Tray of chopstick blanks sorted by timber, labelled oak, enju, hinoki, mulberry, ash and more, at Takumi Woodwork in Kutchan
Planing a chopstick blank in a jig with a Japanese hand plane, shavings piling up on the bench, at the Niseko chopstick making class
Japanese hand plane and wood shavings on the bench, with handmade furniture in the background at Takumi Woodwork, Kutchan

Chopstick Making Experience

¥10,500
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Chopstick Making Experience

Make your own pair of wooden chopsticks with Japanese hand tools, in our workshop in Kutchan. You make them, you take them home.

Lifts closed? When the wind shuts the mountain, come down to Kutchan and make something instead. It's all indoors, it takes an hour, and you leave with a pair of chopsticks you made yourself.

What you do

  • Pick your timber from a few good hardwoods.
  • Plane the tapers with a Japanese hand plane. A jig keeps them true, but you do the work.
  • Tidy up the tapers and sand the edges so they sit right in your hand.
  • Put a small bevel on the ends and finish them with food-safe oil.
  • Add a short laser engraving if you want one.

Tools, timber and guidance all included. No experience needed.

Why it's worth your hour

  • This is a real working furniture workshop, not a craft studio. It's where we build our furniture.
  • Coffee and tea are free for everyone, including anyone who's just come to watch.
  • Big groups get donuts from Layer Niseko.

The details

  • Time: 1 hour
  • Price: ¥10,500 per person
  • Group size: up to 8 per session
  • Age: Ages 8 and up. Kids need an adult with them. Adults who are just watching don't need to book.
  • Sessions: on the hour, first start 9am, last start 4pm. Monday to Friday, and every day from 1 December.
  • Booking: at least 2 hours ahead. Pick a date and time in the calendar on this page.

Groups of 9 or more

Book two back-to-back sessions (up to 8 in each), or email louis@takumi-woodwork.com and we'll sort it.

Where

Takumi Woodwork, 267-1 Takasago, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0076. Parking outside.
Make your own way here. We don't provide transport.

Before you come

Get here five minutes early. Closed-toe shoes recommended.

Changes and cancellations

Changes and cancellations are fine up to 48 hours before your start time. Inside 48 hours, bookings can't be refunded or changed. If you can't make it, you can pass your booking to someone else. Just email us the new name.

FAQ

How long does it take?
An hour, start to finish.

Can kids do it?
Yes, ages 8 and up. Kids need an adult with them. Adults who are just watching don't need to book.

What do I take home?
The pair of chopsticks you made, finished in food-safe oil. Add a short laser engraving if you want one.

Is it in English?
Yes, English or Japanese. We speak both, so just say which you prefer.
日本語でのご案内も可能です。

Is there parking?
Yes, right outside the workshop.

What if the lifts are closed or the weather's bad?
That's when most people come. It's all indoors, so it runs whatever the wind's doing. Book at least 2 hours ahead in the calendar on this page.

We're a big group. Can you fit us in?
Up to 8 per session. For 9 or more, book two back-to-back sessions or email louis@takumi-woodwork.com. Big groups get donuts from Layer Niseko.