KYOTO · ARTISAN CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Knife forging, indigo and roketsu dyeing, calligraphy at a working temple, incense blending. These 15 workshops mostly take two or three people at a bench, which is the reason they are good and the reason they book out. Prices, durations and what you take home.
Forge a Japanese kitchen knife in Kyoto. Dress in blacksmith gear, hammer red-hot steel, sharpen and polish, then take it home.
“It was fun to make my own knife. I would gladly come back again on my next trip to Japan to make a matching set for my knife. HAHAHA.”
Kyoto calligraphy class inside a Buddhist temple, learn shodo step by step, write your own kanji, and take home your artwork.
“It was one of the best things I've done in Japan. Our teacher was incredible and very kind and the host/translator was fantastic. It didn't feel like a demonstration it really felt like we took time to learn just a little but about the art of calligraphy. 10/10 I'd recommend this to anyone remotely interested.”
Try Kyoto roketsu dyeing. Draw and dye your own design with a wax-resist technique, then take it home the same day.
“We discovered this small tie dyeing studio in the outskirts of Kyoto, run by a mom and pop. It turned out to be one of the best, most authentic experiences we did in Japan. No art skills needed; you’ll get all the help you want or need. You end up with a great souvenir to wear or hang in your home.”
A 1-hour Japanese calligraphy class in front of Kyoto Station, taught in English. Write Kanji with ink and brushes, take home souvenirs.
“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!”
Make an itajime shibori scarf in Kyoto. Learn the tie-dye process, tour the Kyoto Shibori Museum, and take it home.
“5 years ago, I visited Kyoto Shibori Museum and had a memorable experience, so when I brought friends from CA to visit for their first Japan trip, I definitely added this shibori scarf experience. As expected, they thoroughly enjoyed it! More over, they were in awe of learning about the process of making the many kinds of shibori on the informative video and seeing the many masterpieces in the upatairs museum. They developed such appreciation for the intricate work in doing some styles of shibori. My friend purchased a beautiful leather and shibori purse and said she will treasure the hard work that went into making it. Before leaving, I…”
Kyoto SHODO calligraphy workshop at Gojo Paradiso. Learn brush strokes, write kanji, and take home signed art for $32.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my calligraphy lesson. Takako was a fantastic tutor (very patient and encouraging). She taught me the basic strokes and then moved on to writing characters. Really enjoyable!”
Learn traditional Kyoto washi papermaking in a small morning class, decorating your own sheet with seasonal botanicals and taking it home.
“My teen daughter enjoyed this activity and found it fun and educational. Hiro and his staff were so attentive and knowledgeable. We left respecting all the workmanship and art that goes into Washi paper. Thanks, Hiro!!”
Kyoto calligraphy in a local home near Nijo Castle, learn kanji brushstrokes, pick your character, add your name, and take it home.
“Aya was a wonderful teacher. She explained the history of calligraphy well and answered all of our questions. We got to practice with her a few times and she gave us constructive direction about how to improve. She was a wonderful host and still went ahead with the class even though she had hurt her hand. It was an honour to learn from a true master of calligraphy. Would 100% recommend.”
Hand-paint Kyoto Yuzen silk in a real Nishijin machiya home, guided by an artisan and interpreter, then take your own finished piece home.
“Overall we really enjoyed the class and got to take home beautiful dyed Japanese artwork that we painted ourselves. The artist was very patient and kind, and there was a college student translator. The class was just my fiancée and I, so it felt more private. My only note for improvement was that there were only 3 design options to choose from. It would have been great to have more variety.”
Short 50-minute shodō class in Kyoto near Kiyomizu Temple. Learn brush strokes, write kanji, and take your calligraphy home for $49.
“Kind and patient but excellent teachers. Short class But fun. We came away with our own handmade Kanji symbol”
Kyoto’s small-group Daruma craft workshop: paint a papier-mâché figurine with a local instructor, enjoy tea and sweets, then take it home.
“Mei was lovely, helping us create our Darumas. We had lots of fun and would recommend this as a fun family activity”
Forge, sharpen, and polish a real Japanese knife in Kyoto with a small English-guided group, uniform included, in about 3 hours.
“Just amazing. The train that takes you there is also a one carriage cutie. Lovely little village on the outskirts of Kyoto. The blacksmiths were amazing....super helpful and corrected any mistakes you made hammering the steel. As a chef..this was up there with some of the best experiences I've had.”
Make Kyoto onigawara roof tiles from scratch, learn their purpose, then ship your fired demon-face tile home. Small-group clay workshop.
“Yuya is a talented artist who knows how to instruct complicated finished products by breaking down the process into manageable steps. Each of our tiles came out unique and personal to our style and skill. His conversational style in English was clear and to the point. He was always encouraging and only offered suggestions to help and enhance the clay design. His care for his students was top notch. Looking forward to seeing our tiles home. Definitely not just for tourists. This is a different and unique Japanese experience for all.”
A small-group Kyoto walk blending Gion matcha culture, Kennin-ji and a hidden temple, then ending with a tea ceremony in a traditional house.
“Tour guide spoke very soft and was hard to understand her English. Did not seem to know about some of the places we visited. She tried to please though but difficulty hearing her and became frustrating to us.”
Private Shodō lesson in Kyoto with Aya. Learn kanji brush strokes, then take home your own calligraphy on paper.
“This was an excellent experience. The teacher was lovely and very positive about my beginners ability. I came away with calligraphy I will frame for my wall.”
Every kind of day in the city, and the best-reviewed way to book it.
