Kanazawa Gold Leaf Workshop at a Maker Founded in 1898

Experience one of Kanazawa’s signature crafts at Imai Kinpaku, a specialist gold leaf maker founded in the city in 1898.

Kanazawa is responsible for most of Japan’s gold leaf production. Its humid climate, pure water, and generations of specialist knowledge have helped the craft develop into one of the city’s best-known cultural traditions.

During this workshop, you will not simply observe finished gold-leaf products. You will handle the exceptionally thin material yourself and use it to decorate an item that can become part of your daily life.

Visit a long-established Kanazawa maker

The experience takes place at the main store of Imai Kinpaku, a local company with more than a century of history.

Begin with a short introduction to Kanazawa gold leaf and its production. Learn how a sheet approximately 1/10,000 of a millimeter thick can be handled, transferred, and applied without tearing or folding.

The store staff will demonstrate each stage visually before you begin. The process is suitable for complete beginners and does not require an interpreter to follow the essential steps.

Choose an item you can continue using

Select one item from the choices available on the day. These may include:

• Tumbler

• Pouch

• Tote bag

• Crossbody bag

Unlike a purely decorative craft, each option is designed to be used after your trip.

Available items, sizes, and colors may vary according to stock. Groups of 10 or more participants may be offered the tumbler option only.

Create your own gold leaf design

Choose from the available patterns and decide how you would like the gold leaf to appear on your item.

Follow the demonstration as you prepare the surface, place the delicate leaf, and reveal the finished design. Store staff will assist throughout the process, particularly during the stages that require careful handling.

Because each sheet responds differently to touch and movement, small variations naturally become part of the finished piece.

No previous craft or artistic experience is required.

Take your creation home the same day

Once the design is complete, your finished item is ready to take home.

Rather than purchasing a standard souvenir, you leave with something you selected, decorated, and handled yourself at a working Kanazawa gold leaf maker.

Workshop participants can also receive a 10% discount on eligible products at the main store, making it possible to explore other examples of local gold leaf craftsmanship after the activity.

Add a hands-on gold leaf food experience

Guests selecting the gold leaf soft-serve option can finish the visit with another hands-on experience.

Instead of receiving a pre-decorated dessert, place a delicate sheet of gold leaf onto the soft-serve ice cream yourself before eating it.

This option combines a practical craft souvenir with one of Kanazawa’s most recognizable gold leaf treats.