Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) worth booking?
Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) is a 2-hour experience in Hiroshima, Japan, from $287 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (19)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $287 per person
A workshop and lacquer experience with Hiroshima's foremost artist Naoya Takayama. He pursues Japanese beauty while exploring new ways to pass on tradition by applying the lacquering craftsmanship honed at Hiroshima Buddhist altars to the tableware we use every day. Let's get a chance to learn the origins and techniques of the traditional craft Hiroshima Buddhist altar by his instruction and have an experience of Lacquer painting! About the tour instructor: Naoya Takayama He learned the traditional techniques of Kyoto lacquer painting, further refined his lacquering skills, and incorporated the roiro (wax color) technique to create highly original pieces. Inheriting the skills and spirit of Kiyoshi Takayama, the founder of the company, for traditional techniques, he has received numerous awards and his works were selected as a gift at the G7 Summit. Lacquerware for everyday use uses only natural materials and expresses the refined texture of lacquering.
What you get
About this experience
A workshop and lacquer experience with Hiroshima's foremost artist Naoya Takayama. He pursues Japanese beauty while exploring new ways to pass on tradition by applying the lacquering craftsmanship honed at Hiroshima Buddhist altars to the tableware we use every day. Let's get a chance to learn the origins and techniques of the traditional craft Hiroshima Buddhist altar by his instruction and have an experience of Lacquer painting! About the tour instructor: Naoya Takayama He learned the traditional techniques of Kyoto lacquer painting, further refined his lacquering skills, and incorporated the roiro (wax color) technique to create highly original pieces. Inheriting the skills and spirit of Kiyoshi Takayama, the founder of the company, for traditional techniques, he has received numerous awards and his works were selected as a gift at the G7 Summit. Lacquerware for everyday use uses only natural materials and expresses the refined texture of lacquering.
What's included
Included
- Guide fee, experience fee, tour fee, souvenir fee, insurance fee
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hiroshima
We meet at this building calls "株式会社高山清(Takayamasei Ltd.)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We meet at this building calls "株式会社高山清(Takayamasei Ltd.)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- 一般社団法人My Japan
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Master Craftsmanship!
You can see excepational lacquer ware and its making process by Kiyoshi Takamayama, whose work was chosen as a gift for leaders at G7 summit Hiroshima 2023. His story of transforming from Butsudan (Buddhist household altar) artisan to lacquer artist is also very educational and interesting. All of his works are unique and one of a kind, the colors he creates...I never get tired of looking at them. You can also see Butsudan chest if interested, this is what you can find only here, never miss the opportunity!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for coming our lacquer workshop experience tour! It's so honored you got to know a lot about Hiroshima's traditional lacquer and gave us such a great comment!! And please come to this shop again for next time:)
via Tripadvisor
Unique experience in Hiroshima!
This workship ended up being one of the most meaningful experiences of my trip. The workshop is led by Hiroshima’s foremost lacquer artist, Naoya Takayama. Although he doesn’t speak English, our guide Michi translated for us throughout the experience. Michi was incredibly kind and warm 🥹 she had such a comforting, grandmotherly presence that made the entire workshop feel intimate and welcoming! I chose this experience because it felt truly unique compared to other options on Tripadvisor and I’ve always been drawn to traditional crafts. What we received was far more than just a hands-on activity. We gained insight into Takayama-san himself, his philosophy, and the deep history of lacquerware in Hiroshima. Seeing his work up close was stunning! The craftsmanship and detail are something you have to witness in person to fully appreciate. Since we booked on a holiday, his family was also there helping out. We learned about their family’s history in the Buddhist altar business and Takayama-san’s hope that his son will continue the lacquer tradition into the future. It added a deeply personal dimension to the workshop and made it feel like we were being welcomed into their story, not just attending a class. I truly hope to follow his future endeavors and see his continued success! Afterward our workship, we followed their recommendation and had lunch at Okonomiyaki Fumichan. It was absolutely delicious and the perfect way to end the experience! Months later, I still find myself thinking about this workshop. It sparked a new interest in lacquer ware and gave me a different perspective on Hiroshima. Hiroshima is not just as a historical site, but as a city deeply rooted in artistry, heritage, and peace! Takayama-san’s works were featured at the G7 Summit hosted in Hiroshima. During this same trip, I had the opportunity to stay at the hotel where the summit took place and later try the green tea that was served to world leaders in Onomichi. These small, interconnected moments gave me a deeper appreciation of how Hiroshima advocates for peace and showcases its cultural craftsmanship to the world. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and meaningful, personal encounters while traveling :)
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for visiting our lacquer workshop experience tour! It's so honored to hear about your much of great comment to our tour, craftman&guide!! If you have a chance to visit Hiroshima, we are welcome you anytime!! Hope to meet you again:))
via Tripadvisor
Was a wonderful and...
Was a wonderful and fascinating experience, the lacquer work was stunning and learning about the process was really interesting.
via Viator
Like Lacquer? Come See The Master!
What an incredible experience! It was an absolute joy to be able to learn about lacquer art from a true master of the craft. I loved learning the history of the shop and being able to see the master at work with my own eyes was brilliant! Takayama-sensei was such a font of information, and delightful to talk with, he even recommended me a very delicious okonomiyaki shop for me to try! My guide Michi was also wonderful to talk with, she was so kind and accommodating and I enjoyed sharing my trip details with her, and finding out about her homemade plum wine (very jealous). If you get the chance please do this experience! When will you get the chance to experience something like this? I will warn you though, all of the works in the shop are so beautiful you'll have to really try hard not to spend all your money on it all!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for joining our lacquer workshop experience tour! We are so honored to hear your imformative, warm and great comments to our tour, craft man and guide! We hope to have a chance to welcome you again in the future!
via Tripadvisor
We had an amazing time on...
We had an amazing time on the lacquer studio experience. Watching the artisan at work was fascinating. The studio staff was very welcoming, and we even got the chance to try some of the techniques ourselves, which made the experience even more special. It was both educational and deeply memorable—a perfect blend of culture, creativity, and hands-on fun. Highly recommended!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $287 to $44,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by 一般社団法人My Japan, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.4.
See everything 一般社団法人My Japan runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hiroshima.
How much does Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) cost?
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Prices start at $287 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hiroshima usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hiroshima is not rushed.
Is Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hiroshima, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included)?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hiroshima can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hiroshima and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hiroshima within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hiroshima?
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On Outty we rank every Hiroshima experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Peaceful Hiroshima & Miyajima UNESCO 1 Day Bus Tour, Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites, Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Trip with Itsukushima Shrine & Ferry. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hiroshima?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hiroshima?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included)?
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Included: Guide fee, experience fee, tour fee, souvenir fee, insurance fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included)?
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We meet at this building calls "株式会社高山清(Takayamasei Ltd.) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included) if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hiroshima. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included)?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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