2025 Japan Urushi Forestry & Kintsugi Workshop – A Deep Dive into Craft, Forest, and Culture
- mikster
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Dates: October 19-27, 2025
Location: Daigo, Ibaraki, Japan
Limited to 6 participants
Escape the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto, and step into the quiet rhythm of rural Japan. In the forested hills of Daigo, Ibaraki, a rare opportunity awaits: join our 2025 Urushi Forestry & Kintsugi Workshop to learn the ancient arts of urushi lacquer craft and kintsugi—not as a tourist, but as a true learner, alongside those who dedicate their lives to preserving these traditions.
After heartfelt feedback from our 2024 participants—all of whom wished they could stay longer—we’ve extended the program to nine days and eight nights. More time to absorb, to connect, and to simply be present in the beauty of this craft and landscape.
Experience Craft as Culture, Connection, and Care: Authentic Traditional Kintsugi in Japan
At the center of this journey is kintsugi—the art of repairing broken ceramics with natural urushi lacquer and gold. Over the course of the week, you'll learn every stage of this traditional process through immersive, hands-on sessions taught in English. No quick hobby kits. No shortcuts. Just real techniques, real tools, and real stories behind them.
You’ll also explore fundamental lacquering techniques like fuki-urushi wood finishing and maki-e powder decoration, offering a broader view of urushi’s place in Japanese culture. Whether you're new to these traditions or have long admired them from afar, you'll build both craft skills and deep cultural insight.
Into the Forest, Into the Story
Your journey will take you deep into the urushi forests, where you will meet dedicated foresters who nurture and tap each tree by hand, harvesting lacquer drop by precious drop.
As the Japanese saying goes:
「漆の一滴、血の一滴」 – “A drop of urushi is a drop of blood.”
This intimate access is a rare privilege, offering you a glimpse into the care and tradition that sustains this craft.
More Than a Kintsugi Workshop: A Journey into Japan’s Living Craft Heritage
Nestled in the mountains just 2.5 hours from Tokyo, Daigo offers a peaceful, restorative setting far from the rush of city life. Urushi lacquer cultivation started in the 17th century in Daigo, and it is currently Japan’s second-largest producer of premium ki urushi.
This is more than a workshop—it’s a journey into how craftsmanship and nature intertwine, and how rural communities quietly preserve traditions that are disappearing elsewhere. Your interaction with local artisans will bring you new insight on what value traditional crafts can bring to your modern day life.
The program includes:
Exclusive access to the urushi forest Meet the foresters who devoted their life in guarding this unique forestry tradition and learn of the preciousness of this natural material.
Daily craft sessions, guided activities, and all-inclusive hospitality Stay in peaceful countryside lodging, enjoy local meals, and immerse fully in rural Japan.
With a small group of just six participants, every moment is personal and every conversation deepens your connection to Japan’s timeless crafts.
Why This Japanese Craft Journey Belongs in Your 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of learning kintsugi in Japan, exploring traditional crafts, or experiencing a more meaningful form of travel, this is your year. Whether you are a learner, a cultural enthusiast, or a socially responsible traveler, our Japan Urushi Forestry & Kintsugi Workshop offers you a path to rediscover creativity, presence, and connection.
Make 2025 the year you go beyond Tokyo and Kyoto.
Your journey begins here, see you in Daigo.
Curious what it was like? Read our blog on the 2024 group.
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