Experience Kintsugi, Repair of Ceramics at Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga

Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga: Japan’s First Hot Spring Inn with a Kintsugi Workshop

"KAI" is a hot spring ryokan brand operated by Hoshino Resorts with 22 properties nationwide. We offer various accommodation plans and events for guests to experience local traditions and culture.

This article introduces Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga in Ishikawa Prefecture, which is the first in Japan to have a Kintsugi workshop. Guests can tour the studio and have a hands-on experience of the Kintsugi process.

The unique charm of KAI Kaga is that guests can spend quality time relaxing at a hot spring ryokan, discover Kintsugi's traditional techniques, learn about their history, and intimately experience the pottery enriched by Kintsugi.

What is Kintsugi?

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing damaged ceramics by gluing chipped or cracked pieces with lacquer containing powdered gold.

At Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga, we only use natural lacquer (*) and other natural materials to perform authentic, traditional kintsugi techniques.

*Lacquer: sap collected from the lacquer tree.

Although it is possible to quickly repair pottery by gluing it with synthetic resin, we use natural lacquer so that the precious ceramic made by artists can be used for a long time and with peace of mind. We pride ourselves on following the traditional Kintsugi technique and using natural materials.

Free Kintsugi Workshop

At the Kintsugi studio within Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga, you can tour the workshop and have a hands-on experience called ABCs of Kintsugi.

During the "ABCs of Kintsugi" workshop that is complimentary for hotel guests, the staff first explains the history and tools of Kintsugi alongside the reason why Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga practices this traditional craft. After this explanation, participants will experience a part of the Kintsugi process.

Guests will experience one of three steps out of the many processes involved in Kintsugi. These steps include filling the chipped ceramic with lacquer glue, sprinkling powdered gold on the mended parts, and waiting for the powder to harden.

Depending on the humidity and temperature, it may take several days to a week for the lacquer to harden. Through this portion of the kintsugi process, you can personally experience the difficulty and depth of kintsugi with your own hands.

ABCs of Kintsugi (Kintsugi Experience)

Date: Every day from 15:30 (30-minute workshop)

Fee: Free

Eligible Participants: Guests over 12 years of age

Capacity: 6 people

Reservation: Book at the front desk on day of the event

Workshop Tour

Date: Every day in the 15:00 - 17:30 interval

Fee: Free

Eligible Participants: Guests over 12 years of age

Lectures by KAI Staff with Professional Guidance

At the Kintsugi studio, the staff at Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga will lecture and provide guests their knowledge.

Kintsugi using natural lacquer is very difficult, taking years to achieve an instructor's level.

The staff is refining their skills to protect precious pottery made by local artisans and passing on these traditional Kintsugi techniques.

Kintsugi Lecture Staff: Caroline Bayodestivo

It was only when I came to work at Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga that I learned about Kintsugi.

With the emergence of the Kintsugi workshop, we look forward to valuing and preserving pottery produced by local artisans to guests through Kintsugi, a traditional Japanese craft.

The Kintsugi Workshop: Designed with Love for Local Crafts

The traditional building of Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga, featuring red-shell lattices (*), is a nationally registered cultural property built during the Bunsei Era (1818-1830).

While constructing the Kintsugi studio, we were particular about creating a sense of unity with the scenery from the main street while preserving the exterior's crimson color. Guests can watch how the staff restores precious pottery through the round window.

*Bengara lattice: lattice painted with a dark reddish-brown pigment called bengara.

Additionally, the workshop's interior has red walls matching the color of the lattice, and the tools used in Kintsugi are displayed on the walls.

The tools and vessels on display have been meticulously arranged one by one under the advice of experts in kintsugi and lacquerware.

Learn More about Hoshino Resorts

In addition to the kintsugi workshop at Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga introduced in this article, you can enjoy various events and lodging experiences at Hoshino Resorts.

Please check the Hoshino Resorts official website for more details!

https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/