Bambus LED Lantern Making Experience i Kyoto Arashiyama

This was one of our favorite activities in Japan. Our hotel in Tokyo had a garden lit up with "bamboo" lanterns so it was exciting to get to make our own. It was easy, didn't take long, and we brought something special home from Kyoto. We have shared our keepsake with others once we got home, and they think they are awesome! There are lots of patterns to choose from in a book with varying levels of difficulty. The owner of the shop assists in changing out the drill bits for the different patterns.

We loved every second of this experience. We’re a family of four with kids aged 9 and 11, and it ended up being a favourite day of the trip. Nori met us at the train station and walked with us to the workshop through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama. Some parts were busy, but others were incredibly peaceful and quiet, we got some beautiful photos along the way. We also passed through lovely neighbourhoods, and during the walk she shared so much about Japan, its history, the bamboo, local plants, and anything else we asked about. She is incredibly knowledgeable and easy to talk to. The workshop itself was so much fun. Nori was patient and encouraging, especially with the kids. One chose a very detailed design and the other created his own, and she guided both of them with clear explanations and genuine care. She made the whole process feel relaxed and enjoyable. We left with beautiful lanterns that make the best souvenirs. Nori is kind, thoughtful, and deeply knowledgeable. We are all so glad we chose this experience — truly 10/10 from our whole family.

This was a great activity, and considering you get to take the bamboo lamps home, it's a wonderful souvenir to put some little lights inside for mood lighting. We took our 13 year-old daughter, who was able to work the machines herself after just a bit of instruction. They provide paper patterns, but you can be as creative as you want with your design.

We met at the train station and the proceeded to walk through the Bamboo Forest. Noriko was very knowledgeable and took the time to tell us all about it. Once we got to her work shop she explained everything to us. We all had a great time. I would definitely recommend this to all my friends.

An unusual activity but so fun, and an amazing souvenir to take back home. Thank you for the workshop.

When we travel, my kids and I enjoy doing experience based workshops. I found this and was excited to try it. Unfortunately the dates that we would be in Kyoto did not have any availability so I emailed in to ask if it was full or just not open. To my surprise, Noriko, responded that although she wouldn't be able to hold the workshop, her son and husband would. She opened the date up for me and we booked it! On the day of the tour, Azusa (Noriko's son) messaged me to tell me where to meet. He was there promptly and held a small sign so you could identify who he was (the sign had the workshop name). Azusa was so well spoken and still in high school! We were just amazed by him as at a young age, he speaks multiple languages and has already done a study abroad! We first did a walking tour of the bamboo forest which took about 10 minutes to get to. He was really knowledgeable about bamboo. After walking through, we walked about 10-15 more minutes to get to his family's workshop. Here, his Dad was waiting for us. His Dad spoke in Japanese and was more the craftsman while Azusa guided us in English on what to do. They had precut and prebaked bamboo pieces and you first select your bamboo cut (they had various sizes and also some with flat tops and some that were cut at an angle). Then you select a pattern from their book. The more holes, the more intricate and more time it'll take. Azusa and his Dad then taught us how to drill holes (they changed out the bits depending on the sizes needed for your pattern). After drilling all of the holes, you can use their hole files to file down any rough edged holes. They shoot the dust out for you, give you an LED light and wrap it for you to take home. This was such a unique experience with a take home souvenir iconic of the bamboo forest. In addition, it was nice to support a family's small business and get to meet some locals. I would highly recommend this workshop!

Love the experience whereby I got to craft a real bamboo art piece. Host was extremely welcoming and would engage in a conversation with you so the experience would not be a boring one. Best part about this workshop is that, it is located near the bamboo forest. Meet up will be at Arashiyama Station, after which the host would give you 2 options, one is to walk directly to her home or two, it would be to walk through the bamboo forest n then to her home, so if you would like to catch a glimpse of the bamboo forest, the 2nd option would be perfect, its a win win situation for me. Host was also nice to serve me tea with snacks and to constantly checked that you are drilling in the right direction, to ensure that your drilling is going smoothly.

We had a wonderful experience. Perfect activity for older kids in the midst of walking through bamboo garden and shrines. My kids and nieces loved it. It was so much fun. Creating their own design and working the machinery.

After a long day of walking this was a very relaxing and enjoyable experience creating our own keepsake lanterns. We love how they turned out thanks to our wonderful teacher!

Nori is a friendly, courteous instructor. From our meeting point, we walked through the famous bamboo forest (part way) and ducked out to a lovely neighborhood until we reached her studio. The space was clean, bright, and wonderfully set up. Her English is flawless so everyone was comfortable conversing with her. The lantern project was delightfully fun. (My recommendation is to select a design that has several larger holes because it’s not only easier to drill but more light comes through once completed.) You’ll enjoy this experience!