Urushi Tours
Uncover the Blend of Tradition and Innovation in
Kyoto Through the Lens of Urushi
When you stroll through Kyoto’s streets, every alley brings a new sight. Traditional landscapes meet contemporary style with new shops and cafés popping up in every corner, offering fresh encounters with the ever-evolving Kyoto. From cozy local gems like bathhouses, coffee stands, bookstores, to bakeries, these spaces foster vibrant communities where cultural landscapes are created. At Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi, we collaborate with some of these local spots to create functional tools and beautiful tableware. Our tour offer you the chance to explore these cultural hotspots while learning about and experiencing the art of Urushi.
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.
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.
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.
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!
