From ¥15000 ¥12000
Cancellation and refund policy
No cancellation fee, cancel any time

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Kintsugi Experience Kyoto Japan (Japanese Broken Pottery)

The Japanese have an art form called Kintsugi, which translates as “golden joinery.” It is a rather unusual practice involving mending broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered precious metals. Gold, silver, and platinum are used to repair objects that have been chipped or broken. Kintsugi has been practiced for centuries in Japan while countries such as China used staples to mend broken dishes. Kintsugi has been used to fix all sorts of objects, but it became closely connected with ceramic containers that were used for the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Kintsugi was used to repair objects from other lands including China, Korea, and Vietnam. The philosophy behind Kintsugi is similar to wabi-sabi, which teaches appreciation of the imperfect in the world. In Japan, the value of an object is determined by several factors including the features showing the signs of being used. Instead of discarding damaged objects people in Japan often keep them and use Kintsugi to repair them. Kintsugi does not attempt to hide the cracks or breaks but instead highlights the repairs with gold, silver, and platinum.  The practice of Kintsugi avoids discarding pottery and dishes when they are damaged. The art celebrates the use of a cracked or chipped object, and it will be more valuable after Kintsugi than before being broken. Kintsugi has preserved and enhanced dishes that would otherwise have been discarded. Kintsugi encourages letting go of the usual idea of perfection and embracing objects that show the passage of use and time. The results of using the traditional Japanese technique are simply stunning.

This experience includes

  • Learning about kintsugi process and philosophy from an expert in English
  • Observing the procedures of kintsugi
  • Hand brushing urushi (Japanese lacquer) 
  • Hand brushing golden powder 
  • You can pick up your fixed pottery item 3 days after the workshop or it can be shipped to your hotel in Japan with a small fee.
      •    Kintsugi is a Japanese tradition of repairing pottery with precious metals.
      •    The practice preserves and enhances objects that would otherwise be discarded.
      •    Kintsugi follows the philosophy of treasuring pottery and dishes that show the passage of time.
      •    Kintsugi creates beautiful objects that increase in value.

 

The Kintsugi Experience in Kyoto

One of the most fascinating and beautiful traditions of Japan is the art form known as Kintsugi. Whether you are a visitor or you live in Kyoto, anyone can learn about the mysterious art. The Maikoya Kyoto invites guests to experience Kintsugi, the art of transforming a chipped, cracked or broken object into a beautiful piece by using platinum, gold or silver to make repairs. You can create an amazing object of art just as the Japanese have for centuries. A teacher skilled in the ways of Kintsugi will help you take an item and enliven it with the unique golden mixture. The rules that that guide a Kintsugi practitioner is to treat an object’s cracks and repair as the historical record of a piece. There is no attempt to disguise the so called imperfections, but rather highlight and embrace them. The philosophy is similar to wabi-sabi which urges followers to consider the perfection of the imperfect in our world. Kitsugi has a close relationship to the pottery used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Each guest will receive a piece of pottery to work with under the guidance of an experienced Kintsugi artist. Travel back in time as you work with your dish, creating new beauty.

      • Learn the philosophy behind Kintsugi.
      • An experienced instructor will help you create your own Kintsugi piece.
      • Immerse yourself in the idea that so called imperfections are but indicators of use and the passage of time.
      • Kintsugi might change the way you feel about the imperfections in life.

 

The location of this experience is near the Daitokuji Temple. You will be sent the directions to the venue after you make your reservation. This is a great chance to see the beatiful temples and gardens in the Daitokuji Temple which is considered a national treasure in Japan and houses many famous historic tearooms. As Maikoya we only introduce this service and Maikoya Tea ceremony is not the place the activity takes place. Your activity will take place near  Daitokuji Temple.

 

 

 

Please note that our cancellation policy is of one week before, otherwise we will charge you a cancellation fee as below.

* 50% of your total amount will be charged if you cancel from 1 day prior to your reservation date.

* 100% of your total amount will be charged if you cancel from 24 hours prior to your reservation date.

 

This is for small group.
If you have more than 4 people in your group, please contact us via email in ahead.

Age 6+

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  • Included
    a bowl and materials
    Hand brushing urushi (Japanese lacquer)
    Hand brushing gold powder
  • Maps
  • Organizer

    Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto

    We are a cultural experience venue located in the heart of Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. We pride ourselves on providing authenthinc experiences in Kyoto. Founded on the four main pricinples of tea ceremony (Harmony, respect, purity and tranquility) Maikoya has gained recognition among both locals and foreigners. Maikoya also recently has been selected as one of the best tea ceremony venues in Japan by Tripadvisor. Learning about a country through cultural workshops and activities will give you a better understanding of our intricate history, valued social principals and holistic way of life. By learning about Japan and its people, you will be immersed in different perspectives and approaches that are unique to this country. Maikoya Kyoto offers you opportunities to understand this culture through local instructors and guides. There is no better way to learn about a new place from the viewpoints of those who grew up and live in this amazing country. What better way to spend an afternoon than learning a traditional, beautiful new art form with a knowledgeable tutor in a picturesque setting? You wouldn't find friendlier people to help you experience Japan in all its splendour.
    Our address is Japan, 〒604-8006 Kyoto, Nakagyō-ku, Nakanocho, 565-4 JP Take Exit 9 at the Kawaramachi Station  google map
    Our phone number is 075-606-5303
    Our email address is kyoto@mai-ko.com
    *** Please let us know the gender ratio and if you have any food allergies, Halal, gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian preferences.

    Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

    • Do you accept walk-ins?

      Yes, we accept walk-ins. However, it is chepaer to book online and you may need to wait if you show up without a reservation especially during the peak season.

    • Do I need to wear a kimono?

      Traditional tea ceremony is usually conducted by wearing a kimono but since you may simply not be interested in it or you may be pregnant (earlier than 3rd trimester OK) we don’t require you to wear a kimono.

    • Do I need to sit on my knees all the time or I can sit comfortably? Can I sit on the chair?

      Yes you can sit comfortably without sitting on your knees. Yes we do provide chairs and desks if you need.

    • What is the etiquette for tea ceremony?

      Please remember to --take your shoes off, --be quiet and not talk to your partner throughout the ceremony, —not use your cell phone (we allow photos before and after) but ideally you should forget worldly and materialistic thoughts.

    • Do you have kimonos for kids?

      Please remember to --take your shoes off, --be quiet and not talk to your partner throughout the ceremony, —not use your cell phone (we allow photos before and after) but ideally you should forget worldly and materialistic thoughts.

    • Do you have plus size kimonos?

      Yes we do have extra size kimonos. If you are a plus size please let us know when you reserve about your size.

    • Can I walk outside wearing the kimono for the rest of the day?

      Yes! you can walk outside with additional fee JPY1000 by 6 pm!

    • Do you provide any hairdo services?

      Yes (for females), we will make sure you look your best and your hair matches the traditional kimono style.

    • Do you only show activities or you explain the meanings, symbols etc?

      Of course we explain all the meanings and symbols. We also answer many questions you may have (what tis the relationship between zen and tea ceremony, what is the relationship between zen and shodo, what is the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, etc.)

    • Do you have a souvenir shop where I can get matcha tea, tea ceremony set, calligraphy set, etc. to remember my experience?

      Yes we do.

    • Where can I buy a kimono?

      We can recommend you a few nearby shops that sell 2nd hand, upscale and economy kimonos, yukatas, samues and hakamas.

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