The Kintsugi Journey

Kintsugi Journey

10 AM–4 PM
The Kintsugi Journey begins at the birthplace of the art form, in one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples. You’ll learn about the rich connection between Zen Buddhist principles and kintsugi.

We’ll then go to a temple complex that embodies core concepts of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, which comprise a key element of kintsugi’s philosophy.

After lunch, you’ll visit a lacquerware workshop that shows how kintsugi is just one part of a wider ecosystem of craftsmanship in Kyoto that orbits around limited quantities of urushi lacquer.

Your Journey will conclude with a hands-on class where you get to channel the history and principles of kintsugi and begin the repair process on a piece of your own.

Kintsugi Journey+

9 AM–4 PM

Kintsugi Journey+ begins with an exclusive opportunity to experience a guided morning meditation, a tea ceremony in a traditional tea room, and a conversation with a practicing Zen monk at a traditional temple complex. You will dive deeper into kintsugi’s origins in tea culture, as well as gain a richer appreciation for the ties between Zen Buddhism and kintsugi that still exist today.

The Kintsugi Journey+ will follow the core Kintsugi Journey itinerary with the exception of a visit to the wabi-sabi temple.

Rika is an experienced and certified tour guide. Before joining POJ Studios, she guided visitors to Kyoto around this historic city, sharing her knowledge and appreciation for Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. Her thorough research and wide range of recommendations will encourage you to continue exploring Kyoto long after your Journey with us has concluded.

• The Journeys run six and seven hours, respectively, and include lunch. Come prepared for a full day.
• As we will be visiting active temples, please dress respectfully with covered legs, midriff, and shoulders. Dress comfortably for a full day of touring.
• We will conclude the tour at our flagship shop in the Kiyomizu area of Higashiyama Ward.

While urushi can cause skin irritation in its raw, wet state, once it has completely cured and hardened, it is absolutely food-safe. Urushi is one of the most durable natural materials and thus extremely well-suited for environmentally-responsible, long-lasting repair of ceramics, porcelain, and other wares.

I will be aware of my surroundings. If I accidentally come in contact with urushi, I will massage the affected area well with any plant-based oil straight away to remove urushi from my skin. I understand that POJ Studio is not liable for any adverse reactions caused by urushi.

Age requirement

The minimum age limit to participate in the Journey and Workshop is 13 years of age. 

Each Journey requires a minimum of two participants to make. In the event that you book a Journey that doesn't have enough participants, we will cancel the session and let you know five days in advance. You will be refunded; refunds take 7-10 business days to process.

Due to limited seating and high demand, we request that you cancel at least seven days before a booked Journey. You may cancel via email to rika@pojstudio.com. Unfortunately, we cannot offer any refunds after 7 days. If POJ Studio must cancel the Journey due to unforeseen circumstances, we will process a full refund to your credit card within 7 - 10 business days.