Ginza Chopstick Making Workshop, Tokyo
Ginza is Tokyo's most polished shopping district, and it hides a small studio where you can craft your own wooden chopsticks with traditional tools. Tucked into the Kusumoto Building a short walk from the flagship stores, the workshop takes about an hour and hands you a finished pair to take home. This guide covers what is included, the wood choices, the price and how to book.
About the Ginza Chopstick Workshop
Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund
From a raw wooden blank to a finished, oiled pair
Kusumoto Building, a short walk from the Ginza flagship stores
Three included in the price, with premium grades available
Instructions and safety guidance are given in English
Your finished chopsticks leave with you the same day
Why the Ginza Studio
Craft in the middle of the shopping district
Ginza is better known for department stores and the Kabuki-za theatre than for hands-on craft, which is exactly what makes this studio a nice surprise. You shape your chopsticks with traditional tools while English-speaking staff walk you through each stage, then step back out into one of Tokyo's most walkable districts.
It is the easy choice if your day already runs through central Tokyo. To weigh it against the old-town and high-floor options, compare every chopstick studio in the city in our Tokyo chopstick studio guide.
What You Make in the Workshop
Your own pair, from blank to finish
You start with two square blanks and shape them into a smooth, usable pair. The wide choice of woods is a highlight here, so it is worth taking a moment over the colour and grain before you begin.
- Pick from more than ten woods, three of them included in the price
- Shape each blank into a smooth taper with traditional Japanese tools
- Round the corners for a comfortable hold
- Sand the surface through finer grits until smooth
- Finish with oil to lift the grain, then take the pair home
What's Included, and What Costs Extra
The base price and the add-ons
The price covers the workshop, three woods to choose from, all the tools and English-speaking guidance. Premium woods and name engraving are optional and easy to add on the day.
| Option | Typical cost | Worth it if |
|---|---|---|
| Class + 3 wood choices | From $27 | You want the core experience |
| Premium wood upgrade | A few dollars more | You want a darker or figured grain |
| Name engraving | Around 1,000 yen | It is a gift or a keepsake |
Your Hour at the Bench
-
0:00
Arrive and choose wood
Meet the staff at the Ginza studio and pick from the ten-plus woods on offer.
-
0:10
Shape the taper
Work the square blank into a smooth taper with the traditional tools.
-
0:30
Round and refine
Ease the corners and even out the thickness for a balanced pair.
-
0:40
Sand smooth
Move through the grits until the surface is smooth to the touch.
-
0:50
Oil and optional engraving
Finish with oil, and add your name if you upgraded to engraving.
-
1:00
Wrap and go
Your finished chopsticks are bagged for you to carry home.
Know Before You Go
A few practical notes
Nothing here is demanding, but a little preparation helps.
- What to wear: something you do not mind picking up light wood dust; closed shoes suit the bench
- What to bring: nothing beyond yourself; all tools and materials are provided
- Not wheelchair accessible: the studio is up in the Kusumoto Building; check ahead if you have access needs
- Not allowed: heavy washing of the freshly oiled pair for a day or two
Where It Is — Ginza, Chuo-ku
Who the Ginza Workshop Suits
Best for a central Tokyo day
This is the studio to pick if you are shopping in Ginza, catching a Kabuki-za matinee, or simply want the widest wood selection. It is central, calm and easy to reach.
- Great for: travellers already in central Tokyo
- Great for: anyone who wants the most wood choices
- Less ideal for: those who need step-free access or an old-town setting
Ginza Chopstick Workshop: Common Questions
How much does the Ginza chopstick workshop cost?
It starts from about $27 per person and covers the workshop, three woods to choose from and all the tools. Premium woods cost a few dollars more, and name engraving is usually around 1,000 yen.
How long does the workshop take?
Around one hour, from choosing your wood to a finished, oiled pair you take home the same day.
How many woods can I choose from?
The studio lays out more than ten woods, with three included in the base price and premium grades available as an upgrade.
Is it available in English?
Yes. The staff speak English, so instructions and guidance are given in English throughout.
Where exactly is the studio?
In the Kusumoto Building in Ginza, a short walk from the district's flagship stores and the Kabuki-za theatre.
Do I need any woodworking experience?
No. The staff guide you through each step, and the workshop welcomes complete beginners.
What Travellers Say About the Ginza Workshop
A lovely little studio right in Ginza. So many woods to choose from, and the staff were friendly and spoke great English. My chopsticks look beautiful.
We slotted this in before a Kabuki show and it was perfect. Relaxed, hands-on and genuinely fun. Great value for central Tokyo.
Loved picking the wood colour and shaping the pair myself. The engraving upgrade made a lovely gift for my mum.