Kyoto Urushi Lacquer Factory Visit and Chopsticks Making Experience (Japanese Guide)
- Bokun ID:
- 969763
- Product Code:
- KYO-320187-003
*This tour will be guided in Japanese. If you prefer an English-speaking guide, please book the English-guided tour option.
Overview
Kyoto's Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi factory refines over 70% of Japan's domestic urushi lacquer (the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree) and delivers high quality lacquer to lacquerware artisans and craftsmen around the entire country. Founded in 1909, Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi factory witnessed the decline of production and use of traditional Japanese urushi lacquer throughout the 20th century. The current 4th generation owner aims to reestablish the presence of urushi in everyday life by promoting the safe use of high quality lacquer not only for traditional items, but also for modern-day goods. In this experience you will have a private area tour of the factory and apply lacquer on chopsticks.
Highlights
- Enter the private area of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi factory and see how lacquer is refined
- Tour the store and learn about innovative ways of using Japanese urushi lacquer initiated by the factory owner
- See urushi lacquer on modern-day goods such as surfboards, skateboards and bicycles
- Learn about the importance of preserving urushi lacquer culture
- Apply lacquer to chopsticks during a private workshop and take them with you as a present
As you enter the factory store "Und.", specializing in selling items and tools for lacquerware artists, you will immediately feel the ambience of a millenial culture that has been carefully preserved by generations of artisans. Your guide will explain the entire process of collecting sap from the Japanese lacquer tree and the following process of its refinement until it can be used by craftsmen. The use of urushi lacquer in Japan dropped from 500 tons annually in 1975 to under 30 tons in recent years. Moreover, production of domestic urushi is endangered and diminishing. Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi is aiming at reviving the traditions of lacquer by collaborating with various Kyoto artists, stores and brands, and creating a unique mix of traditional values and modern-day uses.
During the tour of the factory you will see some of the well-kept secrets of refining and coloring lacquer for the needs of local craftsmen. This is a rare and unique opportunity which will give you insight into the elaborate work of Japanese artisans.
Following the factory tour you will visit the workshop area at the top floor and apply lacquer on a pair of chopsticks using the traditional "fuki-urushi" technique. You will take them with you as a present and a memory from this factory visit. The entire tour takes about 90 minutes and is conveniently located in the center of Kyoto.
[Details]
- Schedule: January 14, 2025 - March 31, 2026
* The tour will be held rain or shine
* Please check the calendar for specific available dates.
- Duration: 10:00 - 11:30
- Price: 15,000 yen per person
- Meeting Place: Tsutsumi Asakichi Lacquerware Shop | Und. Reception Desk
(540 Inari-cho, Matsubara-agaru, Ainomachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City)
- Meeting Time: 10:00 (Reception opens from 9:50)
- Languages Available: Japanese
- Minimum Number of Participants: 2
A minimum of two participants is required for this tour to take place. If the minimum number of two participants is not met, we may have to cancel the tour. In such cases, we will notify you by the day before your scheduled participation date, and we will provide a full refund of any payments you have made.
- Minimum Booking: 1 person
- Maximum Booking: 5 persons
- Booking Deadline: 1 days before the tour date
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellation 2 days before the tour date: 50% of the tour price
- Cancellation 1 day before the tour date: 70% of the tour price
- Cancellation on the day of the tour or no-show: 100% of the tour price
※ The tour may be cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances on the organizer's part. In case of cancellation due to reasons attributable to the organizer, a 100% refund will be provided.
[Organizer]
Tsutsumi Asakichi Lacquerware Shop | Und.
Official site https://www.tsutsumi-urushi.com/
[Travel planning/implementation/inquiries for this tour]
Company/ JTB Co., Ltd. Kyoto Branch
Location/ 7F Keihan Shijo-Kawaramachi Building, 338 Tominaga-cho, 2-chome Matsubara-Agaru, Kawaramachi-Dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Contact/ (TEL)+81-75-365-7730
(Email) link_kyoto@jtb.com
Business hours/ 10:00am to 17:30pm (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays)
[Handling of personal information]
For more information, please click here. Privacy Policy (Personal Information Protection Policy)
If your county of residence is in EEA, please download attached file JTB PRIVACY NOTICE and send consent-form by e-mail（link_kyoto@jtb.com).
Consent Form (Adult)
Consent Form (for children under 16 years old)
#urushi
Ticket Information
Adults/children
¥15,000More Information
Reservation Deadline
The start of the experience Up to 1 days before
What's included in the experience
- English Guide
- Fee for applying lacquer to a pair of chopsticks (you can take home your lacquered chopsticks)
What is not included in the experience
- Transportation
- Meal
- Drinks
Precautions
●Just like poison ivy, urushi can cause skin irritation in its raw, wet state, and a rash may appear anywhere from a few days to several months after exposure. Please be aware of this before participating in the workshop. The staff will be there to guide you throughout the process and ensure safe handling.
●We kindly ask that children under 12 years old refrain from participating in the workshop tour due to the potential risks of contact with lacquer. Only visitors aged 12 and above will be guided through the workshop.
●Please refrain from coming with large luggage as there is no space to store it
●The factory has narrow lanes and you will use lacquer for the workshop. It is recommended to come with clothes that you don't mind getting dirty (you will be given gloves for the activity).
●This tour does not include transportation and there is no car parking. Please arrive to the factory by public transport.
● We do not assume any responsibility for accidents, injuries, allergic reactions, theft, or any other troubles during the tour (please cover these with your own travel insurance).
●A minimum of two participants is required for this tour to take place. If the minimum number of two participants is not met, we may have to cancel the tour. In such cases, we will notify you by the day before your scheduled participation date, and we will provide a full refund of any payments you have made.
● The tour may be cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances on the organizer's part. In such cases, the full amount of the fee you have paid will be refunded.
What you need
- Clothes that can get dirty
Cancellation Policy
| On the day | 100% |
|---|---|
| 1Days before | 70% |
| 2Days before | 50% |
Information
- Meeting Time: 10:00 (Reception opens from 9:50)
- Meeting Place: Tsutsumi Asakichi Lacquerware Shop | Und. Reception Desk
(540 Inari-cho, Matsubara-agaru, Ainomachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City)
10:00 - 10:30 - Tour the store and the factory
Tour the store and the factory(including its private area which is not open to the public). See the daily work of urushi lacquer artisans.
10:30 - 11:30 - Experience in lacquering chopsticks
10:30 - 11:30 - Experience the technique of "fuki-urushi" for applying lacquer to a pair of chopsticks. Receive the chopsticks as a present.
Vendor Information
株式会社JTB 京都支店 / JTB corp. Kyoto office