Explore Japan’s rich culture through immersive craft workshops, where you can learn traditional skills, meet local artisans and create handmade souvenirs.
There’s something truly special about experiencing a country through its crafts. When I think about my travels in Japan, it’s the moments I spent getting my hands a little messy and creating something unique that stand out. From moulding clay into a delicate bowl to cutting glassware, these craft workshop experiences brought me closer to Japan’s culture in a way that no museum ever could.
If you love diving into local traditions like me, Japan’s hands-on workshops are a must. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or someone who hasn’t picked up a paintbrush since grade school, learning from skilled, passionate artisans is deeply satisfying. Here are my recommendations for memorable and authentic craft workshops across Japan.
1. Get hands-on with Japanese pottery
- Shop: Uzumako, Tokyo
- Price: from 5,000 yen (approx $44.50)
- Duration: two to three hours (you’ll need a two-week interval between moulding and painting, plus two to three more weeks to fire up the ceramics and pick them up or get them delivered to you)
- Booking required? Yes
There’s something surprisingly meditative about working with clay. At Uzumako, I sat at the wheel, unsure of what to do. But the instructor’s calm voice reminded me to relax, and soon I felt the cool clay responding to my touch. It’s not as easy as it looks! My first try was a lopsided mess. But with each attempt, I grew more confident.
By the end, I had a small, imperfectly perfect bowl and a plate that I couldn’t wait to display at home. Pottery has deep roots in Japan, with traditions like Kintsugi and Raku that celebrate imperfection, making this workshop feel even more meaningful. P.S. this workshop requires a couple of weeks from start to finish, so you’ll need to be in the country for a longer duration of time.
2. Blend your signature scent
- Shop: The Flavor Design Store, Tokyo
- Price: 7,700 yen (approx $68.50)
- Duration: one to two hours
- Booking required? Yes
The store space is like a chic lab, with patient staff on hand for guidance as you sniff different combinations. It was harder than I expected, but once I found the ideal balance, I couldn’t stop smiling. I didn’t think I’d feel so much like a perfumer, but there I was, surrounded by bottles of citrus, floral and musky notes, finding my perfect blend.
It was magical to see my chosen scents blended in the fragrance laboratory and packaged into a cute perfume bottle. You’ll also get to name your fragrance, which is printed on the perfume label with its scent notes. Every time I spritz it on now, I’m instantly back in that little Tokyo shop.
3. Craft matching rings with your partner
- Shop: Mitubaci, Tokyo
- Price: from 22,000 yen (approx $195.80) per ring
- Duration: two to three hours
- Booking required? Yes
Making matching rings with your partner might just be one of the most romantic experiences. There’s something incredibly special about shaping the metal together and carefully engraving your initials.
The rings we created weren’t just accessories; they carried the memory of those moments. Every time I look at mine, I think of the smiles we shared that day. Japan’s culture places great importance on craftsmanship and symbolism, making it the perfect setting for this heartfelt experience.
4. Try traditional glass cutting
- Shop: Sokichi, Asakusa
- Price: from 4,000 yen (approx $35.60)
- Duration: one to two hours
- Booking required? Yes
At Sokichi, I discovered how much precision goes into glass cutting. The instructor demonstrated how to glide the cutter across the surface, and I remember holding my breath on my first attempt. Designing my glassware was a surprisingly relaxing experience, like drawing with a bit of an edge. Now, every time I sip from the glass I made, I get a small rush of pride.
Japanese glass artistry, known as Edo Kiriko, is world-renowned. Learning even a fraction of that skill made me feel connected to the country’s craftsmanship heritage. It’s a unique craft workshop to try!
5. Carve Japanese-style chopsticks
- Shop: Wood Works Kawagoe, Saitama
- Price: from 2,500 (approx $22.30), depending on the type of wood
- Duration: one to two hours
- Booking required? No
Experience the joy of crafting chopsticks at Wood Works Kawagoe. Kawagoe, also known as Little Edo, is steeped in history, making it a picturesque spot to try traditional woodworking. Using beautiful Japanese wood, you’ll sand, shape and finish your personalised chopsticks. It’s a practical keepsake that’s both functional and meaningful!
6. Shape molten glass into a keepsake
- Shop: Studio J-45, Hokkaido
- Price: from 5,500 yen (approx $49)
- Duration: one to two hours
- Booking required? Yes
At Studio J-45 in Hokkaido, you’ll experience the thrill of shaping molten glass with your breath. Glassblowing is a tradition deeply rooted in Japanese craftsmanship. The delicate nature of the craft reflects the country’s appreciation for beauty in imperfection, a sentiment that becomes clear as you admire your slightly wobbly yet deeply personal creations.
What I love most about this? You’ll carry a beautiful keepsake home and a lasting memory of Hokkaido’s artistry and charm.
7. Weave a unique scarf
- Shop: Saori, Osaka
- Price: from 5,000 yen (approx $44.50)
- Duration: Two to three hours
- Booking required? Yes
Saori weaving, founded in 1969 by Misao Jo, is all about embracing individuality and self-expression through free-form weaving. Unlike traditional weaving, there are no strict patterns or rules, because it’s a celebration of imperfections and personal style.
In this workshop, you’ll design and weave a colourful scarf using vibrant threads, guided by experienced instructors who encourage creativity at every turn. Expect a relaxing and meditative atmosphere, where you can lose yourself in the rhythmic motion of the loom. Plus, you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind handmade scarf!
8. Make a cute coin purse
- Shop: Pottery & Crafts Shop Seikyodo in Asakusa, Tokyo
- Price: from 3,000 yen (approx $26.70)
- Duration: one to two hours
- Booking required? Yes
If you love traditional Japanese coin purses, known as kinchaku, this hands-on workshop is a delightful one. Seikyodo, with its roots in traditional craftsmanship, has long been a place where artisans share their passion for handmade goods. Choose from a variety of vibrant fabrics, each carrying its unique charm, before assembling your personalised coin purse.
Nestled in the historic Asakusa district, this experience also offers a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage. After the workshop, I recommend you explore the nearby Sensoji Temple or stroll along Nakamise Street for sightseeing fun.
9. Paint glass wind chimes
- Shop: Shinohara Furin Honpo, Tokyo
- Price: from 2,000 yen (approx $17.80)
- Duration: one hour
- Booking required? Yes (by phone only: 03-3670-2512)
This family-run workshop has been preserving the art of wind chime making since 1915, passing down the craft through four generations. Snag a spot in this workshop and you’ll be guided by skilled artisans to paint and personalise your glass wind chimes, adding a touch of creativity to this iconic summer symbol.
The delicate sound of a handmade furin is said to bring a sense of calm and tranquillity, making it a perfect souvenir or gift.
10. Design textiles with traditional dyes
- Shop: Roketsu, Kyoto
- Price: from 3,000 yen (approx $26.70)
- Duration: about 1.5 to 2 hours
- Booking required? Yes
Want a hands-on experience with the traditional Japanese art of roketsu dyeing? You’ve come to the right place. This wax-resistant technique is used to create intricate patterns on fabric. The family-run workshop invites you to explore a craft that dates back over a thousand years, blending history and creativity.
I love how you get to design unique textiles using brushes to apply hot wax before immersing your fabric in vibrant indigo dye. It’s a perfect activity for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s rich cultural tapestry!
These craft workshops in Japan offer the opportunity to slow down and immerse yourself in the creative process. It’s not just about making something beautiful, it’s about the stories, traditions and little discoveries along the way. Plus, there’s something special about bringing home a handmade piece that holds precious memories.
