The 9 Craft Workshops in Kyoto to Book First

1.Authentic knife making experience at a blacksmith in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 350 reviews · 3 hours · from $154Our pick

Forge a Japanese-style knife in Kyoto, from red-hot steel to sharpening and polishing, with a take-home blade and small-group guidance.

“Knife making was THE BEST part of our long awaited holiday to Japan. As a family we prefer hands-on activities not museums and this class delivered a memorable family experience. Mits, Atsushi and Mao were fantastic teachers they were helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and patient. The safety instructions were very clear. We would love to return to Studio NIN if we visit Japan again. We have also offered to be tour guide to Mits, Atsushi and Mao if they ever come to Sydney 😊”

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2.1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 176 reviews · from $46Top rated

One-hour beginner-friendly kyudo (Japanese archery) in Kyoto with a 50+ year instructor, small group guidance, and included equipment.

“Instructor was patient, friendly and a really good teacher, even with the language barrier. Kyudo was a great experience.”

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3.Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 1h 10m · from $55

Kyoto’s Seigan-ji Temple calligraphy class teaches brush technique, lets you pick your Kanji, and takes home a framed shodo souvenir.

“Great guide and teacher. Very friendly and fun experience in a stunning location. Great to take home what we made.”

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4.Japanese Archery Workshop with Experienced Instructor

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 132 reviews · 1 hour · from $38

Kyoto Kyudo workshop with a 6th-grade Kyudo Kyoshi. Small-group coaching, English materials, equipment included, 1 hour near Omiyaji stations.

“Very relaxing and entertaining experience. The instructor is a master and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”

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5.Japanese Calligraphy Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 89 reviews · 1 hour · from $51

One hour of English-led Japanese calligraphy in Kyoto, with brush and ink lessons plus souvenirs you take home near Kyoto Station.

“The ladies were so friendly, encouraging and patient as we learned and practiced. We made a fan, postcard and stationary to take with us. Such a fun time!”

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6.Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 84 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $32

Learn Shodo calligraphy in central Kyoto, practice kanji brush strokes, and take home your own rice-paper masterpiece at Gojo Paradiso.

“The host was so lovely and used english, which was very helpful! The resources were good and the experience was enriching. would highly recommend for a great value, authentic event!”

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7.Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 1 hour · from $66

Kyoto calligraphy in a local home near Nijo Castle. Learn kanji strokes, write your own piece, and bring it home. Private 1-hour class.

“Interesting activity and we got the basics I think. Calligraphy is an art that requires a lot of training and practice so in an an hour no one will become an expert… Very nice team work with us and the time just flew by.”

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8.Kyoto Ninenzaka : Japanese Calligraphy Class in Townhouse

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 50 min · from $49

Try shodo calligraphy in a Kyoto townhouse near Kiyomizu. Beginner-friendly 50 minutes, $49, and you take home your own kanji.

“Kind and patient but excellent teachers. Short class But fun. We came away with our own handmade Kanji symbol”

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9.Mindfulness Origami Workshop, Limited 6/8–6/10

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 1 hour · from $29Best value

Mindfulness origami in Kyoto at Gojo Paradiso, 1 hour for $29. Small group, English guide, supplies, photos, take-home cranes.

“This workshop was enormously enjoyable. We love the origami that we were able to keep.”

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