Delve into the history and traditional techniques of urushi lacquer coating
2 hour private experience
Location: Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
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
Learn about the history and usage of urushi lacquer in Japan. Then, under guidance of a urushi lacquer master, sand and coat a utensil of your choice to create your very own lacquer coated utensil.
Who can attend
Children must be 15+
Availability
Only on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Session 1 (13:00 - 15:00)
Access
12 minutes by car from Kamakura Station
Cover Me in Lacquer
Ranging from a fine thin coat to a seamlessly smooth coating of glossy classic red or black, urushi lacquer has been used to coat the utensils and containers of Japanese cuisine since the Jomon era of ancient Japan. Refined from the sap of the lacquer tree, native to East Asia, urushi lacquer is valued for its water-resistant and hardness, which come from its unique property of not drying but hardening by absorbing the humidity in the air. It has also been known for its antibacterial properties, allowing for food stored in lacquered containers to withstand immediate decay during the times when food preservation methods were not as advanced as they are now. At this urushi lacquer artisan's studio workshop, learn about the methods and techniques employed in the art of urushi lacquer application. Then, try your hand at the process of painting a utensil of your choice to experience the careful precision and diligence that goes into urushi lacquer coating.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 14 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
Tours will rarely be canceled or changed, even in cases of bear activity or bad weather.
