Kyoto Gion Chopsticks Workshop with Optional Engraving

You shape the wood yourself, guided step by step, and leave with chopsticks you made.

Make your own Japanese chopsticks in a hands-on workshop in Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district. Working with traditional tools and hinoki wood, you'll shape and smooth a pair of chopsticks under guidance from an English-speaking instructor, then optionally add engraving with your name, initials, or a word in English or Japanese. No woodworking experience needed. The class takes about an hour and leaves you with a functional souvenir you crafted yourself.

The experience

The workshop sits in Gion, and you'll work at your own pace with an instructor who walks you through shaping the wood by hand. The process uses traditional tools, but it's designed for beginners: no prior experience required. You choose your hinoki wood at the start, then spend the session smoothing and shaping it into a finished pair of chopsticks. The instructor handles the setup and answers questions as you work. The satisfaction comes from doing it yourself.

If you want to make them more personal, you can add engraving after the shaping is done. English and Japanese characters are both available, so you can add your name, initials, or a word that matters to you. This turns the chopsticks from a standard souvenir into something genuinely yours, and something you'll actually use when you get home, rather than leave in a drawer.

The class runs about an hour. You'll walk out with the chopsticks in hand, ready to pack. It works for solo travelers, couples, friends, or families. The workshop accommodates all of them in the same session. English-speaking staff means no language barrier during the instruction.

What’s included

• Chopstick-making workshop with hinoki wood.
• English-speaking instructor guiding you through the process from start to finish.
• traditional hand tools for shaping and smoothing.
• optional engraving service for your name, initials, or a word in English or Japanese (additional charge).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:00

Book up to1h before

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by With Japan

Is this one for you?Solo travelers, couples, and small groups looking for a hands-on cultural experience will find this workshop fits a morning or afternoon slot without requiring any prior skill. The guided format and short duration make it easy to fit into a Kyoto itinerary alongside other sightseeing.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What exactly do I do during the chopstick-making class?

You'll select your hinoki wood, then use traditional hand tools to shape and smooth it into a finished pair of chopsticks while your instructor guides you through each step. The work is hands-on but straightforward: no previous woodworking skill is needed.

Can I add engraving to my chopsticks?

Yes, engraving is optional and available at an additional charge. You can personalize your chopsticks with your name, initials, or a favorite word in either English or Japanese after the shaping is complete.

How long does the workshop take?

The class runs for about an hour from start to finish, including the shaping and any engraving you choose to add.

Do I need any woodworking experience to join?

No experience is necessary. The workshop is designed for beginners, and the instructor guides you through the entire process so you can follow along comfortably.

Is the workshop in Gion, and what's the location like?

Yes, the workshop is located in Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district. It's a dedicated workspace set up for the class, with all the tools and materials provided.