CRAFT WORKSHOPS IN TOKYO · Japan
The good craft workshops in Tokyo fill weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Handmade chopsticks in Ginza: pick 24 woods, plane and sand by hand, oil-finish, and optionally engrave your name.
“Great experience, highly recommend. Would love to do it again”
Train in a real Tokyo dojo with Yoshioki Sumida, learning iai sword forms, target cutting, and Japanese horseback archery at Machida.
“This is by far one of my favorite experiences I have done, in Japan and in general! I love martial arts, and learning from a true samurai descendant seemed like an amazing opportunity. Though it was a bit expensive, my boyfriend and I are so glad we did it! We are from the US, and our Japanese is not great, but he spoke basic English for us, and always made sure we understood what was going on. He explained things in detail, gave examples, and helped us correct things kindly. He was exact about what needed to be done for safety and proper form, but never harsh. In general, you…”
Make your own chopsticks in a calm Shinjuku workshop, with English guidance, traditional tools, and a take-home souvenir pair.
“Family of 5, with an 8 year old who loved the experience. Mimi was our guide, and she was amazing! She was very helpful, patient and encouraging my son every step of the way. This took us about 30 mins, so it was quicker than we thought but was still worth it. The engraving does cost extra (2000 JPY) but it's a nice touch to end the experience.”
Japanese calligraphy in Roppongi: write your kanji on a fan and scroll, make a hanko stamp, and enjoy matcha, $53 in 80 min.
“This activity was so fun and informative. Our hosts were very warm and welcoming. Highly recommend this activity!”
Tokyo knife workshop in Asakusa: sharpen a Japanese blade, engrave your name in Japanese, and take home a custom knife in 90 minutes.
“It's very tactile, and the two guides were excellent. Very fluent in English.”
Carve Tokyo wooden chopsticks with an artisan, learn their meaning, and take home personalized pairs in 1 hour for $16.
“Our instructors were very helpful and showed us how to make the chopsticks, they kept us right whilst we worked and helped fix any mistakes. we chatted a lot about and japan and Scotland. would definitely recommend”
Shinjuku calligraphy workshop in Tokyo, grind ink, turn your name into kanji, and optionally write it on a T-shirt in 2 hours.
“The class was small so it was easy for the instructor to give each person his time for help. I do wish we could have painted on a scroll as an option other than the shirt.”
Shoot kyudo at a real Tokyo competition range in an official hall, with a DAN master and dozens of practice attempts.
“Great experience all round. Instructor was great and is a nice small group. Good introduction to the sport and culture of Japanese archery.”
Learn Japanese calligraphy in Asakusa, then write a postcard over green tea and make your own folding fan. From $16.
“The activity was great fun. We learnt all about Japanese calligraphy and Mana was an excellent teacher - very patient and skilled in her craft. It was a little bit of Zen off the busy and hot streets of Tokyo. We highly recommend it and came away with our unique fans looking forward to receiving our postcards. A nice little touch to remember our experience.”
A beginner-friendly Tokyo calligraphy workshop in Asakusa. Learn stroke order, try a fude pen, and take home your own artwork.
“Me and my friends took a class with Mei who is an amazing teacher and a lovely person! She is knowledgeable and very good at explaining with very good English skills. The value for money is fantastic and we all were very happy to have made the decision to take this course.”
Learn traditional origami in Shinjuku with Manami, a Tokyo native. 90 minutes of guided English folding and take-home creations.
“This was such a fun activity. We had a blast and our guide was so sweet!!!”
Family-friendly Asakusa origami session with tablet step-by-step, 40+ designs, photo moments, and take-home paper creations.
“One of the best experiences we have booked in Tokyo. Friendly staff, peaceful place and the tools and support provided give us the opportunity to learn easily, have fun and create.”
Fold origami in Asakusa with tablet step-by-step instructions, 100+ models, 50 colors, and staff help, perfect for families and beginners in 45 minutes.
“Det var sjovt og vi fik god vejledning. Vores ene instruktør lavede endda en rose til min søn, hvilket han blev meget glad for. Jeg vile have været glad for at have lidt længere tid.”
Tokyo 90-minute calligraphy class in yukata or samue: learn brush basics, write your own kanji, sip tea, take home your work.
“I loved this experience so much and really highly recommend it. Everyone involved was fantastic and it was a really cool and immersive way to learn the art and culture of calligraphy. My teacher was really kind and helpful and I was really pleased with my final result! I was also given some really unique souvenirs that I will treasure forever!”
Dress in hakama, learn kyudo archery and katana poses in Asakusa. Includes snacks, photos, and easy English coaching in 1 hour.
“Staff were fun, friendly and knowledgeable. They also gave us good tips on other experiences and shopping..”
Pick the kind of day first. The tour comes second.
