Reviewed by: Megan
Kuge Crafts is a gorgeous studio, with incredibly friendly and knowledgeable owners. You learn the whole process from start to finish here, and walk away with a completed project. I have never seen another experience like it, and I'm so glad I got to experience this craft firsthand!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/06/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/11 |
Reviewed by: Michelle
Wow. There is so much to say about this experience. First, if you take the meaning and the process to heart, it is a very powerful experience. Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko are kind, patient, attentive, and thoughtful teachers, and extremely cool people in general. They give you the guidance, and you have your process. Being with others in the intimate space was also really nice. This was beautiful and healing for me. They will teach you Kintsugi but are also ushers and stewards of the incredible potential the process holds for each person. I think it could be really fun if you just want to learn the craft and eat a yummy piece of cake, but there is a LOT more there if you allow it. Amazing.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/08 |
Reviewed by: Thomas
An incredibly calming and enlightening activity! Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro are such kind and informative teachers who offer history and culture lessons whilst teaching the ancient art of kintsugi. The entire session was built around the interests of the participants and so much information was given for us to continue the craft at home. Yoshika also kindly gave a mini tour of the workshop and showed ceramics which had been featured on an international TV documentary. I will 100% return. Thank you, Kuge Crafts!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/04/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/05 |
Reviewed by: Riccardo
Really recommended experience for anyone looking to take a deep breath in the traditional Japanese arts! Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro are very kind and welcoming, and work hard to make you feel comfortable. They're also incredibly talented at kintsugi, and are excellent at showing beginners how to get started.
The tea and sweets make you feel like at your (japanese) home!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/26 |
Reviewed by: Chris
Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro were great hosts! I had a lot of fun. They taught us the basics of kintsugi and showed us what materials we needed if we wanted to do it on our own. They are super knowledgeable about ceramics and pottery of all kinds as well and are eager to answer any questions you have. I cant wait to get home and break my own cups and bowls.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/12/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/12/21 |
Reviewed by: Robin Curran
Do not miss this amazing experience. Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko take you on a memorable journey into an ancient art form and offer a glimpse into the Japanese culture that most tourists miss entirely. I had seen an article on Kintsugi long ago and the whole philosophy behind it fascinated me so I sought this out when I came to Japan to visit my son. Choosing the right person to instruct you is critical, and this lovely couple could not have been more welcoming. I was greeted with smiles, delicious tea and homemade Japanese sweets and felt right at home. Their method of instruction, with a nice balance between verbal and written instruction in English and hands on demonstration was perfect. And I was given the piece of pottery I repaired, lovingly packaged for the trip home. I am confident I could not have chosen a better option for this activity elsewhere. I plan to continue my Kintsugi learning journey; In fact, I went out the next day and purchased the supplies with the help of Yoshiko and I am excited to begin my first project after arriving home.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2022/08/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/08/06 |
Reviewed by: Yen
I highly recommend this kintsugi experience to anyone looking to try their hand at this traditional Japanese art! The hosts are kind and welcoming, and work hard to make you feel comfortable. They're also incredible talented at kintsugi, and are excellent at showing beginners how to get started. Despite that, they know an important part of the experience is doing it yourself, and they're quick to pass over the tools and encourage you to give it a try, while remaining on hand to provide any needed help.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2022/07/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/07/10 |
Reviewed by: Bonnie Humphrey
I took my 16 year old and we had such a great time. Yoshiko and Yoshiichiro welcomed us with such warmth I felt like we were walking into their home. They taught us clearly and easily how to do the kintsugi and really made it interesting. They explained about the mindset behind it. Yoshiko even kindly worked on broken mask that I brought, helping me fix it! They were so eager and excited to introduce us to the world of kintsugi!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2022/05/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/05/26 |
Reviewed by: momo
I repaired a broken mug. It was a gentle and enjoyable kintsugi experience. Since new lacquer is used, there is little smell, and the finished piece will be ready for use in two weeks, allowing me to enjoy coffee or tea. I would like to visit again. Thank you very much.
二つに割れてしまったマグカップの修繕をしました。やさしい雰囲気で楽しい金継ぎ体験になりました。新漆を使うので匂いも少なく、出来上がった器は2週間後に乾燥が終わりコーヒーやお茶も楽しめるとのこと。また伺いたいです。ありがとうございました。
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2022/04/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/04/16 |
Reviewed by: ユウナ
I brought my own pottery and had a wonderful experience. I'm completely satisfied with the repairs; I'm glad I did it. I think it would be great if the website allowed comments about bringing your own pottery during the application process, so I hope they consider this improvement. For some reason, the images I attached during the application were not confirmed by the other party.
However, I was told that anything can be fixed, and I'm happy that my precious pottery was repaired. While enjoying tea in a relaxed atmosphere, I received a man-to-man lecture, and the instructor carefully handled the parts that needed to be solidified with plaster. I experienced the process starting from the point of sanding. It took a full two and a half hours, but the instructor supported me with my clumsy parts and praised me in various ways, which kept me in a good mood to continue. We also enjoyed various conversations about pottery along the way. Just chatting would have been enjoyable enough.
The pottery in the photo was originally broken in half with a piece missing, but it has been completely restored. After drying for another two weeks, I will wash off the excess powder and it will be finished. I'm really looking forward to it. They also prepared containers for taking the pottery home, and since all the tools were provided, the experience was very satisfying compared to the ease of it. The aftercare is also thorough, so I'm already considering doing this again. I highly recommend this not only for the kintsugi experience but also for anyone who wants to repair their precious pottery.
器を持ち込んで体験しました。すっかり直って大満足、やってよかった。申し込み時にサイトでは器の持ち込みをコメントできるといいと思います、改善を検討してください。申し込み時に添付した画像も何故か先方で確認できていませんでした。
でも、何でも直せるという事でした、大切な器が修理できて喜んでいます。和やかにお茶をしながらman-to-manでレクチャーを受け、欠けた部分を石膏で固めところまでは先生がしっかりとやってくださって、削るところから体験しました。2時間半たっぷりかかりましたが、不器用な部分は先生がフォロー、色々褒めてくださるので、良い気分で続けられます。途中色々な器に関する四方山話も愉しく。お話だけでも良いぐらいです。写真の器、元は真っ二つに割れて一部欠けていましたがすっかり戻っています。あと2週間乾かしてから余計な粉を洗い流して、完成。待ち遠しい限りです。持ち帰り用に容器の準備もあり、道具は全て貸してくださるので、お手軽さに比べて満足度が高くて、充実した体験です。アフターフォローもしっかりしているので次もまたと考えているくらいです。金継ぎ体験だけでなく、大切な器を直したい人にもオススメです。
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2021/09/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/09/22 |
Reviewed by: MMm
The hosts were so welcoming and English was no problem. I learnt their craft from true artists who genuinely want to share this skill with others. The studio was great, the snack delicious and the whole experience truly memorable. I left with my own piece of Kintsugi and Japan’s culture.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/14 |
Reviewed by: SBruisten
This workshop was amazing! One of my best experiences while in Japan.
You only get to learn the basics and repair one small cup, but the instructors let you know what to buy in order to do more kintsugi in the future. You also get shown many examples which are very inspiring. I really feel like fixing up more stuff in the future, which will be easy since we received a set of instructions to follow at home as well!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/09 |
Reviewed by: Martha J
This class was absolutely terrific! The teachers are talented artists who also speak great English! The class was very thorough and they have considered every aspect of it- full demonstration, written instructions, and a bilingual shopping list so students can purchase their own materials. The tea and pastry at the beginning of class was a nice touch too. Can’t recommend this experience ENOUGH! The traditional teacup I chose to repair is from the late Edo period (also explained in class), and is a wonderful momento from my trip. Thank you so much!!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/06 |
Reviewed by: Ken and Jun
My wife and I had a great time learning Kintsugi here on our honeymoon. Staff and owner were very friendly, welcoming and informative. They teach really well and are very helpful if you have questions. Worth our time and would come back again!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/15 |
Reviewed by: Katherine
This was a well planned and facilitated experience by two delightful artisans. The kintsugi art is meditative and allows creativity and self expression. I look at “ broken” things differently now, and am eager to try the technique on my own with the materials I was able to purchase with the advice of the artisans. They teach the technique with patience and care that participants understand the art and culture of Japan more deeply. It was a peak experience for me, both unusual and heart warming.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/09 |
Reviewed by: Karen
The hosts are very helpful & welcoming. A great chance to learn kintsugi :)
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/28 |
Reviewed by: Monika
The hosts did not only share there great skills of Kintsugi with us, also the friendly atmosphere was overwhelming! They gave us a nice welcome with homemade desert and delicious apple tea. We could choose a piece of damaged ceramics and then practice step by step. The hosts also gave us many useful tips and informations in very good Englisch, a hand-out and - very important: a Shopping-List. And at last they even sent us nice Fotos they had taken during the workshop.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/12 |
Reviewed by: Ireland
Was such a lovely experience with amazing little touches from the hosts including delicious homemade apple tea ! The hosts were very friendly and had great English and were very exited to teach us the tradition of their culture ! Everything is done with care and to perfection ! Even the way they wrap up your piece and pop it in a bag is done so thoughtfully ! Would highly recommend this experience if your in Tokyo. It’s also a great way to meet and chat to some locals
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/09 |
Reviewed by: Arjen
This was one of my most valuable experiences in Japan in four and a half months of staying. You are very warmly welcomed with a drink (there is more than enough for a couple of drinks) and a homemade cake.
The couple helps you out working on your piece of choice (or your own cup! I brought my own cup which I found in the woods of Chichibu), explain which tool is for what and how to do what you are about to do. You can do this at your own pace and you do not have to fear not having stable hands or not being able to pull it off. They will always support you in getting a beautiful piece to take home.
They will show you what you need to buy from Tokyu Hands to execute the technique at home and give you a tour through their works and their workshop in the building on the left.
If you're in Tokyo, got some spare time or want to learn a Japanese craft, definitely recommended to go here! English is no problem!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/18 |
Reviewed by: Josh
This was a fantastic experience for my wife and myself to sit with 2 very skilled teachers and learn about Kintsugi.
A very warm and inviting environment, you are greeted with a delicious treat and tea or coffee.
It's then straight into learning different aspects of Kintsugi.
At the end of the class your item is packaged securely and neatly ready for you to take home.
The Shop is very easy to locate, just follow the directions provided when booking. The walk from the station is around 10 minutes, with some family marts on the way if a toilet is required.
We will definitely be coming back during our next trip.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/04 |
Reviewed by: Athena
Me and my girlfriend thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. The hosts were amazing people, super helpful and so welcoming and treated us like friends! We learned so much and came out feeling proud. All our questions answered and the couple is eager to help and make you feel accomplished! Highly recommended.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/06 |
Reviewed by: Mahazosoa
I really enjoyed this two hours and a half of Kintsugi. we got a lot of information on the techniques and on Japanese culture as well. It was organised in order that that we can continue on our own. The materials were well listed and described and I found them easily in Tokyu hands. many many thanks
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/20 |
Reviewed by: stevie
The walk from train station to the workshop was delightful in the morning of a day in November. Extremely well structured and presented content. Delicious homemade tea and snacks. Concisely explained and taught skills fundamentally required for us as beginners who might very well be engaging ourselves with the art in the future. It amends not only ceramics but many other things that might have been put away for unspoken reasons for ages. Kintsugi from now on is more than just a new skill to me. It's going to be a way of life.
Yoshi and Yoshiko, thank you!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/10 |
Reviewed by: Cecile
Very warm and simple introduction to kintsugi with the possibility to check picture books about its history and evolution.
As a complete beginner I was glad to meet the adorable teachers and to taste their delicious welcome cake and fruit tea :).
This workshop remains one of the best memories of my stay Tokyo! And a list of tools is provided so you can even buy them afterwards.
If you want to spend a good time and discover the basics of contemporary diy kintsugi, while visiting a cute and quiet, non-touristy area of Tokyo, this is your activity!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/09/25 |
Reviewed by: Jennifer
The kind couple who run Kuge Crafts make very efficient use of the time allotted. You’ll repair only a very small break in a beautiful cup, but while you wait for various materials to harden/dry/etc., you’ll learn about the history of kintsugi, other similar art forms, and other kintsugi techniques besides epoxy putty. The treats served are delicious too. I came away wanting to do this at home; luckily you’ll receive a shopping list and photo to take to Tokyo Hands so you can buy anything you won’t find at home before you leave town.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/24 |
Reviewed by: Anna
The shop owners are stunning experts of the craft. They were extremely kind and wonderful teachers! An incredible and authentic experience that I recommend to all!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/09 |
Reviewed by: Jen from Australia
I really enjoyed this introduction to kintsugi and came away with a lovely souvenir! The couple who ran the course were very patient and the cake was delicious.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/16 |
Reviewed by: Antoni
What a beautiful experience with KUGE Crafts - we would definately visit again as it was educational as well as practical. We really learnt a lot and we took our art home with us!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/10 |
Reviewed by: Sarah
It has been such a nice experience because the hosts were kind and wanted so much to share their knowledge.
Kintsugi wasn't has difficult as I taught : I've just followed what they showed me.
They explained me where I can buy the tools. They made me discover another kind of japanese artcrafts like liquerware.
I loved the way they welcomed me with a delicious mango pie and a fresh fruits drink.
A delightful moment, I advice you to try this experience !
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2019/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/08/21 |
Reviewed by: Christine
This was such a fun, interesting and enjoyable experience! Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko were so kind, knowledgeable, helpful. They were very patient as they tried to bridge the language barrier while giving instructions. They had several “cheat sheets” in English to help me understand.
They also were quite hospitable, providing snacks and even taking my photo several times during the repair process. Yoshiko also kindly showed me her ceramics studio, as I had made the piece that I used.
The entire process was easy enough, but patience and care are necessary. They gave me a list of supplies to purchase (and the address of a store so that I could bring those home with me.
Overall, I would highly recommend this experience. It’s a great introduction into the beautiful art of Japanese kintsugi! As an aside, I had mentioned to some of the staff at our hotel that I was taking this class and they scoured the hotel to find some old examples that they had in their possession. When I returned with my piece, the staff were impressed and asked for the contact info so they could recommend the Kuge’s to other hotel guests.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2019/09/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/08/16 |
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