Kintsugi — the art of repairing broken pottery with gold — is more than a craft; it is a philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection. This 7-day journey follows that idea across three of Japan’s great cultural cities, guiding travelers through the workshops, gardens, and traditions where the spirit of wabi-sabi still lives.
Begin in Osaka with a walk through a recreated Edo-period townscape, then continue to Kyoto to stand beneath the wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, whisk your own matcha at a machiya tea house in Gion, try your hand at Kyo-Yuzen dyeing, and wander the stalls of Nishiki Market. Travel north to Kanazawa for the seasonal beauty of Kenrokuen Garden, the historic teahouses of Higashi Chaya, and a hands-on Kintsugi workshop using the city’s famous gold leaf. Return to Osaka to admire National Treasure ceramics at The Museum of Oriental Ceramics before an evening of your own in lively Dotonbori.
With a dedicated English-speaking guide, comfortable rail travel, and a thoughtfully paced schedule that balances guided days with free time, this tour offers a calm and rewarding way to experience Japan’s craft traditions — especially suited to travelers who want to understand the ideas behind the objects, not simply see them.
Why This Tour Stands Out
- Experience the philosophy of Kintsugi firsthand in a Kanazawa artisan’s studio, applying gold leaf to a Kutani-yaki bowl.
- Explore three distinct cities — Osaka, Kyoto, and Kanazawa — in one seamless 7-day journey.
- Take part in authentic hands-on traditions, from a Gion tea ceremony to Kyo-Yuzen dyeing.
- Ideal for travelers with a genuine interest in Japanese craftsmanship, aesthetics, and living culture.
Tour Pricing
| Group Size | Price (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| 2 | JPY 285,000 (USD 1,781) |
| 4 | JPY 230,000 (USD 1,438) |
| 6 | JPY 212,000 (USD 1,325) |
Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.
*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY
Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.
Please note that prices may also vary during high-demand periods, including:
・March–April (spring season)
・Year-end and New Year holidays
・Obon holiday period (mid-August)
・Autumn foliage season
・Long holiday weekends
Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Osaka
Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Osaka
Day 2 | Kyoto
- Visit Osaka Museum of Housing and Living (e.g. recreated Edo-period townscape celebrating everyday craftsmanship)
- Train from Osaka to Kyoto
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (e.g. historic wooden temple embodying Japan’s wabi-sabi aesthetic)
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto
Day 3 | Kyoto
- Tea Ceremony Experience in Gion (e.g. traditional matcha preparation and tasting in a Kyoto machiya)
- Explore Gion District
- Kyo-Yuzen Dyeing Experience
- Visit Nishiki Market
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto
Day 4 | Kanazawa
- Limited express train and bullet train from Kyoto to Kanazawa
- Visit Kenrokuen Garden (e.g. one of Japan’s three great gardens, celebrated for its seasonal beauty)
- Visit Kanazawa Castle Park
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kanazawa
Day 5 | Kanazawa
- Visit Omicho Market
- Explore Higashi Chaya District (e.g. historic teahouse district at the heart of Japan’s gold leaf craftsmanship)
- Kintsugi Workshop with Kanazawa gold leaf (e.g. apply gold leaf to a Kutani-yaki bowl with a local artisan)
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kanazawa
Day 6 | Osaka
- Limited express train and bullet train from Kanazawa to Osaka
- Free day (e.g. visit The Museum of Oriental Ceramics or explore the Dotonbori area for shopping and dinner)
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Osaka
Day 7 | Osaka
Check out from your hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport.
If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.
Inclusions
- Private tour
- Dedicated English-speaking guide (Day 2–5)
- 7 days itinerary
- 6 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation
- Breakfast everyday
- Public transportation
- All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
- Hands-on cultural experiences (tea ceremony, Kyo-Yuzen dyeing, and Kintsugi workshop)
- Ride the shinkansen bullet train
Exclusions
- International airfares
- Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
- Visas
- Tipping
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Luggage transfer for bullet train (if required)
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Important Notes
If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.
The Kintsugi workshop, tea ceremony, and Kyo-Yuzen dyeing experience are subject to studio availability on your travel dates. Should any experience be unavailable, we will propose an equivalent alternative in advance.
Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You
Interested in this 7-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.
If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.
We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.
