Kyoto Kintsugi Making Traditional Workshop
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kyoto, Japan
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
This “kintsugi” workshop introduces a traditional Japanese craft that repairs broken ceramics with gold powder. Held in a great location near Gion and Yasaka Shrine, the session teaches practical techniques while exploring the philosophy of embracing imperfections. It’s an ideal way to learn new skills, create a meaningful souvenir to take home, and learn more about Japanese culture.
- Opportunity to learn a new skill—”kintsugi”
- Hassle-free class with equipment provided
- Create a one-of-a-kind handmade souvenir
- Small group size keep the lesson personal
What's Included
- Tools and space to do kintsugi
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 早川ビル439 Ebisuchō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8005, Japan
We will meet on the 6th floor of the building. Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hcsuAvSpxeSPUwTX7
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 26 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 664 reviews
Carolynn_d, Apr 2026
Wonderful experience, the workers spoke excellent english and were very knowledgeable about the nearby area. We had Wil and Patrick helping us!
Alon_G, Apr 2026
In short – it’s a tourist trap.
First, you choose a pre-cut plate.
The default option is a boring, flat white plate.
If you want something more interesting, you have to pay extra. If you want something similar to what is shown in the booking photos, the price almost doubles.
The materials are modern and industrial. I did expected them to replace the traditional mugi-urushi glue, which takes weeks to dry, but using masking tape, double-sided tape, and alcohol spray is just ridiculous.
The hosts are foreigners. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you are not learning from an experienced master. You’re guided by someone who arrived in Japan less than a year ago.
There almost no historical context or explanation.
There are about 30 people in the room across four tables. It’s loud, and there is no attempt to maintain a quiet or focused atmosphere. This completely ruins the meditative aspect that authentic kintsugi is known for.
The entire experience lasts just over an hour, from entry to exit, including packing your plate.
My recommendation - find a better alternative and avoid this one.
Emily_A, Mar 2026
Thunder and Sabbie were amazing!! We had such a great experience learning about the art of Kintsugi — highly recommend!!
Rosa_P, Mar 2026
Great experience with Tara, Ash and Sabbie. They explain us everything very well and we had a great time with them. High recommended!
Harry_W, Mar 2026
Leave a little extra time to find the place unless you are familiar with the area and can read street signs. We were a little late, but Mariz and Ash were excellent and got us set up and going in no time.
Ryan_L, Mar 2026
Excellent class, Jem and Wil were wonderful teachers who shared interesting facts about kintsugi while providing 1:1 direction.
Note - plan for 1.5-2hrs (even tho Viator event says 1hr).
Abi_B, Mar 2026
Great experience, lovely studio and helpful staff. A great way to learn something new and a gorg souvenir to take home!
Angelique_k, Feb 2026
Such an amazing experience! We upgraded our plates for about $15. The instructors were awesome. The area it’s located in is very cute and exploitable. Would totally do again!
Sarah_W, Feb 2026
It was a very fun experience and the staff were all super friendly & great with the kids. Our girls thought it was a highlight of the vacation, and we brought nice memories back.
lauren_w, Feb 2026
This was a really fun activity to do, you get to chose your plate that you want to do kintsugi on, that is an extra cost, anything for 500yen to 4000yen. The staff will then guide you on how to do the craft. It's a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere with fellow travellers.
Tamara_H, Feb 2026
Gabri & Kiara were great! They made the whole process fun and easy. Super affordable and we love our plates.
Katie_M, Feb 2026
Absolutely delightful experience!! We had the best time! The teachers were great and the other workshop attendees were fun! All around good vibes and a fun thing to learn and do! Don’t skip this!! It was great! 10/10!!!
Ashley_A, Feb 2026
I'd heard of kintsugi previously, but didn't anticipate that I'd be able to actually do a kintsugi piece myself, so when I saw this on Viator I sprung on it. When I arrived at the second-floor studio (sorry, not accessible from what I saw, I was greeted warmly. It was an interesting mix of traditional Japanese craftsmaking and 21st-century cultural exchange. The facilitator, Wil, was great at leading both me and the other solo person participant. He was also able to get us to open up a bit, and was very successful in his efforts to promote conversation during some of the slower parts of the process. My limited experiences in Japan had me expecting to focus solely on the task, as the culture seemed more closed off than what I'm used to back home; however, this operator struck a fine balance between allowing us time for quiet concentration and more sociable breaks. It was a welcome switch-up, and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to chat a bit more freely. Overall it was a great experience - shoutout to Jojo - and I would easily rebook. For those who haven't done it yet, I would say, don't hesitate. You'll remember it fondly, as I do every time I look at my beautiful souvenir.
Stuart_N, Feb 2026
It was a fun experience. The instructors were very encouraging and supportive. I am glad I did kintsugi class and have a beautiful plate to take home to remind me the beauty of kyoto.
EvaAlicia_W, Jan 2026
Strategic location! Just a 2-3 min walk from the temples. Kiara & Gabri were amazing! Had amazing experience making Kintsugi and brought home new home decor ♡
Caleb_B, Jan 2026
Really fun arts and crafts experience! They also do chopstick making at the art studio, but I’m glad we did Kintsugi since it’s a very uniquely Japanese art. Kenta was our teacher and he was nice and funny, and didn’t rush us at all.
Imogen_E, Dec 2025
This was such a unique experience and we learnt a lot about the art of kintsugi! With guidance from Jem we were able to create/mend our own plate! Thank you for this experience!
Mariya_M, Dec 2025
Fun little activity with a cute souvenir to take home! Would have enjoyed a bit of exposition about the history of this sort of craftwork
BRIGITTE_R, Apr 2026
A good time to spend with children. a very satisfying result. Very friendly companions. The pleasure of leaving with his work.
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From $19.22
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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