Kyoto

15 Best Kyoto Craft Workshops

The artisan benches open to visitors: chopsticks finished in Gion, knives forged at a working blacksmith, calligraphy in a temple hall and roketsu dyeing in the textile quarter. A thousand years of craft guilds, one afternoon at a time.

1.Gion Chopstick Making Workshop in Kyoto

Create your own pair of traditional Japanese chopsticks in Kyoto. This engaging workshop is perfect for those interested in craftsmanship and authentic experiences.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“Good set-up, tooling and instruction, if not a bit a “production line” feel. Easy to make chopsticks, and engaging staff. Only one of the advertised two choices of wood was available which was a disappointing.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

2.Kyoto: Ninja Weapon Making Class at a Historic Mansion

Experience traditional ninja weapon-making in Kyoto’s historic Machiya house. Create your own shuriken or kunai with expert guidance in 2.5 hours.

★ 4.8

“The kids loved the interactive session and leaving with their own made ninja weapons tonight. Great fun with a history lesson too. Amazing how we were able to custom engrave kanji on our weapons. Thank you!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

3.Authentic knife making experience at a blacksmith in Kyoto

Experience authentic Japanese blacksmithing in Kyoto with a knife-making class led by expert Mao. Create a practical knife and learn traditional techniques in a small group setting.

★ 4.8

“This was a unique activity that was fun and resulted in a practical and special souvenir. Highly recommend. The only advice I have is to allow extra time to arrive as it was kind of confusing on where to go. There are two studios and…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

5.Kyoto: Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

Discover Kyoto’s authentic side with a calligraphy class inside a historic Buddhist temple. Create your own artwork, learn Japanese culture, and take a meaningful souvenir home.

★ 5.0

“Great activity for our family, with an original print to take home. Both Jose and the Japanese instructor were very knowledgeable, patient and helpful. They complemented each other well. Highly recommended!!!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

6.Roketsu dyeing experience: M course Roketsu Dyeing Experience

Discover Kyoto’s unique Roketsu dyeing experience, where you create your own fabric art in a friendly studio. Perfect for hands-on travelers seeking authentic Japanese craft.

★ 5.0

“Amazing experience, they are very kind, gentle, they take the time you need (we took 2h just to do our drawings on a 1.30h time experience, we stayed for 3h in total) They showed us every step of the making of the dyeing and even…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

7.Kyoto: Beginner Knife Sharpening & Handle Fitting Workshop

Discover the art of Japanese knife making in Kyoto with this hands-on workshop. Sharpen your skills, fit handles, and take your custom knife home.

★ 4.9

“The guides were friendly, funny and attentive. the Knifes look and feel amazing. The process was interesting and relaxing. Overall a fantastic experience!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

8.Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Class

Discover Kyoto’s art and culture with a hands-on Japanese calligraphy class near Kyoto Station. Learn, create, and take home authentic souvenirs for $54.

★ 4.8

“This was such a wonderful experience for my kids. They loved it. The staff was all so kind and welcoming. Really glad we did this class and it was great to get the writings to take with us. Highly recommend!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

10.Kyoto: Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class

Experience authentic Japanese calligraphy and visit a Kyoto home near Nijo Castle with a knowledgeable guide. A relaxing, cultural activity perfect for curious travelers.

★ 5.0

“Very knowledgeable instructor who is willing to answer all your questions about calligraphy but also other traditional artistic techniques. It was very enjoyable to escape the heat of a Kyoto summer day and spend an hour trying to reconstruct Japanese traditional words elegantly with a…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

13.Authentic Ninja Weapon Making Experience

Discover the authentic ninja weapon-making experience in Kyoto, where you can craft real weapons, enjoy tranquil gardens, and learn from passionate guides.

★ 5.0

“Such a unique experience mixed with education and fun! We loved making our kunai and getting to personalize it! The hosts were communicative and high energy!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

14.Private Japanese Calligraphy Class in Kyoto

Experience authentic Japanese culture with a private Kyoto calligraphy class. Learn brush techniques, create your own artwork, and take home a special keepsake.

★ 5.0

“I want to write down my name, but it was too long and an hour too short time for that. I choose father character for my action. The host was very cute and she was professional!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

Experience authentic Japanese calligraphy near Kyoto Station with a fun, hands-on lesson inclusive of souvenirs and guided by friendly experts.

★ 5.0

“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”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

More Kyoto Craft Workshops