Kamakura Hanko Class: Carve Your Name Seal with a Master

Carve a stone seal, then design your name hanko with a Zen monk engraver

A hanko class in Kamakura where you meet a fourth-generation master engraver, carve one character into a stone seal with his guidance, and design a wooden name hanko that he hand-finishes and you collect the same afternoon. The experience runs about an hour in the atelier, with English instruction throughout. Upgraded materials and kanji engraving cost extra.

The Experience

At KAMAKURA SIGNET, a working atelier in Kamakura, you meet Mitsuhiro Tsukino, a Zen Buddhist monk and seal engraver whose family has practiced the craft since 1898. Both he and his wife hold Japan's First-Grade National Trade Skill Certification. You'll explore the atelier, see award-winning engravings and the tools they use, and watch a live demonstration of traditional engraving techniques before you begin carving.

With the master's guidance, you carve one character into a stone seal and stamp it onto a keepsake card, both of which you take home right after the session. You discuss your name and design preferences directly with the craftsman in English. Your wooden katakana hanko is included in the experience. He hand-finishes it after you leave and you collect it at the atelier about four hours later that afternoon. Kanji, other typefaces, and material upgrades like buffalo horn or premium woods are available at extra cost.

The class stays small and unhurried in the private atelier setting. Each hanko is made with good wishes for the person who will carry it, turning your personal mark into something to cherish.

What’s included

• Personal seal (hanko) carved by the master engraver in your name, made to order.
• stone seal you carve yourself with guidance.
• English instruction throughout the session.
• calligraphy keepsake card you stamp.
• original pouch for your seal.

Days and timesMon · Tue · Thu · Fri · 10:30

AgesAges 6+ · Under 6 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Just 55 min from Tokyo, 20 min from Yokohama, and a 2-min walk from JR Kamakura Station's West Exit. Turn left, walk down Onari Street, then left at the first l…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Name of Japan. Kamakura HANKO

Is this one for you?The morning workshop fits inside an hour, leaving the rest of your day free to explore Kamakura. You collect your finished hanko that same afternoon, so no return trip is needed.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

What exactly do I carve during the class?

You carve one character into a stone seal with the master's guidance, then stamp it onto a keepsake card to take home right away. Your wooden name hanko, carved by the master after the session, is collected the same afternoon.

Is the hanko I take home the same day, or do I wait for it?

The stone seal and stamped card go home with you immediately after the workshop. Your wooden katakana hanko is hand-finished by the master and ready for collection at the atelier about four hours later that afternoon.

Can I get my name in kanji instead of katakana?

Kanji engraving and other typeface upgrades cost extra beyond the included katakana hanko. Discuss your preferences with the craftsman when you arrive.

How long is the actual class time at the atelier?

The workshop runs about an hour in the atelier, with English instruction throughout. You'll have time to explore the space, watch the demonstration, and carve your stone seal before the session ends.

What's included to take home?

You take home the stone seal you carved, the stamped keepsake card, your finished wooden katakana hanko (collected later that afternoon), and an original pouch.