Urushi Lacquer Polishing Workshop
Create your own unique chopsticks alongside a skilled Aizu Lacquerware artisan.
About Urushi Lacquer Polishing Workshop
At HHT Tenneriji Warehouse, a coworking space located in Aizuwakamatsu, visitors can experience Aizu’s traditional craft of urushi lacquerware. Urushi is a natural tree sap unique to Japan, used as a lacquer that develops a deep, beautiful sheen through repeated layers of application and drying. After the layers of lacquer are built up, the surface is carefully polished to reveal the hidden patterns beneath—a technique known as togidashi (polishing). In this workshop, participants can learn authentic chopstick-making directly from skilled Aizu lacquer artisans.
The facility is operated by Sekibi Kodo, a company that originally ran an Aizu lacquerware factory. In 2022, the former factory building was renovated and reopened as Human Hub Tenneriji Warehouse (HHT). Inside the complex, visitors will find a café serving house-roasted coffee and freshly baked bread, a select shop featuring Aizu crafts, as well as shared office spaces and workshops. Together, these elements create an interactive space where guests can experience local craftsmanship while discovering products connected to Aizu’s food, lifestyle, and traditional culture.
The Appeal of the Urushi Lacquer Experience
In this workshop, participants decorate their own chopsticks under the guidance of a skilled urushi lacquer artisan. Pieces of blue shell and eggshell are carefully set into the tips of the chopsticks, then layers of lacquer are applied and left to dry. Finally, the surface is gently polished to reveal the hidden patterns beneath.
Several courses are available, offering different ways to enjoy the technique. Options include a course focusing on polishing the top end of the chopsticks to bring out the design (from ¥3,000), a more detailed course that polishes the grip area of the chopsticks (from ¥4,000), and a polishing experience using urushi accessory parts (from ¥3,000). In addition to chopsticks, participants can also create small lacquer items. High-quality materials such as natural Japanese wood and authentic urushi lacquer are used, resulting in a beautifully finished piece that many participants praise.
The workshop is led directly by experienced Aizu lacquer craftsmen, even first-time participants can join with confidence. The finished pieces have the deep shine and rich texture unique to Aizu lacquerware, allowing you to take home a one-of-a-kind pair of chopsticks. The experience takes about one to two hours, making it easy to fit into a sightseeing schedule—perfect for a memorable hands-on stop during your visit.
They explain everything carefully, making it enjoyable even for beginners!
OsakiYohei
Even beginners can enjoy the experience with peace of mind, as veteran Aizu Lacquerware artisans provide direct, step-by-step guidance.
Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time
The workshop is reservation-only and is held twice a day at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., from Friday to Sunday. After the experience, we recommend taking a short break at the on-site café, where you can relax with house-roasted coffee and freshly baked bread.
The location is also very convenient, just about a 15-minute drive from Aizuwakamatsu Station. Many of Aizuwakamatsu’s major sightseeing spots are nearby, making it easy to combine the workshop with sightseeing. Popular historical landmarks such as Tsuruga Castle and Mount Iimori are within easy reach, so be sure to enjoy a walk around the castle town before or after your chopstick-making experience.
Spot Information
Spot Name: Urushi Lacquer Polishing Workshop｜HHT Tenneriji Warehouse
Open hours・Closed days: Open year-round, except during the New Year holidays.
〈Store〉10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
〈Cafe〉11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
〈Co-Working Space/ Shared Workshop 〉Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Fee：Workshop courses start from ¥3,000 (materials included)
Please check the official website for detailed pricing.
Parking: Available (free of charge, 32 spaces)
Notes
- Advance reservation required.
- The workshop uses fully cured urushi lacquer, which is safe to touch and unlikely to cause skin irritation.
- Same-day participation may be possible if space is available.
Access
Address: 7-38 Tenneijimachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0805, Japan
Access（Train・Car・Bus）:
Car: Approximately 15 minutes from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station.
Public Transportation: Aizu Bus services are available. Please check the official website for route details and schedules.
Nearby Accommodations
SPOT
We use high-quality materials, including natural Japanese wood and authentic urushi lacquer, which are highly praised for their beautiful and elegant finish.