The Kintsugi Workshop Class in Shibuya, Tokyo, hosted by Mon Cadeau, offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating art of repairing pottery with gold. Participants will receive personalized guidance from an experienced teacher and indulge in delightful refreshments as they transform their broken pieces into stunning works of art. This exclusive hands-on experience promises to be a cultural journey that celebrates the beauty in imperfection. With all materials provided, guests can look forward to taking home a cherished memento and a newfound appreciation for the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi.
Key Points
- A private, hands-on Kintsugi workshop led by an experienced teacher in Shibuya, Tokyo, organized by Mon Cadeau.
- Includes refreshments like coffee, tea, matcha, and seasonal Japanese sweets during the activity.
- Participants receive a gift box and worksheet to document the Kintsugi restoration process.
- Workshop takes place at an accessible location near public transportation, with detailed directions provided.
- Pricing starts from £107.86 per person with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Workshop Overview
The Kintsugi Workshop takes place in Shibuya, Tokyo, and is organized by Mon Cadeau. This private tour/activity is for your group only. Upon booking, you’ll receive confirmation.
The workshop includes coffee, tea, matcha, and seasonal Japanese sweets. An experienced teacher will provide personal, hands-on guidance as you repair your item using the provided materials.
You’ll receive a gift box for your repaired piece and a worksheet to learn about the Kintsugi restoration process. The activity takes place at a studio, with directions provided after booking, and ends back at the meeting point.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tokyo.
Inclusions
Included in the Kintsugi Workshop are coffee and/or tea, matcha tea, and seasonal Japanese sweets to enjoy.
The experienced teacher provides personal, hands-on guidance throughout the restoration process. All materials needed for the Kintsugi repair are provided; participants need only bring themselves.
Upon completion, participants receive a gift box to house their repaired piece as a souvenir. A worksheet is also included to document the restoration steps and provide insights into the Kintsugi art form.
Fees and taxes are covered in the workshop price, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Meeting and Pickup
The meeting point for the Kintsugi Workshop is Central Hospital, located at 25-1 Shinsenchō, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0045, Japan.
Detailed directions to the studio are provided upon reservation.
The activity ends back at the meeting point, so participants can easily find their way back.
The key aspects of the meeting and pickup are:
- Clear meeting location at Central Hospital
- Detailed directions to the studio given later
- Activity ends at the original meeting point
- Easy transportation and accessibility for participants
Accessibility and Participation
Is the Kintsugi Workshop in Tokyo wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately, no. The workshop isn’t wheelchair accessible. However, service animals are allowed.
The venue is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for most travelers. Infants must sit on laps during the activity.
Most visitors can participate in the hands-on Kintsugi workshop, which includes personal guidance from an experienced teacher and all necessary materials.
The workshop provides an opportunity for guests to learn the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold lacquer, creating a unique and beautiful piece to take home as a souvenir.
Pricing and Cancellation
Though the Kintsugi Workshop in Tokyo has a price range starting from £107.86 per person, it offers a lowest price guarantee.
The workshop also provides flexibility with:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
- A "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option for added convenience.
- All fees and taxes included in the quoted price.
- Exceptional value with the abundance of inclusions, such as hands-on guidance, materials, and a souvenir gift box.
What Is Kintsugi?
Kintsugi, an ancient Japanese art form, celebrates the beauty in imperfection.
It’s the centuries-old practice of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.
The philosophy behind Kintsugi is that the breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, and should be highlighted rather than hidden.
This approach treats breakage and repair as an opportunity for transformation, not destruction.
The Kintsugi Process
The Kintsugi process involves several steps to carefully repair and transform broken ceramics.
Participants will learn the traditional Japanese art of mending broken pottery with lacquer and gold or silver powder.
Here are the key steps:
- Carefully clean and prepare the broken pieces for repair.
- Mix the lacquer and gold or silver powder to create the adhesive.
- Skillfully apply the adhesive to carefully join the fragments together.
- Finish the process by polishing the repaired item to reveal the beautiful, golden seams.
This hands-on workshop allows guests to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake using the Kintsugi technique.
Significance of Kintsugi
Underlying the Kintsugi process is a profound philosophy that embraces imperfection and celebrates the inherent beauty in the scars of an object’s history.
Kintsugi teaches that damage and breakage aren’t flaws to be hidden, but opportunities to enhance the original object’s aesthetic. By filling cracks with precious metals like gold, the repaired piece becomes more beautiful and valuable than before.
This perspective reflects the Japanese cultural values of wabi-sabi, which find elegance in the ephemeral and imperfect. Through Kintsugi, the breakage becomes part of the object’s unique history and identity, not something to be disguised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take My Repaired Item on the Plane?
Yes, you can take your repaired item on the plane. The Kintsugi workshop provides a gift box for your repaired piece, making it easy to transport as a souvenir.
Will the Teacher Speak English During the Workshop?
The teacher will likely speak English during the workshop, as it’s designed for international travelers. The experience includes personal guidance from an experienced instructor to ensure clear communication throughout the hands-on kintsugi repair process.
Can I Participate if I Have Physical Limitations?
The workshop is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed, and infants must sit on laps. Those with physical limitations should consult the tour operator for accommodation options.
Is There a Dress Code or Special Clothing Required?
There’s no dress code or special clothing required for this workshop. Participants can wear comfortable, casual attire. The focus is on the hands-on Kintsugi experience, so practical clothing that allows freedom of movement is recommended.
Can I Purchase Additional Materials During the Workshop?
Participants can purchase additional materials during the workshop, as the teacher will provide guidance on options to further customize their repaired item as a souvenir. Any extra materials will be offered at an additional cost.
The Sum Up
The Kintsugi workshop in Shibuya, Tokyo, offers a unique opportunity to learn the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Participants will receive personalized guidance, enjoy refreshments, and take home their repaired piece in a gift box. This cultural experience celebrates the beauty in imperfection and the resilience of broken things, making it a truly memorable and meaningful event.
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