Namba Chopstick Making Workshop: Create & Engrave Premium Wood

Shape, sand and oil your own chopsticks, then take them home the same day.

A one-hour chopstick-making class in Namba where you select from over 10 types of wood, including rare premium varieties, shape and finish your pair, and add custom Kanji engraving. An English-speaking instructor guides you through the entire process, and you leave with a finished, personalized souvenir. The workshop is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

The experience

Namba's workshop lets you pick from more than 10 wood species, some of which normally cost up to ¥8,000 on their own. You'll work with premium selections like rare Yakusugi and woods chosen for their unique colors and grains. The staff handles the setup. You shape, sand and oil the chopsticks under live guidance, learning the techniques as you go. No experience needed: the instructor walks you through each step.

Custom engraving is included. You'll use the workshop's original Kanji dictionary to transform your name into unique characters, then watch as they're laser-engraved into your finished pair. The whole process takes about an hour, and you take the chopsticks home the same day. The space overlooks Shinjuku, and you can browse Japanese souvenirs or check out other classes like Kintsugi and Calligraphy while you're there. The workshop welcomes group bookings of up to 60 guests.

What’s included

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

Before you book

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Japan Guide Star

Is this one for you?The workshop sits in Namba with public transportation nearby, so you don't need a car or a guide to get there. Book it if you're staying in the area and want a finished souvenir you can carry home the same afternoon.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can I choose which type of wood for my chopsticks?

Yes. You pick from over 10 wood species, including premium options like rare Yakusugi and woods with distinctive colors and grains. All premium woods are included with no extra charge.

What does the Kanji engraving let me do?

You use the workshop's Kanji dictionary to convert your name into custom characters, then the staff laser-engraves them into your finished chopsticks. It's included in the class.

How long does the whole workshop take?

The class runs about an hour from start to finish. You shape and sand your chopsticks, apply oil, choose your engraving, and leave with the completed pair the same day.

Is the workshop accessible if I use a wheelchair?

Yes. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options nearby are also wheelchair accessible.

Do I need any experience with woodworking?

No. The English-speaking instructor guides you through shaping, sanding and oiling. The class is suitable for all physical fitness levels.