Hand-carved stamps made with craftsmen in Asakusa, Tokyo
Description
Do you know about Japan's very unique "Hanko culture" from a global perspective? Hanko refers to a personalized seal with one's name engraved on it, serving as a tool for personal identification, equivalent to a signature in other countries. Ito Inbo specializes in creating hanko that are both nature-friendly and unique, featuring designs such as cherry blossoms and portraits alongside names. They uphold the hand-carving techniques passed down since the father's generation, ensuring intricate designs are beautifully crafted. Using natural wood for original seals is an experience unique to this shop in Japan. Consider engraving your name or a favorite design to create your own special hanko. Explore the world's first experience of crafting seals using natural wood! Infiltrate the workshop where female artisans preserve traditional Japanese techniques! Carve your own original design and unleash your creativity!
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Duration：90 to 120 minutes *The experience time may vary depending on the customer.
- Items to bring：Nothing in particular.
- If you are concerned about carving debris, please bring your own apron.
- Clothes： Please come in casual attire
- Participation requirements：Over 10 years old
- For children under 10 years old, separate confirmation is required.
- Toilet：No (Please use the restroom beforehand.) There is a public restroom just a 1-minute walk from the experience location
- This plan is subject to reservation requests.
- Please be aware that depending on availability and the number of participants, there may be cases where we cannot accommodate your request or we may need to offer an alternative date. We appreciate your understanding.
Reviews(9)
This experience was amazing! Such an authentic experience with a master craftswoman! Highly recommend everyone in our family had a great time.
Very cool experience and a unique souvenir to take home. Really enjoyed interacting with the 81 year old lady who is truly an artist. This was a great cultural experience.
It was an amazing experience. We had alot of fun and are glad we joined! The artisan is very good at her work and very nice!
This is easily one of the best experiences on our trip. Everything from the fact we were in her actual shop/workshop, the quality and friendliness of the translator, and of course the skill and kindness of the master herself. This was not some packages for the tourists experience, this is one the last experts hand making these stamps in Tokyo and her stories and patience on walking us through the process was unparalleled. The process was fun, we were able to pick literally any design type wanted to do and we even commissioned her for a stamp to celebrate our engagement. The experience itself starts with picking the design which can be your name, a random Kanji, or even just some little drawing. You will sketch your design, transfer it to the stamp, and then carve it. Each step you will get assistance as needed. The entire time you will share stories. At the end you get a carrying case for the stamp you made along with ink to use it. I cannot recommend this experience enough. Do it, and you will not regret doing so.
We had a wonderful time with the stamping master, she was very patient and helped us create memorable and unique stamps!
Absolutely loved this experience!! It was one of our favourite moments in Japan. The shop owner was lovely and this was such a great souvenir. Cannot recommend enough!!!
Fantastic little workshop, very friendly environment, extremely polite and helpful guide! Everybody managed to carve a personal stamp - with the help of the shop owner, when needed) Kids and adults were excited and happy!
It was a very fun experience itself carving to create the hanko. However, it is too expensive at over £70 each for a short experience. While advertised as taking approx 2 hours it was all done in one hour. There was also no real history of the hanko given or similar narrative, only on questions asked. The shop owners history is interesting but only briefly mentioned. So can't really justify the price for this one.
Thank you very much for taking part in the Exclusive Hand-carved Stamps experience at the Asakusa craftsman's workshop, where you can experience the handwork and thoughts of the artisans. We remember that you were very efficient and finished earlier than the maximum estimated program time. We will take your feedback into consideration in order to promote better program management. Thank you very much for your valuable feedback.
Absolutely amazing experience! The host has a very inspirational story (one of the first hanko female craftsman) and was very kind teaching us how to carve out designs.The carving process was really fun - it makes you appreciate the work it takes to make the seals by hand, and we had a great instructor! The final hanko is a really unique souvenir to take back home. The location is also next to Senso-Ji, so there's plenty to explore in the surrounding neighborhood too. Would highly recommend this experience! I went with my husband and it was one of our favorite things we did during our entire trip!
