I visited Mogami Kogei, a woodworking workshop in Tokyo’s Kuramae neighborhood, to learn how to make my own chopsticks with its owner, Yutaka Mogami. Wabunka, which arranges private cultural experiences and stays in Japan, had invited me to join a session with my group. We’d also have an interpreter with us, so I was looking forward to seeing Mogami-san’s work and getting to talk with him.
I loved the experience. Mogami-san was so welcoming, and making chopsticks together gave us time to chat about his craft, his family, and life in the workshop. I’ve tried dozens of cultural activities since moving to Japan in 2019, and this is my top recommendation for a private chopstick-making experience in Tokyo. It costs considerably more than a simpler class, but if you’re hoping to meet a craftsman and spend time learning from him, I think it’s well worth considering.
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At a Glance
- Best for: People interested in Japanese woodworking who want time with the craftsman and a private activity for their own group.
- Duration and group size: 1 hour 30 minutes, for one to six guests.
- Language: An English-speaking guide is included in the Wabunka experience.
- What you take home: Your handmade chopsticks and a paulownia wood box.
- Cost: A premium experience. Check the price for your group, or compare the less expensive options in my chopstick workshop guide.
Visiting Mogami-san’s Workshop
After meeting our guide, we went to Mogami-san’s workshop, where he began by showing us the storefront and some of his creations. I really enjoyed having this time with him before we started making anything. He was welcoming us into his own workplace, and the visit felt personal from the beginning.
His craft is Edo sashimono, a traditional form of woodworking in which pieces fit together through carefully made joints rather than nails. Seeing his creations up close was impressive, especially knowing how they were put together. Our chopsticks would be a much simpler project, of course, but I was happy we got to see some of his other work too.
Farther inside, the workshop was small and full of wood and tools. I loved how lived-in it was. Being surrounded by the things he used for his work made the invitation to learn there feel quite special, and we had time to take it all in. I never felt that we were being hurried along to the next stage.
I also made a short video of our visit:
Making My Own Chopsticks
Before we started, Mogami-san offered us traditional workwear, which I was very happy to put on. I certainly looked more capable in it than I turned out to be. At this point, though, I was still convinced that making a pair of chopsticks would be fairly easy.
We each chose our wood and began shaving down the corners little by little. Mogami-san and the interpreter explained what to do, so I understood the steps. Getting my hands to do them properly was another story. Keeping the shape even took much more concentration than I’d expected, and I made several mistakes along the way.
Fortunately, Mogami-san was patient with me. He stepped in when I needed help and corrected what I’d done, rescuing my chopsticks more than once. I was grateful for that, because left entirely to my own skills, I’m not sure the result would have been something I’d want to show anyone.
I still had a lot of fun doing it. There was enough to concentrate on that making the chopsticks felt satisfying, and enough help that my mistakes didn’t spoil the experience. Once we’d finished shaping them, we sanded the wood smooth, ready for the final finish. By then, I had a lot more respect for the care needed to make such a small everyday object.
Talking with Mogami-san
As we worked, we also got to know Mogami-san. We talked about his craft, his family, the workshop, and the woodworking industry, and I honestly enjoyed those conversations as much as making the chopsticks. He was such a kind person to spend time with. Being able to ask him about his life and work made the visit much more personal than I’d expected from a chopstick-making class.
Our interpreter was a huge help throughout. As well as explaining the instructions, they helped us understand Mogami-san’s replies and ask follow-up questions. I was really glad we could have those conversations properly. We had the privacy of our own group and someone helping us communicate, so there was plenty of opportunity to learn about the person teaching us.
For another look at the workshop and its craft, you can watch this video:
Finishing the Chopsticks
I was surprised by how good the chopsticks looked once the finish went on. They looked so much better than they had a few minutes earlier, and after needing all that help, I was very pleased with the result.
I was proud to hold up my finished pair, even if Mogami-san deserved a good share of the credit. I’d made something I could take home and use, with his help whenever I needed it. I really appreciated that balance: we got to do the work ourselves, and he made sure we left with chopsticks we were happy with.
Is Mogami Kogei Worth the Price?
For me, this is worth paying more for. I came away delighted with my chopsticks, but also very happy to have met Mogami-san and spent time in his workshop. His patience, the conversations, and the chance to see his work all contributed to how much I enjoyed the visit. It’s an experience I’d happily recommend to someone who wants that time with a craftsman.
I think it would be particularly lovely for a couple on a honeymoon or anniversary, or for friends who want to make something together. Older children and teenagers who enjoy making things could have a good time too. And if you’re a beginner who’s worried about making a mess of it, I needed plenty of help and still left very pleased with what I’d made.
The price difference is substantial, though. If you mainly want to try making chopsticks and bring home a souvenir, I recommend comparing the cheaper classes in my guide to making your own chopsticks in Japan. A shorter class could be a better choice if you’d prefer to spread your budget across several activities.
On the other hand, if you already do a lot of woodworking, you may find the chopsticks fairly simple to make. Meeting Mogami-san and seeing his work could still be a pleasure, but I recommend this as a visit and an introduction to the craft rather than an advanced lesson.
Booking and Visiting Mogami Kogei
You can book the private experience through Wabunka. They work with artisans and other hosts to arrange cultural experiences for international visitors, and this session is for your group only, with an English-speaking guide included. That’s the arrangement I joined and would recommend if you want to be able to talk with the craftsman as we did.
The session takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Mogami Kogei is at 4-37-10 Kuramae, about a 5-minute walk from Kuramae Station, so allow time for the journey as well. Your confirmation will explain where to meet.
My visit was with Yutaka Mogami. Your instructor may be Yutaka or his son, Ryo, and the chopstick-making now takes place in a separate room from the workshop. The experience includes a visit to the showroom.
The current class finishes the chopsticks with oil, and the Wabunka plan includes a paulownia wood box to take them home in. Box engraving costs extra and needs to be arranged at least 10 days in advance.
I suggest booking early if you only have one possible date, although the minimum notice is 2 days. You’ll be able to check the total price and cancellation terms before paying.
For a family visit, guests under 18 must come with an adult guardian over 18. Check with Wabunka about younger children’s eligibility before booking. The venue isn’t accessible for disabled visitors, so anyone who needs accessible facilities should discuss their requirements with Wabunka.
