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Lacquer Workshop: Hiroshima's Artistry Unveiled
5.0
13 Ratings
Hiroshima
Discover Hiroshima’s lacquer art with Naoya Takayama. Learn traditional techniques, create unique pieces, and take home a special gift.
Discover Hiroshima’s lacquer art with Naoya Takayama. Learn traditional techniques, create unique pieces, and take home a special gift.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 2-17 Horikawachō - 1. Discover the origins and methods of the traditional Hiroshima Buddhist altar craft with guidance from instructor Kiyoshi Takayama. 2. Learn about the current decline in traditional crafts and explore ideas for their preservation. 3. View the award-winning Hiroshima lacquer technique in the works of Naoya Takayama, chosen as a…
- 2-17 Horikawachō - 1. Discover the origins and methods of the traditional Hiroshima Buddhist altar craft with guidance from instructor Kiyoshi Takayama. 2. Learn about the current decline in traditional crafts and explore ideas for their preservation. 3. View the award-winning Hiroshima lacquer technique in the works of Naoya Takayama, chosen as a gift at the G7 Summit. 4. Participate in a lacquer painting workshop. 5. Receive a handcrafted gift from the instructor.
What's Included
- Guide fee
- Experience fee
- Tour fee
- Souvenir fee
- Insurance fee
- Guide fee
- Experience fee
- Tour fee
- Souvenir fee
- Insurance fee
Additional Information
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…
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.
Location
2-17 Horikawachō
We meet at this building calls "株式会社高山清(Takayamasei Ltd.)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(13 Ratings)
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Sightseer34314509396
Jun 29, 2025
Thank you for your valuable experience! - I had never been exposed to lacquer art before, but I was surprised by the lightness and elaboration of the products. I also learned a lot about the manufacturing process for the first time.
I was able to see the actual production site and have a valuable experience.
I was surprised and amazed at how the same drink can change palate and flavor just by changing the bowl.
Thank you for answering various questions sincerely to Takayama-san.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Resort09496970245
Jun 29, 2025
Traditional Lacquer Art Experience and Workshop Tour - I was moved by the encounter with traditional crafts cultivated for 110 years in my hometown of Hiroshima.
Despite the materials and manufacturing methods used to ensure that gorgeous and colorful luxury lacquerware can be enjoyed for everyday use only, this gallery of wonderful gems embodies the beauty and sophistication of 'Wa,' and this is a wonderful Hiroshima content that allows visitors to experience its origins through hands-on experience.
Above all, Mr. Takayama's calm and gentle way of speaking was a pleasant time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrew_s
May 18, 2025
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!
Review provided by Viator
_p2544kz
May 6, 2025
Experience Feedback - I was able to observe the traditional Japanese crafts as a good example of translating them into an experience tour, but it was a valuable experience for me and a great fun and good opportunity.
I really enjoyed the high skill and personality of Mr. Takayama and I felt the process of making this tour like that. We will continue to support you in the future!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lawrence
Apr 12, 2025
A memorable experience - We had a wonderful afternoon learning the art and craft of lacquerware. Takayana-San is a fourth generation master, and shared with us his family history and the process, along with his wife and family. Michi, our guide and translator, was very helpful and answered all our questions. In true Japanese generosity, we had refreshments and a gift. All in all, a memorable experience we highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tanya_m
Dec 23, 2024
Phenomenal experiance for anyone who loves art and culture - This was hands down the best experience we had during our trip to Japan. We spent 17 days traveling throughout Japan, seeing the sites and having experiences, but none came close to the cultural appreciation and art workmanship of this one.
The communication with our guide prior to the day was smooth and easy. She was able to offer clear instructions on our meet place and even sent pictures of the outside so we could ensure we were in the correct spot.
Upon arriving we found our guide was very fluent in English and an accomplished interpretor. This was key as the artist did not speak English. Her skill made communication very easy.
The artist is a 4th generation lacquer artist and very accomplished in his craft. His work has been commissioned by the government for dignitaries and has won many international awards. We were honored that he let us in his private show room, and showed us what went into his craft. You even get to assist him in mixing some of the lacquer that he will then apply to his work, making you a very small part of that piece.
After the tour and demonstration you are able to leave with a greater appreciation for what goes into this gorgeous art. You are able to shop his art and they do offer shipping.
I recommend this for any adult group, but do not think it would be appropriate for young children
Review provided by Viator
Madeleine_b
Oct 6, 2024
I was impressed by the... - I was impressed by the work of this artist.
It was an unforgettable morning!
And my guide Michi was so kind and very professional.
Thank you for this experience! 🥰🙏🙏🙏
Review provided by Viator
Daydream52544857355
Aug 5, 2024
The work, the experience, everything was lovely. - I was not familiar with Buddhist altars or lacquerware, so I was worried if I would know how good it was or if I could enjoy it, but I was immediately drawn into the careful explanation by the craftsman Takayama. He was a very friendly person who answered various questions sincerely and we couldn't run out of stories. And I was most thrilled to see Takayama-san's lacquerware up close during the lacquerware and workshop tour. It was very satisfying to be able to experience some of the journeys and the content was really rich, and I became a fan of Takayama-san by the end. I'd like to buy Takayama's lacquerware someday.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexandra_s
Jun 16, 2024
Learn from a master - This very professional tour / workshop provides an excellent insight into the techniques of making the traditional urushi lacquer ware. It takes place in the studio of a master craftsman who explicates the various steps in making urushi.
The atmosphere of the tour is very pleasant, which is also supported by the very sympathetic interpreter Michi.
I would recommend this experience to anyone with an interest in traditional Japanese arts /crafts.
Review provided by Viator
Jaxsensei
Apr 11, 2024
Wonderful insight into a traditional art form - This was a really interesting chance to meet a master craftsman and artist and learn about the history and the process of lacquer ware, as well as the butsudan family altars and Japanese customs related to them. Mr Takayama’s art is stunning and his passion for sustaining this traditional skill in the modern era shines through. A very enjoyable morning!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
