Japan · TRADITIONAL CRAFT WORKSHOPS
One country, a rail pass and never quite enough days. These 15 traditional craft workshops earn their slot, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
Shape Japanese wood with a traditional kanna in this hands-on Shinjuku workshop. Make, sand, oil, and personalize your own chopsticks.
“Very kind and nice staff that will walk you through the steps! Hard work for amazing chopsticks that will be unique to you.”
Shape Japanese chopsticks in Gion using a kanna hand plane, choose natural wood, sand and oil your pair, and add optional engraving.
“The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Making my own chopsticks was a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture, and it also turned out to be a perfect souvenir to bring Read more”
Repair pottery with gold in Tokyo’s Minami-Aoyama, learn kintsugi philosophy, and take home a handmade souvenir in one hour.
“Several things: 1. We accidentally booked the wrong date, and when we reached out they absolutely refused to do anything. They wouldn’t let us switch the date or get a refund and we ended up having to pay for it twice (totally not worRead more”
Forge a handmade Japanese knife in Kyoto with expert guidance, traditional attire, hot steel, and a practical souvenir you can take home.
“Our instructors were excellent, the experience was awesome and I can't wait to use my brand new knife.”
Pound steamed rice into fresh mochi in Osaka, learn its cultural meaning, and taste it with kinako, red bean, nori, and sweet soy sauce.
“Entrance is from the canal side, not the Dontobori street. A fun interactive activity, hearning a short history about mocha and then experiencing how to do it. You will do it ypurself and then enjoy it at the end. The ladies are very friendly and polite, but that s something usual with japanese people.”
Repair pottery with real urushi lacquer and pure gold in Tokyo. Meet Master Taku, learn kintsugi, and take home your one-of-a-kind plate.
“Though we got list and arrived 15 minutes late, Master Taku was gracious and welcoming. My friend was perspiring profusely and he picked up a laminated card and fanned her to cool down! He’s a wonderfully calm and encouraging teacher, who knows his craft well. Lived the session! My first time and am anxious to start at home!”
Explore Inami wood carving, Gokayama paper making, Shirakawa-go, and rural Hokuriku from Kanazawa on a well-paced cultural day trip.
“Daniel was an exceptional host. He was patient, answered any questions and was very considerate of his audience. He was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the day. Your driver was excellent too. Please pass on our sincere thanks to both of them for the day.”
Make a traditional Roketsu-dyed shirt, tote, or banner in Kyoto with local artisans. A calm, hands-on craft experience and same-day souvenir.
“What a unique experience and a great way to change things up from heavy touring/walking days. The shop proprietor and his mother were there to help guide us through the process, and worked really hard to make sure our designs turneRead more”
Sharpen, engrave, and assemble a Japanese kitchen knife in Asakusa, with expert guidance, snacks, and a practical souvenir to take home.
“Worth every cent! The instructors were so friendly and knowledgeable, and show you how to make a really beautiful product! I would recommend this to anyone visiting Tokyo!”
Make udon, sushi, tempura, matcha, origami, and calligraphy in a Tokyo home with Taka and Keiko during this warm 4-hour cultural class.
“This was such a special experience. Take and Keioki are the most gracious of people. It was the most perfect day. The conversation was awesome and we learned so much. Taka even showed us a beautiful street lined with cherry blossom Read more”
Review of a Kanazawa day trip to Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Inami, wood carving, washi paper-making, price, timing, and practical tips.
“This tour was a good way to see these historical sites with just enough time at each location to get an overview of the area. We could get a chance to see some of the handicrafts such as wood carving and paper making. I was curious if the paper making session would be a bit corny and forced but it was actually very interesting to see and make some postcards. I was lucky that it was a small group tour so our guide, Lee, made it make it a very personalized and suited to our interests. Definately recommend this tour.”
Repair pottery with gold in a peaceful two-hour kintsugi workshop in Naha. Learn from skilled instructors and take home a handmade keepsake.
“Great! We got to choose our dish and the couple of ladies who helped us were very kind! We loved how our turned out!”
Print your own multicolor ukiyo-e with original woodblocks at Osaka’s Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum, a short, affordable hands-on art experience.
“This was truly a unique, creative, informative and fun experience, worth every penny. I suggest touring the museum prior to the print-making. the instructor was very friendly and supportive. A memorable activity.”
Make handmade washi paper in a small Kyoto studio, using flowers and leaves to create postcards, lampshades, or other keepsakes.
“Incredible memorable experience with hand made paper (which you made) which includes special small art inlays. Worked great with our 9 year old. Very close to the covered market so easy to work around lunch times. You will bring away your hand made paper which will Need to be carried if you don’t drop them off.”
Learn traditional kintsugi in a small Namba workshop, apply 23K gold, enjoy matcha, and receive your finished Japanese plate later.
“This was soooo cool! Highly recommend!! Learning and teaching the kids traditional craftsmanship was everything. JoJo was so great explaining the process and helping us. The end product is so beautiful and is way better than any trinket wRead more”
Keep browsing
