している写真がたくさん貼られていました。

It was more difficult than I expected.
However, the teacher was kind, and it was fun.
I didn't have enough time, and I wanted to do it more elaborately.

思った以上に難しかったです。
けど、先生も、やさしくて、楽しかったです。
時間が、足りなくて、もっと、凝ってやりたかったくらいでした。

I am not at all artistic, but even I was able to make pretty ink paintings! The teacher was really nice and funny, and the class was the perfect length. He showed me how to do landscapes, which was cool.

What a wonderful experience! I really enjoyed my afternoon with Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko Kuge, who patiently taught me the basics of Kintsugi over coffee and cake. Even with my limited knowledge in Japanese, the Kuges spoke enough English to clearly explain each step to me. During the lesson, we chatted about other Torontonians who have crossed paths with the Kuges, which was pretty funny. Overall, a really lovely workshop and highly recommended for those looking to do something special and unique!

Three of us had a very relaxed hour making ramen, a sundae and a tartlet key ring. They looked really professional. The owner showed us what to do and he and his wife were really lovely people, drawing us a map so we could get to our next port of call. This is such a unique experience and a fun Tokyo activity. The food looks so realistic!

We participated in the ramen making activity. It was a fun experience and a highlight of our vacation to Tokyo. It was very easy to find the studio, located only minutes away from the subway station. We felt welcomed as soon as we entered the workshop. The instructor, who spoke English, was extremely polite, patient, and friendly. The project was very safe and easy. The final product looked delicious and good enough to eat! They also have some ready made samples of some other foods that one can purchase as well. Overall, this is a delightful activity that we highly recommend to those who want to try something different, especially something that is not typically offered in the United States.

Very original, fun, creative!
Kids and adults loved it!!

It was very good time for my children.Thank you so much.

We spent really good time with two really nice teachers. We get cake and tea, we talk a lot, and it was a really good time for us. Very creative family I think :)

Bardzo fajne zajęcia. Tak na prawdę, można nie tylko nauczyć się reperowania ceramiki, ale tworzenia biżuterii, malowania i wielu innych rzeczy - o co można zapytać już na miejscu :) Na wstępie dostaliśmy ciasto i herbatkę. Później rozmawiając na wiele tematów robiliśmy swoje dzieła i rozmawialiśmy z pozostałymi uczestnikami ( są cztery miejsca dostępne na jedne zajęcia ). Zdecydownie mogę polecić ^^

NICE AND FUNNY TIME AT JAPANESE PLASTIC FOOD SAMPLE ART EXPERIENCE.

Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko were lovely. They were very friendly and helpful in explaining what to do. You are even able to buy Kintsugi materials too. Usually, you have to leave your ceramic for a day to let it dry however I was flying home the day after. Yoshiko was nice enough to package mine up for travel for me!

My first experience with Edo Kiriko was quite nerve-wracking, but while receiving a lecture, I was able to practice with samples at the beginning, so in the end, I was able to create a satisfying piece!

It took about 90 minutes to complete, and I think even those who are not very skilled can enjoy it. It was a fascinating time that made me want to try creating this pattern... I feel like I could really get into it. This experience sparked my interest in Japanese culture, and I'm really glad I participated.

初めての江戸切子、たいへん緊張しましたが、レクチャーを受けつつ、最初はサンプルで練習もできるので、最終的には満足いく作品が出来上がります！

時間も90分ほどで出来上がり、不器用な方でも十分楽しめると思います。この模様を作ってみたい・・・と思うほど、のめりこみそうな不思議な時間でした。これをきっかけに日本文化に興味持てそうで、参加してとても良かったです。

The staff was very friendly and helped with the difficult parts. They also explained in general about the tecniques of making food samples, which was very interesting.

After spending out whole trip thinking we wouldn't we able to learn how to make sample food due to our lack of conversational Japanese, we finally found this place! We had a great time making the sample ramen. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They were also enthusiastic to talk about the different methods of sample food making and the history behind it. Easy to find and easily accessible. A highlight of the trip!

We had a young chap who spoke quite good English for a Japanese, to run through what we were supposed to do.

The whole process was very fun and it was amazing to see the other fake food items that the store makes too!

The only downside is finding this place, it is in a small and quiet neighbourhood in Tokyo. However it was also fun exploring the area once you're there.

Highly recommended, not only for families with young kids but adults as well!

We had a young chap who spoke quite good English for a Japanese, to run through what we were supposed to do.

The whole process was very fun and it was amazing to see the other fake food items that the store makes too!

The only downside is finding this place, it is in a small and quiet neighbourhood in Tokyo. However it was also fun exploring the area once you're there.

Highly recommended, not only for families with young kids but adults as well!

I made a full sized parfait. The staff was very patient and helpful. His english is understandable, and he made a great effort explaining himself. It was fun and easy enough for adults or kids. Took only 30minutes or so. Would like to try making tempura and curry rice next time. Look really realistic!!

First of all, I appreciated the polite guidance I received via email the day before; it was very helpful. Not only did it specify which bus to take from the station, but it also explained what to do after getting off at the bus stop. I had already checked it on Google Maps beforehand, but the instructions were very clear and easy to follow.

At the beginning, I chose a postcard with a sketch on it and painted over it. Besides the Wind God and Thunder God, there were also animals and flowers available, but my friend and I decided to go with the Wind God and Thunder God. There are coloring models available, but you can choose your own colors, and you also receive advice, so even though I wasn't very confident in my skills, I think I managed to create something decent.

Before starting, I thought it would be quick since the size was postcard-sized, but waiting for the paint to dry and thinking about what colors to use turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. During the session, they also served us tea. Before I knew it, two hours had passed. At the end, they framed the painting for us, and that was the conclusion of the experience.

While I primarily visit Kyoto for sightseeing, as I get older, a full day of sightseeing has become tiring, so it seems that incorporating experiences like this one, followed by visiting two or three places, will become my new pattern. It was a good stimulation for my aging brain as well.

まず、前日にメールで丁寧なご案内をいただき、助かりました。駅からどのバスに乗るというだけでなく、バス停を降りたらどうすればよいかも書いていただき、もちろんグーグルマップでは事前に調べてあったが、でもとてもわかりやすくてよかったです。初めに下絵が書いてあるハガキを選び、その上に絵の具を塗ります。下絵は、風神雷神以外にも動物や花もありましたが、友人と私でやはり風神雷神の部分を選びました。もちろん着色のモデルはありますが、独自で選べますし、またアドバイスもいただけるので、下手さに自信はあっても、それなりに仕上がったと思います。始める前はハガキ大の大きさなので、すぐに終わるかと思いましたが、やはり絵の具が乾くのを待って、またどんな色にするか考えるのは意外に楽しかったです。途中で、紅茶も出していただきました。気が付くと、２時間が過ぎていました。終わりにはその絵を額に入れていただき、終了でした。京都にはもちろん観光がメインで行きますが、歳とともに、一日観光はしんどくなってきましたので、このような体験を一つ入れ、その後２～３か所廻るというパターンがこれからのパターンになりそうです。歳とった脳にもいい刺激にもなりました。

I got off at the bus stop near Jodo-ji and clicked on "Japanese Painting Experience - Emaki" that I had saved in my smartphone schedule to check the map on Google Maps. To my surprise, it showed up inside Higashiyama Jisho-ji... After walking for a while, I felt something was off, so I checked the official website for the meeting place map and corrected my direction. However, the location indicated on the map was a liquor store... Just when I was starting to feel lost, I noticed a space that seemed to fit the description in a corner of the liquor store. It would be helpful if there was a banner or something to make it clearer. If you go directly, it's only a 2-3 minute walk from the bus stop.

Once seated, we greeted each other. In front of me was a paint box containing 30-40 colors of solid paint for Japanese painting, along with two brushes, water, a towel (for moisture control), a palette, and a file with postcards that had outlines drawn on them. I chose what I wanted to paint from that file. There were completed pieces available for reference, so I could choose based on those. I selected "Raijin" from the Wind God and Thunder God series, which required detailed coloring, while my partner chose "Iris." In the end, the larger designs were more challenging because they required techniques for shading and blending, but I felt I could experience some of the techniques of Japanese painting. Finally, we sprinkled gold leaf, added a Japanese painting-like touch, let it dry, and framed it to complete the piece. I thought I had done it smoothly, but it ended up taking about an hour and twenty minutes.

If you actively ask questions, they will teach you various techniques of Japanese painting, so I think it's good to proceed while asking. They also served us tea.

浄土寺のバス停で降り、スマホのスケジュールに入れてあった「日本画体験処　絵まき」をクリックしてグーグルマップで地図を見ると、なんと東山慈照寺の中に表示が、、、。しばらく歩いてなんか違うと思い、オフィシャルサイトから集合場所の確認の地図を見て、方向修正。しかし地図の示す場所には酒屋さんが、、、。また間違ったかな？と思って途方にくれていると、酒屋さんの一角にそれらしいスペースが、、、。のぼりかなんか有ると分かりやすいと思います。ちゃんと行けばバス停から２～３分でした。
着座してご挨拶。目の前には日本画用の固形絵具３０～４０色が入ったペイントボックス、筆２ケ、水、タオル（水分調節用）、パレット、輪郭が描いてある絵葉書のファイルが準備されています。そのファイルの中から自分の書きたい物を選びます。着色が済んだ完成品があるので、それを見て選ぶことが出来ます。私は細かい着色が必要な風神雷神の「雷神」を選び、相方は「カキツバタ」を選びました。結果的には大柄の絵柄の方が、濃淡やぼかしの技術が必要なので難しいですが、日本画のテクニックのいったんは、体験できると思いました。最後に金箔を散らし、日本画ポイテイストを加え、乾かして額に入れて完成です。スムーズにやったつもりでしたが、１時間２０分ぐらいかかってしまいました。
積極的にこちらからいろいろ聞くと、日本画のテクニックをいろいろ教えていただけるので、聞きながら進めて行くと良いと思います。お茶も出していただいました。

I finally got to experience pottery on a potter's wheel, something I've wanted to try for a long time. The location is Tokoname, near Chubu Centrair International Airport. I had heard that it was a "pottery town," but this was my first visit. The shop "Sakura Raku Hikari Kyusu" is located in a section of the "Tokoname-yaki Ceramall," which has many Tokoname pottery shops, just a little north of the "Yaki Mono Sanpo Michi," where the movie "20th Century Boys" was filmed.

Since it was a weekday, there were few people, and I was the only one for the experience (though I had seen many reservation calls coming in). This allowed for one-on-one instruction. They provided an apron, so I put it on, and since accessories could get damaged by the clay, I took them off and was all set. By the way, it's better to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. I ended up getting clay on my pants… I also think it's better to have short nails since they can dig into the clay.

First, I was advised to think of anything I wanted to make, and from those ideas, I chose to make a tumbler. When I mentioned the desired size, they added the appropriate amount of clay to the wheel. I started by wrapping my hands around it and raising it high, then pressed down to lower it, repeating this process to knead the clay. Next, I poked a hole in the center to create a depression. While pinching with both hands, I thinned out the walls. Finally, I shaped it by pressing and expanding it into my desired form. I felt reassured knowing they would help fix any mistakes along the way.

With the leftover clay, I made another tumbler. Since I hadn't specified that I wanted two of the same size at the beginning, the second one turned out a bit smaller, making it a couple's tumbler. In my case, since the second one was the same shape, they let me do as I pleased.

Once I finished creating, I selected a color from about six options. Even if I made several, they would all be the same color. I could also have my own stamp engraved on the bottom. It takes about a month for the pieces to be fired, and they asked if I wanted them shipped or if I would pick them up.

After everything was done, I could choose a drink from coffee, tea, or yuzu tea. They also provided some karinto (sweet fried snacks). It was a nice break for my tired body.

Afterward, I went around to various shops and ended up doing a lot of shopping. I held back on buying more tumblers, though (laughs). I think it would have been easier to create if I had looked around first and had a clearer idea of what I wanted to make. In any case, I'm looking forward to seeing the finished pieces! I'll post pictures when they're ready.

P.S.
They are finished! I thought it would be for beer, but it turned out quite small, so it’s probably more for tea (laughs). But I'm happy with how beautifully it turned out.

ずっーとやってみたかったろくろでの陶芸を体験してきました。場所は中部国際空港の近くにある常滑。「焼き物の街」なのは聞いたことがありましたが初めて訪れました。「20世紀少年」の映画の撮影も行われた「やきもの散歩道」から少し北上した所にある「常滑焼セラモール」という常滑焼のお店が沢山ある中の一画に「咲茶楽 光きゅうす」さんはあります。

平日の為か人もまばらで体験は私ひとり(予約の電話はよく掛かってきてましたが)。そのため付きっきりで教えて頂けました。
エプロンを貸してくれるので着けて、アクセサリーは土に当たって傷つけるといけないので外し準備万端。因みに、服は汚れても良いのにした方がいいかな。私はパンツに土が飛んでしまいました…爪も当たって土をえぐってしまうので短い方がいいと思います。
まず作りたいものを何でも思いつく物を挙げてみると、アドバイスを頂けたので、その中からタンブラーを選びました。希望の大きさを言うとその分の土をろくろに盛ってくれますので、まずは掌で包んで高くし、今度はそれを押し付けて低くし、を繰り返してこねます。次に真ん中に指を突っ込んで穴を開けてくぼみを作ります。そして両手の指ではさみつつ厚さを薄くしていきます。最後に押したり広げたりして好きな形を作ります。途中で変になってしまっても修正してくれるので安心して出来ました。

残った土でもう一個タンブラーを作りました。
最初に同じの2個って言っておかなかったので、ちょっと小さめ。夫婦タンブラーになっちゃいました。私の場合は2個目も同じ形だったので、好きにやらせてくれました。

作成が終わったら6種類だったかな？の中から色を選びます。何個か作ってても同じ色になります。裏に自分の刻印も打ってもらえます。焼上がりまでには1カ月くらいかかるそうで、郵送か取りに来るか聞かれました。

全て終了したら飲み物を珈琲、紅茶、柚子茶から選んで頂けました。かりん糖も付いていました。疲れた身体にほっと一息です。

その後色々なお店を回っていっぱい買い物しちゃいました。タンブラーは我慢したけど(笑)
先に色々見て回って作りたいものを具体的にしておいた方が作りやすかったかなと思います。なんにせよ完成を見るのが楽しみです！また出来たら写真載せます。

<追伸>
完成しました！
ビール用と思っていたけど、結構ちっちゃくなってしまい普通にお茶用かな(笑)
でもキレイに出来ていて嬉しいです。

Although we made a reservation the day before, since it was a weekday, we were able to have the place to ourselves! We got a bit lost on the way (^ - ^; It’s hard to accomplish everything in a short time, but they provided advice while observing us, and made adjustments when necessary, so I think even first-timers can experience it with peace of mind! I tend to put in too much effort and got called out on it often (laughs). With quite a bit of help, we were able to finish nicely! In our case, we were able to create two pieces in one session♪ It was a bit disappointing that we could only choose one color, but choosing was fun too! The tea we had after breaking a sweat was also nice (laughs). It takes about a month for the finished products to be ready, so we have the option to pick them up or have them shipped. If I have them sent to me along with my friend's items, I only have to pay for shipping once, so I opted for that♪ They haven't arrived yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing the finished products!

前日の予約でしたが、平日ということもあり
私たちだけの貸しきりで体験することができました！
ちょっと場所に迷いました(^-^;
短時間ではなかなか思うようにはいきませんが、様子見ながらアドバイスくださったり、必要な時は修正もしてくださるので、初めての方でも安心して体験できると思います！
私はどうしても力が入ってしまい、よく突っ込まれました(笑)
かなりのヘルプもありいい感じに仕上がりました！
私たちの場合、一回で二点の作品が作れました♪
色がひとつしか選べないのがちょっと残念でした。でも選ぶのも楽しかったです！
変な汗をかいたあとに頂くお茶が、またよかったです(笑)
仕上がりに1ヶ月近くかかるので、取りに来るか、送付してもらうかになります。
友達の分もまとめて自分のところに送ってもらえば、１回の送料ですむので、そうさせていただきました♪
まだ届いてないのですが、仕上がりが楽しみです！

What a special evening. The instructor was an eager young woman and the craft shop owners were present as well, and we had a friendly evening talking about the craft of ceramic repair, learning and talking about Tokyo and my travels. They were eager to impart their knowledge, and the atmosphere was casual and friendly. I recommended the class to an attendee of another workshop, and I've seen that she took this class as well. I'm hoping she enjoyed it as much as me.

We're very glad to make food sample here. It's quite special to experience Janpanese culture like this. And we all love it.

Making lettuce and shrimp tempura was quite interesting process, our boys and I really enjoyed putting our hands in the water, witnessing how drops of candle change to the leafs of lettuce in our hands.

Excellent choice of activities, it was easy enough I had 13 and 9 years with me, they did excellent job, I can't wait to take them back to USA and trick my friends offering Tempura at our house!...lol

Ever since seeing one of those gold-repaired tea bowls I wanted to try it, and this was a really fun morning class. It was a really 'local' experience as there were few neighborhood ladies doing crafts at the same time, and it was cool to explore the area around the studio. The teacher was super sweet, and can speak basic English. She even served sweets and coffee, a lovely bonus!

Easy instruction and good service, worth checking out