Open Enrollment . Limited Seats
Japan Urushi Forestry Experience +
Kintsugi Workshop 2026
A unique & EXCLUSIVE Japan travel experience. Meet lacquer growers and artisans.
Hands-on workshop on authentic traditional kintsugi & lacquering.
2026 JAPAN KINTSUGI WORKSHOP
MARK THE DATES: October 22 - 30, 2026
Why Join This Exclusive Kintsugi and Urushi Craft Workshop in Japan?
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Exclusive, once-a-year access to a living urushi forest and the rare opportunity to meet urushi foresters preserving this endangered tradition.
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Authentic kintsugi workshop in Japan using natural materials at the ORIGIN of Urushi.
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Demystify urushi lacquer - understand the material, the process, and why it matters.
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Experience Maki-e art, the foundation of Kintsugi repair craft. What is maki-e and how is it related to kintsugi? Practice and experiment with basic techniques (maki-e brushwork, chin-kin, raden).
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Support sustainable travel and rural revitalization - Contribute to the preservation of endangered crafts, revitalize rural Japan, support small local businesses, and help relief overtourism in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Experience the true beauty and value of Japanese lacquer and kintsugi at its source.
You
You are:
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Curious about Japanese urushi lacquer and lacquer craft
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Culture-curious, slow-traveler
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Support social-responsible travel and rural Japan revitalization
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Seasoned traveler: seeking genuine immersive experience, beyond over-tourist destinations
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Authenticity seekers: discontent with faux-kintsugi and mis-information on kintsugi. Seeker of non-romanticized, non-stylized Japan experience.
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Craft advocates: Explorer, New-comer, Self-taught, Beginners...etc. are all welcome
You will find this a travel experience of a life-time, exploring a hidden gem in rural Japan and supporting one of the most reputable traditional craft of Japan. After this cultural immersion, become our ambassador and tell the world about Daigo urushi and why Japanese lacquer craft is so precious.
Traditional Kintsugi Workshop
We are not offering wellness training or life coaching. There is no zen meditation or tea ceremony in tatami rooms. This is a craft-focus kintsugi craft workshop in rural Japan.
The workshop will introduce traditional kintsugi materials and tools, the art of pottery repair with lacquer and gold. We've designed the course to provide hands-on exercises, allowing you to learn techniques and practice extensively. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a solid foundation in traditional kintsugi tools and techniques and ready to practice on your own. Many participants find an epiphany after understanding the preciousness of material, and the diligence and patience required to practice this slow craft. They left our workshop with completely new insight about urushi lacquer and kintsugi, including many who have completed kintsugi courses elsewhere.
MAKI-E PAINTING & FUKI-URUSHI EXPERIENCE
It is important to understand that Maki-e painting is the foundation of kintsugi craft, and Fuki-urushi sets the fundamental understanding of urushi as a repair and finishing material. Our workshop have set projects for you to experience both traditional lacquer crafts
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Our goal is to offer the most comprehensive and informative traditional kintsugi workshop available in native English, while providing hands-on experience with authentic, all-natural materials in Japan. No more lost-in-translation explanations, second-hand misinformation, or faux kintsugi practices.
Date
October 22th - 30th, 2026 (8 nights)
Location
Ibaraki Prefecture is North of Tokyo, 2.5 hours by car and under 3 hours by train from Tokyo Station. Daigo is a hidden gem, lesser traveled by tourists and surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. It has the second largest urushi forestry industry in Japan, producing premium quality urushi lacquer to artisans nationwide.
Price
US$ 3825.00
Inclusive of 8 nights lodging, all meals, all local transportation during the course, and kintsugi, lacquer, pottery workshops: exclusive access to urushi lacquer forest and meet the urushi foresters, intensive kintsugi craft workshop, exclusive lacquer artisan studio visit, lacquering workshop, seminar with local lacquer artist/artisan, and a day-trip to a historic pottery town.
Only 6 seats available.
The cost of the travel workshop does not include transportation to-and-from the group designated meeting spot (Ibaraki Prefecture).
10% Japan consumption tax included.
Reservation & Policy
Limit to 6 seats only. The group size is set small for best workshop experience.
However, we may consider adding an additional session pending on number of inquiries received. If all seats are filled, put in your wait-list request so we know the demand. You will be notified if any spot becomes available, and if enough people signed up on waitlist, we may consider create a second group.
We understand sometimes travel plans may change, so please check our cancellation refund policy and note the dates listed for full or partial refund.
Read Program TERMS & CONDITIONS
Read about 2025 program
2026 Program date: October 22th -30th
(limit 6 spots)
Over-tourism in Japan
"(Mount Fuji) It’s like Disneyland here as there are too many people..."
Park Ranger commented on Mt. Fuji's over-tourism situation with CNN
"Kyoto is not a theme park."
Kyoto local council banned street entries and started fining for trespassing in geisha district of Kyoto starting March 2024.
2026 Itinerary
DAY 1
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Participant to arrive at designated meeting point. (in Ibaraki Prefecture)
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Check-in, settle-in
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Afternoon Meet-and-Greet and introduction session
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Welcome Dinner party
DAY 2
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EXCLUSIVE visit to urushi forest, meet with professional urushi foresters and cultivators and learn about urushi forestry, and Japan-grown lacquer.
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Exclusive urushi-tapping experience (extraction of tree sap) *
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Rest of day: Kintsugi workshop & lacquer craft assignment
DAY 3
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Kintsugi studio day (full-day)
DAY 4
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Kintsugi studio day (full-day)
DAY 5
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OUTING: enjoy a day visiting a historic pottery kiln
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Japanese pottery workshop (hand-build or pottery wheel)
DAY 6
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Kintsugi studio day (full day)
DAY 7
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AM Lacquerware artisan studio tour + exclusive lacquering workshop
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PM Option: self-directed Kintsugi studio work time or free time to explore the small town of Daigo
DAY 8
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Kintsugi studio (half day)
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Lacquer craft presentation by local young artisans
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Check-in to local onsen hotspring hotel
DAY 9
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Breakfast (final huddle). Check-out (10 am), departure. Hotel shuttle to nearby train station.
Itinerary is subject to change if activities are affected by weather or any unforeseen circumstances.
Program date: October 22-30, 2026
(limit 6 spots)
What you will gain from this cultural travel experience
01
Exclusive Access to Experience Urushi Forestry
Access to the source and learn about the most important raw material for Japanese craft. Meet and talk to lacquer foresters who maintains the forest of about a thousand urushi trees. See how a handful of expert cultivators sustain as the second largest producer of premium, Japan-grown lacquer.
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Lacquering Experience
Meet a local lacquer artisan. Visit the studio and see the tools and equipment of a professional lacquer artisan. Experience using urushi lacquer as a coating material on wood. Work on an exclusive lacquering project on urushi tree-plank (from the cut-down tree), and bring home a one-of-a-kind craft work (handcrafted by YOU) that you will remember and keep for life!
02
Comprehensive, Authentic Kintsugi Pottery Repair Workshop
The most comprehensive English information about urushi lacquer, tools and techniques on authentic traditional kintsugi craft. Build good, solid foundation to get yourself ready to practice the craft. Our workshop focuses on Best-Practice Kintsugi. No more lost in translation or mis-information.
04
Maki-e Art Painting Experience
Experience Maki-e art painting—the foundation of Kintsugi craft—and gain insight into the mastery of using traditional Maki-e brushes, urushi lacquer, and gold decoration. Experiment with raden shell-inlay or chinkin (lacquer engraving craft).
FAQ
What kintsugi supplies are included in the package (for use in class and to bring home)?
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matte gold powder
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matte silver powder
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4 types of urushi lacquer (including premium Daigo urushi)
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All repair base powder
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Handmade wood spatulas
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Sanding & Polishing tools, whetstone set,
charcoal and more -
Paper palette pad
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Beginner's traditional cat-hair maki-e paint brush & cleaning wand
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Lacquer and wood practice plaques
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Small ceramic items for repair exercise
Total value over $430.00
There will be sufficient additional material for class use, in addition to the above bring-home kit. Additional kintsugi supplies will be available for sale on site (can save you shipping cost from ordering online).
Food and Special Diet
All food cost is covered (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/coffee & tea). If you require special diet or have food allergy, please notify us during reservation and we will do our best to accommodate. Japanese cuisine are in general high-quality and healthy, but most places have little experience with vegetarian, vegan or special diet. We will do our best to accommodate your dietary needs if you give us advance notice. But we cannot guarantee on availability for all meals during the program.
Alcohol beverage is not included, and will be your out-of-pocket expense.
What do I need to bring?
We recommend you bring your own sleeve covers or simple long-sleeve work clothes or apron. Once urushi gets on fabric, it is not removable. Sleeves will also protect you from direct skin-contact with raw lacquer.
We will have extra gloves, sleeves and apron on site.
If you need special sizes for aprons and latex gloves, it is recommended you bring your own. Japanese sizes run small for Westerners.
Bring your own pens and notebooks as well!!
Can I bring and repair my own broken pottery?
You can bring your own small broken pottery or tools to use in the studio, however, expect the curing time may not be sufficient to properly finish your repair, and the risk of ruining the repair work during your travel.
Feel free to bring your own work for review and consultation and benefit from group discussion on your work.
Why is the enrollment so limited?
We want to keep the group small to maintain quality discussion time and workshop experience. However, we can possibly increase headcount for 1 or 2 extra person based on assessment.
Discount for multiple participants
If 2 person sign up together, you are eligible for a discount of $200 off each person's program fee. That's a saving of $400 total. You will be assigned to occupy the same bedroom.
Email us in advance so we can provide you with a discount code and sign up instruction.
RESERVATION & PAYMENT
A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure your seat.
The remaining 50% balance is due on or before July 15, 2026 to confirm your reservation. An invoice for the balance will be issued after we receive the deposit, and payment may be made at any time prior to July 15, 2026.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via EMAIL
The 50% deposit is non-refundable.
If cancellation occurs on or before July 15, 2026, any balance payments made will be refunded minus a 4.6% transaction fee.
Cancellations made after July 15, 2026 are non-refundable.
Application Closing Date
Enrollment will open until August 15th.
EMAIL to inquire if open seat is available after August 15th.
Is there access to laundry facility?
Yes. Washer & dryer is available for use for free in the training facility.
Still have more questions?
EMAIL us to inquire.
Can I purchase a kintsugi kit at the workshop?
Essential kintsugi tools and broken ceramics for repair practice are included in this package. Please read "What supplies are included"section.
Some kintsugi supplies, outside of the list, will be available for sale at the workshop.
If you would like to purchase additional kinstugi supplies or anything from goenne.com for pick up during the workshop, email us so we can bring the materials to the workshop for you (and you can save on international shipping).
Cut-off time for advance product purchase request is October 1, 2026. Reminder will be emailed to each participant.
Do I need to have any kintsugi, lacquer craft, pottery experience?
No experience necessary. Beginners are most welcome.
Can a friend come and stay with me for sight-seeing and hiking but not join the workshop?
Technically, the facility is a training center so tourist cannot use or reserve. However, based on certain conditions and negotiation with the facility, we maybe able to accommodate under some restrictions: (a) limit to 1 or 2 additional guests, (b) short stay of 1-2 nights sharing the bedroom with you (there are multiple beds in the room)
There are a few local pension and guest houses in town which your guests can choose as well.
Afterall, we do want more people to visit Daigo and explore its rural beauty.
As everyone has different travel plans, email us to discuss your case so we can make best suggestion.
Where will the workshop take place? Where do we meet?
Ibaraki Prefecture is 2 hours 45 mins train ride from Tokyo Station. Detail access instruction on how to arrive at meeting point on Oct 22 will be emailed to individual by August 31, 2026. While you plan your travel itinerary, feel free to contact us to consult about planning your transportation to this route.
Enrollment is full. How to get on the wait-list?
You will be unable to make payment at the reservation page if the program is full. EMAIL us to have your name added to the wait list.
If space becomes available, we will email you in the order of the wait-list requests received with a "Reply by" date so you can snatch the spot. If no response, the next wait-list name will be invited.
Alternatively, you can plan to join us next year! This is an annual program.
If enough request received, we may consider open a additional session for 6 additional person on the week before or after the main program dates.
Can I cancel after I make reservation?
Yes. However, the initial 50% deposit is non-refundable. Any remaining balance paid can be refunded. Cancellation fee may and partial refund will incur if your request has past certain dates. Refer to dates listed in Refund Policy section and Terms & Conditions
Shall I be concerned about allergic reaction to urushi lacquer?
YES. Please read through the What is Urushi page and urushi allergy information to understand the material and decide if you would still want to participate in a program that handles urushi everyday. You are also required to wear gloves, clothings and proper gear when handling urushi.
Report immediately if skin contact occurred so we can provide oil and alcohol for immediate cleansing.
Not all people will show allergic rash, if it occurs, remedies are only for temporary relief and you may have to endure the rash for 1-2 weeks.
Lodging & Facilities
For the first 7 nights, the group will stay at a well-equipped training facility, with private bedrooms, communal shower rooms, bath, toilets, workshop rooms, dining hall. This makes the kintsugi workshop efficient and convenient as you can leave your tools and works at your own work station for the duration of the program.
The final night will be at a local hot spring hotel (private double bed room, private bath & toilet and shared hot-spring facility). Traditional Japanese onsen hotel usually do not accept single occupancy (except with special permission). Refer to Room occupancy section for updates.
Accessibility
Our program takes place in a rural Japanese town and includes time in traditional spaces that reflect the character of the region. While we do our best to create a comfortable experience for everyone, please note that the environment is not fully accessible.
Here are a few details to consider:
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Lodging: Ground-floor bedrooms, accessible public toilets available.
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Workshop Studio: Located on the second floor and accessible by stairs only (no elevator).
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Walking: On most days, we walk together approximately 10–15 minutes to local restaurants. Some streets include gentle slopes.
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Dining: A few local restaurants offer traditional tatami seating, which involves sitting on floor cushions.
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Final Night Onsen Stay: Rooms are traditional tatami style with futon bedding placed on the floor.
If you have mobility considerations or specific needs, we warmly encourage you to reach out before booking. We are happy to discuss the program in detail and help you determine whether it will be a good fit for you.
Room occupancy (single? double?)
Accommodation for the first 7 nights will be single occupancy in private rooms with both western beds and Japanese-style futon beds on tatami. This year, with special permission from the Japanese inn, the night at the Japanese-style hot spring inn will be single occupancy, own private room. If you are participating with a friend and want to share the room, let us know and we can make arrangement.
Accommodation condition subject to change and we will do our best to give you advance notification.
Can a friend or family member join and stay only for the final night at the hotspring hotel?
Ready to Book
Starts Oct 22
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