Japan · CALLIGRAPHY & CRAFT WORKSHOPS

15 Calligraphy & Craft Workshops in Japan Worth Booking

60 tours  ·  from $11 a head

The 15 best calligraphy & craft workshops you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Chopstick Making Workshop in Ginza - Choosing wood and length in Ginza
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Chopstick Making Workshop in Ginza

1.Chopstick Making Workshop in Ginza

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,366 reviews · 1 hour · from $25Our pick

In central Ginza, you choose from 24 woods and two chopstick lengths, then shape, sand, and oil your own pair with help from English-speaking staff such as Tina, Waka, Kotoha, Shion, and Koko. The work is hands-on and takes real effort. Add Japanese or native-language engraving for ¥1,100 per pair, then take your finished chopsticks home the same day.

“My 17 yo and 20 yo sons loved it. Guides were incredibly engaging, helpful, and gracious. It was busy but they were very attentive and patient and we didn’t feel rushed to finish. 5+ stars, thank you!”

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Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option - Sanding turns rough edges into usable chopsticks
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Geisha & Gion District Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

2.Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 958 reviews · from $15Best value

At ZEN Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion, an English-speaking instructor guides you through shaping two wooden blanks with a traditional kanna hand plane. You sand and oil the finished pair, then may add engraving in Japanese or your own language. The one-hour session suits first-timers, families, and anyone wanting a useful Kyoto souvenir.

“An exceptional experience to learn traditional Hashi (chopsticks) making. You use a traditional Kana (knife block) to carve the chopsticks and you can even customize an engraving for a personal keep sake of your time in Kyoto. Our host (PatricRead more”

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Tokyo: Chopstick Making Workshop with Artisan - Shaping the chopsticks with traditional tools
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo Chopstick Making Workshop with Artisan

3.Tokyo Chopstick Making Workshop with Artisan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 466 reviews · from $26

At a small workshop in Tokyo’s Taito City, you’ll shape wooden chopsticks with traditional hand tools under local guidance. Choose your wood, plane and smooth each pair, then add engraving for an extra fee if you wish. Angie, Kaana, Rasmus, Sakura, and Sensei have helped make the compact class friendly for beginners, families, and solo visitors.

“This is a fun activity for everyone. Rasmus and Sakura where very informative and helpful. We came away with some very nice chopsticks that they even engraved for us. There is an extra cost for the more expensive woods and the engraving if you want it, but worth it for the final product.”

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Osaka Sushi Making Experience - What happens during the 90-minute class
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Sushi-Making Classes, Tour Reviews, Tours in Osaka

Osaka Sushi Making Experience

4.Osaka Sushi Making Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 400 reviews · from $29

In central Dotonbori, you’ll learn to shape 12 pieces of sushi, including nigiri and gunkan, with guidance in English, Chinese, or Korean. The class includes a sushi-chef costume, hands-on instruction, and time to eat what you make. Vegetarian, vegan, and halal menus are available by request. Afternoon and evening sessions suit different sightseeing plans.

“What a great experience! We learned about sushi and made several different kinds while being guided by our great chefs in a fun comfortable atmosphere. So fun - highly recommended!”

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Tokyo: Matcha Making Experience with Mochi Sweets in Asakusa - The opening lesson: matcha history without a lecture
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Dessert Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Matcha Making Experience with Mochi Sweets in Asakusa

5.Matcha Making Experience with Mochi Sweets in Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 388 reviews · 1 hour · from $22

In Asakusa, one minute from the station, you learn matcha history through a light quiz, then whisk your own tea with traditional tools and enjoy mochi sweets. English-speaking hosts such as Mana, Ken, Hiyo, and Hayato guide the one-hour, seated class. It suits solo visitors, families, and anyone curious about Japanese tea culture.

“I enjoyed the thoughtful presentation, interaction and tips from the hosts!”

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Authentic knife making experience at a blacksmith in Kyoto - Arriving at the two Studio NIN locations
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Authentic knife making experience at a blacksmith in Kyoto

6.Authentic knife making experience at a blacksmith in Kyoto

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

At Studio NIN in Kyoto’s Sakyo-ku, Mao, Taka, or another English-speaking smith guides you through forging, shaping, sharpening, and polishing a 13 to 15 cm Japanese-style knife. You’ll wear traditional work clothes, handle real tools, and leave with a practical blade in a box and bag.

“loads of fun and great teachers. We are very happy with our knives and everything we learned. One of our favourite experiences we did in Japan.”

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Tokyo: Calligraphy on Kanji Fan & Scroll with Drink - Turning Practice Strokes Into a Fan and Scroll
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Calligraphy on Kanji Fan & Scroll with Drink

7.Calligraphy on Kanji Fan & Scroll with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · 1h 20m · from $53

At Shodo Cafe 7557, three minutes from Roppongi Station, English-speaking instructors such as Kana, Kanako, and Tomi guide you through Japanese brushwork. You practice basic strokes, choose kanji for your name or favorite word, make a fan and scroll, and leave with a personalized hiragana hanko stamp, gifts, and a drink.

“It took a while to get the hang of it, but the ladies were endlessly patient and encouraging.”

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Kyoto: Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center - What happens during the 70 minutes
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple and Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

8.Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

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

Meet under the red lantern at Seigan-ji Temple in Kyoto’s Shinkyogoku shopping street. In a small group of up to six, a Japanese calligraphy teacher and translator guide you through brush technique, kanji selection, practice, and a final Shikishi artwork. You also receive a personalized key-chain souvenir.

“The class was FANTASTIC! Both the teacher and the translator were excellent and we learnt so much during our 70 minute session. Would highly recommend the experience :)”

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Tokyo: Knife Making Workshop (Sharpening, Engraving) - Choosing the right Japanese knife
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Knife Making Workshop (Sharpening, Engraving)

9.Knife Making Workshop (Sharpening, Engraving)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 153 reviews · 1h 30m · from $161

At BUB Activity Center in Asakusa, choose a Japanese kitchen knife, sharpen its blade, attach the handle, and engrave your name in Japanese. Guides such as Lisa, Joe, Mori, and Agata provide clear English help, tea, snacks, and tips throughout this hands-on 90-minute workshop. You leave with a useful souvenir and a custom key-holder.

“It was a wonderful experience! You get a bit of history in the beginning so you know the difference between Japanese katanas and western swords. You also get an explanation about the different knives used in kitchens, so that you can choose if you want to upgrade your knife to get the one that suits you (I upgraded mine for an all purpose knife for a small add-on fee). The staff is superb, they are attentive and helpful, full of jokes and makes the experience an unforgettable one. The staff helps you feel comfortable in sharpening your knife and correct you in a polite manor when you’re doing it wrong…”

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Osaka: Matcha Making Experience with Japanese Sweets - Whisking your own bowl with traditional tools
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Dessert Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Osaka

Osaka: Matcha Making Experience with Japanese Sweets

10.Matcha Making Experience with Japanese Sweets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 1 hour · from $22

In a one-hour English class near Shinsaibashi, you learn matcha history through a light quiz, then whisk and drink your own tea with Japanese sweets. Guides such as Fujiko, Reika, Yui, Matty, and Serin keep the small group involved. No experience is needed, and the table setup avoids sitting on the floor.

“Matty is a really Nice person. We enjoyed a lot making our own matcha tea, with explanation on origin and so on. Discussions were interesting as well. We recommand!”

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Ring making experience　 Completed in about 1 hour! - Measuring Your Finger Before the Hammering
1-Hour Experiences, Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kanazawa

Ring making experience　 Completed in about 1 hour!

11.Ring making experience　 Completed in about 1 hour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 141 reviews · from $21

At GENTiL KITAKAMI in central Kanazawa, you choose a ring’s metal, width, shape, and finish, then hammer its tsuchime texture by hand. Staff, including instructor Aya, guide you through sizing and finishing in English. The shop polishes the ring and prepares it for same-day pickup. Silver rings start at ¥3,300, with upgrades and engraving available.

“Our hostess was so nice! She explained everything very clearly and helped us through the whole process. She also had a great sense of humor about our struggles in getting the ring to the right size. We had a great time and were able to make a unique 1 yr anniversary memento. Do keep in mind that this is a handmade ring so there will be extra cost for things beyond the simplest silver band - but definitely worth it.”

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Kyoto: Small-Group Authentic Sushi Making Workshop - A calm welcome from Kana and her team
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Sushi-Making Classes, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Small-Group Authentic Sushi Making Workshop

12.Small-Group Authentic Sushi Making Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · 1h 30m · from $60

Join Kana and her team for a 90-minute sushi class in Kyoto’s traditional Kyoto Wand building. Limited to eight people, the English-language workshop covers seasoned rice, nigiri, gunkan, and maki rolls using fresh local fish. Eat what you make, then take home a rolling mat, chopsticks, and recipe card.

“An amazing experience!! The class was enjoyable for the whole family and the sushi was delicious! highly recommend!”

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Osaka Dotonbori: Sushi Making Experience - Starting with shari, the foundation of sushi
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Sushi-Making Classes, Tour Reviews, Tours in Osaka

Osaka Dotonbori: Sushi Making Experience

13.Osaka Dotonbori: Sushi Making Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 122 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

In central Dotonbori, English-speaking instructors such as Mako, Mika, Saki, and Yumiko guide you through sushi rice, toppings, wasabi, and shaping. You make 12 pieces, taste Japanese sake, try sushi cosplay, take photos, and receive a sushi master certificate. Vegan and Halal options are available.

“The loveliest staff! Great space to learn how to make sushi. At the end you have 12 pieces to enjoy!”

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Tokyo: Chopstick Making Workshop with Artisan - Shaping the chopsticks with traditional tools
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Chopstick Making Workshop with Artisan

14.Chopstick Making Workshop with Artisan

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 122 reviews · 1 hour · from $16

At Hashiyuki Chopsticks Shop in Tokyo’s Taito district, an English-speaking artisan such as Yuki, Angie, or Chihiro guides you through shaping, sanding, and finishing wooden chopsticks. Choose from more than 10 woods, with three included in the $16 price, then add engraving for an extra fee if you wish. The small-group workshop suits beginners, families, and solo visitors.

“What a great experience and so much fun. Angie was so wonderful with explaining how to get the best results and telling us about all the difference types of wood you could choose to make your chopsticks. Great keepsake to have and use from your beautiful country, thank you Angie 😊”

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Tokyo: Calligraphy Workshop & Original T-Shirt Creation - Changing into workwear and preparing the ink
Calligraphy & Craft Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Calligraphy Workshop & Original T-Shirt Creation

15.Calligraphy Workshop & Original T-Shirt Creation

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 105 reviews · 2 hours · from $30

In Shinjuku, a professional calligrapher guides you through grinding an inkstick, brush basics, and turning your name into kanji. English-speaking hosts such as Hiromi, Mayuko, and Naoto help explain the lesson. You take home paper artwork, while an original T-shirt is available at an extra cost.

“It was a perfect and very nice workshop. Me and my girlfriend enjoyed a lot. Our host Hiromi was very friendly and helpful thank you so much! I would recommend this!!”

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