Ishikawa / Kanazawa

Gild Your Own Treasure: Gold Leaf Workshop at a Century-Old Atelier in Higashi Chaya

Approx. ¥5,500 / guest(5)Participants: 2–10
Art & ArchitectureCulture ExperienceHistoryInsta-worthy

  • Time of day

    AM, PM

  • Maximum Participants

    Up to 10 people

  • Languages

    Japanese, English

  • Meeting place

    Kinpaku-ya Sakuda (Main Store)

Overview

In Kanazawa, gold isn't just decoration. It's a way of life. This city produces about 99% of Japan's gold leaf, hammered so thin (less than 1/10,000 of a millimeter) that it almost floats in the air.
At Sakuda, a gold leaf house founded in 1919 just steps from the historic Higashi Chaya teahouse district, you'll work with the real thing.
Choose your canvas, such as chopsticks, a small box or a plate. Design your pattern with masking tape, then lay genuine gold leaf over it with a bamboo tool. When you peel the tape away, your design appears in shimmering gold. No art skills needed: the staff guide you through every step.
Make time to explore the shop as well. Watch how a tiny piece of gold is beaten into a leaf, browse the gallery of gold-leaf crafts, and visit the restroom, whose walls are covered in gold and platinum leaf. Yes, really.

Why you'll love it:

  • A one-of-a-kind Kanazawa souvenir you made with your own hands
  • A family atelier with over 100 years of craft behind it
  • In the heart of Higashi Chaya, so it pairs easily with a sake tasting or a fu sweets break nearby

Operated by

Ishikawa Locals Network

Locals available to lead this activity

These Locals have trained for this activity. Your Locals is assigned after you request to book.

What's included

  • Customized itinerary
  • Guided Experience
  • Local insights and insider tips

Workshop fee, all materials and tools, one item of your choice (base option), and instruction from staff.

Not included

  • Food and drink
  • Transportation fee
  • Other personal expenses

Upgrades to larger or premium items, shopping, and transportation to the shop.

What happens after you request

  1. 1

    Send your request

    Pick your dates and party size and send a request. No payment yet.

  2. 2

    Decide the details together

    Chat with the Locals to work out the date, plan, and final price together.

  3. 3

    Pay securely

    Once confirmed, pay through a secure link to lock in your booking.

  4. 4

    Enjoy your experience

    Meet your Locals host on the day and enjoy. You can leave a review afterwards.

For cancellation fees, see our Cancellation Policy.

Meeting point

Kinpaku-ya Sakuda (Main Store)

1-3-27 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831

A 2-minute walk from Higashi Chaya District. Nearest bus stop: Hashiba-cho. Please arrive 10 minutes early and tell the staff your WOW U booking name.

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Things to know

  • The workshop takes about 60 minutes.

  • Session times: 9:00 / 10:30 / 13:00 / 15:00

  • Session times are subject to change. Please confirm the available time when booking.

  • Gold leaf is extremely delicate, so please avoid strong breath or fans near your work.

  • Suitable for all ages; children should be accompanied by an adult.

  • Finished pieces may need drying time before you take them home.

  • Traveling solo? You're welcome to join! Please select 2 participants when booking. The minimum charge is for 2 people, and you'll take part on your own. Feel free to ask us if you have any questions before booking.

More to explore in the area

Spots in the same area as this activity. Some may be a train or car ride away.

Omicho Ichiba Market

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Omicho Ichiba Market

300-year-old market lanes, Sea of Japan crabs still twitching.

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Kanazawa Castle Park

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Kanazawa Castle Park

400-year-old stone walls rebuilt by hand, blossom-ringed each spring.

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Hotel Torifito Kanazawa

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4.9(8)

Hotel Torifito Kanazawa

Five minutes from Kanazawa Station, with a warm public bath

Onsen(Hot Springs)
Higashi Chaya District

Kanazawa

5.0(7)

Higashi Chaya District

Candlelit teahouse streets where geisha culture still lingers at dusk.

Art & ArchitectureBeautiful SceneryFood & Drink+2

Est. total (tax incl.) ¥11,000

2 guests

Frequently asked questions

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is Kinpaku-ya Sakuda (Main Store). A 2-minute walk from Higashi Chaya District. Nearest bus stop: Hashiba-cho. Please arrive 10 minutes early and tell the staff your WOW U booking name.
What languages is this activity available in?
This activity is available in Japanese, English.
How many people can join?
This activity can be booked for 2 to 10 guests.
How much does it cost and what is included?
The price is about ¥5,500 per guest (tax included). Included: Customized itinerary, Guided Experience, Local insights and insider tips. Workshop fee, all materials and tools, one item of your choice (base option), and instruction from staff. Not included: Food and drink, Transportation fee, Other personal expenses. Upgrades to larger or premium items, shopping, and transportation to the shop.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Booking requests must be made at least 1 day before the date you want to join.
Who runs this activity?
This activity is run by Ishikawa Locals Network. Locals who can lead it: Maho Shimazaki, Kaede Fukushima, kayo fukatani, takuya kitamura, Tomoko Sasaki, Natsumi Tamura.
How is Gild Your Own Treasure: Gold Leaf Workshop at a Century-Old Atelier in Higashi Chaya rated?
This activity has an average rating of 5 out of 5 from 5 traveller reviews on WOW U.
What is the cancellation policy?
For bookings that do not require tickets, the cancellation fee is 30% of the price when cancelled 30 days or more before the date, 50% for 14-29 days before, 80% for 7-13 days before, and 100% from 6 days before onwards (including no-shows). Activities that require tickets cannot be cancelled. See the cancellation policy
What is WOW U?
WOW U is a booking platform that connects travellers directly with local guides in Japan, called Locals. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U, and every experience can be reviewed afterwards. More than 6,100 Locals are registered on WOW U. Reviews left by travellers average 4.7 out of 5.