When most people think of souvenirs from Tokyo, they picture keychains, magnets, or boxes of Japanese snacks. Not many think about taking home something they made themselves. In recent years, however, social media has inspired travellers to seek out more personal and memorable experiences, with many visitors choosing to create their own handmade Japanese souvenirs during their trip.
One of the most popular souvenir-making experiences right now is learning how to make your own chopsticks in Tokyo. The experience uses traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques in a fun, hands-on activity. A chopstick-making workshop allows you to create a unique keepsake that you’ll actually use long after returning home.
Quick Links
What to expect from a Chopstick Workshop in Tokyo
A chopstick-making workshop in Tokyo gives visitors the chance to create their own pair of chopsticks from scratch. While each workshop is slightly different, most experiences involve selecting a piece of wood, shaping it by hand, sanding it smooth, and applying a finish before taking your completed chopsticks home.
The process is surprisingly relaxing and requires no previous woodworking experience. Workshop staff guide you through each step, making it suitable for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups alike.
Unlike many tourist activities, you’ll leave with something practical and meaningful. Every time you use your chopsticks at home, you’ll be reminded of your trip to Japan.
Most chopstick-making workshops take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.
After a short introduction, you’ll be given a wooden blank that will eventually become your chopsticks. Using hand tools, you’ll carefully shape the wood into an even pair before sanding it smooth.
Many workshops allow you to choose from different wood types, each with its own colour and grain pattern. Some experiences also include engraving or personalisation options, allowing you to add your name or a special message.
Things to Know Before Booking
Import Restrictions
Some countries restrict wooden items from entering. These are usually limited to non-treated, non-commercial wood. However, to ensure your souvenir comes home with you, keep your receipts, keep your chopsticks packaged after your workshop until you return home, and declare it on your arrival card when heading home if required.
Booking
Explore Tokyo
Top Attractions
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Highly Rated
Popular and famous Hotel in Shinjuku, with rooms overlooking the Shinjuku Godzilla Head statue.
lyf Ginza Tokyo
Highly Recommended
The lyf Ginza Tokyo is a hip, modern hotel with funky wall art and artistic rooms. The rooms are well laid out, and designed with travellers in mind, often offering great places to ample room to store luggage - a true luxury in Tokyo. For hotels near Tokyo Station, the Lyf Ginza Tokyo is priced more affordably than other nearby hotels.
APA Hotel Akihabara Ekikita
Perfect for solo travellers
Modern and fresh economy hotel with all the common amenities, centrally located only a few minutes from JR Akihabara Station.
