VELTRA tours & activities, fun things to do

Booked on a whim

We had a lovely time at this workshop. It was very beginner friendly, and the assistant's English was fantastic. She walked us through each step, and we had ample practice opportunity before starting to on our own pieces. I would highly recommend this workshop!

A very valuable experience in Tokyo

This is the second time I attended an Edo Kiriko glass cutting class here because I like the art very much! The Japanese teacher is very patient and fluent in English. Glass cutting is not easy, requires very stable hands and super attentive! Finally I made a very beautiful glassware. Thank you and for sure I’ll come again!

Great course for non Japanese speaking. I enjoyed so much with my family.

Very interesting activity

The workshop is easy to locate. The instructor was very patient and encouraging. It was an eye opening experience for us and make us appreciate the difficulty and precision needed for hand made cut glass. Encourage all to give it a try, no matter the outcome.

Unique Japanese Experience

I only learned of Edo Kiriko Art a few days before arriving in Japan. I was very excited to see a workshop to make your own glass.the workshop was in English and we were able to practice before making our own creations. They also have a little photo studio set up to take nice photos of your glass afterwards. Overall a very fun experience and have something unique to take home.

Outstanding experience!

Edo Kiriko dates back to 1836 and was recognized as a traditional Tokyo craft in 1985.

Using clear or colored glass, artisans sketch a design and use a grinder to cut intricate patterns (including flowers, leaves, bamboo woven baskets, and more modern interpretations).

In this one-hour workshop at Sokichi in Asakusa, you’ll have the chance to learn how Edo Kiriko is created. You start with practicing on a sample glass, then choose and sketch your design and cut your design.

At the end, you’ll have a chance to photograph your finished masterpiece.

Instruction and guidance was given in English and Japanese.

Outstanding opportunity to experience a traditional craft and a unique souvenir of your time in Japan, highly recommended!!

1 hour to learn the process, but a lifetime to master.

Looking at the finished products you will have no idea how this process is performed. The instructor explained everything clearly and helped me create a one of a kind souvenir. I have a new appreciation for the symmetry of Kiriko glass work after participating in this class and learning how skilled the craftsmen are.

Fun class

We had a wonderful experience at this glass cutting class. It is not as easy as it looks. We now have a greater appreciation for beautiful glasses or plates that have been cut by masters. I would recommend this class. It was a great cultural experience.

Family activity experiencing Japanese craft

We enjoyed this though it was a bit difficult for my kids (7 and 10). The instructor seemed uncomfortable with children. Still, overall an interesting and fun experience with cool take home souvenirs.

Fun morning activity

Fun and unique chance to experience a traditional Japanese craft and walk away with a personal souvenir. Would happily do it again.

Perfect souvenir to end a visit to Tokyo

When you have done and seen everything on your ‘must do’ list in Tokyo, this is the perfect way to create your own momento of your visit.

The instructor was patient and knowledgeable about what is required to make your own Kiriko glass, the rest is up to you. There was a good amount of time to practice before you start to make your own cut glass and there are sample designs for you to copy which you sketch onto your glass.

I would not recommend this for very young children as it requires a steady hand and concentration when using the mechanical wheel.

The only suggestion I would make to Veltra is that they send instructions of the venue in map form as it was slightly tricky to find the venue.

All in all a very enjoyable activity for a few hours.

Great experience

They kindly taught how to cut and draw Edokiriko glass. We could communicate with the instructor in English as well as Japanese. The glasses we made were kind of not perfect one, but really adorable and handmade.

Love for Edo Kiriko Glass

The experience was great. The instructor knew a lot of English and was a good teacher; she worked with me to design my own custom piece. I am in love with my new little piece of art and I would recommend this opportunity to anyone who wants an experience different than the tourist spots. (It is a bit tough to find...when you arrive at street level, walk straight ahead about 10-15 feet and turn right onto the street. It looks like an alley, but it is not. Look for small blue signs with the house number. When you find the store that sells glass and crystal ware, you have arrived. The location/house is on your left side.)

Kirk Glass Cutting

Was interesting and difficult to do it so perfect as they have but was very good class. Loved it

So much fun!

Fantastic English speaking instructor. A lot of fun to do as a couple! We had a blast and love our beautiful glasses.

Do this when in Tokyo!

This was again a very tricky place to find, but in a tiny studio there were 6 stations to work at and 6 students. We were given samples to look at and choose from. It was very tricky, but very doable if you choose something simple. Downstairs was a gallery of glass work that was incredible. Very awesome and well run class. Our instructor spoke English!