The art of "Maki-e" involves decorating lacquer items with metallic lacquer or lacquer-like paint. During this experience, you can decorate an Aizu lacquerware item using Maki-e techniques. Suzuzen, a wholesaler and museum, has been honing the craft for over 180 years and is one of Japan's most emblematic spots for Aizu lacquerware and maki-e. First, you will explore the Suzuzen exhibitions and deepen your knowledge of Aizu lacquerware, which originated in the Aizu region of Fukushima prefecture over 600 years ago. Then, you will choose an Aizu lacquer item (a rice bowl, spoon, glass, etc.) and decorate it as you choose under the guidance of a seasoned craftsperson. Aizu, a region surrounded by mountains and famous for having been one of the last enclaves of the samurai, has been creating lacquer crafts for centuries and is a great destination to learn more about this art form. Please note that there are written explanations in English at the site, but this experience will be led in Japanese with limited to no English guidance available. If you would like to have an English interpreter come along with you, please check our Interpreter Guide: https://fukushima.travel/guide-interpreter/en/ ① Deepen your understanding of lacquer and Aizu lacquerware at “Suzuzen”, which has lacquerware pieces on exhibit. ② Learn more about Aizu lacquerware by watching professional craftspeople at work. ③ Paint your own “maki-e” lacquerware under the guidance of a pro. The lacquer-like paint is formulated to not cause itching.

• Days of Week

  Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat

• Duration

  2 hours

• Adult

  JPY 5,000

• Highlight #1

  Learn how to paint your very own piece of lacquerware under the guidance of an Aizu lacquerware master.

• Highlight #2

  Bring home your finished work of art!

• Highlight #3

  See unique lacquerware artworks at the museum.

• What's Included

  • Museum tour
  • Lacquerware painting experience

• Restrictions

  • 2-5 people

• Additional Info

  • Opening Hours 9:00 - 16:00

• Minimum Participants

  • 2

• Cancellation Policies

  50%

  1 day before to 17:00

  After 17:00, 1 day before

  100%

  Participation Date