【OUTLINE】

Color a pair of chopsticks or a spoon with Wajima-nuri's traditional technique: "Chinkin." Chinkin, or gold inlay, is a traditional lacquerware technique of Wajima-nuri that is one of the prides of Japan. This plan's venue is the only museum in the world that exhibits this sort of lacquerware. Motifs are carved into the lacquered surface with special chisels, and a thin layer of lacquer is rubbed into the incised lines. Lastly, gold foil or colored dust is applied over the soft lacquer to form a contrast with the ground.

You can color the chopsticks or the spoon with metal powder on which patterns are already engraved. It is an easy activity that even beginners can enjoy. 

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Try out Wajima's traditional coloring techniques used in lacquerware: "Chinkin."
• Enjoy the workshop without worry, as the painting materials used here do not cause a skin rash.
• Visit the exhibition gallery, the only museum in the world that displays this sort of lacquerware.
• Take home the pair of chopsticks and the spoon from the workshop as souvenirs.

【SCHEDULE】 

Rent a bicycle at Wajima Furatto Homu, the Roadside Station (optional) → Go to Wajima Museum of Urushi Art → Explore the museum → Join the Chinkin workshop (approx. 20 minutes) → Activity finished (take home the completed items) → Return a bicycle at Wajima Furatto Homu, the Roadside Station (optional)
* Reservation time is the starting time of the workshop. If you like to see the museum before the experience, please come earlier than the starting time.

【DETAILS】

Enjoy the coloring experience with a traditional technique of Wajima lacquerware: Chinkin. You can choose a pair of chopsticks or a spoon for coloring. There are five patterns (fireworks, grapes, flowers, butterflies, and bush clovers) that you can choose from. The lacquer used does not cause skin rash, so those with sensitive skin need not worry. Instructions will be in English and traditional Chinese in a handout, so you do not have to worry about the procedure details. The staff can also explain in Japanese and in limited English.

You can also explore the museum before or after the workshop. There, you can gain more insight into lacquer and Chinkin.

<Details of Chinkin Workshop>

1. Select your preferred pattern.

2. Fill a cotton swab with substitutive lacquer (synthetic paint) and put it onto the parts of the chopsticks or spoon that have the selected pattern engraved. Wipe off any excess.

3. Color the cutlery with a colored aluminum powder called LG powder. You can choose colors out of seven choices to make your own item!

4. Wipe off all the extra metal powder, and it is finished!

5. Put your items in a box and bring it back to your home!

As an option, there is a bicycle rental service (additional fees apply) with which you can explore more of the city of Wajima. Of course, you can create more chopsticks or spoons for souvenirs.

<About Wajima Museum of Lacquer (Urushi) Art>

It is the only museum in the world that has permanent exhibitions of lacquerware. It was opened in 1991 to introduce Wajima's lacquer culture to the world.

The exterior of the building has a unique design inspired by the Azekura-zukuri style with a raised-floor used in Shoso-in. Shoso-in is a treasure house belonging to Todai-ji Temple in Nara, famous for the Great Buddha statue. In the spacious atrium, you can watch videos about the lacquerware production process and introduction to the world of lacquer artists' works. You can freely browse the books related to artworks and lacquer arts, too. 

 In the gallery, exhibitions that will let you feel the four seasons. The permanent exhibition includes the history and culture of Wajima-nuri, celebrated as a leading figure of Japanese lacquerware.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Time：60 minutes
• Meeting point：Wajima Museum of Lacquer (Urushi) Art
  11, Shijugari, Mitomorimachi, Wajima-shi, Ishikawa-ken
• Access：Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Kanazawa Sta. West Exit (Kanazawa Port Exit) by taking Hokutetsu Okunoto Bus “Wajima Express” → Get off at Michi-no-eki Wajima Furatto Homu,"Wajima Eki-mae," → walk for 15 minutes
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included ：Experience fee (a pair of chopsticks or a spoon), take-out box, admission fee
• Excluded：E-bicycle rental fee with a battery (optional)
• Participation requirements ：6 years old and over
• Free Wi-Fi ：〇
  
• Toilet(Japanese/Western style)：〇 
• Other things to note：
  ・ Please let us know in advance if your group will have 6 people or more.
  <In the case of e-bike rental>
  ・If the option of bicycle rental is selected, the meeting point will be Wajima Tourist Information Center (at Michi-no-eki Wajima Furatto Homu). Show the voucher at the reception, and rent a bicycle.
  【Address】 20-1-131, Kawaimachi, Wajima-shi, Ishikawa-ken
  ・Please pay a deposit of 1000 yen in cash when you rent a bicycle. You will get the same amount when you return the bicycle.
  ・The bicycle rental is available from 8:30 to 18:00.
  ・Please note that we will charge you additional fee in cash if you can't return it by 18:00, .
  ・We do not offer e-bicycle for children.
  ・Please inform the staffs on-site when you will visit Senmaida area by e-bicycle so that we will offer you an additional battery.
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】 

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.