Urushi Tapping and Cultural Journey
A 5-day immersive cultural experience that takes you on a journey to explore lacquer tree sap harvesting,
traditional craftsmanship, and the living cultural heritage of Iwate Prefecture, Japan
2026 Program Dates:
October 21-25, 2026
Location:
Joboji, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Registration opens soon
Introduction
Join us for a five-day immersive journey into Japan's traditional urushi culture. Visit Joboji, Japan's leading urushi-producing region, explore cultivated urushi forests. Learn directly from local artisans, experience urushi lacquer tree sap harvesting, and discover the craftsmanship and communities that continue to preserve this remarkable tradition today.
Timed to coincide with Joboji's annual urushi quality evaluation, the program offers a rare opportunity to observe one of the most significant events in Japan's urushi-producing community.
Program Highlights
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Experience the traditional lacquer tree sap harvesting in Japan's cultivated lacquer forests.
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Meet local artisans and learn directly from the people preserving Japan's living urushi tradition
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Witness the Annual Joboji Urushi Evaluation Event, where industry professionals evaluate the locally harvested urushi.
Small group (limited to 8 participants) for a more
personal and immersive experience.
Fully supported in English throughout the
entire itinerary.
Who Is This Program For?
Anyone interested in discovering where natural urushi comes from, and how it becomes the foundation of traditional Japanese craftsmanship
Kintsugi and urushi practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding of the material itself
Artists, craftspeople, designers, and makers interested in Japanese traditional materials and handmade culture
Craft enthusiasts seeking an authentic cultural experience beyond the usual tourist destinations
Join Our Interest List
Registration will open soon.
Join our Interest List to be the first to receive program details, pricing, registration updates, and early access when enrollment opens:
About the Organizers
This program is jointly organized by Kintsugi Artist makomako (New York) and Shoyodo Art (Tokyo), in collaboration with local artisans and cultural organizations in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.