Tokyo: Edo Kiriko Traditional Glass Carving Class

Savor the captivating world of Edo Kiriko glass carving in Tokyo, where a hands-on workshop promises a unique and memorable experience you can take home.

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Asakusa Station, lies an opportunity to take in the captivating world of Edo Kiriko glass carving. This 1.5-hour hands-on class welcomes all skill levels, offering personalized guidance from a bilingual instructor. Participants can choose from a variety of glass types and designs, creating their unique artwork using traditional cutting techniques. With a perfect 5/5 rating, this workshop promises a joyful and memorable experience, allowing you to take home a beautiful keepsake. But what makes this class so special, and how can you make the most of it?

Key Points

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  • An interactive 1.5-hour glass carving class in Tokyo near Asakusa Station, teaching the traditional craft of Edo Kiriko with personalized guidance.
  • Participants create original glass artwork to take home, choosing from a variety of clear and colored glass types.
  • Suitable for all skill levels, with a bilingual lecturer providing hands-on practice and one-on-one assistance as needed.
  • Class starts at Sokichi, a 30-second walk from Asakusa Station, where staff will escort participants to the classroom.
  • Highly rated experience, with travelers praising the joy of creating personal keepsakes and the fun, immersive nature of the class.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

tokyo-edo-kiriko-traditional-glass-carving-class

The Edo Kiriko Traditional Glass Carving class offers a 1.5-hour hands-on experience in Tokyo, near Asakusa Station.

Priced from $30.30 per person, this class teaches the art of traditional Japanese glass carving with over 180 years of history.

Participants can choose from over 20 designs and dozens of pattern samples, using clear or colored glass.

The class is suitable for all skill levels, and a bilingual lecturer provides personalized guidance throughout.

Availability is limited, so it’s recommended to check and reserve in advance.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior is available for a full refund.

Experience Details

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What does the Edo Kiriko Traditional Glass Carving class entail?

Participants get to create their own original glass artwork to take home. This hands-on experience introduces the traditional Japanese craft of Edo Kiriko, which has over 180 years of history.

Attendees can choose from:

  • Over 20 designs
  • Dozens of pattern samples
  • 6 clear and colored glass options (blue, pink, yellow)

Suitable for all skill levels, the class is led by a bilingual lecturer who provides personalized guidance on using traditional glass cutting techniques to craft a unique keepsake.

Instruction and Support

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Although the Edo Kiriko Traditional Glass Carving class is suitable for all skill levels, including complete beginners, participants can count on personalized guidance throughout the experience.

The class is led by a bilingual lecturer fluent in both English and Japanese, ensuring clear instruction. Participants will learn traditional glass cutting techniques through hands-on practice, with the lecturer providing one-on-one assistance as needed.

With the support of the expert instructor, even those new to glass carving can create their own unique, high-quality piece of Edo Kiriko art to take home as a memorable keepsake.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Participants will start the Edo Kiriko Traditional Glass Carving class at Sokichi, a 30-second walk from Asakusa Station. The staff will escort participants to the classroom.

Participants should bring a hair tie to ensure a comfortable and safe experience:

  • Hair ties help keep long hair secured, preventing it from interfering with the delicate glass carving process.
  • Tying back hair also helps maintain a tidy workspace and minimizes the risk of stray strands getting caught in the tools.
  • Bringing a hair tie ensures participants can fully focus on creating their unique Edo Kiriko glass artwork.
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Customer Feedback and Ratings

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The Edo Kiriko Traditional Glass Carving class boasts an impressive overall rating of 5/5 based on 5 reviews.

Travelers praise the joy of creating a personal keepsake and the fun experience. Anwyn from Australia enthused, "Loved being able to make something so special that I got to keep."

Alena from the United States simply stated, "So fun!! Def try it out."

The class is suitable for all skill levels, including beginners, and provides personalized guidance throughout.

With a bilingual lecturer and hands-on traditional glass cutting techniques, this immersive experience allows participants to take home their own unique Edo Kiriko artwork.

The History of Edo Kiriko

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Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese glass carving craft that has a rich history spanning over 180 years.

Originating in the Edo period, this intricate art form was developed by skilled artisans who used specialized tools to meticulously etch designs into glass.

Key features of Edo Kiriko include:

  • Distinctive patterns and motifs inspired by nature, geometric shapes, and traditional Japanese aesthetics
  • Precise cutting techniques that create shimmering, faceted surfaces
  • The use of high-quality materials, such as lead-free crystal glass, to produce durable and visually striking pieces

Today, Edo Kiriko continues to be celebrated as a cherished part of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Choosing Your Design and Glass

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When selecting their design and glass type, participants have a range of options to choose from. The class offers over 20 design patterns and dozens of samples to inspire creativity. Participants can select from six clear and colored glass options, including blue, pink, and yellow. The glass types and design options are presented in the following table:

Design Patterns Glass Types
Traditional Clear
Modern Blue
Floral Pink
Geometric Yellow
Abstract Colored
Custom Mixed

With this variety, participants can personalize their Edo Kiriko glass artwork to reflect their unique style and preferences.

The Carving Process

After selecting their desired design and glass type, participants embark on the hands-on glass carving process.

They learn to use traditional Edo Kiriko tools, including:

  • Steel cutting wheels
  • Grinding wheels
  • Polishing tools

With personalized guidance from the bilingual instructor, participants carefully etch their chosen design into the glass.

The intricate process requires focus and precision, but the end result is a one-of-a-kind glass artwork to cherish.

Participants leave the class with a newfound appreciation for this time-honored Japanese craft.

Things To Know

Do I Need to Bring Any Tools or Materials?

The class provides all the necessary tools and materials for the glass carving experience. Participants don’t need to bring anything except a hair tie to keep their hair back during the hands-on activities.

Can I Purchase Additional Glass Pieces After the Class?

Yes, participants can purchase additional glass pieces after the class. The studio offers a selection of blank glass items that can be taken home and customized further outside of the scheduled session.

How Do I Care for the Glass Artwork After the Class?

After the class, participants should handle their glass artwork carefully. Washing it by hand with mild soap and water is recommended. Avoid using harsh chemicals or placing it in the dishwasher, as this could damage the delicate carvings.

Is There an Age Requirement or Restriction for the Class?

The class is suitable for all ages, including children. There’s no age requirement or restriction, so participants of any age can join and create their own unique glass artwork. The class is designed to be accessible for beginners.

What Should I Wear to the Class?

There’s no special dress code for the class. Wear comfortable, casual clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit messy. The activity involves using sharp tools, so it’s best to avoid loose or flowing garments. Just bring a hair tie as requested.

Sum Up

The Edo Kiriko glass carving class in Tokyo offers an immersive cultural experience. Participants can create a unique keepsake under the guidance of a bilingual instructor. With a perfect 5/5 rating, this hands-on workshop promises a memorable time, allowing visitors to learn about the traditional art form and take home a beautifully carved piece of glass.

You can check availability for your dates here: