Kyoto · KYOTO CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Chopsticks you engrave, indigo you dye, incense you blend. The 14 workshops below are priced by session, with a note on how long each takes and what you carry home at the end.
Forge a Japanese kitchen knife in Kyoto with expert guidance, traditional attire, hot steel, hands-on hammering, and a practical handmade souvenir.
“It was a lot of fun to make my own knife and it is a tough process at times so it feels more personal. The guides were amazing and highly skilled and the location was beautiful”
Create a traditional Kyoto Roketsu textile with local artisans, choosing your design, applying wax, and taking home a unique souvenir the same day.
“It was really interactive and participants have a lot of creative control. The language barrier made it a bit tricky to learn the technique but it’s not hard to come out with a product that is stunning to look at, at the end. Would recommend!”
Make lifelike shrimp and pumpkin tempura from hot wax in Kyoto, then take home a clever Japanese food replica souvenir.
“it was such a lovely experience. they took time to explain about the details and gave me time to practise the crafting before actually doing the craft that you can take home. you can ask questions. thank you for being so welcoming”
Paint your own silk with a Kyoto Yuzen master in a traditional Nishijin machiya, with an interpreter, small groups, and a finished keepsake.
“I had so much fun doing this activity! I came to learn about traditional dyeing and learned so much. The activity was fun and very easy to follow. I picked the phoenix to dye. Their traditional tie dyeing is similar to painting with dye. So pretty different than the normal American tshirt experience. It was fun to pick out the background color and have the instructor choose the color palette based off your preferences. The interpreter was very friendly and helpful. I ended up having the session all to myself on a Tuesday morning during the summer so it felt like a private session.”
Forge, sharpen, and polish a handmade Japanese knife in Kyoto with an English guide, traditional clothing, and a small group at Atelier NIN.
“An excellent activity to gain some insight into the remarkable craftsmanship of Japanese knife making. Our instructors were cheerful, patient, and very helpful in correcting our very amateur efforts. Thank you for a most enjoyable experience.”
Shape a Kyoto roof guardian from clay with artisan Yuya, then have your fired onigawara shipped home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
“Yuya is a talented artist who knows how to instruct complicated finished products by breaking down the process into manageable steps. Each of our tiles came out unique and personal to our style and skill. His conversational style in English was clear and to the point. He was always encouraging and only offered suggestions to help and enhance the clay design. His care for his students was top notch. Looking forward to seeing our tiles home. Definitely not just for tourists. This is a different and unique Japanese experience for all.”
Make a bamboo LED lantern in Arashiyama, walk the famous grove with Noriko, and take home a personal Kyoto souvenir from a small class.
“The host took us on a tour of Arashiyama before leading us to the workshop for the craft. She shared fascinating information about local history and bamboo. She was an excellent teacher for the workshop and our lanterns came out beautifully! We had a blast and would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anybody!”
Shape a handmade Japanese onigawara with patient guidance, then have your fired demon roof tile shipped home after one to two months.
“It was so nice! The teacher was one the cutest and most honest person we have met in a long time and the environment was just friendly and inspiring. I guess everyone loses their footing a bit during vacations and finds themselves everywhere; and this experience was just the perfect chance to take an inhale deep enough for whatever you have planned next. Loved it, 3hr flew by like seconds, literally.”
Dye your own furoshiki in a 300-year-old Kyoto indigo studio, guided by local artisans, with natural fermented vats, tea, and cultural stories.
“This activity was super fun—there was a lot of folks around to help with translation, the shibori process and the dyeing process. It was super cool to see the huge vats they use to dye kimono fabrics, and also get to have our hands in there to dye our own stuff! They did a great job outfitting us with apron, gloves and shoe covers so our clothing would not be stained on accident. We ended up upgrading our pieces to some cotton scarves they had available, which I think was worth it. You'll also have an opportunity to peruse and purchase some of the dyed items from the shop, and…”
Make Kyoto-style Mizuhiki accessories with patient guidance, then enjoy matcha and sweets in a relaxed one-hour private workshop.
“We had a wonderful time in this hands-on experience creating a one of a kind souvenir from Kyoto! We highly recommend this to anyone who loves creative craft work!”
Make a one-of-a-kind Kyoto rug at a small tufting studio near Shimogamo Shrine, with 60 thread colors, expert help, and same-day pickup.
“Hayato was a great instructor! It was a first time experience and it was extra special thanks to the amazing atmosphere I got to experience at the studio. Highly recommended!”
Tour Kyoto’s urushi lacquer factory, learn how tree sap becomes lacquer, and make chopsticks using a traditional hands-on technique.
“An amazing tour overall and a privilege to learn about this artistic tradition in past and present. The guide was extremely informative and accommodating. Would certainly recommend to all visitors looking for hands-on cultural craft experience.”
Make a personalized Kyoto fan, learn its craft from local artisans, and visit the Museum of Traditional Crafts in this private two-hour tour.
“Amazing experience! Very very nice guide with a fantastic store and museum, highly recommend! :)”
Craft a personal silver wedding or engagement ring in Kyoto with artisan guidance, engraving, photos, and a private two-hour workshop.
“The whole experience was amazing. We were given complete freedom to design custom rings to make ours unique from anything else. Wieshin was our guide and helped us design and craft our rings. If you are looking for something to remember your time in Kyōto or Japan, this is a must!”
