Japan Master Class — Tokyo Traditional Crafts

A Transformative Journey into
Japanese Craft Heritage

Immerse yourself in Japan's most revered traditional crafts — lacquerware maki-e, katazome yuzen dyeing, traditional calligraphy, and washi paper art — taught by living national treasures at the prestigious Yokohama College of Arts.

The Tokyo Master Class offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from Japan's finest master craftsmen. From the intricate world of lacquerware maki-e by Living National Treasure Mitsumura Jun (three generations of heritage), to katazome dyeing under YCAD President Kato Ryoji, to calligraphy with Nijo Takatoki — each discipline opens a door into centuries of Japanese aesthetic philosophy.

Beyond the workshop, journey through Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, Mount Fuji, Sensoji Temple, and Tokyo Skytree. Receive an official certificate from Yokohama College of Arts upon completion. This is more than a course — it is a life-enriching cultural odyssey.

Living National Treasures

Learn directly from masters designated as Living National Treasures of Japan — including lacquerware artisan Mitsumura Jun, whose family has preserved this craft for three generations.

Four Traditional Disciplines

Lacquerware maki-e, katazome yuzen dyeing, traditional calligraphy, and washi paper hand-painted art — four complete craft disciplines in one comprehensive program.

Cultural Immersion Beyond Workshops

Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Western Art, Mount Fuji day trip, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree — curated cultural experiences complement every workshop session.

Accommodation

Carefully selected hotels in central Tokyo. Comfortable, convenient, and culturally immersive accommodation throughout your stay.

Meals Included

Daily breakfast included. Carefully selected lunches and group dinners featuring authentic Japanese cuisine and regional specialties.

Program Dates

November 17–30, 2025 · 14 Days / 13 Nights. A comprehensive two-week journey balancing intensive craft learning with meaningful cultural exploration.

Certificate & Group

Maximum 20 travelers. Official Yokohama College of Arts certificate awarded upon successful completion of all modules.

Your Journey

Day by Day
Itinerary

A carefully curated 14-day journey through Japanese craft heritage, from master workshops to iconic cultural landmarks.

Days 1–2

Arrival & Welcome Orientation

Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Welcome orientation introducing the program structure, your fellow learners, and Japanese cultural etiquette. Evening welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant to begin your journey together.

Airport Transfer Welcome Orientation Welcome Dinner

Days 3–5

Lacquerware Maki-e Master Class

Three intensive days with Living National Treasure Mitsumura Jun, learning the ancient art of lacquerware maki-e (gold/silver powder decoration on lacquer). Study the full process from base preparation to final polishing. Create your own maki-e piece under the master's guidance. This craft has been passed down in the Mitsumura family for three generations.

Master Mitsumura Jun Sessions Hands-on Maki-e Creation Three Generations Heritage Story

Days 6–8

Katazome Yuzen Dyeing Workshop

Three days immersed in the art of katazome (stencil-resist dyeing) and yuzen techniques under YCAD President Kato Ryoji. Learn pattern design, resist paste application, natural dye processes, and fabric finishing. Visit Echizen craft village to see historical dyeing tools and traditional workshops. Create your own katazome-dyed textile artwork.

President Kato Ryoji Instruction Natural Dye Process Echizen Craft Village Visit

Day 9

Calligraphy & Washi Paper Art

Morning session on traditional Japanese calligraphy (shodo) with master Nijo Takatoki, studying brush techniques and character composition rooted in centuries of Zen aesthetics. Afternoon hands-on washi paper hand-painted art with Hikosake Reizo, creating original artwork on handmade Japanese paper.

Shodo Calligraphy Masterclass Washi Paper Hand Painting Zen Aesthetics Philosophy

Day 10

Practical Japanese Language & Cultural Studies

Six practical Japanese language sessions designed for mature travelers, covering essential phrases for daily interaction, cultural context, etiquette, and deeper understanding of the crafts you have learned. Language becomes a bridge to connect with local artisans and communities.

Essential Japanese Phrases Cultural Etiquette Session Language for Craft Context

Days 11–13

Cultural Exploration: Museums, Fuji & Tokyo Icons

Full-day visit to Tokyo National Museum and National Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park. Day trip to Mount Fuji's scenic Five Lakes region. Explore historic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple. Experience breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree. Each excursion is guided with expert commentary connecting visual culture back to the craft traditions you have studied.

Tokyo National Museum Mount Fuji Day Trip Sensoji & Skytree

Day 14

Closing Ceremony & Departure

Final showcase of your craft creations — lacquerware maki-e piece, katazome textile, calligraphy work, and washi paper art. Official certificate ceremony hosted by Yokohama College of Arts. Farewell celebration lunch. Airport transfer departure.

Craft Showcase YCAD Certificate Ceremony Airport Transfer

Tokyo Master Class — Japanese Craft Heritage