Kanazawa Gold Leaf Premium Workshop
-Create the Hazy Moon-
Experience
33,000yen/ 2 persons
①10:00- ②14:00- (1.5-2hours)
Meeting Point:
Kanazawa Shitsurae(MAP)
Language:English/Japanese/Chinese/French*/German*/Spanish*
What's Included: English-speaking guide, Workshop, Japanese Sweet and Tea
Experience Overview
An Exclusive Cultural Experience in a Historic 200-Year-Old Teahouse in Kanazawa
Discover the refined beauty of Japanese aesthetics through a distinctive gold leaf experience with Hakuichi, one of Kanazawa’s leading gold leaf specialists.
Set within Kanazawa Shitsurae, a historic teahouse-style building that carries forward approximately 200 years of history in the celebrated Higashi Chaya District, this intimate cultural experience brings together traditional craftsmanship, the understated elegance of Japanese design, and the art of hospitality.
The Art of the Hazy Moon
In Japanese culture, the Oboro-zuki is the moon seen through the soft veil of mist on a spring evening. Celebrated as a seasonal image in traditional haiku poetry, it evokes a quiet, contemplative beauty.
Japanese aesthetics have long found beauty not only in perfection, but also in ambiguity, impermanence, and the subtle passage of time. Unlike the brilliance of a perfectly clear full moon, the hazy moon captivates through its softened contours and elusive presence.
During this Kanazawa gold leaf experience, you will use finely fragmented gold leaf and a traditional cylindrical tool known as a sunago-zutsu to create the delicate, diffused appearance of the moon.
Rather than pursuing perfect symmetry or sharply defined lines, you will embrace subtlety and spontaneity, expressing a uniquely Japanese sensibility through your own hands.
A Tray Shaped by Japanese Craftsmanship
Your artwork begins with a tray crafted from solid Japanese wood, carefully shaped by a local artisan using the traditional "kiji-biki "wood-turning technique.
The tray is finished with fuki-urushi, a wiping lacquer technique that enhances the natural grain of the wood while imparting a deep, understated luster. Upon this refined surface, the delicate brilliance of gold leaf creates a striking harmony between natural materials and precious metal.
Every element reflects the care and craftsmanship of local artisans. Through this hands-on experience, you will gain a deeper appreciation of the materials, techniques, and aesthetic choices that distinguish Japanese traditional crafts.
Create a personal work of art that captures the quiet elegance of the hazy moon—a meaningful keepsake of your time in Kanazawa.
Experience the Heritage of a Historic Teahouse
The experience takes place at Kanazawa Shitsurae, a historic teahouse-style building in Higashi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa’s most atmospheric traditional neighborhoods.
With a history of approximately 200 years, the building is designated as a preserved historic structure by Kanazawa City. Its distinctive kimusuko wooden latticework, vivid bengara red exterior, and traditional juraku-kabe earthen walls preserve the architectural character of historic Kanazawa teahouses.
A graceful willow tree stands before the red facade, creating a memorable contrast that reflects the understated poetry of the setting.
You will also be introduced to the building’s history and architectural details, gaining insight into the cultural heritage that continues to shape Kanazawa today.
Matcha and Seasonal Confections: A Taste of Kanazawa
Between moments of creative exploration, take time to enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets in this historic setting.
Savor seasonal jo-namagashi from Morihachi, one of Kanazawa’s distinguished traditional confectionery houses, accompanied by matcha served in a tea bowl from the celebrated Ohi-yaki pottery tradition.
From the seasonal artistry of the confectionery to the distinctive character of the tea bowl, each detail reflects a tradition in which beauty, craftsmanship, and hospitality are inseparable.
This thoughtful interlude offers a taste of Kanazawa’s refined cultural heritage and the Japanese spirit of omotenashi—hospitality expressed through careful attention to every detail.
A Meaningful Encounter with Japanese Culture
More than a gold leaf workshop, this is an opportunity to experience the many layers of Kanazawa’s cultural heritage in one carefully curated setting.
Traditional craftsmanship, the aesthetics of imperfection, historic architecture, fine confectionery, and matcha come together to create a memorable cultural encounter.
Leave with your own gold-leaf artwork and a deeper appreciation of the quiet beauty, artistry, and traditions of Japan.
Who Is This Experience For?
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Wish to discover Japanese traditional crafts and the cultural philosophies behind them.
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Seek distinctive, high-quality cultural experiences in Kanazawa.
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Appreciate fine craftsmanship, natural materials, and thoughtful design.
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Prefer meaningful cultural encounters over simply visiting famous tourist attractions.
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Want to explore Japanese heritage through gold leaf, lacquerware, historic architecture, matcha, and traditional confectionery.
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Would like to create a personal work of art as a lasting memento of their journey to Japan.
Experience Details
33,000 yen/ 1-2 persons
* 33,000 yen is up to 2 persons. An additional fee of ¥16,500 is charged for each additional person.
*There is an additional charge of 20,000 yen for guides in languages other than English and Chinese.
*For those who aren't fond of matcha: In addition to matcha, we also offer Kaga Bōcha. Also, the matcha we serve here is relatively mild and easy to drink.
*Please feel free to enjoy yourself without worrying about tea ceremony etiquette. If you’d like, we’d be happy to give you a brief introduction to the basics.
◎Schedule
Example 10:00 am Start
10:00 Meet (Kanazawa Shitsurae)
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Introduction to the Historic Teahouse
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Introduction to Kanazawa Gold Leaf
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Gold Leaf Craft Experience
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Matcha and Traditional Japanese Sweets
11:30-12:00 End
◎Payment Method : By Credit Card / PayPal
＞Payment and Cancellation Details
Number of guests required for this tour/experience to take place
Minimum number of guests*
Maximum number of guests*
1
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