Reviewed by: WL
Great teacher and a fun experience. One of our favorite memories and souvenirs from our trip.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/12/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/11/25 |
Reviewed by: Teo
Excellent easy to follow and detailed instructions. Adult and children had lots of fun as a family, creating food samples of our choice. Nice conversations with the owner and assistant. Also saw lots of celebrities photos. Highly recommended.
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| Packages: | Fried Rice |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/12/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/12/05 |
Reviewed by: Freeda
It was an amazing experience with the couple. They are very nice and they can speak english well enough. We had a very good time with them.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/12/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/11/11 |
Reviewed by: Erica
I had a wonderful time at the one-day intro kintsugi class. In the class, we learned the basics of repairing a chip in a teacup and decorating it with gold lacquer and powder.
The instructors Yoshiko-sensei and Yoshiichiro-sensei are amazingly talented and kind. I brought in a broken plate that I wanted to repair, I thought it would be easy to fix because it had broken cleanly, but it was a lot more complex than I had imagined. Yoshiichiro-sensei and Yoshiko-sensei reassembled it for me, which involved the construction of some impromptu armature to prop up the pieces correctly since the broken pieces do not lie flat, as well as some intricate filing work. I got to paint the lacquer and metallic powder.
The workshop is stacked high with kintsugi treasures, and they also have a pottery studio next door.
They packed up my teacup and my plate really carefully for me to take home. After two weeks of curing, I can wash off the extra powder and see the results. I can't wait!!
If you've seen documentaries or read about about kintsugi or lacquerware, you may know that lacquer from lacquer trees (urushi) can cause a severe reaction like poison ivy, and that it requires really precisely-controlled humidity conditions to cure properly. In this class, we used lacquer from cashew trees, which is not irritating and can cure in regular room-temperature conditions, and once it's cured, it seals the cracks just as effectively and food-safely as lacquer tree urushi.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/12/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/11/18 |
Reviewed by: Pradeep D
Our instructor was very knowledgeable about the history of and how to make plastic food. He stayed with us for the entire time, letting us do all the different steps while lending a helping hand to keep us on track. He spoke very good English and used a translator app to explain more involved steps for detail work. The experience is great for people of all ages, kids around us were having a blast. We have very cute souvenirs and lovely memories to take home with us - 100% recommend this experience to anyone visiting Tokyo and looking to learn something unique!
Thank you for visiting us. I will still study English. Thank you for your compliment and high rating. Please come again when you visit Japan.
We'll be expecting you
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| Packages: | Mini Curry Rice Smartphone Stand |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/11/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/11/28 |
Reviewed by: Ramya V
Right from when we entered the location we were welcomed warmly - the instructor stayed with us for the entire experience, showing us how to execute each step and maintain a detailed realistic look throughout. He spoke very good English and used a translator app to explain more intricate parts of the process. We came away feeling like we had learned a great deal, and with beautiful plastic food souvenirs to take with us. Definitely recommend this experience for anyone visiting the area!
Thank you for visiting us. We hope you enjoyed the food sample experience. I hope that people from many countries will continue to enjoy it.
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| Packages: | Ramen |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/11/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/11/28 |
Reviewed by: Sarah
Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko were both wonderful hosts. We had a lovely tea and delicious Japanese snacks first and conversed with other attendees. The hosts spoke good English and one of the other students did as well which made the experience very enjoyable. I was able to choose from about 5 or 6 ancient tea cups and Yoshiko gave most of the instruction on how to mend and decorate. She had lots of examples in the shop which helped with ideas.
Perhaps the best thing about this experience was the wonderful energy exuded by the host. Just incredibly warm and gracious people.
Highly recommend!!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/11/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/28 |
Reviewed by: Desiree
My husband and I had such a lovely time during this Kintsugi Workshop. It was our first time in Japan and Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko made us feel so welcome. They are true masters at this craft and it was an honor to learn from them. I am grateful for the knowledge and time they shared with us. It was an experience we will always treasure. The studio was very easy to find and comfortable to be in. The instructions they provide are very thorough and they offer assistance throughout. We highly recommend this!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/11/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/29 |
Reviewed by: Selena
We had so much fun taking this class. It's a small, family-run shop about a 5 minute walk from the Kita-Ikebukuro train station. They gave good instructions in english on the voucher, so we had no problem finding it. Our teacher was really helpful and spoke great english- we had some good laughs using the translator app too. We chose the ramen class and loved our creations. Fun, simple, creative thing to do in Tokyo- would recommend to anyone! Very approchable business, we felt totally comfortable.
Thank you for visiting us. Thank you for visiting us.
I am very happy to receive your compliments.
English is quite difficult, but
I hope you enjoyed the experience.
Please display this work in your home.
I would be happy if it became a memory of Japan.
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| Packages: | Ramen |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/11/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/11/14 |
Reviewed by: Paul
Our group had such a fun time learning the craft of kintsugi. Our teachers were so talented and generously kind. This workshop was one of the best things we did in Tokyo. After you complete your repair, there are opportunities to procure kintsugi pieces the teachers have mended over the years, which we were grateful for.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/11/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/21 |
Reviewed by: Jenkins and friends
We really enjoyed ourselves. Our hosts Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro made us very welcome and our tea cups we mended will take pride of place in our homes. We will recommend this workshop to everyone we know who is going to Japan.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/11/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/11/04 |
Reviewed by: Sakura
We were able to participate very enjoyably with each of our unique personalities. We received kind and detailed adjustments until the end, and we were finally able to take home a present in a visible state. I hope to participate again next time with my daughter. Thank you very much!
二人それぞれの個性でとても楽しく参加出来ました、親切に最後まで細かく調整も頂きやっと見られる状態に持ち帰りプレゼント
又是非、次は娘と参加出来ればと思っています有り難う御座いました
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| Packages: | 江戸切子体験プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/05 |
Reviewed by: Eva Raab
It was really fun and the staff was super nice. The Instructions were easy to follow and if you needed help, they were happy to help.
I would definitely recommend it, as souvenir or for your own.
Thank you for visiting us. Thank you for your high evaluation.
I would be happy if you enjoyed making food samples. We look forward to seeing you again on your next visit to Japan.
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| Packages: | Full-Sized Ice Cream Sundae |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/24 |
Reviewed by: Maren & Nathan
We LOVED this class - Yoshii and her husband were incredibly hospitable and patient in teaching us the history and basics of kintsugi. They had tea and snacks for us prepared when we arrived and answered all of our (many) questions as the afternoon went on. It was one of our top experiences in Japan and something we will definitely do again when we are back!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/09 |
Reviewed by: ユウ姉さん
I underestimated it. I thought I was good at drawing and had skilled hands, but I realized my clumsiness as I couldn't work as I wanted. The instructor provided precise and gentle guidance, and everyone communicated in fluent English while working seriously and harmoniously together, which was enjoyable. It was challenging, but I want to try again.
舐めてかかっていました。絵は得意だし手先も器用な方だと思っていたのに 思うように作業が出来ず 自分の不器用さを思い知らされました。先生は的確に優しく指導してくれるし 流暢な英語で外国の方達とコミニケ取りながら 皆さん 和やかに真剣に 取り組んで 楽しかったです。
難しかったけど また挑戦したいと思う。
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| Packages: | 江戸切子体験プラン |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/19 |
Reviewed by: Mark
What a wonderful way to spend a half-day in Tokyo.
Meeting Yoshiko-san and Yoshiichiro-san was a real pleasure. On a wet and rainy day it was doubly appreciated to be welcomed with a hot cup of tea and a slice of delicious homemade cake.
The Kintsugi course was very hands-on and very informative. I left feeling that I had all the information necessary to do some beautiful repairs at home.
I would easily recommend this course to anyone. It is a very relaxing and educational way to spend a few hours.
Thank you Yoshiko-san and Yoshiichiro-san.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/09 |
Reviewed by: Kat
The location was easy to find and someone was right outside to assist you up to the workshop. The instructor was able to help me and my friend (English speakers) and also others speaking Japanese. His attitude was very positive and encouraging. The workshop may take less time than stated if you have a quick or simple design. Be sure to check out the shop below afterward - there are some really stunning pieces. I would definitely try this again!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/14 |
Reviewed by: Pamela Levene
Our host and hostess were a delightful couple: one the artisan, one his lovely wife who communicated with us.
I had read quite a lot about kintsugi but there is always something new to learn!
I was made to feel very welcome, and it was a fascinating experience.
I would highly recommend this class.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/07 |
Reviewed by: Joshua
The directions to the workshop are clear. Yoshiichiro-san and Yoshiro-san are the sweetest couple ever. I thoroughly enjoyed the step-by-step one day workshop. It was informative, easy to follow and it captured the essence of the concept and art of Kintsugi.
I think that Kintsugi really is a beautiful way of thinking and how we can live by embracing imperfections.
I would say though, that the class also depends on the group you attend with. I had really fun workshop mates, which made it even more enjoyable.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/16 |
Reviewed by: William
Friendly staff had limited English, but plenty for what we needed to make our parfaits. Fun, not super long, crafting activity that our whole family (including 17 & 11 year olds) enjoyed. They packed the final product amazingly so they made it home with zero damage.
Thank you for visiting us. I'm glad I was able to get you home safely.
I will study English more.
I hope you enjoyed your experience this time.
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| Packages: | Full-Sized Ice Cream Sundae |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/26 |
Reviewed by: Klee
a very pleasant experience, although it is an introductory course, but the explanation is very clear and easy to understand. both tutors are nice and friendly. highly recommend for others who love Japanese traditional culture.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/19 |
Reviewed by: ユニコーン
Fireworks, fish, merry-go-round, cloisonné pattern, jellyfish, roses... a sparkling world among crows.
As samples in the experience room, a variety of colorful glasses were lined up. I wondered if I could make such cut glass...
Here we go! The lecture begins!
The instructor's teaching style was excellent. They were not pushy at all and listened to our wishes, providing guidance until the very end of the time. My husband created a cut glass with a fish pattern and a hidden jellyfish, evoking a cool underwater world. I fell in love at first sight with the sample of the merry-go-round's wooden horse, so I thought the merry-go-round would be difficult, but at least I wanted to try the wooden horse pattern. The instructor guided me without hesitation to create a merry-go-round pattern. We both ended up with glasses that we were satisfied with in our own ways. The wooden horse turned into a unicorn, but that adds to its charm. After returning home, I poured cold water into the cut glass, admired the frosted glass state, and reminisced about how much fun we had today. Cheers with our beloved original glasses! It would be sad if they broke, but we can always make more at Souki! I was able to have a valuable cut glass experience and create wonderful memories at an affordable price.
I highly recommend it to everyone! (^^)
花火 お魚 メリーゴーランド 七宝柄 クラゲ バラ..... カラスの中の煌めく世界
体験室のサンプルとして色とりどりのグラスが並んでいました。こんな切子が出来るのかしら...
いざ!レクチャー開始!
講師の方の教え方もとても良かったです。
押し付けがましくもなく、こちらの希望も聞いてくれて、時間一杯までご指導して下さいました。夫はお魚の柄にクラゲを忍ばせて涼やかな水の世界の切子グラスを。私はサンプルのメリーゴーランドの木馬に一目惚れしてしまったので、メリーゴーランドは難しそうだけど、せめて木馬柄をと思っていたら、講師の方は躊躇せずメリーゴーランドの柄になる様指導してくだいました。二人とも自分なりに納得の出来るグラスが仕上がりました。木馬がユニコーンになってしまいましたがそれもご愛嬌です。帰宅後切子グラスに冷水を注ぎ、すりガラス状態となったグラスを眺めて、今日は楽しかったなあと語り合いました。愛着のあるオリジナルグラスを手に乾杯!もしも破れてしまったら悲しいけど、また創吉で作ればいい!お手頃価格で随分値打ちのある切子体験とグラスと思い出を手にする事が出来ました。
皆さん、お勧めですよ!(^^)
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| Packages: | 江戸切子体験プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/07 |
Reviewed by: Konrad
I had a great time – Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro are good teachers and hosts!
They helped me repair a chipped cup from the very first to the last steps.
They also taught me about the cup I repaired, the tools and materials I used, and they provided tea and desserts, too!
I'm waiting for the gold lacquer to settle now, but I can't wait to use the cup!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/27 |
Reviewed by: Cilla
Upon arrival at KUGE crafts we were met by both Yoshiko Kuge and her husband, who were both extremely kind and welcoming. We sat at a shared table and was given a sweet cake, crackers and endless cups of sweet lemon tea. Yoshiko gave us a brief history of Kintsugi and the types of repairs from chips to replacing missing pieces. She shared her experience in how long she has been doing this for and referenced to us many examples of works done within the space. We then got to pick our own antique Japanese cups that were chipped and got to work being guided and directed by Yoshiko and her husband. Both let us do our work and did not simply do it for us, they also took many photos with us, gave us detailed instructions on how to do each step (with print out info in English) and asked us questions about our lives and transformed the experience into something not only creative, but meditative and peaceful. Our finished products were lovingly wrapped and secured in special travel protective containers and we left with our information packs, extra snacks, and instructions on where to buy materials needed for Kintsugi. A beautiful time - very grateful to have spent the time with two people with so much history and experience with this art!
If you are wanting to experience true Japanese culture and bring home something personalised and meaningful, this is your chance.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/02 |
Reviewed by: Jon
We had a fantastic time with Yoshiko Kuge. She taught us kintsuge while contextualizing its usage as a modern art form and meditative practice. We have beautiful souvenirs and lovely memories thanks to her kindness and generosity.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/30 |
Reviewed by: イルカと泳ぎたい☆
I visited Tokyo for a 1-night, 2-day trip.
I had plans for the first day, but I didn't have anything scheduled for the second day, so I made a last-minute reservation after arriving in Tokyo.
It was a Saturday, but I was able to make a reservation.
The instructor was very kind and taught us well.
On the first day, I attended a concert of my favorite artist, and I created fireworks inspired by the song "That Summer Fireworks" that they performed.
I couldn't follow the example perfectly, but it was a wonderful memory. Thank you very much.
I rated it as "good" because while I was informed about the time limits, it would have been helpful to be told that finishing the chosen piece within the time frame is difficult for beginners.
For example, "There are three fireworks, but to do them carefully, two would be better."
In the end, I had to rush a bit, which was a little disappointing.
Of course, it's due to my own lack of skill, so I thought it would have been nice to have some encouragement.
The instructor was very kind, good at giving compliments, and it was really great.
1泊2日で東京へ来ました。
1日目は予定が決まっていたのですが、2日目の予定が決まっておらず、東京へ行ってから、急遽予約。
土曜日でしたが、予約できました。
先生はとても丁寧に教えてくださいました。
1日目は大好きなアーティストのライブだったのですが、その時に歌ってくれた『あの夏の花火』にちなんで花火を作成しました。
ぜんぜんお手本通りにはいきませんでしたが、とてもいい思い出です。
ありがとうございました。
評価を「よかった」にしたのは、制限時間を教えていただいたのですが、選んだ作品に対して、初心者では時間内に終わるのは難しいということを教えてもらえると有難かったです。
「花火は3つありますが、丁寧にやるには2つぐらいがいいよ」とか。
最後は駆け足になってしまい、ちょっと残念でした。
もちろん自分の実力不足が原因ですので、声掛けがあるとよかったなって思いました。
教えてくれる先生は、とても優しく、褒め上手で、ほんとよかったです。
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| Packages: | 江戸切子体験プラン |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/02 |
Reviewed by: Colin Alley
Our family of three thoroughly enjoyed our two plus hours at Kuge Crafts, working with Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro, and opening ourselves up to the world of Wabi-Sabi - embracing the beauty in imperfection. We highly recommend this experience, and look forward to bringing the skills learned to repairs at home!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/02 |
Reviewed by: Puja Vohra
Our hosts were wonderful teachers and it was a very special experience. HIGHLY recommend.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/08/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/26 |
Reviewed by: Liz
This is a lovely way to spend half a day in Tokyo. We were a small group of three and two of us chose beautiful small Edo period bowls to work (supplied in the workshop) and one person in the group brought her own bowl to repair. The tutors are very kind and welcoming and provided support and encouragement in English. They are expert potters and extremely skilled at Kintsugi and it was a delight to spend the time with them. The session was well structured and organised and I learned a lot, and there was sufficient time to complete my kintsugi at a leisurely pace. I was so pleased with my beautiful bowl which was expertly packed up at the end of the session by the tutors to go into my case safely on the way home. Allow 20/25 mins to walk to the workshop from the nearest metro station or take a taxi.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/08/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/23 |
Reviewed by: Mónica
Asistí a este taller con una amiga y las dos salimos encantadas. Cuando llegamos, los dueños del taller nos recibieron con una sonrisa y nos ayudaron a sentirnos cómodas. Fue muy agradable charlar con ellos a lo largo del proceso y nos sacaron fotos para que tengamos un buen recuerdo. Nos ayudaron a adentrarnos en el fascinante mundo del kintsugi y nos aconsejaron qué materiales comprar para poder continuar practicando por nuestra cuenta en el futuro. Ojalá pueda vivir algún día en Japón para asistir a este taller con regularidad. Los dulces y el té estaban deliciosos. Muchas gracias por darnos la oportunidad de llevarnos a casa una taza reparada con nuestras propias manos. La conservaré con cariño.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/08/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/16 |
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hank you for visiting us. I would be happy if you enjoyed it and made some good memories of your time in Japan. Please come visit us again when you come to Japan. We'll be expecting you.