11 Best Craft Workshops in Tokyo

Japan is the kingdom of traditional craft-works! There are numbers of traditional workshops still remain in Tokyo and many of them are open for visitors to experience. You can learn the culture through the work experience, and moreover bring your work home as a souvenir! How amazing to create your own souvenir in Japan??

Here are most recommended craft-work experiences you can do in Tokyo! From Pottery making to Origami folding, pick your favourite 😉

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

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1. Traditional Kintsugi Experience

Kintsugi (金継ぎ “golden joinery”) is a traditional method of fixing broken ceramics with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. It’s an art of repairing related to the philosophy of Sado (Japanese tea ceremony) to accept breakage as part of the object’s history rather than disguising with something.

There is a workshop in Tokyo where you can have a rare and unique Kintsugi experience. Join the activity and learn the traditional technique of repairing broken pottery. Recreate an art piece and take one and only Kintsugi art home as an original souvenir.

2. Food Sample Making

Food samples (or plastic food/fake food) is one of the most unique and bizarre cultures in Japan, and now it became a popular souvenir among foreign visitors. In this activity, you can actually make the food sample by yourself with a help from a professional from Yamato Sample Factory, a long-established food sample company since 1952. Make your very own delicious-looking food samples as a special souvenir from Tokyo!

3. Amezaiku Sculpting

Amezaiku is traditional Japanese candy craft art, creating sculpture by shaping soft candy called mizuame by hand, scissors and tweezers. This Amezaiku workshop in Asakusa offers a live demonstration by an experienced candy sculpting artist and you can watch and learn how to sculpt and decorate Amezaiku using scissors and tweezers. After two practice sessions, they will let you make your own rabbit shaped candy from scratch!

4. Traditional Edo Paper Lantern

At Namidabashi Oshimaya Chochin, a historic shop in Tokyo’s Kita-Senju district, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own hand-painted Edo paper lantern. Choose from a traditional lantern or the shop’s modern Oto Chochin, which features a unique twist on the classic design. Under the expert guidance of artisan Kenichiro Murata, you’ll use traditional tools to inscribe a design or kanji characters onto your lantern. Once finished, take home your custom-made lantern as a lasting reminder of this hands-on cultural experience.

▶ Make a Traditional Edo Paper Lantern at a Long-Running Shop

5. Glassblowing Experience

The activity takes place at Tokyo Glass Art Institute and is guided step by step by some of their glass experts. After learning the history and the beauty of glass art, you will create one on your own by picking colour, shape and pattern by yourself. Experience the whole process of making glass art including glassblowing, shaping and molding, and take your own creation home after the session.

▶ Glassblowing Experience at Tokyo Glass Art Institute

6. Somemono: Japanese Dyeing

If you are into handicrafts and designing, Somemono could be a perfect activity to unleash your inner creativity. First of all, Somemono (染物) is traditional Japanese craft of dyeing.

In this hands-on scarf-making experience in Shinjuku, you’ll dive into the world of traditional dyeing techniques at Tomita Dye Craft. Guided by a skilled artisan, you’ll design your own scarf, choosing from a selection of Edo Sarasa patterns and vibrant colors. After completing your unique piece, you’ll tour Tomita’s historic workshop, home to Japan’s largest collection of dyeing stencils.

Discover the fascinating history of this century-old craft and its connection to the Kanda River. Leave with a one-of-a-kind scarf that reflects the beauty of Edo craftsmanship!

▶ Scarf-Making Tour at Tomita Somekogei’s 130-Year-Old Dyeing Workshop

7. Edo Kiriko Glass Cutting Experience

Edo Kiriko (江戸切子) is traditional glass cut originated in Tokyo (formerly called Edo) during Edo Period. Edo Kiriko glassware has patterns created by curving glasses with the special technique. The Edo Kiriko workshop is held at the Nakakin Glass Company Limited, established in 1946  and recognized as a “behind-the-scenes contributor to the world of faceted glass”.

In this hands-on experience, you’ll create your own 8-ounce glass cup using the traditional Edo color overlay blow glass technique. Guided by an expert craftsman, you’ll cut the glass to reveal stunning color gradations. After watching a brief video introduction, you’ll learn how to rub, polish, and cut the glass, following a Wabunka-exclusive pattern. The experience culminates in a unique, polished glass cup, which will be delivered to you within one to two months.

▶ Edo Kiriko Glass Cutting Experience in Tokyo

8. Japanese Woodworking: Create Your Own Chopsticks

At the Mogami Kogei workshop, you can craft your own pair of traditional Edo chopsticks under the guidance of third-generation artisan Yutaka Mogami. With over 110 years of woodworking history, this workshop offers a rare chance to learn the craft of Edo sashimono, a minimalist wood joinery technique passed down through generations.

Choose from a variety of fine woods, shave, shape, and finish your chopsticks with oil to create a truly unique pair. Afterward, take home your handcrafted chopsticks in a beautiful Aizu paulownia wood box, with the option to add personalized Edo-style engraving.

This hands-on experience offers a deep dive into the timeless beauty of Edo woodworking and a chance to appreciate this rare craft up close.

▶ Woodworking Your Own Chopsticks at Mogami Kogei – with Paulownia Box

9. Silversmithing: Create Your Own Silver Bangle

In the historic Kuramae district of Tokyo, a family of silversmiths has been crafting high-purity silver bangles for twelve generations. At Nisshin Kikinzoku, you’ll have the chance to apprentice with a 12th-generation artisan and create your own bangle from 99.9% pure silver. Using traditional tools, you’ll learn about the history of Tokyo silverware and the unique qualities of silver.

As you craft your bangle, you’ll discover how this remarkable metal develops a distinct texture over time. Take home a one-of-a-kind piece of craftsmanship, shaped by your own hands and the rich history of Kuramae.

▶ Create a Pure Silver Bangle with a Master Craftsman

10. Jeans Making Experience

Okayama Prefecture is the mecca of made-in-Japan jeans, especially in Kojima area in Kurashiki City, there are many dosmetic jeans shops gathered. One of Okayama denim shops, Betty Smith has an outlet in Tokyo and offers a jeans making experience. You can make your own original jeans by choosing denim fabric, design and stitch patterns. Create jeans with quality materials and a help from the craftsman who complete your jeans with the hemming and leather labeling.

▶ Jeans Making Experience in Tokyo

11. Katana Polishing Experience

If you’ve ever been interested in katanas, this is your chance to learn about these legendary swords up close. At Buneido, master katana polisher Masaru Nemoto will teach you the art of katana polishing. You’ll have the chance to polish a real katana with a whetstone and explore a collection of rare, historic blades, including 400-year-old masterpieces.

This experience is perfect for anyone curious about samurai culture, katanas, or traditional craftsmanship.

▶ Experience the World of Katana and Polishing at a Master’s Workshop

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Nothing is better than hand-made souvenirs, right? 😉 When in Tokyo, it’s definitely recommended to try some special activities as there is an abundance of unique cultural experiences. If you need more info for activities/souvenirs/culture in Japan, these related articles are highly recommended to read!!

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