Make Chopsticks in Shinjuku: Premium Wood & Kanji Engraving

Shape, sand and personalize chopsticks you'll take home the same day

A chopstick-making class in Shinjuku where you choose from over 10 premium wood species, shape and finish your pair with an instructor's guidance, and add custom Kanji engraving: all in a single session. English-speaking staff walk you through each step. The wood selection and laser engraving are included, with no surcharge for rare varieties like Yakusugi that normally cost up to ¥8,000.

The experience

You pick your wood first. The selection spans more than 10 types, from standard options to premium species with distinctive colors and grains: Yakusugi and other rare woods that would normally carry a steep price tag are available at no extra cost. Once you've chosen, you move to the workstation where an English-speaking instructor guides you through shaping and sanding your pair. The process takes about an hour, and the staff keep the pace manageable whether you're working quickly or taking time to get the finish exactly right.

Personalization happens at the end. You use the workshop's original Kanji dictionary to transform your name into characters, then watch as the laser engraves them onto your chopsticks. That engraving is included, no add-on fee. You walk out with a finished, one-of-a-kind souvenir the same day, ready to use or gift. The workshop sits in Shinjuku with views of the neighborhood, and the space also stocks Japanese souvenirs if you want to browse before or after.

What’s included

• Guidance from an English-speaking instructor.
• choice of any premium wood species with no surcharge.
• laser engraving with custom Kanji of your choice.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day20 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 18:30

Book up to1h before

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

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

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Japan Guide Star

Is this one for you?You work hands-on with the instructor guiding each step, so this suits anyone who wants to make something themselves rather than watch a demonstration: no woodworking experience needed, and the pace adjusts to you. Groups of up to 60 can book together if you're traveling with a larger party.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can I choose any of the wood types without paying extra?

Yes. All 10+ wood species are included with no surcharge, even the premium varieties like Yakusugi that normally sell for up to ¥8,000 each.

Is the Kanji engraving really included, or is that an add-on?

Laser engraving is included. You pick your name, convert it to Kanji using the workshop dictionary, and the staff engrave it into your chopsticks at no extra cost.

How long does the whole class take?

The workshop runs for about an hour from start to finish, including wood selection, shaping, sanding, oiling and engraving.

Do I need any experience with woodworking to do this?

No. The instructor guides you through every step, and the class is designed for all skill levels. You'll shape and sand your chopsticks with hands-on help from the English-speaking staff.

Can I take my chopsticks home the same day?

Yes. Your finished chopsticks are ready to take with you when the class ends, so you leave with a completed souvenir.