Best Traditional Crafts Workshops in Tokyo
Dive deep into Japanese history and tradition by joining a traditional craft workshop during your stay in Japan. You can learn about time-honored techniques and artistic mastery from various kinds of craftsmen in Tokyo. From intricate pottery to delicate textiles, you can experience the beauty and heritage of Japanese craftsmanship firsthand. During your stay at one of our hotels you will be able to experience the best of the city and have convenient access to these traditional crafts workshops in Tokyo.
Click the button below to book your stay at The Millennials Shibuya.
Click the button below to book your stay at THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN.
Click the button below to book your stay at HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU.
Click the button below to book your stay at HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA.
Furin – Wind chime making
Japanese culture has a deep appreciation for the beauty and essence of the wind, as reflected in words such as fuzei, fuga and fushu, with “fu” signifying wind. Wind chimes, or furin, transform the breeze into melodious sounds, becoming an integral part of Japan’s hot and humid summers. Nowadays, they are also appreciated as unique decorative pieces for interiors, offering a sense of coolness and tranquility with their gentle sounds during the summer months.
Shinohara Furin offers workshops for those interested in experiencing the art of furin, or wind chime, making firsthand. You can experience glass blowing to create a personalized wind chime or opt for a shorter session where you paint your own designs on pre-made chimes. Wind chimes are meticulously crafted by hand, ensuring each one has a unique sound, even if they share the same design and appearance. Popular motifs include summer scenes, such as fireworks, goldfish and seasonal flowers.
Click here to make a reservation.
Washi paper making
Situated in the heart of Nihonbashi, Ozu Washi serves as not just a shop but as a cultural hub dedicated to the art and appreciation of Japanese washi paper. You can participate in a hands-on experience in the traditional craft of washing paper making at this shop. In their studio, you can learn the process and create your own washi paper to take home, all within a session lasting about an hour. The studio welcomes walk-in participants, space permitting, and is easily accessible through a glass sliding door at the building’s entrance, bypassing the main shop. This immersive experience not only allows you to create a personal souvenir but also connects you with a pivotal aspect of Japanese cultural heritage.
Click here to make a reservation.
Aizome – Indigo dyeing
The traditional Japanese craft of indigo dyeing, which originated in the Edo Period, has seen a revival in interest from contemporary clothing designers seeking authentic, traditionally made materials. This natural indigo dyeing technique is celebrated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its functional benefits, including odor neutralization, insect repellence and protection against allergies, atopic conditions, and sunburn.
Wanariya, which has a studio with four dyeing vats, is open to everyone, catering to a wide demographic, from children as young as four to the elderly. Wanariya encourages family participation and offers assistance in photography to ensure a memorable experience for all visitors. The studio is capable of accommodating groups up to 45 people, with a 75-minute session required for handkerchief and washcloth dyeing. English assistance is available. One of the highlights at Wanariya is the Shibori (tie-dye) experience, a technique that involves various methods of binding and folding fabric to create unique patterns. This method emphasizes the individuality of each piece, as no two designs are the same.
Click here to make a reservation.
Food Sample Making
Japan’s fascination with food samples, or plastic food replicas, has become an intriguing aspect of its culture, attracting many international visitors who now consider these items a must-have souvenir. At the Yamato Sample Factory, a pioneer in food sample creation since 1952, you have the opportunity to craft your own realistic-looking food sample under the guidance of skilled professionals. You can craft items ranging from life-sized ramen bowls to smaller, charming items like tarts, cupcakes and parfaits. The workshop includes a brief introduction to the history and significance of food samples in Japan, a tour showcasing various examples of these artful creations and a 40-minute hands-on session where participants can unleash their creativity.
Click here to make a reservation.
Amezaiku Sculpting
Amezaiku has a rich history dating back over a millennium, originating in the Heian period as temple offerings in Kyoto and later evolving into a form of street performance art due to its visual appeal and the skill required. The process involves heating the candy to 90 degrees Celsius (200 degrees Fahrenheit) to make it malleable for sculpting with tools like scissors and tweezers, often resulting in stunningly detailed and glossy creations like fish or flowers.
At Amezaiku Ameshin in Asakusa you can create a candy sculpture of a rabbit using mizuame, a soft candy. The workshop includes a demonstration by an experienced artisan, followed by two practice sessions before crafting the final piece. Once completed, you can personalize your candy rabbit with food coloring, creating an adorable edible masterpiece to enjoy or take home as a keepsake.
Click here to make a reservation.
The Millennials Shibuya is the ultimate high-tech capsule hotel experience. 6-min walk from Shibuya Station. 120 SmartPod units, IoT integration, futuristic design, and coworking spaces.
Click the button below to book your stay at The Millennials Shibuya.
THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN crafts a luxurious lifestyle with 62 elegant rooms and attractive facilities including a rooftop bar with a great atmosphere.
Click the button below to book your stay at THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN.
A little urban oasis located in the heart of Yanesen and near Ueno station. This hostel-like space is the perfect place to come together and take a break from busy Tokyo.
Click the button below to book your stay at HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU.
Explore city history at our hybrid hostel + hotel. GRAND OPENING in March 2024. Immerse in urban charm and a unique stay experience.
Click the button below to book your stay at HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA.