Tokyo Asakusa: Chopsticks Making Workshop near Senso-ji

Make your own chopsticks in Asakusa with a local craftsman

You’ll step off Asakusa’s busy streets into a quiet workshop where you’ll shape, sand, and engrave your own wooden chopsticks with help from a friendly bilingual instructor. Feel the texture change under your hands as you work and take home a practical souvenir that actually means something, plus maybe a funny story or two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chopsticks making workshop in Asakusa

• Arrive near Senso ji Temple
• Attend chopstick culture introduction
• Shape and sand wooden chopsticks
• Add personalized engravings
• Complete and take home chopsticks

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the faint scent of wood dust hanging in the air, not sharp, but sort of warm and comforting. We’d just ducked off the busy street near Senso-ji Temple, and suddenly it was quiet except for the scrape of sandpaper and someone’s gentle laugh (I think it was our instructor, Yuki). She handed me a block of wood and said something about “finding its shape.” I didn’t expect to feel nervous about making chopsticks, but there I was, holding this little plank like it might bite me.

Yuki showed us how to use the tools (some old, some shiny new), and let us pick from a couple different woods. I went with something dark. My partner chose lighter. The sanding part took longer than I thought. My hands got kind of numb from rubbing, but honestly, it felt good to slow down and just focus on getting those edges smooth. There was this moment where sunlight slid through the window and caught the dust in the air: made everything look soft for a second. Someone tried to carve their name in kanji and everyone cheered when they didn’t totally mess it up. Yuki helped me with mine (she laughed at my handwriting but in a nice way).

I kept thinking about how many times I’ve used chopsticks without ever wondering who made them or how they’re shaped just right for your hand. Now I have this pair that’s a bit crooked (okay, very crooked) but they’re mine. We finished up with tea while our pieces dried, swapping stories with another couple from Osaka who’d done this as a date idea. It was one of those small things that sticks with you, not flashy or loud, but real.

What’s included

• Your booking covers use of traditional tools and materials for making your own wooden chopsticks in Asakusa near Senso-ji Temple.
• guidance from a bilingual Japanese-English instructor.
• choice between several types of wood (with premium options available).
• optional engraving for personalization.
• and a relaxed creative atmosphere where everyone’s welcome, even if you’ve never held sandpaper before.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 18:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 32

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 effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Traveling Tokyo

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How long does the Tokyo Asakusa chopsticks making workshop take?

The workshop usually lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Do I need any experience to join the workshop?

No experience is required. All steps are guided by an instructor.

Where is the workshop located in Tokyo?

The workshop is held in Asakusa, just steps from Senso-ji Temple.

Can I personalize my chopsticks during the class?

Yes, you can engrave your chopsticks for an additional charge.

Are materials included in the price?

Yes, all tools and materials needed are included in your booking.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks Japanese and English.