Traditional and Modern Lacquerware on a Craft Tour in Kyoto

A Closer Look at Kyoto’s Lacquerware Craft Tour

This 2.5-hour experience in Kyoto offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of urushi lacquer, a traditional craft that has been part of Japan’s cultural fabric for centuries. You’ll visit the Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi factory, which processes over 70% of Japan’s domestic lacquer, giving you rare insight into the refining process. Afterwards, you’ll see how lacquer adorns modern products like surfboards and bicycles, and enjoy a lunch served in a beautifully crafted lacquer bowl at Bukkoji Temple. The tour wraps up with a hands-on workshop where you can apply lacquer to your own chopsticks, which you get to take home.

What we love most is how this tour seamlessly combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary uses—showing how ancient techniques remain relevant today. The visit to the temple’s lacquered hall offers a peaceful, almost meditative ambiance, and the chopstick workshop adds a memorable, personal touch. Plus, the lunch featuring Kyoto ingredients served in elegant lacquerware makes for a delightful dining experience.

One thing to keep in mind is the small group size, which keeps the experience intimate and allows for more personalized attention. However, this also means booking well in advance—on average, travelers reserve about 17 days ahead. If you’re interested in Japanese arts and crafts, or want a meaningful cultural experience in Kyoto, this tour offers a crisp, worthwhile taste of both.

This experience is ideal for those who appreciate arts, culture, and hands-on activities. Whether you’re a craft lover, a foodie, or simply curious about Japan’s lacquer traditions, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Unique insight into urushi lacquer: learn how Japan’s most popular traditional craft is refined and used today.
• Hands-on workshop: apply lacquer to your own pair of chopsticks and take them home as a personalized souvenir.
• Combination of traditional and modern: see lacquer in temple architecture, everyday items, and contemporary products like surfboards.
• Authentic experience in Kyoto: visit a factory, a temple, and enjoy a local Kyoto meal in one well-organized tour.
• Small group size: often booked 17 days in advance, ensuring an intimate setting.
• Great value for the craftsmanship and cultural richness offered for approximately $130 per person.

In-Depth Review of the Lacquerware Tour in Kyoto

Visiting the Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Factory

The tour kicks off at the Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi factory in Kyoto, a place that is committed to reviving and maintaining traditional lacquer techniques. As you walk through the private areas, you’ll see firsthand how urushi lacquer is refined and prepared for use. The factory tour is especially fascinating for those interested in Japanese craftsmanship, as you get a behind-the-scenes look at the secrets of lacquer coloring and refinement.

A common highlight, as shared by previous travelers, is the chance to observe how 70% of Japan’s domestic lacquer is processed here. The process involves carefully preparing the sap, mixing it with other ingredients, and applying it to various items. Seeing these delicate, skillfully handled processes demystifies what might seem like mystical Japanese art, revealing tangible skill and patience.

Modern Uses of Lacquer

One of the surprising yet delightful parts of this tour is discovering how urushi lacquer isn’t just for traditional objects. We loved the way modern-day goods—from surfboards to skateboards and even bicycles—are coated in lacquer, highlighting its durability and aesthetic appeal. This blending of old and new underscores how Japanese artisans are keeping their craft relevant in a contemporary world.

The Temple and Its Lacquered Architecture

A visit to Bukkoji Temple offers a peaceful moment to appreciate lacquer’s role in temple architecture. The temple’s main hall is decorated with lacquered surfaces, a testament to the craft’s importance in religious and cultural spaces. This part of the tour helps you understand how lacquer has historically been used to protect and beautify sacred structures, adding a layer of spiritual significance to the craft.

The Hands-On Workshop

Perhaps the most memorable part is the lacquer application workshop. Using the traditional “fuki-urushi” technique, you’ll learn how to apply lacquer on chopsticks. This activity is accessible to most travelers, and the instructor guides you through the process patiently. You get to decorate your own pair, which you then take home as a personal souvenir.

Multiple reviews praise this activity as a highlight, with comments like, “Applying lacquer was surprisingly easy, and I loved having a tangible piece of Kyoto’s craftsmanship to take home.” The workshop provides a personal connection to the craft, making the experience more meaningful.

Enjoying Kyoto Ingredients in a Lacquerware Bowl

The lunch at the D&Department restaurant, located at Bukkoji Temple, is another highlight. Served in an elegant lacquer bowl, the meal features Kyoto ingredients, emphasizing local flavors and seasonal produce. The presentation is beautiful, and the experience of eating from a traditional lacquerware adds a layer of authenticity and aesthetic pleasure.

Many travelers comment that the value for money is excellent, considering the quality of the meal and the cultural experience packed into just two and a half hours. It’s a relaxing, tasty way to cap off the tour.

Practical Details and Considerations

• The tour is conducted entirely in English, making it accessible for international travelers.
• The small group size (max five travelers) ensures an intimate, personalized experience, though it makes early booking essential.
• The price of $130.68 includes everything—factory tour, workshop, lunch, and guide—but does not cover transportation or drinks.
• The experience begins at 10:00 am from the factory, and ends back at the starting point, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
• Given its short duration, it’s a great introductory experience for those new to Japanese arts and crafts or for travelers with limited time.

Authenticity and Cultural Significance

This tour offers a rare chance to see Japanese lacquerware in various forms, from traditional temple art to modern lifestyle products. It demonstrates how craftsmanship persists and evolves, providing a tangible link between history, religion, and contemporary culture.

Value for Money

At approximately $130, the tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Kyoto’s lacquer art—visiting a working factory, exploring temple architecture, engaging in a hands-on activity, and enjoying a Kyoto-style meal. For those interested in Japanese crafts or culinary traditions, this represents excellent value. You’re paying not just for a sightseeing experience, but for a deeper appreciation of a craft that remains vital and innovative.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for art lovers, craft enthusiasts, or curious travelers eager to understand how traditional techniques are kept alive today. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate interactive activities and want a memorable, personal souvenir. If you’re visiting Kyoto and want a meaningful, small-group experience that combines culture, history, and modernity, this tour fits well. It’s also a good choice for foodies who enjoy experiencing local ingredients and traditional tableware.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering factory visits, a temple stop, and a workshop.

What does the price include?
The fee covers the factory tour, lacquer application workshop, lunch with Kyoto ingredients served in lacquerware, and a guide. Private transportation and drinks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the workshop and walking involved may suit older children or teenagers. It’s best to check with the provider for specific age recommendations.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is usually booked around 17 days ahead, due to limited availability and small group size.

Can I participate if I don’t speak English?
The tour is conducted entirely in English, so some command of the language will help enhance your experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and participating in a workshop is recommended. No special attire is required.

Are there any physical limitations to consider?
Participants should be able to walk and stand for short periods. The activities are generally accessible but check with the provider if you have specific needs.

Is this a good value?
Yes, considering the detailed access to craft techniques, cultural insights, and a delicious Kyoto meal in a private setting, many find the price well justified.

To sum it up, this lacquerware craft tour in Kyoto offers a rich, hands-on experience blending traditional artistry with contemporary relevance. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking an authentic, engaging, and educational glimpse into Japanese craftsmanship—all within a manageable, two-and-a-half-hour window. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, or simply curious about Kyoto’s deep cultural roots, this tour provides a memorable, valuable addition to any trip.