2 hour private experience
Location: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the Master
A master of kyo zougan, Ryuji earned the prestigious "Kyo-mono Certified Craftsman" designation in 2008 and has exhibited his work internationally in New York and Paris. Trained by his grandfather and now leading the family atelier, he is modernizing this 1,400-year-old craft through contemporary designs and hands-on workshops that make traditional metalwork accessible to new generations.
What you’ll do
Enter the workshop studio of a kyo zougan metal inlay artisan and learn about the craft of zougan, as well as about the works done by the master artisan. Then, under the guidance of the 3rd-generation master, try your hand at making an accessory crafted with the traditional techniques of kyo zougan. Finally, visit the workshop studio's shop and see more completed pieces and products.
Who can attend
Children must be 6+
What’s included
Choose a brooch, pendant, or earrings to craft.
After the experience, the Master will put the finishing touches on the product and it will be shipped to you.
International shipping fees are included in the price.
Depending on the country of destination, additional customs tax may apply.
What else you should know
If you have poor eyesight, please bring glasses.
There is a parking spot for up to one car.
Availability
Monday to Saturday
Session 1 (09:00 - 11:00)
Session 2 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 3 (13:00 - 15:00)
Session 4 (14:00 - 16:00)
Session 5 (15:00 - 17:00)
Not available on national holidays.
Access
30 minutes by car from Kyoto Station
Hammer to the Metal
Crafted with meticulous and precise hammering, kyo zougan is one of three regional metal inlay crafts that developed throughout Japan after the technique's arrival in the country during the Asuka Period, following the Silk Road. With minute details and delicate craftsmanship, this craft was used as a means to decorate katana handguards, armour, mirrors, and other metal-based crafts. The metal inlay technique used in kyo zougan is known as nunome zougan, where the surface of the metal is scored with gridlines as fine as the lines of a file, and then the decorative pieces of gold and silver metal are carefully hammered into place. These fine gridlines are what hold the gold and silver design pieces in place, metal locking into metal when hammered together. To set the design in metal, a lacquer finish is applied, after which the design underneath is polished out. At this kyo zougan workshop studio, witness the precise and delicate technique of kyo zougan and learn about the craft itself. Then, try your hand at hammering out your own seasonal-based design utilizing the traditional techniques of kyo zougan.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
