Chopsticks-Making Workshop in Kabukicho, Shinjuku | Choose a Standard or Premium Plan

Handcraft Your Own Chopsticks in Shinjuku in Just One Hour

At Chopsticks Studio Shinjuku in Kabukicho, you'll go through every step yourself, from choosing the wood to shaving, sanding and finishing. The workshop takes about an hour, and you take your chopsticks home the same day.

Staff walk you through each tool step by step, with guidance available in English and Japanese.

The studio is about a four-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Make a pair for yourself or as a gift, and fit it in around shopping or exploring the city.

First, Choose the Standard or Premium Plan

Pick the plan to book based on the wood and name engraving you want. Here's how they differ.

■ Standard | Enjoy the basics of chopsticks making Includes basic wood, tools and staff guidance. Upgrading to premium wood and adding laser engraving cost extra.

■ All-Inclusive Premium | Wood and name engraving included Your choice of eligible premium woods and laser engraving are included in the price. Ideal if you want something special in both the wood and the engraving.

For the woods available and engraving options, check the booking page and the information provided on the day.

At the Studio, Compare Colours and Grains to Choose Your Wood

Browse sample chopsticks and information cards to find the wood you like. Light tones, deep browns, reddish hues: each wood gives the finished pair a different character.

If they're for you, look for a colour that suits your everyday tableware. If they're a gift, choose with the recipient's taste in mind.

Next, Shave It Down Bit by Bit with a Plane

Set your wood on a special stand and shave it with a kanna (Japanese hand plane) to bring it closer to a chopstick shape. Staff show you which direction to move the tool and how much pressure to use.

Each stroke of the plane produces thin curls of wood. Compare it with how it looked at the start and watch your wood slim down little by little.

Once Shaped, Sand and Finish with Oil

Use sandpaper to smooth the edges and surface until the chopsticks feel silky in your hand. Compare the two sticks and try holding them as you check the finish with staff.

Then, following the guidance, finish them with oil. Wood you shaped with your own hands becomes a pair you can use at everyday meals.

Finally, Add Your Name if You Like and Take Them Home

If you'd like your name engraved, you can use the studio's original kanji dictionary to find kanji characters that match your name. Talk it over with staff as you weigh up how the characters sound and what they mean.

Laser engraving costs extra on the Standard plan and is included with Premium. Check with staff about which characters and content can be engraved.

Your finished chopsticks are wrapped for you to take home the same day, whether for yourself or as a gift for someone special.

FAQ

■ Can I do this as a complete beginner? Staff guide you step by step, from choosing the wood and using the tools to finishing. Even if you've never used a plane before, you'll learn as you go.

■ What's the difference between Standard and Premium? With Standard, you make chopsticks from basic wood. Upgrading to premium wood and adding laser engraving cost extra. The All-Inclusive Premium plan includes eligible premium woods and laser engraving in the price.

■ Can I have my name engraved in kanji? Yes, name engraving is available, and you can use the original kanji dictionary to find characters that match your name. Please check with staff about the characters, layout and what's possible.

■ How long does it take, and what languages are available? The workshop takes about an hour, with guidance in English and Japanese. Timing can vary depending on your progress, so leave some leeway before your next plans.

■ Where is the studio? It's Chopsticks Studio Shinjuku, located at Dai-22 Higashi Building 8F, 1-5-4 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Please also check the meeting time and directions in the information sent after booking.

■ Can children take part? Conditions for children's participation and adult accompaniment are

Things to Check Before Booking

• Your choice of Standard or Premium, and which woods are included
• Start times on your preferred date and directions to the Shinjuku studio
• Whether you want name engraving, what's available, and any extra charges
• Conditions for children's participation and accompaniment, and cancellation terms

Prices, session times and plan details are subject to change. Please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

Shave wood into the shape of chopsticks, then sand it until it feels just right. In Shinjuku, you can make a pair with your own hands that you'll keep using back home.

If you'd like your name in kanji, choose characters with both their meaning and sound in mind. Pick Standard or Premium depending on the kind of chopsticks you want to create.

Why not add handmade chopsticks to your Shinjuku souvenir list?