Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included)

I participated because I was a fan of Takayama's work. I became an even bigger fan after the visit. It was a valuable time with the author, as they told us about the background of the creation and the process.

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!

I have always been interested in lacquerware, but I have never had the chance to see the real Nakanaka, and I felt something elegant seeing the real thing in front of me. After many processes, it seems that good things still take a lot of time. I had a good experience.

I was very impressed by the fact that Takayama-sensei, despite his many years of experience in making altars for bass, was able to dive into the art world entirely new on his own, achieving results in a short period of time and paving the way. Lacquerware is supposed to be familiar to us, but it was very refreshing because I was ashamed to never see it made. The beauty of the quality finish of the product was amazing, but I thought it would be helpful to hear about the accumulation of processes leading up to it. It was a very valuable and worthwhile experience to be able to experience this in the middle of Hiroshima.

The explanation was also very polite and I had a very valuable experience with a lot of learning. I think it's rare to find such a satisfying experience in such a short time.

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 :)

Was a wonderful and fascinating experience, the lacquer work was stunning and learning about the process was really interesting.

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!

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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.

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.

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