The 13 Best Craft Workshops in Kyoto

1.Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 958 reviews · from $15Our pick

At ZEN Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion, you choose Japanese wood, shape two chopsticks with a traditional kanna hand plane, sand and oil them, then add optional engraving. English-speaking staff guide beginners through the one-hour process, with two wood types included and premium options available.

“The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Making my own chopsticks was a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture, and it also turned out to be a perfect souvenir to bring Read more”

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2.Authentic knife making experience at a blacksmith in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 350 reviews · 3 hours · from $154

At Studio NIN in Kyoto, Mao, Taka, and fellow smiths guide you through forging a 13 to 15 cm Japanese-style knife. You heat steel, hammer the blade, sharpen and polish it, then pack it for home. Expect real physical work, clear English instruction, and a small-group setting near Eizan Railway.

“Great fun! Physically demanding but the end result was worth it. The two instructors were great and really friendly, made the experience a whole.”

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3.Roketsu dyeing experience: M course Roketsu Dyeing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 163 reviews · from $25

At Roketsu73 in western Kyoto, you choose a shirt, tote bag, banner, or hanging, select a stencil or sketch your own design, then paint wax and watch the family-run team dye it by hand. The owner and his mother, Yoko, guide each step. Plan on 90 to 120 minutes, or longer for detailed work.

“What a unique experience and a great way to change things up from heavy touring/walking days. The shop proprietor and his mother were there to help guide us through the process, and worked really hard to make sure our designs turneRead more”

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4.Beginner Knife Sharpening & Handle Fitting Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 141 reviews · 2 hours · from $161

At Japanese knife shop HIRAI, you will learn wetstone sharpening, hear about Japanese knife history, and fit a magnolia handle to a Santoku, Deba, or Yanagi blade. English support is available, with instructors such as Julio and Tatsu. The group is limited to three, and you take your finished knife home.

“The guides were friendly, funny and attentive. the Knifes look and feel amazing. The process was interesting and relaxing. Overall a fantastic experience!”

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5.Small-Group Authentic Sushi Making Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · 1h 30m · from $60

Join Kana and her small team for a 90-minute English-language sushi class in Kyoto’s restored Kyoto Wand townhouse. With no more than eight participants, you season rice, shape nigiri, roll maki, and eat what you make, with miso soup and a take-home sushi mat, chopsticks, and recipe card.

“Highly recommended. The staff at altier were wonderful and very attentive. The ingredients were of very high quality and delicious. We were able to chat with other guests and had a very pleasant afternoon.”

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6.Japanese Archery Workshop with Experienced Instructor

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 132 reviews · 1 hour · from $38

Spend one hour learning Kyudo, Japan’s traditional archery, with Master Yamaguchi, a teacher of more than 50 years. You’ll practice stance, bow handling, and shooting in a small group of up to four, with English materials and help from an interpreter.

“Incredibly unique experience with Yamaguchi-sensei. So grateful for the time and thoughtfulness he gives in his instruction. The small group and warm atmosphere made this activity the most memorable of our trip!”

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7.Kyoto Michelin Ramen Workshop or Painting Ramen Essentials

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 100 reviews · from $54

Join Musoshin Ramen for a hands-on Kyoto workshop led by instructors such as Shin, Koki, Makoto, Patti, Yaya, or Momo. Make noodles, paint a spoon or bowl, then enjoy ramen at the nearby restaurant. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and custom bowls can be kiln-fired for pickup the next day.

“We had a wonderful time making noodles this morning with Koki and Makoto. They were very kind and friendly and were great at explaining the process. Our daughters especially enjoyed using their hands and getting involved with the noodle machine. This is a great family friendly activity in the heart of Kyoto.”

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8.Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 84 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $32

At Gojo Paradiso beside Kyoto’s Takase River, instructor Takako teaches beginners the basics of shodo. You’ll practice brush strokes, write kanji and your name, then create a finished piece on rice paper. The small English and Japanese class lasts 1 to 2 hours and includes all supplies.

“The teacher is a calligraphy master With a degree in calligraphy and awards. She’s also a kind and patient teacher. She spent time individually with each of us on every exercise we did. She was supportive and encouraging. She also showed us how to write our names in kanji. The class was very well organized. There were plenty of high-quality materials. The teacher had two helpers also. It began and ended right on time. We each created a calligraphy to take home on beautiful rice paper, signed our names in kanji, and our teacher stamped it for us. In addition, we received a gift of a beautiful handmade calligraphy from…”

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9.Itajime Shibori Scarf Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · from $43

At the Kyoto Shibori Museum, a patient instructor such as June guides you through making an itajime shibori silk scarf. Choose fabric and colors, apply the folding and dyeing technique, then visit the upstairs exhibition while your scarf dries. The class lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.

“This is an awesome way to experience the Shibori art in Japan. The hands-on activity for creating a tie-dye using a centuries old Shibori technique was fun and the end result was beautiful. We enjoyed it a lot!!”

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10.Traditional Kimono Fabric Handicrafts Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · 2 hours · from $25

Spend two relaxed hours in Kyoto making a traditional Temari from beautiful kimono fabric pieces. Host May guides beginners and children through each step in English or Japanese, with tea, a drink, and Japanese confectionery included. Choose your fabrics, make your keepsake, and browse the small antique boutique afterward.

“This is really a lovely activity. I love the choices of different kimono fabrics and enjoyed doing the "not so difficult" craft. the host May is lovely and friendly. A time well spent!”

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11.Traditional Yuzen Dyeing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 61 reviews · 2 hours · from $161

Enter artisan Shin’Ichiro’s traditional Nishijin machiya, choose a silk design and colors, then paint with carefully mixed dyes under his guidance. An interpreter helps explain the process, while you view finished Yuzen works and take home your own artwork after this calm, two-hour lesson.

“I liked how you could change colours and the Yuzan master would make suggestions so the colours in the final product were harmonious. I also liked that I was not rushed even though we were over the scheduled end time.”

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12.Make Your Own “Daruma” Craft & Painting Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 2 hours · from $25

Spend two relaxed hours in a renovated Kyoto craft shop with local artist May. Choose a papier-mâché Daruma, lucky cat, dog, or fox, then paint it your way with friendly guidance, tea, and a traditional sweet. The small, wheelchair-accessible workshop welcomes all ages and skill levels.

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had such a wonderful time at the Daruma painting workshop in Kyoto! It was a fun and relaxing experience where we got to be creative, painting our own Daruma and Lucky Cat dolls however we liked. Our host, Mei, was incredibly kind and welcoming — we enjoyed chatting over tea and learning about the local area, the meaning behind Daruma dolls, and Japanese traditions. The session was held in a small group so it also felt very personal. It was such a memorable and authentic experience — highly recommended for anyone looking to do something cultural and hands-on in Kyoto!”

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13.Japanese Drum Taiko Workshop in Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11 reviews · 2h 30m · from $112

Meet an English-speaking guide at Kyoto Station, ride to Takatsuki, and continue by private car to a Taiko studio. Learn the drum’s role in Japanese culture, watch instructor Yusuke perform, practice a short piece, and finish in Happi and Hachimaki with a commemorative photo.

“Michiko and her colleague picked us up at Kyoto station then we took a train 12 mn and got picked up by car for a 5 mn ride. It was really well organized. The activity was also well organised for foreigners and clear and we learnt a lot about taiko. The song we learned was fun and clear for non musician people like me! We made funny pictures at the end and it was a great experience !!”

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