Top Tokyo Classes & Workshops

Turn something old into something new during this lesson in the Japanese art of "Kintsugi," the practice of repairing broken pottery. Stemming from a Japanese belief that breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, rather than a reason to throw them away, your class involves repairing damaged items with lacquer mixed with gold. Don a "samue" as you refinish one traditional pottery item, leaving with a newfound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and a unique souvenir.

-our instrctor has more than 10 years experience in Battodo (swordsmanship) -plus acquired silver medal once, bronze medal twice in the all Japan championship during the past 3 years. -our instructor is bilingual in English and Japanese, he explains participants about not solely key points culture and history of samurai and classical martial arts. == -Guided by an instructor swordsman with more than 10 years of experience -Demonstration by instructor swordsman with more than 10 years of experience -Experience using real swords used in the past -The only serious facility in Asakusa

Learn kintsugi from a charming artist/potter couple, who have decades of experience teaching this delicate and ancient technique. Tea + cake break included!

Pottery is an art form deeply embedded in Japanese culture. As a visitor, it can be difficult to find a way to experience it. This tour offers just that. You can learn how to make pottery from a sensei (teacher) in central Tokyo.

Raise your sword like a true samurai warrior during this flexible-length training session in Tokyo. Discover the samurai practice of ‘Kenbu Tachibana Ittoryu’ style, a special sword performance that’s been around for more than 80 years. During your class you’ll don a samurai outfit and train with the ‘katana’ (single-edge samurai sword) and enjoy a photo shoot to help commemorate your experience. Your outfit rental, an instructor and photo and video footage from the session are included.

If you want a souvenir that is completely different to anything you might find in the shops, create your own in this glass blowing experience at the Tokyo Glass Art Institute. Choose what you want to create, as well as the color, shape, and design, and, under close instruction, create your own unique glass artwork.

Chado, a tea ceremony that has roots in Zen, was established in Japan more than 400 years ago. Its fundamental form and style has never changed, and there are still many people studying and enjoying the culture worldwide. A Tea room is a space in which people experience mindfulness, and the tea-making process provides spiritual discipline. This is a chado school licensed from Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto, one of the biggest chado schools in the world. Ms. Mika Soka Haneishi, the owner of the school is a first degree instructor of Urasenke. She has been practicing Chado for over 23 years. This is not tourism—it is rather an immersion in culture.

Creative and artistic travelers will love the chance to take an old piece of pottery and breathe new life into it. Kintsugi is a unique Japanese art form where broken pottery is repaired with gold, creating a beautiful and new object. Learn the techniques and philosophy of the art from a master, with the assistance of an interpreter. Bring your own broken piece from home to work on.

Become a real ninja for the day during this 60-minute experience at the Jidai Academy Dojo in Tokyo. If you’ve ever want to learn about the techniques and culture of the ninja, this entry-level class is a great starting point. Don a real-life ‘ninja gi’ outfit to begin your training, making sure to pose for a few photos first. Among the skills you’ll learn are meditation and ‘Kuja-kiri’ (well-wishing), the ‘Embu’ (ancestor dedication) and an introduction to ninja weapons like the blowgun and ‘shruiken’ (ninja star), among others. You’ll also discover the ninja philosophy of ‘ku’ or no-self, focusing on minimizing conflict.

Discover the Japanese art of wrapping and enjoy a casual tea ceremony in Asakusa with this combination class. Tenugui and furoshiki are both traditional Japanese fabrics, and in recent years have started to make a comeback with modern twists including as smartphone covers. Learn wrapping techniques from a professional kimono dresser then take part in a small tea ceremony in a traditional tatami room, where you’ll learn how to whisk matcha green tea.

Japanese flower-arranging is a time-honored tradition, and herbariums are the newest—and trendiest—form to learn. Make your own bottled flower display during this relaxing, hands-on workshop, located in the heart of cutting-edge Jiyugaoka. Choose your own colorful blossoms and get two complimentary glass bottles to fill with blooming designs. Upgrade to add a scented perfume to your bottle, and enjoy a post-workshop cup of tea.

Craft the perfect day of learning, art and Japanese culture during this 40-minute Japanese sword experience. Feel like an authentic samurai as you learn to wield a real ‘Katana’ during a trial cutting lesson from your instructor. The instructor and all equipment are included. If you want up the authenticity of your excursion, optional class upgrades are available, including a Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy lesson and kimono wearing.

Discover the art of bonsai, the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in an artistic shape, during this hands-on experience near Tokyo. Head to Bonsai-cho and learn various techniques for shaping and pruning bonsai trees while a guide answers any questions you may have. Learn about the history of bonsai, visit a bonsai garden or the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, and get an overview of everything bonsai.

Beyond calligraphy, you can also catch a glimpse of the Japanese lifestyle. The lesson is held at the instructor's house, so you can see where and how Japanese people live! If you are curious about the Japanese lifestyle and culture, this is a great chance. You can bring back the fan or colored paper you make! Once you have written your character or word on the fan or colored paper, you can bring it back home with you as a only one souvenir in the world!!

Creative, craft-loving travelers will love the opportunity to make their very own Daruma dolls in the Chofu neighborhood of Tokyo. These cute, round dolls are considered to be good luck charms, and you can write your own wish on the doll to help it come true. Decorate the doll to your own tastes, and have a unique and personalized souvenir to take home with you.

Get your adrenaline pumping and make like a samurai during this 1.5-hour private sword lesson in Tokyo. Held in a ‘dōjō’ training center in Ginza, your lesson will be taught by a 7th-level sword master trained in the Hisui-style of of Iai sword drawing. You’ll learn about the history of curved katana swords and how to safely use them, before practicing chopping up mats with your own sword! You’ll even wear a traditional kimono like the samurai. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see part of Japan’s culture, up close.

Challenge yourself physically and mentally while learning the traditional Japanese martial art of aikido. The whole family enjoys a class in the customs and manners of aikido, gets a demonstration from a professional instructor, and tries out the basic movements and spirit of this martial art. Easily schedule this activity into your itinerary with class times between 9 am and 9 pm.

【OUTLINE】 Experience the essence of Japan at its vibrant best with Edo Kiriko, a traditional Japanese craft in which delicate patterns are carved onto glass. Select your favorite design from over ten beautiful patterns to carve along the sides or bottom, and carefully box your glass for taking back home. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 ・30 seconds on foot from Asakusa Station ・Select your favorite design from over ten samples to carve along the side and bottom ・Take home a souvenir you made yourself

Learn the ancient arts of the ninja during this fun-filled introduction to key ninja techniques, culture and weapons. Get suited up in an authentic ‘ninja gi’ outfit as you begin your mental and physical training with an instructor in the ways of the ninja. Among the skills you’ll learn during your session are meditation and ‘Kuja-kiri’ (well-wishing), the ‘Embu’ (ancestor dedication) and an introduction to ninja weapons like the blowgun and ‘shruiken’ (ninja star), among others. You’ll also gain a newfound appreciation for key ninja philosophies like protecting others, community and freedom and have plenty of time for photo-taking at the end.

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging, which dates back over 600 years. This Ikebana experience is perfect for beginners, as you’ll learn step-by-step how to create a Sogetsu style Ikebana display. No need to worry about bringing anything with you as all tools, flowers, and foliage are included in the fee. After creating your masterpiece, enjoy a green tea and Japanese sweets.

Become an expert calligrapher in this hands-on dynamic session near Tokyo Tower! Here in Japan, calligraphy is more than just writing. We inherited our complex writing system from China over a thousand years' ago, and there's hundreds of years worth of story, evolution and meaning behind each character, and in turn, how we approach calligraphy. Our professional, bilingual calligraphers teach you this fascinating history and more, equipping you with the skills and techniques that Japanese calligraphers have been perfecting for centuries. All in the confines of our state-of-the-art Grand TJT experiences room! All customers make their very own calligraphy wall piece, the perfect souvenir from your trip to Japan.

Embrace your inner samurai during this immersive 1-hour swordsmanship and shuriken workshop in Tokyo. Under the guidance of a trained professional, you’ll learn traditional warrior stances such as Hasso, Johdan, and Gedan and practice sparring with a partner. Your instructor will also explain the history behind samurai swordsmanship and its role in Japanese culture. The class will be offered in a traditional ‘dojo’ and you will use a real wooden sword as you learn.

If you’re interested in martial arts, no visit to Japan is complete without trying your hand at karate, an art that’s been practiced for thousands of years. During this hands-on cultural experience, you’ll learn the etiquette and basic movements of karate from a professional sensei (karate teacher). This experience is suitable for travelers with little or no previous experience.

Creative travelers will love this opportunity to try their hand at a traditional Japanese art form. Sumi-e is a form of painting inspired by Zen Buddhism. Paint your own artwork and take it home in a frame as a souvenir. The art class will be held in a macrobiotic and organic café, and after the class you will have a snack or meal at the café. This is a fun activity for anyone who likes to have new cultural experiences.