Wood Carving Workshop in Beppu: Carve Kanji into Boxwood

Carve your own kanji into Japanese boxwood with a skilled local artisan

A hands-on wood-carving workshop in Beppu where you carve kanji characters or a design of your choice into Japanese boxwood, guided by a local artisan. All tools and materials are provided, and no prior experience is needed. You'll leave with a finished accessory or keepsake you made yourself.

The experience

The workshop takes place over an hour with a local artisan who walks you through the carving process step by step. Japanese boxwood (prized for its fine grain and traditional use in craftsmanship) becomes your canvas as you choose either kanji characters or a custom design to carve into it. The artisan demonstrates the techniques, then guides you as you work, adjusting your approach so the finished piece turns out the way you imagined it.

All equipment and materials are provided, so you arrive with nothing but an idea of what you want to make. The guide speaks English or Japanese, depending on what works for your group. By the end of the hour, you have a carved boxwood piece ready to take home. A keepsake that carries both the craft and the memory of learning it from someone who practices it every day.

What’s included

• All tools and materials.
• instruction from a local artisan.
• a finished carved boxwood piece to take home.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Space Beppu

Is this one for you?This is a shared workshop with a live guide, so you'll work alongside other participants while the artisan circulates to help each person. It suits anyone who wants to learn a craft hands-on and leave with something they made, without needing prior skill or a private session.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

What exactly do I carve into the boxwood?

You choose either kanji characters or a design of your own. The artisan will help you plan it before you start carving, so the finished piece reflects what you wanted to make.

Do I need any wood-carving experience to join this workshop?

No prior experience is necessary. The artisan teaches you the techniques as you go, and the workshop is designed for complete beginners.

What happens to the piece I carve? Do I take it home?

Yes, your finished carved boxwood becomes an accessory or keepsake you take with you at the end of the workshop.

What's included in the workshop fee?

All fees, taxes, materials and tools are included. You don't need to bring or pay for anything else.

How long does the workshop actually take?

The workshop runs for one hour from start to finish, including the artisan's demonstration and your carving time.