Osaka Chopsticks Making Workshop: Craft & Engrave Your Own

You shape the wood yourself with a traditional kanna hand plane, not just decorate a finished pair.

Make your own chopsticks in Osaka using a traditional Japanese kanna hand plane to shape and smooth the wood, then finish with natural oil under an English-speaking instructor's guidance. You choose from several wood types, each with its own grain and color. Personalized engraving of your name or a message is available for an additional cost, turning your handmade pair into a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

The experience

You'll spend about an hour selecting a wood that appeals to you (hinoki is included, and other varieties are available for an extra charge), then learn to use the kanna, a traditional Japanese hand plane that has shaped chopsticks for generations. The instructor works in English and shows you how to shape the chopsticks from raw wood, then smooth the surface by hand. The whole process moves at your pace, and you finish by oiling the wood to bring out its grain and protect it.

The engraving option lets you add your name or a message to the ends of your chopsticks, making them genuinely personal rather than a generic souvenir. Because you've made them yourself, the memory of the work stays with the object. You'll remember the feel of the kanna, the smell of the wood, the moment it started to look like something you could actually eat with.

What’s included

• Hands-on chopstick making with a traditional Japanese kanna hand plane.
• hinoki wood.
• natural oil finish.
• English-speaking instructor.
• authentic Japanese tools and materials.
• optional personalized engraving available for additional cost.

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by With Japan

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling solo or with one other person and want a hands-on souvenir you actually made, not something you picked off a shelf. The small group size and one-on-one instruction mean you get the full attention of the guide while you work.

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Top questions

Can I choose what kind of wood my chopsticks are made from?

Hinoki wood is included in the workshop. Other wood varieties are available for an additional charge, so you can pick based on the color and grain you prefer.

What is a kanna and will I be able to use it if I've never done woodworking before?

A kanna is a traditional Japanese hand plane used for centuries to shape chopsticks and other wood. The instructor teaches you how to use it from the start, and the workshop is suitable for all fitness levels, so no prior experience is needed.

Is the engraving included, or does it cost extra?

Personalized engraving is optional and available for an additional cost. You can add your name or a special message to the ends of your chopsticks if you want that extra personal touch.

How long does the whole workshop take?

The workshop runs for about an hour, from selecting your wood through shaping, smoothing and finishing with natural oil.

Will the instructor speak English?

Yes, the instructor speaks English, so you'll be able to follow the steps and ask questions throughout the process.