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.

[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, English

- Minimum Number of Participants: 2

We accept bookings for this tour regardless of the number of applicants. However, a minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to operate.

We sincerely regret to inform you that if the minimum number of 2 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

In this 150-minute tour you will visit Kyoto's Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi factory, which refines over 70% of Japan's domestic urushi lacquer (the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree), see how lacquer has been used inside a prominent Buddhist temple and eat lunch using the traditional Kyoto "asagi-wan bowl" lacquerware. This is a unique opportunity to discover traditional and modern applications of Japanese urushi lacquer in contemporary Kyoto. In addition to the tour of the factory, you will also learn to apply lacquer on chopsticks and take them with you as a present.

[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 - 12:30

- Price: 20,000 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, English

- Minimum Number of Participants: 2

We accept bookings for this tour regardless of the number of applicants. However, a minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to operate.

We sincerely regret to inform you that if the minimum number of 2 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