Our driver was punctual, professional and courteous.
This is a must stop for anyone who desires an authentic Tokyo experience. The hosts are not only talented but so welcoming. Where else would you get homemade cake and 40 years of artistic expression? This is not an experience my family will soon forget.
It’s a little off the beaten path so make sure you leave enough time to get there.
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).
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.
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 :)
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!
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.
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
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.
Great personal and professional service. The driver was wonderful and the shuttle bus very comfortable.
From start to finish, this was an amazing experience. It's an intimate, private class inside the artist's studio. The instructor provided information on the history of kintsugi and carefully guided us through each step of the process with ample detail. A list of all the tools and materials used in the class are provided in a list as well (make sure to go to Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku to get them yourself!)
Easy to find, but like others have said give yourself a little extra time just in case.
The craft of repairing broken pottery is beautiful and fun to experience first hand. Our hosts were lovely! Informative and welcoming. A highlight of our stay in Tokyo!
Make sure to leave enough time to get there. It’s a bit removed but fun walking to the store.