Hiroshima: Private Lacquer Workshop Experience with Naoya Takayama (gift included)
A private, two-hour lacquer workshop led by Hiroshima artist Naoya Takayama. Learn the origins and basic techniques of traditional Hiroshima Buddhist altar lacquer and try lacquer painting yourself. The session includes a demonstration, hands-on painting time, and a take-home souvenir (gift included). Available start times: 10:00 or 13:00. Meeting location: 2-17 Horikawachō, Hiroshima.
In Collaboration with 一般社団法人My Japan. Updated on May 9, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with 一般社団法人My Japan, inspired by the tour Hiroshima:Private lacquer workshop experience tour(gift included). Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private instruction with lacquer artist Naoya Takayama
- Demonstration of traditional Kyoto and Hiroshima lacquer techniques
- Hands-on lacquer painting session
- Take-home souvenir (gift included)
- Wheelchair accessible studio
Explore all itineraries in Hiroshima.
Itinerary
Day 1
Private 2-hour lacquer workshop led by artist Naoya Takayama. This sample schedule uses the 10:00 start; an identical session is offered at 13:00 on operating days.
Meet & check-in at the workshop
Arrive at the workshop, check in with the instructor, brief orientation and safety notes. Staff confirm any accessibility or allergy needs before the session begins.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the map query '2-17 Horikawachō, Hiroshima, Japan' for taxi drivers or navigation; Hondori (central shopping arcade) and Hiroshima Station are the closest well-known reference points.
- Arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start to complete check-in and settle in.
- The studio is wheelchair accessible; notify staff on arrival if you need assistance with seating or carrying items.
Artist introduction & live demonstration
Naoya Takayama introduces the history and materials of lacquer (urushi), explains roiro (wax color) technique and shows step-by-step application on tableware pieces.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep cameras on silent and avoid flash during close-up demonstration to protect delicate finishes and respect the working environment.
- If you have tree-sap or lacquer allergies, inform the instructor immediately before the demonstration.
- Ask the instructor to point out small details and Japanese terms (for example 'urushi') if you want to photograph labels or notes for later reference.
Hands-on lacquer painting experience
Under guidance, each participant practices lacquer application and simple decorative techniques on a small piece of tableware. The instructor supervises drying and finishing steps appropriate to the session length.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable clothes or a light apron—lacquer can stain; long sleeves are recommended to protect skin during brushing.
- Natural lacquer materials are used; avoid strong perfumes or lotions that could affect adhesion or sensitivity in close work.
- Work at a steady pace—this session focuses on technique and finishing suitable for same-day take-home pieces rather than large layered lacquer projects.
Finishing touches, Q&A and gift presentation
Instructor oversees final touches, answers technique questions, and presents the included souvenir gift. Time for photos and short discussion about care and future practice.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow a few minutes for staff to package your finished item and the included gift carefully for travel.
- If you plan to continue visiting local sights, note that Hondori shopping arcade and Peace Memorial Park are walkable from central workshop locations—confirm walking directions with staff.
- Ask for written care instructions for lacquerware to help you preserve the finish at home.
Wrap-up and departure
Final goodbyes, return any loaned aprons or tools, and staff assistance with carrying finished items if required.
Tips from local experts:
- Collect any personal items and confirm the best route back to Hiroshima Station or your next destination with staff.
- If you need help transporting fragile items, request packaging materials or staff assistance before leaving the studio.
- Confirm whether you'd prefer a short delay for the lacquer to set further on-site; staff can advise if a longer drying time is advisable before packing.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Experience |
Why this experience
Hiroshima's lacquer tradition runs deeper than most travelers realize—Buddhist altar pieces crafted here have been treasured for centuries, each one a meditation in technique and patience. In this private 2-hour workshop, you'll sit across from artist Naoya Takayama and learn the origins of this exacting craft, then move your own hands across the work.
You'll begin with Takayama's demonstration: how the wood is prepared, how the lacquer is applied in impossibly thin layers, how light plays across a finished piece. Then you paint. There's no pressure to create a masterpiece—the point is to understand the discipline, feel the resistance of the materials, and develop respect for what local artisans do daily. By the end, you'll have a souvenir you created yourself, fired and sealed in Takayama's studio. More importantly, you'll understand why this craft matters to Hiroshima's cultural identity.
This experience is built for artists seeking hands-on learning, craft lovers wanting to meet a working master, and couples looking for an immersive cultural moment that goes far beyond watching from the outside.
Before you go
Best time: Any season works—this is an indoor workshop held year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant walking conditions if you arrive early or linger in the neighborhood afterward.
Difficulty: Easy. You'll be seated for the full session. No special skills required; Takayama guides every step.
What to bring: Nothing. All materials are provided. Wear clothes you don't mind potentially spotting with lacquer, though Takayama is careful about this.
Getting there: The workshop is a short tram ride from Hiroshima Station to the Horikawachō area. Takayama's studio is easy to find, and you can arrive at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the workshop? Two hours total: roughly 20 minutes for demonstration and context, then 90 minutes of hands-on work. You'll leave with your finished piece and a gift.
What level of English support is available? Naoya Takayama speaks English and is practiced at working with international visitors. If you need full translation support, mention this when booking and we can arrange it.
What exactly will I create? You'll paint a small lacquer piece—typically a coaster or small tray—using traditional techniques. Takayama fires and seals it, and it's yours to take home.
Is this suitable for children? Yes, with ages 8+. Younger children may find the sitting time challenging, but the process is engaging. Takayama is experienced with families.
What's included? Your TheNextGuide itinerary covers access to the workshop and all materials. My Japan handles the instruction, materials, and your finished gift. Lunch is not included, but the neighborhood has excellent options.
Complete your trip in Hiroshima
Pair this intimate craft session with a full-day historical tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima, or explore a senior-friendly private guided experience if you want a slower-paced discovery of the city's major sites.
Browse all Hiroshima itineraries at TheNextGuide.
