Bringing chopsticks back home from Japan is a solid souvenir choice. Practical, traditional, and straight from the source. You could grab a pair for ¥200 at any Japanese store like Daiso or Don Quijote. Or, you could take it up a notch and make your own at a chopstick-making workshop. It’s a great option if:
- You like hands-on activities.
- But you’re not too advanced (e.g. a professional woodworker would find it too simple).
- You want a fun experience with the people you’re traveling with (and yes, making chopsticks is pretty kid-friendly too).
In this post you’ll find out more about how chopsticks are made, and the best places in Tokyo and Kyoto where you can make your own.
What Chopsticks Really Mean in Japanese Culture
Chopsticks are utensils to eat, yes, but they’re also one of the cultural icons representing the history and traditions of Japan. They originated more at least 2000 years ago in China and were first only used as cooking utensils, but have evolved in design and utility to what we know today.
They’re an integral part of the dining culture in East Asian countries, including Japan. If you eat with Japanese people and use chopsticks, you will probably even hear them complimenting your chopstick skills, proud that a foreigner can use their utensils with dexterity.
In fact, chopsticks are so integral to Japanese dining that they have their own set of customs and manners, known as “chopstick etiquette“. Making your own chopsticks is a fun way to connect to the Japanese culture while bringing a practical souvenir home.
How to Make Your Own Chopsticks: The Process
When it comes to making chopsticks, you first need to choose the type of wood. Popular options include bamboo, cypress, or oak. But there are many more, each offering its unique texture and aesthetic appeal.
After selecting your wood, the process generally involves 1. cutting it into shape, 2. sanding the surface, and finally, 3. applying a layer of protective coating or lacquer.
This activity is pretty beginner-friendly, but don’t think it will be easy. I actually almost transformed my chopsticks into toothpicks when I did it at Mogami Kogei workshop (this is the most authentic chopstick making experience in Japan. Read my review here)! Fortunately my instructor fixed my mistakes and I could leave with beautiful chopsticks.
Here is a video I made about this experience:
But even for those like me who are not good at manual work, participating in a chopstick-making workshop allows you to learn these skills from experienced artisans while giving you the opportunity to create chopsticks that are uniquely yours.
This hands-on approach to embracing Japanese culture doesn’t stop with chopsticks. If you’re intrigued by traditional craftsmanship, explore how you can also make your own knife in Japan, another way to connect with Japan’s deep artisanal culture.
Where Can You Make Your Own Chopsticks in Tokyo?
Surprisingly, there aren’t a lot of choices when it comes to making chopstick in Tokyo. I’ve been working in the Japan travel industry since 2019 and I’ve only seen a handful of workshops since then. Here I selected the two best (and only consistently available) workshops where you can have a chopstick-making experience in Tokyo and around:
| Workshop Name | Location | Price | Unique Features | Reservation Link |
| Mogami Kogei | Kuramae, Tokyo | ¥30,000/person ($197/person) | – 100% private (no mixed group) – An interpreter will accompany you – Duration: 1h30 minutes – Ideally located in central Tokyo – Learn from master craftsman Yutaka Mogami, one of the only one in Japan – Lesson and talk on the history and craft of Edo sashimono woodworking – Get a handmade chopstick box made in high quality Aizu paulownia wood to take your chopsticks home | Wabunka |
| Karaki Mokko | Kawagoe, Saitama (1h from Tokyo) | ¥1,650/person ($11/person) + additional fees based on the wood chosen to make the chopsticks | – English instructions are available, but staff may have limited English proficiency – Choose from 16 different types of wood – Duration: 30 minutes | Jalan (in Japanese only), or walk-in |
My recommendation:
If you have the budget, go with Mogami Kogei. I went there and I absolutely loved it. This is by far the best chopstick-making experience you will find in Tokyo, and even in Japan.
It is more expensive, but having this private experience with a master craftsman who dedicated his life to his art is definitely worth it. You will also be accompanied by an interpreter, so that you can ask questions and communicate with master craftsman Mogami-san (one of the ten last Edo Sashimono woodworking craftsmen in Tokyo) on a whole different level. And as a plus, Mogami Kogei is located in central Tokyo.
You can read my full report about this experience here.
This workshop is offered by Wabunka. If you’re looking for unique and non-touristy experiences in Japan, check out their website. They offer the most authentic experiences available out there. (Disclaimer: I’ve worked with them as part of my job in the travel industry, so I know them personally. I can vouch for their expertise and professionalism).
If you’re on a budget and are not worried about going through a Japanese website for the booking process (or just walk-in the store and book your 30-minute session), then go for Karaki Mokko in Kawagoe. Honestly, it won’t be as memorable – you will be in a crowded shop and a staff person will give you quick basic instructions – but you’ll still have fun making your own handmade personalized chopsticks. Be aware that English may be limited.
A word on Kawagoe though – it is a city north-west of Tokyo (it is actually in Saitama, a neighboring prefecture) that kept an old and traditional vibe. I wouldn’t recommend going just for the chopstick-making workshop, but Kawagoe is worth the day trip, especially if you’re not visiting Kyoto or other cities with a traditional district like Okayama or Kanazawa during your trip. Kawagoe is one hour away or less by train from most the major stations of Tokyo, and a one-way trip will cost you ¥600 to ¥800 depending on which station you’re starting from (but you’ll have to take the Tobu-Tojo line from Ikebukuro in any case to reach Kawagoe Station).
Where Can You Make Your Own Chopsticks in Kyoto?
Kyoto is a city rich with history of traditional crafts, and it offers a more extensive range of chopstick-making workshops compared to Tokyo:
| Workshop Name | Location | Price | Unique Features | Reservation Link |
| Takano Chikko | Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto | ¥33,000/person ($210/person) | – Private group (only your group) – An interpreter will accompany you – Duration: 1h30 minutes – Make bamboo chopsticks – Visit a bamboo garden and learn from a professional bamboo harvester – Eat Japanese confectionery and drink matcha tea in artisanal bamboo dishware – Take home your chopsticks and a chopstick rest made of bamboo | Wabunka |
| Marumasu-Nishimuraya | Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto | ¥3,500/person ($22/person) | – Available in English – Duration: 2h – Decorate a small chopstick bag to take your chopsticks home | Wamazing |
| Kyomachiya Workshop Waraku | Higashiyama, Kyoto | ¥3,300/person ($21/person) | – English might be limited – Duration: 1h – Material: bamboo – The workshop is in a 120 years old Machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) – Located in traditional district Higashiyama | Activity Japan (machine-translated English) |
| Yokoyama Bamboo Store | Kamigyo, Kyoto | ¥4,950/person ($32/person) | – Available in English – Duration: 2h – Material: bamboo – Get a case to take your chopsticks home | Activity Japan (machine-translated English) |
My recommendation:
If your budget allows, Takano Chikko will offer you the best experience. You’ll be able to dive deep into the art of using bamboo as an artisanal material. It’s perfect if you’re deeply interested in artisanal art, or if you’re looking for a real connection with Japanese artisans.
As for a budget-friendly options, Kyomachiya Workshop Waraku ideally sits in Kyoto’s traditional Higashiyama district, and offers an authentic chopstick-making setting that likely aligns with what you’re imagining. However, be mindful that English proficiency there may be limited.
If language is a concern, I’d suggest opting for Marumasu-Nishimuraya or Yokoyama Bamboo Store, as both provide similar but more English-friendly experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Kids Participate in Chopstick-Making Workshops?
Absolutely, chopstick-making can be a great family activity. However, it’s best to double-check age restrictions or guidelines when you book.
Is There a Dress Code for These Workshops?
Generally, there’s no dress code, but comfortable and casual attire is usually recommended. Note that you will probably have wood particles or dust on you by the end of the experience.
How Long Does a Typical Chopstick-Making Class Last?
Most workshops last between one to two hours. The duration can vary based on how guided the activity is and the pace of the class.
Do I Need to Book in Advance?
While some workshops may accept walk-ins, it’s generally advisable to book in advance.
Can I Personalize My Chopsticks?
Yes, many workshops allow you to personalize your chopsticks, either by carving initials, adding decorations, engraving your own chopstick box, or at least choosing specific types of wood.
The Bottom Line
Making your own chopsticks is such a cool, off-the-beaten-path experience, and you get a functional souvenir to bring home. Only downside is, you’ll want to eat sushi all the time back home just so that you can show off your handmade chopsticks!
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