TOKYO · JAPAN
Tokyo’s best days out.
The 15 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 unique experience but try and avoid going in the middle of the day. There are limited instructors and they can only assist so much when there’s a lot of people working on their chopsticks.”
Make real chopsticks in Ginza. Pick from 24 woods, plane and sand for an hour, finish with oil, and optionally engrave a name.
“Was within walking distance to hotel. Wish they would have advised on different prices on chopsticks, and to be fair they might of told us but we didn’t understand. It was a fun activity to do.”
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.
“This was not a group experience as expected but just a workshop that did not need reservations; Walk-ins are welcome and pay less than this booking. Just select and pay for the wood and follow the instructions written on a placard showinRead more”
Make your own chopsticks in a calm Shinjuku workshop. Carve, smooth, choose wood, and take home a handmade pair in 1 hour.
“I liked how we were able to make our chopsticks and choose the type of woods we wanted. The engraving is also very nicely done by the employees.”
Make your own pair of Tokyo chopsticks in Shinjuku: choose wood, carve with a hand plane, sand and oil, then engrave your name.
“Excellent value. Instructor was clear and eager to teach. Nice to sit down and do some easy busywork after a long day of walking!”
Learn authentic kintsugi with Master Taku in Tokyo, repair a plate using pure gold and real urushi lacquer, then take it home.
“Master Taku was AMAZING. This kintsugi workshop became one of the most meaningful experiences of our entire trip to Tokyo. My daughter and I loved every part of it. We learned the history and philosophy behind the art, and then restored Read more”
Carve, sand, and finish your own wooden chopsticks in a small Tokyo workshop, with English guidance and a take-home souvenir.
“Great activity, very informative, interesting, and fun with great guidance from the workshop leaders”
A calm Shibuya kintsugi workshop with matcha, small-group guidance, and a take-home repaired dish from Mon Cadeau.
“We had a delightful experience at Mon Cadeau. Michiko was a terrific host and instructor. The tea and snacks she served were excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time learning the history and technique of kintsugi. I would highly recommend Mon Cadeau to friends without hesitation.”
90-minute Kintsugi workshop in Tokyo: English instruction, materials provided, repair with lacquer and gold, and take home a unique piece.
“This was an exceptional experience. It was interactive, educational, and relaxing. Almost felt like a meditation. Highly highly recommend. And they have an amazing store with a lot of really nice artwork that you can purchase as well.”
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.
“We had a great time and got to learn something new.”
Learn Kintsugi in Tokyo with an English guide, using Arita ware. Make a gold-repaired keepsake at a 100-year shop.
“Excellent workshop and lovely instructor! The shop is beautiful also. Location was easy to get to. I would highly recommend this activity for a unique souvenir to return home with.”
Make elegant handmade chopsticks in Tokyo, then optionally visit a lacquer workshop. Small group, English guide, take home your own pair.
“Wonderful experience! Great way to learn about the chopstick making process - you get lots of guidance but also open to your creativity. Highly recommend!”
Modern kintsugi in Shibuya: small-group workshop with matcha, step-by-step coaching, and a take-home restored crockery souvenir.
“This experience was a great way to participate in a modern version of Kintsugi. It was fun and relaxed and Michiko was a great teacher and hostess. Highly recommend.”
Every neighbourhood, every day trip, and every way to spend a day in the city.
