Experience Report of Visiting Industrial Facilities in Kansai
-Inui Shikki-

Japanese

Inui Shikki

Facility overview

"Kyōshikki" (Kyoto lacquerware) is a traditional craft from Kyoto that features decorative techniques such as maki-e (gold and silver powder painting) and raden (mother-of-pearl inlay). It has a gentle and elegant look and is most cherished tea ceremony utensils and ornamental items.

Here, we visit “Inui Shikki”, located near the historic site “Kyoto Gyoen National Garden”, which manufactures and sells Kyoto lacquerware.

The shop offers maki-e experience workshops to help people both from Japan and from overseas to discover the charm of Kyoto lacquerware.

Experience details

1．Choose your item

Select the type of item you would like to create from a coffee tray, photo frame, brooch, or pendant.

We tried making a coffee tray and a brooch.

2．Decide on a design

Choose a maki-e design. You can select from sample patterns or create your own original design.

3．Transfer the pattern

Draw your design on waxed paper, then press it onto the item to transfer the pattern.
　　

4．Trace with lacquer

Use yellow lacquer to trace the pattern.
　

5． Sprinkle gold powder

Before the lacquer dries, sprinkle gold powder to decorate it.
　

　

81-6-6966-6033 Add colors

Optionally, add lacquers in other colors such as red or white. Once it dries, your piece is complete!
　

Charming nature of the experience

The most distinctive feature of this workshop is that participants can create their own original designs, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
Over the years, many unique works have been created here—from traditional Japanese patterns to anime characters.

Creative professionals, such as designers, have given the process of freely designing patterns highly praise.

The delicate work of tracing the patterns with a brush and the brilliance that spreads when gold powder is applied allow participants to fully appreciate the charm of lacquerware—something that cannot be understood by simply looking at the final product.

Accessibility for foreign guests

Visitors from a wide range of countries—from Europe and the Americas to Asia—have enjoyed the experience .

To help participants understand the maki-e process, English-language materials are available, so there is no need to worry about language barriers.
In addition, staff can communicate in simple English, allowing guests to enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

When visiting Kyoto, we encourage you to explore not only famous tourist spots and restaurants, but also the city’s unique traditional industries!

Facility information

Address

604-0884
637 Heinouchi-cho, Takakura-Nishi, Takeyamachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City

Access

4 minute walk from subway Karasuma Line Marutamachi Station, exit #5

Please check "Kansai Technical Visit Guide" if you need more information.
Inui Shikki

Contact Information

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kansai Bureau
International Investment Promotion Division
Address: 1-5-44 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8535
Phone：+81-6-6966-6033
E-Mail：invest-japan-kansai@meti.go.jp