Authentic Kintsugi Experience with real Urushi in Namba Osaka

Fun, informative and relaxing.

This was a wonderful, relaxing and informative experience. The pieces were prepared and ready for the final finishing work that we did. Really fun to finish them off and have them shipped back once properly cured.

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Our instructor, Jo, was...

Our instructor, Jo, was very knowledgeable about the subject and was very skilled. He was patient and informative as he instructed us, and showed great hospitality and kindness throughout the session.

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a real pleasure to share the art of authentic kintsugi with you. I'm very happy to hear that you found the experience informative and enjoyable. Thank you for your kind words about my teaching and hospitality. I hope your repaired piece will always remind you of your time in Osaka. Wishing you safe travels, and I hope to welcome you again someday!

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More Than a Workshop—A Meaningful Cultural Experience

If you’re considering a kintsugi workshop in Osaka, I can’t recommend this one enough. The workshop takes place in a quaint, quiet house tucked away from the busy streets of Namba. Josuke shared that the house is around 100 years old, which made the setting feel even more special and fitting for learning such a historic art form. The workshop lasted about 2.5 hours, and I never once felt rushed. My experience was incredibly personal from beginning to end. I happened to be the only participant that day, but Josuke immediately made me feel welcome. He was waiting outside to greet me when I arrived, and after the workshop, he even walked me to a nearby shrine and shared more about the area. It felt less like a tourist activity and more like spending the afternoon learning from someone who genuinely loves sharing his craft. Josuke is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about kintsugi. He doesn’t just teach you how to repair pottery—he explains the history, philosophy, and cultural significance of the art, along with each tool and natural material used throughout the process. You leave with a much deeper appreciation for what kintsugi represents. One thing that really sets this workshop apart is that Josuke practices traditional kintsugi using only natural materials. Unlike many workshops that use quick-setting epoxy, authentic kintsugi takes time, so your piece will need about 4–5 days to fully dry. Be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly. If you’re traveling internationally like I was, don’t let that discourage you—Josuke was incredibly flexible about arranging a pickup time before my flight home, and he carefully wrapped my finished piece so it would travel safely. The workshop ended with us preparing and sharing matcha together, which was such a thoughtful and relaxing way to conclude the experience. Before you leave, be sure to visit the gallery upstairs as well. It’s filled with beautiful works by Josuke and other local artists and is worth taking the time to explore. As an international traveler, I also appreciated that Josuke speaks excellent English. Communication was effortless, and I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone visiting Japan, whether you’re already interested in kintsugi or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience.

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and generous review. Reading your words truly made my day. It means a great deal to know that you not only enjoyed the kintsugi process itself, but also connected with its history, philosophy, and the atmosphere of our old house. On the day of your visit, we happened to have a quieter schedule, and I was fortunate that you were the only participant. Because of that, we could spend more time together than we normally can, and I was happy to walk with you to the nearby shrine afterward. Unfortunately, during busier workshops, I’m not always able to offer that kind of personal experience, so I feel grateful that we had the opportunity to share such a relaxed afternoon. I was also delighted to hear about your work in mental health care. Kintsugi teaches us that brokenness does not diminish value—it simply becomes part of an object's story. I sincerely hope that this philosophy, and the piece you created, can in some small way bring encouragement or inspiration, both to you and perhaps to the people you support through your work. Thank you again for choosing to spend part of your journey in Japan with us. Every repaired piece carries its own unique story, and I hope yours will always remind you of your time in Osaka whenever you see it. I wish you all the very best with your important work, and I hope our paths will cross again someday.　Arigatougozaimasu.

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A peaceful experience

I had a wonderful time, and Jo was an excellent teacher. It was one of the best experiences I had in Japan. It was quiet, calm, and slow after the hustle, bustle, and bright lights of Osaka. And there is no better type of souvenir than weeks later, a package arrives from Japan with your completed piece. Thank you for making this experience accessible to visitors of Osaka who otherwise would never get the chance!

Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I'm truly happy to hear that our workshop became one of the highlights of your trip to Japan. It means a lot to know that you found the experience peaceful and calming, especially after exploring the busy streets of Osaka. One of my favorite parts of authentic urushi kintsugi is that the journey doesn't end when the workshop finishes. Weeks later, your repaired piece arrives at your home, carrying not only gold but also the memories of your time in Japan. I hope it will continue to remind you of your visit for many years to come. Thank you again for choosing Zenkei and for your kind words. I hope to welcome you back to Osaka someday. Warm regards,　 Jo

via Tripadvisor

Wonderful kintsugi experience.

Josuke is a wonderful teacher, who’s both very patient and deeply passionate about Kintsugi. He is a master craftsman who learned Kintsugi over many years. He has superb English and a beautiful gallery upstairs .

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review. Your kind words truly mean a lot to me. It was wonderful meeting you, and I’m very happy that you enjoyed the workshop and the gallery. Sharing Kintsugi with people from around the world is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I hope our paths cross again someday, and perhaps we can enjoy another Kintsugi session together. Thank you again for your support! Warm regards, jo

via Viator