Healing through Kintsugi: A Japanese Wellness Experience in Kinosaki Onsen (with English-speaking Guide)

Just as hot springs soothe the body, kintsugi soothes both vessels and the soul.

‘Kintsugi’ is a traditional Japanese repair technique that flourished during the 1573 to 1603 Momoyama period, though the origins of its craftsmanship and philosophy date back to ancient times.

In this workshop, you will experience the Japanese aesthetic sensibilities and values passed down through kintsugi, whilst using contemporary materials.

As well as learning the basic principles and processes of kintsugi, you will encounter Japan’s unique aesthetic sensibilities of ‘wabi-sabi’—the philosophy of accepting broken objects not as flaws to be concealed, but as sources of new value and beauty—and the culture of cherishing objects and using them with care for many years.

This is not merely a craft experience, but a special cultural journey where you can savour Japan’s history, culture and philosophy through all five senses.

During the workshop, you will select a piece of pottery of your choice and restore it with your own hands. You can take home your one-of-a-kind creation on the same day as a memento of your trip.

・Experience kintsugi, a traditional Japanese restoration technique.
・Learn about its history and philosophy from a highly acclaimed master craftsman, recognized both in Japan and abroad.
・The venue is exclusively reserved for your group and includes a guide, allowing you to enjoy the experience at your own pace.
・Choose a piece of pottery that you like, and take it home with you as a memento after the workshop.

河原 直仁 / Naoto Kawahara

Originally from Kinosaki Onsen.

Guided by the philosophy of ‘connecting people, the past and the future, and emotions through restoration and repair’, he has been engaged in restoration and repair work for over 15 years.

He undertakes a wide range of restoration and repair projects, primarily involving ceramics, for a diverse client base including individuals, traditional Japanese inns, high-end restaurants, tea ceremony practitioners, artists and galleries.

In addition to regularly holding kintsugi classes, workshops and solo exhibitions throughout Japan, he teaches both domestic students and foreign tourists and students, promoting the appeal of traditional Japanese culture both at home and abroad.