Authentic kintsugi experiences in Shibuya, Tokyo
Intimate instugi classes held in our studio just up the road from Shibuya Crossing.
At mon cadeau, we value the spirit of omotenashi — wholehearted and thoughtful hospitality. Our small classes feature matcha tea and a selection of seasonal Japanese sweets, creating a peaceful setting infused with Japanese culture. In this warm atmosphere, you'll learn the art of kintsugi.
At the end of the class, you’ll take home your beautifully restored piece, carefully presented in a special Japanese kiribako (paulownia) wood box as a memorable keepsake.
Kintsugi - an ancient art with origins going back over 3000 years
Traditional Kintsugi techniques originated in the Jomon period in Japan (c. 1400 to 300BC) using sap from the urushi tree to repair broken or chipped crockery.
Kintsugi is a part of Japanese culture connected with the aesthetic sense of "wabi-sabi", where beauty in imperfection is appreciated.
Traditional Kintsugi or Modern Kintsugi
Traditional Kintsugi is a meticulous process that uses only natural materials like urushi lacquer. Each restoration is a meditative journey, often taking several months as each layer requires time to naturally cure and harden.
Modern Kintsugi offers a faster alternative. By using synthetic materials, beautiful repairs can be completed in just a few hours. This is ideal for those looking to enjoy the art of Kintsugi within a single session.
Kanshitsu Kintsugi bridges the gap between the two. This hybrid approach begins with synthetic materials for structural repair, then finishes with traditional natural elements, honoring the philosophy of Kintsugi while making the process more accessible.
Classes
We teach Modern Kintstugi classes in English where you can experience the art and essence of kintsugi through repairing your own piece to take home with you.
I also teach traditional kintsugi techniques in Japanese to mon cadeau members who work on their restorations over months allowing time for the layers of natural repairs to cure.
Classes
We teach Modern Kintstugi classes in English where you can experience the art and essence of kintsugi through repairing your own piece to take home with you.
I also teach traditional kintsugi techniques in Japanese to mon cadeau members who work on their restorations over months allowing time for the layers of natural repairs to cure.
All classes start with Macha tea and seasonal Japanese sweets to help get into the right mindset.
For mon cadeau customer testimonials, please check Google Reviews
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Repairs
mon cadeau also does repairs using modern and kanshitsu kintstugi techniques.
Traditional kinstugi repairs take months so are not suitable for most repairs, other than by mon cadeau members.
(Sorry, our repair workload is full, so we are not currently taking on any new repairs).
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Take Kintsugi Home –
Tool Kits Available
Take the Beauty of Kintsugi Home with You!
Complete your kintsugi experience with our beautifully curated Kintsugi Tool Kit. This popular kit includes everything you need to enjoy kintsugi at home — no other special equipment or studio required!
After taking a mon cadeau class, you’ll have the skills you need, and with this JPY16,800 tool kit, you can bring the spirit of wabi-sabi into your everyday life and create kintsugi whenever inspiration strikes.
Loved by students worldwide and perfect as a thoughtful gift or personal treasure.
Michiko Peryer Kado
I was born in Ise, Japan, home to the most sacred Shinto shrines.
My grandmother was a tea ceremony teacher who started my study of tea ceremony.
This led me to the study of pottery and ceramics at University in Tokyo, the world of kintstugi and food styling for clients such as Hermes and Sotheby's.
Being elements of tea ceremony, I am also a licensed ikebana and kimono teacher.
My surname is Kado, which means 'gate' in Japanese, but can also be read as 'mon'.
A friend told me 'mon cadeau' meant 'my gift' in French, and I thought that felt right.
I love the beauty and depth of tea ceremony, kintsugi and Japanese culture, and this is what I want to share with my students.
Enquiry Form
(I will get back in touch within 2-3 days)
Location - Shibuya, Tokyo
My studio is next to the Central Hospital on Shoto 2-chome crossing, Shibuya, a 12 minute walk from Shibuya scramble crossing. Specific directions are sent once a booking is made.
For larger groups, I use studios throughout Tokyo.
We are just up the road from Japan Go Kart, as featured on their blog.
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What is Kintsugi?Kintsugi (金継ぎ) is the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Instead of hiding cracks, Kintsugi embraces imperfections, turning broken pieces into beautiful, one-of-a-kind works of art.
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What is the difference between Traditional Kintsugi and Modern Kintsugi?Traditional Kintsugi follows ancient techniques using natural urushi lacquer, which requires longer drying times and specific handling. It is highly durable but may cause allergic reactions for some people. Modern Kintsugi, on the other hand, uses non-toxic, quick-drying alternatives that allow for a faster and more accessible restoration process while still preserving the aesthetic of traditional Kintsugi. Our 2-hours Kintsugi session is Modern Kintsugi.
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What should I bring?All materials are provided, so all you need to bring is yourself!
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What should I wear?You can wear anything you want although please note there is a low risk you might get paint or glue on your clothes - we haven’t had anyone have a problem yet but there is a risk so you may not want to wear your best clothes.
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Where is your Kintsugi workshop located?Our Kintsugi workshop is conveniently located in Shibuya, Tokyo — just a 12-minute walk from Shibuya Station and 5 minutes from Shinsen Station. The exact address will be shared via email after your booking is confirmed.
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How do I book a Kintsugi class in Tokyo?You can book our Kintsugi class in Tokyo through our website. We offer workshops for individuals, small groups, team-building events, and private sessions.
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What should I expect in a Kintsugi workshop?In our Kintsugi workshop, you’ll learn the history of Kintsugi, handle real ceramic pieces, and repair broken pottery. By the end of the session, you’ll take home your beautifully restored piece as a meaningful souvenir.
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Is Kintsugi safe?Yes! We use a modern, non-toxic alternative to traditional urushi lacquer, making our classes safe for beginners and those with allergies. That said, we do use a cutter blade to remove dried glue, so please handle tools carefully — especially with children. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries.
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Can I bring my own broken pottery to repair?We provide Kintsugi kits for use during the workshop, so there's no need to bring any equipment. However, if you prefer to repair your own ceramic item, please contact us in advance to ensure it's suitable for restoration.
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Do you offer Kintsugi workshops in English?Absolutely! Our Kintsugi experience in Tokyo is designed for travelers who want to explore Japanese craftsmanship. We provide English-friendly classes, making it a perfect cultural activity during your visit.
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How long does a Kintsugi class take?Our standard Kintsugi classes last approximately: - 2 hours for the Kintsugi-only class - 2.5 hours for the Kintsugi & Tea Ceremony experience - 2 hours for Traditional Kintsugi Class (for Japan-resident members only) This allows you to complete a restoration project while learning about the philosophy behind Kintsugi.
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Is there a cancellation fee?We understand that plans can change. If you cancel after booking, a 7% processing fee will be deducted from your refund due to charges from the payment platform. Please note that cancellations within 7 days of the experience are non-refundable. Thank you so much for your kind understanding.