Kyoto

15 Best Kyoto Craft Workshops

Kyoto’s craft studios descend from trades that supplied the imperial court, and I’ve picked the workshops happiest to host clumsy beginners. Choose from Kiyomizu pottery, yuzen dyeing, washi paper and kintsugi repair. One note on pottery: pieces need kiln time, so they ship to you a few weeks later.

1.Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

Discover the art of making your own Japanese chopsticks in Kyoto’s Gion district. An authentic, beginner-friendly workshop with engraving options for personalized souvenirs.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“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!”

958 reviewsFrom $15.25by Traveling Kyoto

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2.Kyoto: Gion Chopsticks Making Class

Create personalized chopsticks in Kyoto’s Gion district with a hands-on, authentic workshop—perfect for cultural enthusiasts and craft lovers alike.

★ 4.9

“I had a great time with Kuya and learning how hashi are made in Kyoto. It was nice to compare the similarities and differences between Tokyo and Kyoto and to spend time getting to know everyone. Overall, a very relaxing experience that I would recommend…”

530 reviews1 hourFrom $15by Traveling Tokyo

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4.Authentic knife making experience at a blacksmith in Kyoto

Experience authentic Japanese blacksmithing in Kyoto with a hands-on knife-making tour led by expert Mao, creating a practical souvenir in just 3 hours.

★ 4.8

“AMAZINGGGGG!!! This was so awesome!! Everyone was so kind and helpful and the process was so cool. They took videos/pictures for us throughout the whole thing which was such a nice extra touch. We got to throw throwing stars while we waited which was fun…”

350 reviews3 hoursFrom $154by Kendo Experience

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5.Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

Experience Kyoto’s culinary traditions with a hands-on sweets making and tea ceremony, guided by knowledgeable instructors in an authentic setting.

★ 4.4

“Loved the class. Was interesting learning about how matcha is grown and made and about different Japanese treats. The host was really great. Explained things well and was patient with us. Great activity overall”

314 reviews1.6 hoursFrom $18by B.B.Advisors Inc. AN KYOTO

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6.Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option

Discover how making your own Japanese chopsticks in Kyoto offers a unique, hands-on cultural experience with expert guidance and authentic craftsmanship.

★ 5.0

“Beautiful experience, very nice young guys and helpful. Great idea to transform some of their traditions to make tourists try the real Japanese life. Thank you. You for sharing”

187 reviewsFrom $17.27by With Japan

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10.Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Class

Discover Kyoto's Japanese calligraphy with a hands-on class in front of Kyoto station, guided by friendly experts. Create authentic souvenirs to take home.

★ 4.8

“The ladies were so friendly, encouraging and patient as we learned and practiced. We made a fan, postcard and stationary to take with us. Such a fun time!”

89 reviews1 hourFrom $51by MK TRAVEL

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11.Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

On the banks of the serene Takase River, discover the art of SHODO in Kyoto—what unexpected treasures will your brush strokes reveal?

★ 4.7

“The host was so lovely and used english, which was very helpful! The resources were good and the experience was enriching. would highly recommend for a great value, authentic event!”

84 reviews1 - 2 hoursFrom $32by Gojo Paradiso

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15.Authentic Ninja Weapon Making Experience

Discover the secrets of ancient Japanese combat arts by crafting your own traditional shurikens and kunais during the Authentic Ninja Weapon Making Experience in Kyoto.

★ 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!”

43 reviewsFrom $151.92by Atelier NIN

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5.0Japanese Calligraphy Class in the Center of Kyoto$77.51 5.0Japanese Calligraphy – Shodo – Lesson (near Kyoto Station)$50.40 5.0Kyoto Samurai Armor Experience: Matcha, Calligraphy, Photoshoot$76.10 5.0Natural Indigo Dyeing with Local Masters (Private Atelier)2 hours$95 5.0Calligraphy & Digital Art Workshop in Kyoto$72 4.62 Types of Japanese Sweets making and Tea Ceremony2.1 hours$28 5.0Kyoto: Hinoki Wood Chopstick Workshop – Craft & Engrave 5.0Japanese Calligraphy in 100 Years Old Townhouse Kyoto Ninenzaka$43.00 5.0Calligraphy Experience in Kyoto Townhouse$58.64 4.3Japanese Traditional Sweets making with Tatedashi Matcha1.1 hours$14 5.0OKADAKyoto Japanese Calligraphy experience (shodo)1.5 hours$45 4.8Kyoto : Japanese Calligraphy Workshop with a calligrapher1 hour - 90 minutes$51 5.0Kyoto Samurai Walk: Matcha, Calligraphy & Photoshoot1.5 hours$106 5.0Tokyo: Calligraphy Class at Japanese Room in Shibuya1 hour$30 5.0Kyoto Urushi Lacquer Factory Tour and Chopstick Making Experience$97.55 4.7Kyoto: Sumi Ink and Brush Calligraphy Experience50 min$49 3.0Japanese Traditional Sweets Making$12.52 5.0Kyoto: Urushi Lacquer Factory Tour with Chopstick Workshop1.5 hours$96 5.0Kyoto Chopsticks Making Workshop$9.75 5.0Traditional Japanese Knife Sharpening Class in Kyoto$97.55 5.0Knife Workshop With a Master Cutler$566.33 5.0Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Experience in a Historic House1 hour$56 5.0Private Kyoto Shodo Experience Calligraphy$34 5.0Kyoto: Commission a calligraphy work from a calligrapher30 min$41