Tokyo Gold Lacquer Maki-e Workshop with Optional Edo Ukiyo-e Walk

5.0 (3 reviews) Tokyo, Japan
Duration1h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

Make your own piece of real Japanese lacquerware decorated with gold, and take it home the same day.

Maki-e is a 1,000-year-old art: designs are painted in urushi, a natural lacquer made from tree sap, then dusted with gold powder. An artisan can spend weeks on one piece. You'll make yours in 1 hour on a genuine lacquered plate with real lacquer, not a synthetic substitute, taught by an artisan trained under a Living National Treasure, with an English-speaking guide translating.

Choose your experience:
- Workshop only (1 hr) – perfect for a busy schedule
- Workshop + Ukiyo-e Walk (2 hrs) – while your piece sets, walk old Shinagawa-juku and compare Hiroshige and Hokusai prints with the same spots today

Options

Walking Tour & Work shop

Duration: 2-hour: Walk old Shinagawa-juku with Hiroshige and Hokusai prints in hand while your piece sets, then collect it at the gallery.

Only Workshop

Maki-e Artwork Experience Only: Duration: 1,5hour

What's included

  • Guidance from a professional maki-e artisan
  • All materials (paints, gold powder, brushes)
  • A piece of traditional Japanese lacquerware
  • An English-speaking guide
  • Bottled water

What to expect

Meet your guide and artisan at a gallery within walking distance of Station for a hands-on introduction to maki-e, a traditional Japanese technique for decorating lacquerware with shimmering designs.

First, you’ll see examples of the artisan’s work and learn how a design takes shape. The artisan will then demonstrate the workshop’s Mt. Fuji motif, showing you how to work with the brushes and add decorative details. No art experience is needed—each step will be explained before you begin.

Next, you’ll decorate your own lacquerware dish. Using Mt. Fuji as your starting point, you can add personal touches to make the design your own. The artisan will guide you through the process, and your guide will be there to help with questions.

At the end of the approximately one-hour experience, you’ll have time to admire and photograph your piece. The artisan will explain when it will be ready to use and how to care for it. Once ready, you can display your one-of-a-kind creation or use it as tableware, following the artisan’s instructions—a personal reminder of your time in Japan.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your assigned guide will contact you directly three days before the experience to confirm the meeting details.
The meeting location is approximately a 10-minute walk from Shinagawa Station and a 3-minute walk from Kitashinagawa Station.

End point

Your assigned guide will contact you directly three days before the experience to confirm the meeting details.
The meeting location is approximately a 10-minute walk from Shinagawa Station and a 3-minute walk from Kitashinagawa Station.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (3)
From
16,000.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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