TOKYO · JAPAN
Tokyo’s best days out.
The 12 most popular traditional craft workshops in Tokyo, from the famous to the underrated. What each one actually involves, what it costs, and who runs it.
Make your own chopsticks in Shinjuku: shape raw wood with a kanna hand plane, pick from Japanese woods, and take home a souvenir.
Most Popular“Very nice atmosphere and work room. You get to pick what kind of wood you want for your chopsticks. They gave a really good introduction and guide how to shave, sand and oil.”
Make real chopsticks in Ginza. Pick from 24 woods, plane and sand for an hour, finish with oil, and optionally engrave a name.
“We really enjoyed doing this! It was simple but satisfying and my children (12, 8) also loved it. The instructors were lovely and they work super hard, looking after numerous people at different making stages all at once! We got them engraved for an extra fee. We will think of Tokyo every time we use…”
Learn Kintsugi in Tokyo’s Minami-Aoyama. Repair a provided plate with gold-lacquer technique in a small group, take it home.
“We really enjoyed learning the steps of kintsugi and we love our little plates that we repaired. What a great memory to take home.”
Carve, smooth, and finish your own wooden chopsticks in Tokyo with a local artisan, then take them home the same day.
“We chose this as an alternative to a day trip as the weather didn’t look as good a day before. We ended up booking this and a sushi making class to finish our trip to Tokyo. We arrived to a small room with another group almost finished. They Read more”
Make your own chopsticks in a calm Shinjuku workshop. Carve, smooth, choose wood, and take home a handmade pair in 1 hour.
“We had a wonderful time learning the art of chopstick making, and it was truly a highlight of our trip. Shu was an incredibly patient and excellent guide, carefully walking us through each step of the process with clear instructions and encouragement. He took the time to answer all our questions and made sure everyone…”
Make your own pair of Tokyo chopsticks in Shinjuku: choose wood, carve with a hand plane, sand and oil, then engrave your name.
“Mimi was my instructor and she was great. very helpful and fun to talk to. I would recommend this class.”
Learn authentic kintsugi with Master Taku in Tokyo, repair a plate using pure gold and real urushi lacquer, then take it home.
“Great experience! So fun to be able to leave with a beautiful souvenir that you assembled yourself :) The instructor explains the steps very well and is very patient and helpful. A very unique experience - definitely recommend!”
Carve, sand, and finish your own wooden chopsticks in a small Tokyo workshop, with English guidance and a take-home souvenir.
“Amazing activity. I loved it. The staff was very friendly. I had a great time.”
A calm Shibuya kintsugi workshop with matcha, small-group guidance, and a take-home repaired dish from Mon Cadeau.
“My partner and I found the workshop enjoyable and educational for the topic. Both facilitators were so friendly and engaged throughout the whole time which was lovely. They even provided delicious tea and snacks. We understand it wRead more”
90-minute Kintsugi workshop in Tokyo: English instruction, materials provided, repair with lacquer and gold, and take home a unique piece.
“Really enjoyed this experience. Excellent teaching and loved the end result.”
Learn kintsugi in Ginza with a small-group 90-minute workshop near Ginza Station. Take home your repaired ceramic with guidance.
“This was such a fun class! The time and care our guide put in was clear. He was super knowledgeable and made great conversation. The pieces were packaged up so we could safely take them back home. Thanks!”
Learn Tokyo kintsugi golden joinery in a small-group workshop, repair broken ceramic with gold, then take your piece home.
“The guide was amazing. But it was very expensive and disappointing the tiny bit we got to fix. Friends who did a different class, joined the whole bowl which is the experience we thought we would get.”
Learn Kintsugi in Tokyo with an English guide, using Arita ware. Make a gold-repaired keepsake at a 100-year shop.
“Friendly and knowledgable teacher at a lovely location full of of high end ceramics and porcelain products. The class was just long enough to complete one object. I enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it for value and introduction to a very accessible traditional and zen craft for people of all artist levels. I hope…”
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