Craft your own gold leaf ceramic box at a studio where bold beauty meets tradition
2 hour private experience
Location: Komatsu, Ishikawa
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
What you’ll do
First, learn about the history and techniques of Kutani ware and Kinsai, including a tour of the studio and gallery where the artistry of living national treasures is explained. Next, explore exhibited works and gain deeper insight into the kiln characteristics, molding process, and overglaze painting techniques. Finally, get hands-on experience decorating a “Toubako” ceramic box using kinsai techniques, bringing your own creation to life.
Who can attend
Children must be 11+
Included
Tou-bako ( Small ceramic box )
Availability
Monday to Saturday
Session 1 (start at 10:00)
Session 2 (start at 13:00)
Session 3 (start at 14:00)
Session 4 (start at 15:00)
Not available during Public Holidays.
Access
15 min taxi ride from Komatsu station, 40 min taxi ride from Kanazawa station, or 45 min from Kanazawa station (20 min Limited Express Train (Thunderbird) ride + 15 min taxi ride from Komatsu Station)
What else you should know
You will need to take a taxi (15 min ride) to and from the studio. The roundtrip taxi fare will be around 6000 JPY. If you would like to pay via credit card instead of cash, our interpreter guide can help you locate a taxi that accepts cards.
After the experience the master finalize your Tou-bako and send them to your address. You would like to pay that cost at the studio directly via cash (Japanese Yen).
Where vivid colors and timeless traditions meet
Kutani ware (Kutani-yaki) is one of Japan’s most celebrated ceramic traditions, originating in the early 17th century in Ishikawa Prefecture. Its name comes from the Kutani region, where skilled artisans first developed distinctive techniques using bold, vibrant colors and intricate designs. Over the centuries, Kutani-yaki has evolved through periods of experimentation and refinement, including the introduction of the luxurious kinsai (gold-overglaze) technique, which adds shimmering accents to each piece. Many Kutani kilns have been family-run for generations, with techniques carefully passed down, making every piece a living testament to Japan’s rich ceramic heritage. On your tour, you will observe the delicate art of kinsai painting that has been passed down from parent to child, each generation leaving its mark on the kiln’s 110-year history. Enjoy the hands-on experience of creating your own gold leaf adorned ceramic toubako box, which will be finished by a master craftsman and delivered to you post-tour. What better way to savor traditional Kutani ware culture than in the presence of a Kutani multi-generational artisan family?
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.
