・Learn the history of the hanko in English — and why a personal seal still represents identity in Japan ・Watch a nationally certified First-Grade seal engraver at work, up close at his own bench ・See the traditional tools of the trade and learn how each one is used — the craft, not just the finished piece ・Discover how your name can be written in Japanese, and choose the characters for your own seal ・Not a craft class. A personal commission from a working atelier A craftsman carves your seal — you watch it take shape. Curious how your name looks in Japanese? We’ll show you several ways it can be written, then design and engrave an original seal just for you. In Japan, personal seals have long been used in place of signatures on important documents and remain closely tied to personal identity. Everything is explained in English, directly by the engraver at his workbench — including the tools he uses and the purpose of each one. Your finished seal will be ready later that afternoon.

هل سبق لك تجربة فن الخط الياباني؟ إليك فرصة لاكتشاف إحدى أشهر الثقافات اليابانية، الشودو. ستُقام جولتنا الثقافية في مطعم وبار جيبير المحلي في كاماكورا. نقدم لكم تجربة في فن الخط، تتضمن محاضرة قصيرة عن الحروف اليابانية ومهارات استخدام الفرشاة الأساسية. بعد بعض التدريب، سترسمون عملاً فنياً على بطاقة تقليدية لتعودوا بها. تتضمن الجولة أيضاً مشروباً واحداً يقدمه المطعم. إذا كنتم مهتمين بهذا النشاط التقليدي مع كأس من مشروب محلي، فهذه الجولة مناسبة لكم! بما أننا نقبل مجموعات خاصة فقط، يمكنكم قضاء وقت ممتع مع أصدقائكم أو عائلتكم. سيساعدكم مدربكم، الذي يجيد اللغة الإنجليزية ولديه خبرة في التعامل مع المبتدئين، في صنع ذكرى مميزة من اليابان! ملاحظة ١: تُقام الجولة في الطابق الثاني. يجب على الشخص صعود السلالم بنفسه. (لا يوجد مصعد). ملاحظة ٢: عند الحجز، يرجى تأكيد اسمكم وجنسكم لإعداد قائمة الحروف.

Start your cultural journey by crafting your own Goshuin stamp book—a treasured item in Japanese spiritual tradition—at a charming, old-style café in Kamakura. Goshuin, meaning ‘honorable red seal,’ originated centuries ago as proof of temple visits and evolved into beautiful calligraphic art combined with unique temple seals. After completing your book, savor coffee carefully roasted by the café owner or a soft drink, paired with a traditional monaka sweet. As you relax, enjoy stories from the owner about Kamakura’s history and culture. Then, take your handmade Goshuin stamp book and explore a nearby famous Hokokuji temple, known as the bamboo temple, and collect an authentic Goshuin stamp—reflections of centuries-old devotion and artistry. At the temple, you can also enjoy matcha at the traditional tea house there. This immersive experience blends tradition, local storytelling, and the serene beauty of Kamakura’s spiritual heritage.

1. Enter a Working Hanko Atelier See where professional Japanese seals are actually created and discover the tools, materials and techniques used by the craftsmen. 2. Meet a Fourth-Generation Engraver Meet the artisan carrying on a family tradition that began in 1898. 3. Discover Japanese Hanko Culture Learn in English about the history of hanko, Japanese characters, seal design and the role seals have played in Japanese life. 4. View Award-Winning Works See exceptional seal engravings, including works recognized with Gold Prizes in national competitions. 5. Carve Your Own Stone Seal Learn the basic technique of seal carving and create your own stone seal under the guidance of a professional engraver. 6. Make Your First Impression Apply traditional red ink and reveal the impression you have created. Take your stone seal home as a personal piece of Japan — made by your own hands in a fourth-generation Kamakura atelier.

This is an instructor-led mindfulness tea ceremony experience where participants are gently guided through each step by facilitator Miki in a peaceful gallery setting in Kamakura. Unlike a formal tea ceremony that requires kneeling on tatami mats, this experience is held in a relaxed table-style setting, so guests can enjoy the Way of Tea while sitting comfortably on chairs. In a calm Kamakura gallery, guests first experience tea as a participant, then learn the meaning and movements behind the ceremony, and finally prepare and serve matcha themselves. The experience gently connects Japanese tradition with breathing, posture, gratitude, and presence. More than a cultural activity, it is a mindful experience you can carry into everyday life.

This hands-on workshop lets you create and learn about Japan's unique food sample culture. Enjoyable for all ages, from children to adults, it's perfect for first-timers. Experience both traditional sushi candle-making using wax and lifelike food sample creation. Discover the secrets and history behind their lifelike appearance through easy-to-understand explanations. Take your finished creations home as souvenirs—a uniquely Japanese experience you'll cherish forever.

بخلاف التجارب السياحية التقليدية، يُقدم عشاءنا المجتمعي تبادلاً ثقافياً أصيلاً مع سكان كاماكورا المحليين في أجواء حميمة تُشبه المنزل، مما يُنشئ روابط حقيقية ومعرفة داخلية لا تُقدمها الكتيبات الإرشادية. ما يُميزنا: أجواء حميمة: ٨ ضيوف كحد أقصى في مساحتنا المشتركة المريحة - ستشعر وكأنك تزور أصدقاءك اليابانيين، وليس تحضر جولة سياحية تجارية. التوافق الشخصي: نُوصلك بالسكان المحليين بناءً على اهتماماتك - قابل فنانين، ومؤرخين، وعائلات، أو سكانًا قدامى يُشاركونك شغفك. ️ طبخ عملي: تعلم تقنيات الطبخ المنزلي الياباني التقليدي باستخدام مكونات موسمية طازجة من سوق رينباي للمزارعين الشهير في كاماكورا. قصص ثقافية: اكتشف أكثر من ١٠٠٠ عام من تاريخ كاماكورا من خلال قصص شخصية، من تراث الساموراي إلى الحياة المجتمعية الحديثة. ️ معرفة داخلية: احصل على توصيات للكنوز الخفية، والمتاجر ذات الأسعار المحلية، والأماكن السرية التي لا يعرفها إلا السكان المحليون.

Craft a Pair of Chopsticks Made Just for You Create a one-of-a-kind pair of chopsticks in a historic city with over 1,000 years of tradition. This immersive experience lets you work alongside skilled artisans to shape natural wood into your very own chopsticks. Carefully adjusted to fit your hands down to the millimeter, they offer an exceptional level of comfort and usability. You can even have your name engraved on them. Why not take home a lifelong keepsake that carries the memories of your journey and a place at your dining table?

This is an instructor-led Japanese calligraphy experience where participants learn directly from an experienced calligraphy master in a peaceful workshop setting. Explore the serene art of Shodō in a mindful Japanese calligraphy workshop in Kamakura. Under the expert guidance of Calligraphy Master Shiei, with over 50 years of experience, you’ll learn to create beautiful kanji while immersing yourself in Japanese culture. The experience begins with an introduction to calligraphy techniques and philosophy, followed by the calming process of preparing sumi ink. As you practice brush movements and write your chosen kanji, you will discover the meditative nature of this traditional art form. At the end of the workshop, you will create your own finished calligraphy piece to take home, along with a deeper appreciation for the quiet beauty of Japanese aesthetics.