If you want to go beyond sightseeing and truly experience Japanese culture, try one of Tokyo’s many hands-on craft workshops.

From Edo Kiriko glass cutting and Kintsugi (gold repair art) to chopstick making and designing your own hand-painted uchiwa fan, each experience lets you explore Japan’s traditional craftsmanship while creating something memorable to take home.

You’ll learn about the history, techniques, and beauty behind these traditional arts in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Whether you love art, culture, or simply want a meaningful souvenir, here are five of the best traditional Japanese craft experiences in Tokyo to try during your visit.

Table of Contents

1. Experience Custom-Dyeing Your Own Original Scarf in Tokyo

2. Experience Edo Kiriko: Create Your Own Traditional Cut Glass Tableware in Tokyo

3. Experience Kintsugi in Minami-Aoyama: Breathe New Life into Broken Pottery

4. Make Your Own Chopsticks at Mogami Kogei, Tokyo’s Edo Woodcraft Studio

5. Hands-On Japanese Craft in Tokyo with Mochi Wagashi & Matcha

6. Take Home a Piece of Japan – Tokyo’s Best Craft Experiences

7. For Those Interested in Exploring More of Japanese Culture: “Patia’s Japanese Cooking Classes”

Experience Custom-Dyeing Your Own Original Scarf in Tokyo

This unique workshop offers visitors the chance to create their own custom-dyed scarf while learning about Japan’s traditional craftsmanship.

The experience begins with an introduction to the history and origins of dyeing in the Ochiai district. Through short English videos, participants can learn about the Edo-Kommon pattern and its cultural significance in Japanese history. After that, there is a short gallery-style tour of beautifully dyed items such as kimonos and scarves, displayed in a Japanese-style room that reflects the refined sense of traditional beauty.

Participants then select their favorite design, pattern, color, and material to start creating their own original scarf. During a brief walking tour around the workshop, staff members explain each step of the dyeing process and demonstrate traditional craft techniques, offering a deep appreciation for the precision and dedication of Japanese artisans.

One of the highlights of this experience is dyeing your own initials onto the scarf — adding a personal touch that makes it truly unique. After finishing the work, participants can take commemorative photos with the craftsmen in a workshop filled with brushes and tools — perfect for sharing on social media.

At the end of the activity, guests receive discount coupons that can be used at the shop and online store. You can also take the opportunity to browse for some beautifully dyed gifts to take home.

• Duration: 2 hours

• Price: ¥23,000 per person (ages 6 and up)

• Minimum participants: 1 person

• Meeting point / Address: Somenosato – Ochiai, 2-3-6 Kami-Ochiai, Shinjuku, Tokyo

• Details & Reservations: Visit the official website
  

Experience Edo Kiriko: Create Your Own Traditional Cut Glass Tableware in Tokyo

Immerse yourself in the shimmering world of glass craftsmanship at Shimizu Glass, located in Horikiri, Katsushika-ku. Established in 1923 as a glass processing company, Shimizu Glass has spent over a century perfecting its art. Through this hands-on Edo Kiriko experience, you’ll discover the beauty and precision of traditional Japanese cut-glass—art pieces that bring elegance to everyday life.

After a short tour of the workshop where skilled artisans create Edo Kiriko, participants can choose one item from three types of tableware—a tumbler, a salad bowl, or a flat plate—and try engraving traditional Kiriko patterns on it themselves. Under the guidance of experienced craftsmen, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece that captures both your creativity and the spirit of Edo craftsmanship.

This refined experience not only allows you to make your own glassware but also offers a moment to appreciate Japan’s century-old tradition of artistry and precision.

• Duration: 1 hour

• Price: ¥15,000 per person

• Minimum participants: 2 people

• Meeting point / Address: Shimizu Glass Co., Ltd., 4-64-7 Horikiri, Katsushika, Tokyo

• Details & Reservations: Visit the official website

Experience Kintsugi in Minami-Aoyama: Breathe New Life into Broken Pottery

Discover the beauty of imperfection through the traditional Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with lacquer and finished with silver or gold powder to create something even more beautiful than before.

At this workshop in Minami-Aoyama, you’ll learn about the philosophy of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in transience and imperfection—while enjoying a hands-on kintsugi experience. The session begins with an English lecture on the history and cultural meaning of kintsugi, offering deep insights into this timeless art form.

Participants then repair their chosen pottery using traditional techniques, and can take home their completed piece the same day. You’re also welcome to bring your own broken ceramics for consultation. During a short tea break, enjoy Japanese sweets and tea while admiring elegant table coordination inspired by Japanese aesthetics.

The standard plan includes a silver powder finish, with the option to upgrade to gold powder for an additional fee.

• Duration: 2 hours

• Price: From ¥29,000 per person

• Participants: 2–8 people per booking; all experiences are private for your group (no mixed sessions)

• Location / Address: Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE, Minami Aoyama Mansion 205, 6-12-12 Minami Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo 107-0062

• Meeting Point: The meeting place may differ slightly from the venue; please check the confirmation email from Wabunka for details.

• Details & Reservations: Visit the official website

Make Your Own Chopsticks at Mogami Kogei, Tokyo’s Edo Woodcraft Studio

One of the most unique traditional craft experiences you can try in Tokyo is the chopstick-making workshop at Mogami Kogei. Here, you’ll learn directly from Yutaka Mogami, a third-generation Edo sashimono (traditional Japanese woodworking) master, or from his son and successor, Ryo Mogami.

The experience takes place in the Mokumasa-an showroom, where you can admire Mogami’s beautifully crafted works. During the session, you’ll also hear fascinating stories about the history and techniques of Edo sashimono woodworking, a craft that has been passed down through generations in Tokyo.

As part of the exclusive Wabunka plan, participants can take home their finished chopsticks in a handmade artisanal chopstick box made from the finest Aizu paulownia wood, renowned for its smooth texture and elegant grain. This premium box perfectly complements your handmade chopsticks, making it an ideal keepsake or gift.

• Duration: 90 minutes

• Price: From ¥30,000 per person

• Participants: 2–10 people per booking; all experiences are private for your group (no mixed sessions)

• Location / Address: Mogami Kogei, 4-37-10 Kuramae, Taito, Tokyo

• Meeting Point: The meeting place may differ slightly from the venue; please check the confirmation email from Wabunka for details.

• Details & Reservations: Visit the official Wabunka page
  

Hands-On Japanese Craft in Tokyo with Mochi Wagashi & Matcha

At Patia’s cooking studio in central Tokyo, you can enjoy a hands-on Japanese craft experience that combines traditional art and taste.

Create your own uchiwa (Japanese fan) using pressed flowers and origami, and take it home as a unique souvenir. Uchiwa have long been used in Japan to create a refreshing breeze during the summer.

After crafting, enjoy a matcha latte, made by mixing rich green tea powder with milk for a smooth, creamy flavor. You’ll also taste two delightful Japanese sweets — a Modern Monaka, filled with custard cream and mochi, and a Kokedama Sweet, inspired by the moss ball plant.

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Price: ¥12,100 per person

• Minimum Booking: 2 participants

• Location: Held at Patia’s cooking studios near Shinjuku, Chiyoda, and Minato. The exact address will be provided after your reservation is confirmed.

• Details & Reservations: Visit the official website

Take Home a Piece of Japan – Tokyo’s Best Craft Experiences

Tokyo offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese crafts firsthand. Whether you try Edo Kiriko glass cutting, Kintsugi, chopstick making, hand-painted uchiwa, or dyeing workshops, each activity allows you to connect with centuries of craftsmanship and creativity.

These experiences are not just about making something beautiful — they’re a chance to learn, create, and take home a piece of Japan. Perfect for art lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a meaningful souvenir, these workshops make your Tokyo trip truly unforgettable.

No matter which craft you choose, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and a unique memory to cherish.

For Those Interested in Exploring More of Japanese Culture: “Patia’s Japanese Cooking Classes”

In this article, we introduced hands-on Japanese craft experiences in Tokyo. If you’d like to explore even more of Japan’s culture through food, join one of Patia’s Japanese cooking classes. From mastering authentic ramen in our Jiro-style Ramen class to learning the art of sushi-making, each class offers a fun and immersive cultural experience you can only enjoy in Japan.

Click here for other Japanese cuisine classes

We share behind-the-scenes moments, cooking tips, and beautiful photos from our classes on Instagram! Follow us and join the Tokyo food adventure.

Find us on Instagram @patiajapanesecooking

Contact Us

If you have any questions or want to learn more about our cooking classes, feel free to get in touch! We’re here to help you create unforgettable culinary experiences during your stay in Japan.

Click here to fill out our contact form