Experience the Future of Lacquer in Kyoto
～ Urushi Tsutsumi Asakichi since 1909 ～

Features of this Plan

• Tour overview

  "Visiting a Kyoto lacquerware workshop and making chopsticks"

  Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Shop in Kyoto refines over 70% of the lacquer (sap from the lacquer tree) used in Japan, providing high-quality lacquer to lacquerware artisans and craftspeople across the country. Since its founding in 1909, the shop has witnessed the decline of Japan's traditional lacquer culture throughout the 20th century. The current fourth-generation owner promotes the use of high-quality lacquer not only in traditional crafts but also in modern everyday items, aiming to re-establish lacquer's presence in everyday life. This experience will take you to areas of the workshop that are normally closed to the public and allow you to try your hand at applying lacquer to chopsticks.

   

  "2.5-hour craft walk (lacquer in daily life in Kyoto)"

  In addition to visiting the workshop's closed-door areas and making chopsticks, you'll also be able to take home your finished lacquered chopsticks as a souvenir. You'll also see the traditional use of lacquer in a historic Buddhist temple, and enjoy your lunch using traditional Kyoto lacquer bowls (Asagi bowls).

   

  "Five-Hour Craft Walk (Lacquer in Kyoto Life)"

  In addition to the contents of the 2.5-hour course, you will visit local shops recommended by Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Shop and discover the charm of lacquer that lives in everyday life. You will enjoy a bath at the Showa-era retro public bath "Sauna Umeyu" and be given a special tour of the backstage area where the kettle is fired with the guidance of the staff. Afterwards, you will visit "Sauna Umeyu," known as the "bakery where you can drink." "Mati" enjoy freshly baked bread and snacks along with a selection of carefully selected wines and craft beers. Choose your favorite drinks and breads, pack them in a picnic box, and head to Kamogawa, just a two-minute walk away. Be sure to experience the local favorite of "wine at Kamogawa."

   

• [Tour Type 1]
  Tour of a Kyoto lacquerware workshop and chopstick making experience

  

  [Highlights]

  ✓ Enter the private area of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Shop and see how lacquer is refined

  ✓ Tour the store and learn about the innovative use of Japanese lacquer by the workshop owner

  ✓ See lacquer applied to modern everyday items such as surfboards, skateboards, and bicycles

  ✓ Learn about the importance of preserving lacquer culture

  ✓ Lacquer chopsticks at the workshop and take them home as a souvenir

• [Tour Type 2]
  2.5-Hour Craft Walk: Lacquer in Kyoto Life

  

  [Highlights]

  ✓ Enter a private area of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Shop and see how lacquer is refined

  ✓ See lacquer applied to modern everyday items such as surfboards, skateboards, and bicycles

  ✓ Lacquer chopsticks at the workshop and take them home as a souvenir

  ✓ Visit Bukkoji Temple and discover the traditional use of lacquer in Japanese temple architecture

  ✓ Lunch featuring Kyoto ingredients served in lacquerware bowls

• [Tour Type 3]
  5-Hour Craft Walk: Lacquer in Kyoto Life

  

  [Highlights]

  ✓ Enter a private area of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Shop and see how lacquer is refined

  ✓ See lacquer applied to modern everyday items such as surfboards, skateboards, and bicycles

  ✓ Lacquer chopsticks at the workshop and take them home as a souvenir

  ✓ Visit Bukkoji Temple and discover the traditional use of lacquer in Japanese temple architecture

  ✓ Lunch featuring Kyoto ingredients served in lacquerware bowls

  ✓ A special tour of the backstage area of one of Kyoto's most famous public bathhouses

  ✓ Experience bathing in a lacquer tub, a collaboration between lacquer and public baths

  ✓ Learn how to enjoy the Kamogawa River as recommended by locals