Urushi Tours
Uncover the Blend of Tradition and Innovation in
Kyoto Through the Lens of Urushi
When you walk through Kyoto, the scenery changes with every alley. Amid the timeless charm of the city, new-style shops and cafes are lined up, offering the chance to encounter fresh aspects of Kyoto at any moment. New local spots, such as public baths, coffee stands, bookstores, and bakeries, are beloved by the community, drawing people with various backgrounds. These places foster small communities, creating unique cultural landscapes.
At Tsutsumi Asaki Urushi Inc., we collaborate with some of our recommended local spots to create tools and utensils that can be used in these establishments. Through Urushi Tours, we offer experiences where you can learn about Urushi while visiting and discovering these “Cultural Points” – places where cultural landscapes are being born.
Tour Details
1. Where there’s care, there’s Urushi
Bukkoji Temple + D&D DEPATRTMENT cafe
Bukkoji Temple, a 700-year-old Buddhist sanctuary in Kyoto, is not just a place of prayer, but also a spiritual refuge for the local community. Your tour begins with a visit to the temple, followed by a deep dive into how Urushi has been used throughout history. The theme for the day is “Prayer.” Through the lens of lacquer, you’ll explore the deep connections between nature, people, and the spiritual world. For lunch, you’ll enjoy a meal at the D&D DEPARTMENT cafe inside the temple grounds, where you’ll experience a special touch — your meal will be served in beautifully crafted Urushi bowls, exclusively for tour guests.
2. Urushi deep dive – Factory tour & Hands-On Workshop
Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Inc.
Since 1909, Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Inc has been refining the art of Urushi. In the Und. flagship store reopened with a renewed focus in April, 2024, visitors will have the chance to learn about the Urushi tree and its sap. we will them move onto the factory and After the tour of the refining factory on the first floor, guests will move to the third floor to watch young artisans at work, demonstrating their craftsmanship. From floorboards to speakers, Urushi plays a role in many aspects of daily life. At the hands-on workshop, visitors can try Fuki-Urushi (the wiping technique) and fully immerse themselves in this beautiful, timeless art form.
3. Take Urushi Bucket to a Kyoto Bathhouse
Sauna no Umeyu (Public Bathhouse)
One of the highlights of Kyoto’s cultural gems is its public bathhouses, and Sauna no Ume-yu is one of the hottest spots! With its neon exterior, Ume-yu blends nostalgic bathhouse tradition with a modern edge, attracting both locals and tourists alike. As part of our collaboration, we’ve created a special Urushi-coated bucket that’s used in the bathhouse. When you book a tour, you’ll also enjoy a guided exploration of the traditional kama-taki (wood-burning bath boiler) system, led by the staff, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion.
4. Bread in one hand, wine in the other by the Kamo River!
mati (Bread and Wine)
One of Kyoto’s most unique spots is “Nomeru Pan-ya” (the “Bakery That Lets You Drink”), where you can enjoy more than just fresh-baked bread! A prime example is mati. Chef Hami whips up mouthwatering breads, which you can pair with top-notch wines and craft beers—yes, it’s basically a bakery that doubles as a cozy bar! This time, Urushi Tours is all about the “Wine by the Kamo River” adventure. Pick your favourite wine, grab some delicious bread or snacks, and stuff them into a picnic box. A short 2-minute walk later, you’ll be sipping and nibbling by the beautiful Kamo Riverーsounds like the perfect way to spend your day!
Booking
You can choose from two plans:
1. Basic Tour
Included
- Bukkoji Tour + lunch at D&D DEPARTMENT cafe
- Visit to Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Inc.’s Refining Factory
- Wipe-on Urushi experience
2. Full Course
Included
- All of Basic Tourse content
- Backstage tour + bathing at Sauna no Umeyu
- Enjoy snacks from mati with wine by the kamo river