Kyoto · KYOTO CRAFT WORKSHOPS

15 Kyoto Craft Workshops Worth Planning Around

38 tours  ·  from $12 a head

The 15 best kyoto craft workshops, with the price, the running time and who each one suits. Start at number one and work down until something fits your day.

Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option - Sanding, oiling, and the finishing touch
Gion Tours, Kyoto Craft Workshops, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews

Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

1.Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 958 reviews · from $15Our pick

At ZEN Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion, choose Japanese wood and shape a pair by hand with a traditional kanna plane. An English-speaking instructor guides you through sanding and oiling, with optional name engraving in Japanese or your own language. The workshop takes about an hour and costs $15.25 per person.

“We loved learning the process of making chopsticks. Our teacher was very patient. The engraving process was very neat! This will be our souvenir from Japan!”

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Kyoto: Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center - From brush basics to your chosen kanji
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Kyoto: Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

2.Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

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

In central Kyoto, calligraphy teacher Imai Sensei leads a 70-minute lesson in a tatami-floored room at Seigan-ji Temple, with a translator helping you follow along. Choose a kanji, practice brush strokes, then create a finished piece on shikishi board. The group is limited to six, and you also receive a small keychain made with your chosen character.

“Everyone was incredibly nice, kind and funny: our guides, Jose & Saskia and our teacher. The time flown by and it made both of us fallen love with ink and calligraphy. And the buddhist temple and temple activities were added bonus to the event! Highly recommend!”

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Kyoto: Beginner Knife Sharpening & Handle Fitting Workshop - Choose a blade that fits your kitchen
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Kyoto: Beginner Knife Sharpening & Handle Fitting Workshop

3.Beginner Knife Sharpening & Handle Fitting Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 141 reviews · 2 hours · from $161

At Japanese knife shop HIRAI, you choose a Santoku, Deba, or Yanagi knife, learn whetstone sharpening, then fit a magnolia handle with help from an English-speaking instructor. The two-hour class includes a short introduction to Japanese knife history and a knife to take home. Engraving is available if you request it in advance.

“Julio was very entertaining and the workshop was a highlight of our trip!”

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Kyoto: Small-Group Authentic Sushi Making Workshop - A 90-minute lesson with room to ask questions
Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Craft Workshops, Kyoto Food Tours, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Small-Group Authentic Sushi Making Workshop

4.Small-Group Authentic Sushi Making Workshop

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

In a restored Kyoto townhouse near Kiyomizu-Gojō Station, Kana and her team teach an English-language sushi class for up to eight people. Season rice, shape nigiri, and roll maki with fresh fish and local ingredients, then eat your work with miso soup. You’ll also take home a rolling mat, chopsticks, and a recipe card.

“Amazing!! Kana is incredible and so helpful! We spoke about Japan and learnt so much about sushi and the country! Loved it, highly recommend 🧡”

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Kyoto: Japanese Archery Workshop with Experienced Instructor - Personal coaching and the language question
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Kyoto: Japanese Archery Workshop with Experienced Instructor

5.Japanese Archery Workshop with Experienced Instructor

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 132 reviews · 1 hour · from $38

In this one-hour Kyoto workshop, Yamaguchi-sensei, a Kyudo instructor with more than 50 years of practice and a 6th-grade Kyoshi teaching rank, introduces you to Japanese archery. Learn the bow hold, stance, and shooting sequence with hands-on guidance, traditional equipment, and English materials. Groups are limited to four; the instructor speaks Japanese, with an assistant helping bridge the language gap.

“Absolutely wonderful! Highly recommend this activity when in Kyoto.”

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Kyoto Michelin Ramen Workshop or Painting Ramen Essentials - Painting gives the class a different pace
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Kyoto Michelin Ramen Workshop or Painting Ramen Essentials

6.Kyoto Michelin Ramen Workshop or Painting Ramen Essentials

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 100 reviews · from $54

At Musoshin Ramen in Kyoto, you’ll learn how noodles are mixed and rolled, then assemble a bowl of ramen to eat at the restaurant. Sessions may include painting a bowl or spoon. English- and Japanese-speaking instructors guide the hands-on class, and a drink is included. A custom bowl can be kiln-fired for free and collected the next day.

“We had a wonderful time making noodles this morning with Koki and Makoto. They were very kind and friendly and were great at explaining the process. Our daughters especially enjoyed using their hands and getting involved with the noodle machine. This is a great family friendly activity in the heart of Kyoto.”

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Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Class - Practice basic characters before choosing your own
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Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Class

7.Japanese Calligraphy Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 89 reviews · 1 hour · from $51

In this one-hour English-language class, you’ll learn to handle a brush and apply ink, then practice basic characters and write your name or a favorite word in kanji and the alphabet. Instructors such as Rena, Lana, Waka, Yoshia Kobayashi, and Kou have guided classes. You can make a scroll and other souvenirs, with options such as a fan or picture frame.

“This was amazing! The teachers were informative and very patient. This was one of many highlights of our trip!!”

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Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop - Patient teaching makes a difference
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Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

8.Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 84 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $32

At Gojo Paradiso in central Kyoto, a calligraphy instructor guides you through shodo, from basic brush strokes to kanji and a finished piece on rice paper. The one-to-two-hour workshop is designed for beginners, includes all supplies, and runs in English or Japanese. You leave with your own work, and may also have the chance to write your name in kanji.

“I learned a lot and it was fun! I would do this again.”

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Kyoto: Traditional Kimono Fabric Handicrafts Workshop - Choosing your kimono fabrics
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Kyoto: Traditional Kimono Fabric Handicrafts Workshop

9.Traditional Kimono Fabric Handicrafts Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · 2 hours · from $25

Spend two hours making a traditional Temari decoration from kimono fabric in a renovated antique boutique in Kyoto’s sightseeing area. Local artisan May guides you through the beginner-friendly process, with materials, a drink, and a Japanese confection included. The group is limited to four, and nearby temples, shrines, and the Philosopher’s Path make this an easy creative pause in a day of sightseeing.

“Mae was an exceptional teacher. lovely to spend time in conversation. EXCELLENT English.”

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Kyoto: Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class - Choosing a character that feels personal
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Kyoto: Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class

10.Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 1 hour · from $66

Near Nijo Castle, instructor Aya guides you through Japanese brushwork in a local home. In this private one-hour class, you learn basic strokes, choose a kanji with personal meaning, and make a piece of calligraphy on washi paper to take home. Ink and tools are supplied.

“We had the best time at this activity and learnt so much- excellent teacher!”

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Kyoto Ninenzaka : Japanese Calligraphy Class in Townhouse - What happens in the 50-minute lesson
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Kyoto Ninenzaka : Japanese Calligraphy Class in Townhouse

11.Kyoto Ninenzaka : Japanese Calligraphy Class in Townhouse

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 50 min · from $49

Near Kiyomizu Temple and Ninenzaka, this English-led 50-minute class introduces you to shodō, from brush handling and ink tools to writing basic kanji. An instructor guides you through the process, and you take home your calligraphy. No Japanese or art experience is needed.

“Kind and patient but excellent teachers. Short class But fun. We came away with our own handmade Kanji symbol”

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Hammer a Pattern on Your Ring Workshop - Hammering a pattern with staff close by
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Hammer a Pattern on Your Ring Workshop

12.Hammer a Pattern on Your Ring Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $21

At itoaware Nara, choose your ring’s material, thickness, shape, and texture, then hammer its pattern with staff guiding you. A craftsperson prepares and polishes the ring, which you can take home the same day. The workshop takes about 60 to 90 minutes, offers optional hand engraving on qualifying rings, and includes free photos.

“This was an amazing experience. My sister and I got rings made. I learned more than I expected. I definitely recommend. They even take photos of you doing the work so you can have a souvenir of your experience!”

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Kyoto: Make Your Own "Daruma" Craft & Painting Workshop - Two hours at the worktable
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Kyoto: Make Your Own “Daruma” Craft & Painting Workshop

13.Make Your Own “Daruma” Craft & Painting Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 2 hours · from $25

Spend two hours in a small Kyoto workshop painting a papier-mâché Daruma, beckoning cat, dog, or fox. Local craftswoman May, also called Mei by some participants, provides the materials, explains the figures’ symbolism, and lets you work at your own pace. A drink and Japanese confectionery are included, and you take your finished piece home.

“Fantastic activity especially that the day was rainy today! May is a lovely and super kind lady. She made us feel very welcomed and was helpful and very patient. We stayed a bit longer to finish of the details and she was so kind and let us stay and finish. Super fun activity! Great set of tools. Something different than all touristic in Kyoto. Great idea and would defo do it again! Small group of people (was 3 of us) which makes it super nice atmosphere. Relaxing and fun activity! If I knew earlier that she was doing different workshops as well I would have signed up for it as…”

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Private Japanese Calligraphy in Kyoto – Learn Shodō with a Master - Why the private format helps
Kyoto Craft Workshops, Kyoto Tours, Private, Tour Reviews

Private Japanese Calligraphy in Kyoto – Learn Shodō with a Master

14.Private Japanese Calligraphy in Kyoto – Learn Shodō with a Master

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $77

At a private home near Nijo Castle, calligraphy teacher Aya leads a one-hour shodō class in English or Japanese. Learn brush technique and a little about the art, practice kanji, and make a piece to take home. Tools and paper are provided. Bring clean socks, and note that children under 12 cannot attend.

“Being able to write myself the Wabi Sabi I really wanted to achieve. It was well setup and organised. A bit hard to find as Google maps shows wrong.”

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Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station) - Turning your name into a keepsake
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Japanese Calligraphy – Shodo – Lesson (near Kyoto Station)

15.Japanese Calligraphy – Shodo – Lesson (near Kyoto Station)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $50

At Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit, Kyoto MK’s one-hour shodo lesson introduces brush and ink techniques, then guides you through basic characters and an approximate kanji version of your name. Materials are provided, and you can take home a scroll of your writing. The group is capped at 10, with activities available for children.

“This was a very fun activity that both I am and my 9-year old son loved. There were several items to decorate with calligraphy and many chances to practice. The team created unique spellings of our names in Japanese kanji characters Read more”

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