Tours/Kyoto/Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience
Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience
5.0(15)Kyoto1h 30min
TRIPADVISOR5.0(15)
+16 photos
At a glance
Duration
1h 30min
Price from
$84 / person
Location
Kyoto, Japan
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 15 reviews
Languages
JA, EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
京都インバン株式会社
Meeting point
Please come directly to our shop.Our staff will be waiting for you at the entrance.Look for a sign with your name or “Hanko Experience”.The shop is located on Shinmachi Street, near Shijo Street in central Kyoto.If you have any trouble finding us, please contact us in advance.
Description
- Turn your name into meaningful Kanji characters
- Create a one-of-a-kind personalized hanko seal
- Hands-on carving experience using traditional tools
- Learn the story and meaning behind your name
- Enjoy tea and matcha dorayaki in Kyoto
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, and Fri
Start times
10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM
Next available
Thu, Oct 22
Adult (ages 13–59)
$84
Senior (ages 60–75)
$84
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 21.
Tour Options
Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience
What's included
Included
Hanko (name seal) making experience, All materials and tools,Japanese tea,Matcha dorayaki
Not included
Transportation to the meeting point
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
15 reviews
5
15
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Kyoto
Rated higher than 75% of 482 reviewed tours in Kyoto
Starting price $84 is 11% above the typical $76 for tours of similar length in Kyoto
Excurgo comparison of 1,631 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
"Please inform us of any food allergies in advance"
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience lasts about 1h 30min.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $84 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, starting at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Please come directly to our shop. Our staff will be waiting for you at the entrance. Look for a sign with your name or “Hanko Experience”. The shop is located on Shinmachi Street, near Shijo Street in central Kyoto. If you have any trouble finding us, please contact us in advance. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in JA, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 4 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 15 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by 京都インバン株式会社.
Reviews(15)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
S831XTfranziskab
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Absolute recommendation
Absolutely recommended. It was a special experience for me to go through the process of creation, from selecting the kanjis to drawing them and finally the first print. Because it is your own drawing, it is truly an original. I feel very honored. 🙏
The experience of carving yourself and making mistakes while doing so, realizing how hard it is to draw a straight line or curves: Everything becomes visible and beautiful.
The smell of the stamp ink is special.
The guidance, the patience, and the dedication of the master and the staff were very friendly and benevolent.
Thank you.
_
_Y9068LL
September 30, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
My own seal
I really enjoyed creating my own unique seal!
Before my visit, the shop prepared three kanji options for my name, each with a different meaning. I could choose my favorite.
I learned about the history of seals and had the opportunity to experience hand carving.
The best moment was stamping my seal on paper for the first time. Seeing my beautiful seal appear was so exciting!
It was a special experience in Japan. Highly recommended!
T
Trip32065757878
September 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
I enjoy thinking about design.
It was a very fun experience. It was enjoyable to think about the design while learning about the history of seals and understanding the meaning of kanji. When I first stamped it on blank paper, I was so moved by the seal I designed myself that I couldn't help but let out a gasp.
They had prepared things so that even a beginner could get started right away, and if I was interested, I could also ask them many things about seals. I also had the experience of hand-carving, but it was difficult for me.
The seal I designed myself became a wonderful memory. I plan to use it to stamp my own works and letters. Thank you very much.
At a long-established seal shop, I was taught the meaning of the kanji in my name and the seal script to engrave, and I made a rough draft while designing it. The feeling of excitement when the seal was finished and stamped with the red ink is an unforgettable memory!
It is the only handmade personal seal in the world! You taught me politely and kindly. I heard it can also be used as an official seal 👍 The dorayaki I received last time was also the best taste!
It was very fun. Thank you very much.
Amazing experience!
Making my own Hanko here today was wonderful. The shop carefully chose beautiful Kanji characters with great meanings for my name. The staff was so helpful and attentive. Highly recommended! 5 stars!
Operator response
Thank you very much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are absolutely delighted to hear that creating your own Hanko was a unique, memorable, and amazing experience for you.
It brings us great joy to know that our efforts in carefully selecting beautiful Kanji characters with meaningful interpretations for your name resonated with you, and that our staff's helpful and attentive service contributed to your enjoyment. Your kind words truly encourage us.
We are committed to providing exceptional and personalized experiences for all our visitors. We sincerely hope you will visit us again whenever you are in Kyoto. We eagerly look forward to welcoming you back!
N
Navigate720430
June 30, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Special Experiences You Must Experience When You Come to Kyoto
The staff were very kind and I was able to experience it with peace of mind. Even if you are not very good at Japanese, they explained it in an easy-to-understand manner, and the staff who are fluent in English supported me, so I enjoyed it without worrying about words.
I also had the opportunity to make my own Kanji name and to make a one-of-a-kind seal was a very special and unforgettable memory.
The shop is easily accessible and is easily accessible on the way to sightseeing in Kyoto. The Japanese sweets we received after the experience were also very delicious and we were able to enjoy a very Kyoto time until the end.
This is an experience I highly recommend to visitors to Kyoto. I would like to participate if I get another chance. Thank you very much.
Getting my first hanko in Japan felt a little intimidating, but this shop made the whole experience surprisingly easy and enjoyable. The staff took the time to answer my questions without making me feel rushed, and I really appreciated their kindness and attention to detail. The finished hanko looks elegant, feels solid, and has become something I’ll keep for years. It’s rare to find a place where both the craftsmanship and the customer care leave such a good impression. Thank you for making this such a memorable experience.
Operator response
Dear valued customer,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review of your experience at Kyoto Inban Co., Ltd. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that what might have initially felt intimidating became such an easy and enjoyable process for you, resulting in your first hanko in Japan.
It brings us immense joy to know that our staff's kindness, attention to detail, and willingness to answer your questions without rushing made such a positive impression. We also greatly appreciate your kind words about our craftsmanship and customer care, recognizing that both contributed to your memorable visit.
We are delighted that your finished hanko is elegant, feels solid, and is something you will cherish for years to come. Your feedback is a true encouragement to our entire team. We look forward to welcoming you back to our store whenever you visit Kyoto again.
F
FarAway39312455860
June 30, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Hanko making experience
I'm very happy with it. It was an interesting experience. The tea and sweets are very good, too.