Tours/Kamakura/Kamakura: Meet a 4th-Gen Hanko Master & Create Your Name Seal
Kamakura: Meet a 4th-Gen Hanko Master & Create Your Name Seal
5.0(26)Kamakura1 hour
VIATOR5.0(15)TRIPADVISOR5.0(11)
+40 photos
At a glance
Duration
1 hour
Price from
$187 / person
Location
Kamakura, Japan
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 26 reviews
Languages
JA, EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Name of Japan. Kamakura HANKO
Meeting point
Just 55 min from Tokyo, 20 min from Yokohama, and a 2-min walk from JR Kamakura Station's West Exit. Turn left, walk down Onari Street, then left at the first large 5-way intersection; we are on the right. Please be punctual — your seal is prepared in advance, and sessions are morning only.
Description
1. Meet a Fourth-Generation Master
Visit a working Kamakura atelier with a family craft dating back to 1898. Discuss your name directly with the craftsman in English.
2. See Award-Winning Craft
View award-winning engravings and tools. Both husband and wife hold Japan’s First-Grade National Trade Skill Certification.
3. Watch a Live Demonstration
See traditional engraving techniques up close and ask the craftsman questions.
4. Carve and Stamp a Stone Seal
Carve one character with guidance, stamp a keepsake card, and take both home right after the workshop.
5. Design Your Name Hanko
A wooden katakana hanko, hand-finished after the session, is included. Collect it at the atelier about four hours later, that afternoon. Kanji and upgrades cost extra.
6. A Small, Unhurried Morning
Enjoy a small-group experience in a private atelier setting. Your host, a Zen monk and engraver, creates each seal with good wishes for its owner.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri
Start times
10:30 AM
Next available
Mon, Oct 26
Adult (ages 6+)
$187
In demand: 5 of the next 17 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 15.
Tour Options
Hanko Name Seal
Hanko Name Seal
What's included
Included
Stone seal you carve yourself, with guidance from the craftsman
Hanko case
English guidance throughout
Specially crafted wooden seals carved by master artisans—custom-made with your name.
Shipping (if you prefer not to collect the same afternoon)
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
26 reviews
5
26
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Kamakura
No. 9 by number of reviews among 113 tours in Kamakura
Excurgo comparison of 113 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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?
Kamakura: Meet a 4th-Gen Hanko Master & Create Your Name Seal lasts about 1 hour.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $187 per person for this Kamakura 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, Thursdays, and Fridays, starting at 10:30 AM.
Does this tour sell out?
It can: 5 of the next 17 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
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 Just 55 min from Tokyo, 20 min from Yokohama, and a 2-min walk from JR Kamakura Station's West Exit. Turn left, walk down Onari Street, then left at the first large 5-way intersection; we are on the right. Please be punctual — your seal is prepared in advance, and sessions are morning only. 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 8 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(26)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
K
katharinasS1535OA
September 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A beautiful hanko in katakana
I’m studying Japanese, so I decided to go with my name in katakana rather than having kanji made up for me. I was a little unsure at first, since kanji generally look more impressive, and I wasn’t sure how the katakana would turn out. But I absolutely love how my hanko turned out — it’s beautiful!
It's a unique and lovely souvenir from my first trip to Japan, and something I’ll definitely treasure. Highly recommend this experience!
Operator response
Thank you so much for coming to our store for your experience. We are very pleased that you have shown interest in Japanese history and the culture of seals. Please come to Kamakura again, and tell us all about your seals!
B
Bradon_P
March 17, 2026 · via Viator
Enjoyed the entire...
Enjoyed the entire experience. From the explanation of the history of hanko stamps to them helping me to actually pick out and customize the Kanji for my name, absolutely fantastic.
Operator response
Thank you for participating in our workshop. We are very pleased to hear that you are very interested in Japanese culture! Please come visit Kamakura again!
A
Anthony_M
November 12, 2025 · via Viator
Incredible experience, we...
Incredible experience, we were able to learn more about Hanko, choose our kanji, nis materials, finishes... and the result is incredible!!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your incredible feedback! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you found the hanko experience "incroyable" (incredible) and that you are so happy with the final result after choosing your kanji, materials, and finishing touches. We hope you cherish your beautiful, personalized hanko for many years to come. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
D
dastrb
October 12, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Intimate and Educational
Very educational and fun. It was so interesting learning about Hanko history and going throughout the process to design our own personal stamp.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you found the experience "very educational and fun."
It was a pleasure to share the fascinating history of Hanko and guide you through the process of designing your own personal stamp. Your satisfaction is our greatest reward, and we hope you treasure your unique creation!
J
JoseAntonio_A
October 6, 2025 · via Viator
Great experience!!!
This includes the most basic hanko... which is a hreat thing. You can upgrade the case and the material that hankos are msde of.
The experience itself is amazing. The owner explains everything and answers every question that you make.
This experience let's you know a bit more about the importance of the use of hankos to japanese people and different types of hanko out there
Operator response
We are thrilled to read your comments, especially the part about the experience being "amazing" and that the owner explained everything clearly, answering all your questions.
It is our goal to make the process of getting a hanko a meaningful experience, allowing our guests to understand the importance of hanko to Japanese people and the differences between the various types available. We are delighted that we achieved this with you.
We appreciate you noting that even our most basic hanko is a great option, and that the options for upgrading the case and material were useful.
We sincerely hope you enjoy your new hanko! We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
I
Ian B
July 19, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
It was amazing and suck a fun experience. The store was so easy to find. The customer service was amazing, they were so helpful
Operator response
Thank you for visiting us. We know you love Japan, its culture and history. We are very happy to have met you. We hope your trip to Japan is a great one. Please come visit us again in Kamakura.
J
Jasmine_T
June 24, 2025 · via Viator
Don’t miss
This was such a beautiful, intimate and informative service. The owner is third generation and does exquisite work.
Operator response
Thank you for your message.
We were very happy to meet you.
You love Japanese culture.
We respect it.
Please come visit Kamakura again.
Thank you.
With gratitude
OWNER
TSUKINO
N
Nahrin_B
December 23, 2024 · via Viator
Elegant and quality craftsmanship
Absolutely delightful experience. I was met by the wonderful proprietor who was a very lovely and accommodating gentleman. He gives an explanation of the history and different kinds of hanko, the materials and pros and cons of each material, the colours for the cases and the patterns as well. I was struggling to make a choice (only because I’m indecisive) but his knowledge guided me and I am so happy with the result. It’s a very beautiful piece of Japanese cedar and I love the style of script for my name. It takes pride of place in my home. The quality of workmanship is very high and even the ink-pot is very beautiful too. It is such an elegant gift to myself and I highly recommend it.
Operator response
Thank you for the experience.
We were very happy to meet you.
You love Japan and Japanese culture.
We, the craftsmen, will continue to make HANKO carefully and do our best to let people around the world know about it.
Please come visit Kamakura again.
E
Ethan_F
August 7, 2024 · via Viator
A great experience for people who want a personalized seal.
What a cool experience! My girlfriend and I got our own personalized Hanko seals made of wood. It was very intimate as we were the only ones there so we got his full attention. He said to come back at 2pm for our finished seals and was right on time. Would definitely recommend if you’re visiting Japan! Will be stamping everything with my seal from now on!
Operator response
Thank you for the experience.
We were very happy to meet you.
You love Japan and Japanese culture.
We, the craftsmen, will continue to make HANKO carefully and do our best to let people around the world know about it.
Please come visit Kamakura again.
L
Lisa_R
July 31, 2024 · via Viator
Wonderful experience
It was a wonderful experience to learn about how the stamps are created. The owner of the store is very knowledgeable and gives great insight on the craft! I love the stamps he created for us, it will be a memory I will cherish for a long time!
Operator response
Thank you for the experience.
We were very happy to meet you.
You love Japan and Japanese culture.
We, the craftsmen, will continue to make HANKO carefully and do our best to let people around the world know about it.
Please come visit Kamakura again.
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Kamakura: Meet a 4th-Gen Hanko Master & Create Your Name Seal
