Top Asia Art & Culture Classes

Instead of buying souvenir chopsticks from a shop, this hands-on experience lets you make your own from scratch. Learn specialist techniques, including how to use a traditional Japanese "kanna" hand plane, how to smooth the surface, and how to finish the wood with natural oil. Crafted from beautiful Japanese wood, the chopsticks make a meaningful souvenir to keep for years to come.

Turn something old into something new during this lesson in the Japanese art of "Kintsugi," the practice of repairing broken pottery, and there's a chance you'll get to see Master Taku on the day of your visit. Stemming from a Japanese belief that breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, rather than a reason to throw them away, your class involves repairing damaged items (plates are provided; personal items are not allowed) with lacquer mixed with gold. Don a "samue" as you refinish one traditional pottery item, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and a unique souvenir.

Exceptionally Rare Craft: Lotus silk is one of Earth's rarest textiles. We're among the last guardians of this 1,000-year-old Khmer technique nearly lost to history. UNESCO Award-Winning: Excellence recipient (2012) for preserving textile heritage on the verge of extinction and reviving traditional methods. Luxury Fashion Source: Exclusive supplier to international luxury houses. The same lotus fibers you'll touch are exported to create textiles valued at $400-$7,500. Complete Circular Economy: 100% lotus utilization. One plant becomes textiles, jewelry, paper, tea, and cosmetics—absolute zero waste innovation. Hands-On Creation: Actually CREATE three heirloom pieces (paper, yarn, bracelet) using ancient techniques. Take home what you make. Sacred Symbolism: The lotus is Buddhism's most revered flower representing purity and transformation. Authentic Social Enterprise: Supporting 150 women artisans through genuine cultural preservation, not performative tourism.

Experience making a handmade ring by hammering the texture using the Japanese traditional style called "Tankin." You will choose your favorite material, thickness, and texture, and then use special hammers and tools to customize your own ring. The entire process takes around 1 hour. Staff will carefully explain the steps and help you take remembrance photos. This workshop is highly recommended for a high-quality gift or souvenir. Embrace your creativity and enjoy our unique experience in Japan.

Silver jewelry making is an age-old Balinese craft that's vital to the island’s rural economy. On this private tour, try out the art coached by a silversmith at a traditional village workshop. Tour the village to understand the craft's importance; and learn to shape, cut, and finish your design before keeping it as a memento. Prebooking will secure your place for a time that fits your schedule. Upgrade your experience to transport, a cooking class, a sightseeing tour, and more.

This hands-on experience invites you into a quiet traditional workshop, where you will learn the meaning and history of Korean seals and carve one that is uniquely yours. This experience is handmade by a Korean craft artist and offered in a small group, allowing for personal attention at every step. I will guide you carefully through the carving process, even if you have no prior experience. Your finished seal can be used as a personal signature or kept as a meaningful souvenir from Korea. Due to the nature of the craft, this experience has limited availability and is only available in Insadong, where traditional craftsmanship is still part of daily life. ✔ Small group / personal attention ✔ Handmade by a Korean craft artist ✔ Only available in Insadong ✔ Limited availability More than a souvenir, a Seoul story. I have published "The Strength of Calligraphy" in 2018 and "Hello World!" in 2024. ***Please be advised that only those with reservations can attend the workshop.***

The greatest feature of this activity is that it is a fully private experience combining a guided walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ujigami Shrine with an authentic matcha experience. Led by a former maiko, the experience goes beyond the taste of matcha to introduce the essence of Japanese culture through movement, space, and ma. The subtle sense of pause and harmony, explained in a clear and approachable way. After tasting several varieties of matcha, you will also prepare your own bowl of matcha in a traditional tearoom. By seeing, listening, tasting, and practicing, you can experience Japanese tea culture in a truly immersive way. As this is a completely private experience, it allows families and couples to enjoy a calm and intimate time without concern for other participants.

This “kintsugi” workshop introduces a traditional Japanese craft that repairs broken ceramics with gold powder. Held in a great location near Gion and Yasaka Shrine, the session teaches practical techniques while exploring the philosophy of embracing imperfections. It’s an ideal way to learn new skills, create a meaningful souvenir to take home, and learn more about Japanese culture.

This activity is unique because it blends hands on artistry with deep cultural meaning. You won’t just repair pottery you’ll learn the Kintsugi philosophy of finding beauty in imperfections, using real urushi lacquer and gold powder to highlight the cracks rather than hide them. Guided by a skilled Tokyo artisan in a peaceful Asakusa studio, you’ll create a one of a kind piece that reflects mindfulness, renewal, and Japanese aesthetics an experience you won’t find in ordinary craft classes.

Experience making a handmade ring by hammering the texture using the Japanese traditional style called "Tankin." You will choose your favorite material, thickness, and texture, and then use special hammers and tools to customize your own ring. The entire process takes around 1 hour. Staff will carefully explain the steps and help you take remembrance photos. This workshop is highly recommended for a high-quality gift or souvenir. Embrace your creativity and enjoy our unique experience in Japan. ⚠️This is a ring texturing and customization experience, not a full ring-making from scratch workshop. You will personalize a pre-shaped ring by hammering textures and choosing your preferred finish, material, and size.

Learn the art of traditional Rajasthani miniature painting with this private lesson, led by an art teacher. You'll learn about the techniques necessary to create fine pieces of artwork, generally painted using tiny brushes made from a single hair. At the end of your class, you'll have a creation that you can take home with you as a unique, homemade souvenir.

Experience the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi in a quiet workshop near Gion and Kawaramachi in Kyoto. In this hands-on experience, you will repair cracked or chipped ceramic pieces using lacquer and gold powder, transforming broken pottery into something beautiful and unique. With guidance from an experienced instructor, you will carefully work on bowls or plates while learning the basic techniques of Kintsugi. Rather than hiding imperfections, this traditional method celebrates them as part of an object’s history and character. During the workshop, you will also learn about the history of Kintsugi and the Japanese philosophy that values imperfection and mindfulness. Your finished piece will become a one-of-a-kind souvenir and a meaningful reminder of your time in Kyoto, offering a calm and authentic introduction to Japanese culture.

Create your own pair of high quality wooden chopsticks in the heart of Asakusa, just steps from the iconic Senso ji Temple. This interactive workshop offers a unique glimpse into Japanese craftsmanship, as friendly instructors guide you through every step from shaping and sanding to finishing your chopsticks. Personalization options allow you to add colors and engravings, making your creation a one of a kind souvenir. Ideal for families and couples, this cultural activity provides a memorable experience that connects you with Japan's rich traditions.

If you love to create, and want to learn a traditional Japanese art, try making Washi paper. Enjoy designing paper using seasonal pressed flowers and leaves. Make a set of postcards, a table-mat, wraparound lampshade, or tapestry panel. Bring home a unique handmade souvenir in only 60 minutes. Or, choose to add an additional hour so you can make more gifts for friends and family.

-You can choose from more than 100 kimonos. -There is a range of sizes available. We have sizes available for women up to 175 centimeters (5L) and men up to 190 centimeters (5L). -The staff will coordinate with you. -A professional dresser will dress you. Dressing itself takes about 20 minutes per person. -The staff will give you a simple hairstyle. -Sizes are available for children 3 years old and older. -Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period in Dejima, dressed in kimono. -There is a Japanese-style room in the adjacent "Chief Factor's Residence" where you can take photos even if it's raining. ・This experience can be done only inside if the weather is not good. -Children over 15 year-old are welcome to join this experience without attendance by an adult. -You can enjoy walking outside after wearing Kimono. Please come back to Dejima Hoppen Shop by 5 PM.

Looking for a truly unique and meaningful experience during your travels? Our Kintsugi Experience is more than just an art class—it’s an opportunity to embrace the beauty of imperfection, connect with Japanese culture, and create a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. Why Choose Our Kintsugi Experience? ✨ No Experience Needed! Our friendly instructor will guide you through every step, making it easy and fun for everyone. ✨ Create Your Own Unique Piece Instead of buying a mass-produced souvenir, take home a handcrafted piece of art that tells a story—one that is uniquely yours.. ✨ Deep Cultural Connection Kintsugi is more than a repair technique—it’s a philosophy that teaches us to embrace flaws and turn them into beauty. ✨ Perfect for Travelers Short on time? No worries! Our 1.5–2 hour workshop is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Japanese craftsmanship without taking up your whole day.

This is a very authentic Korean painting with beautiful colors and patterns. We provide Korean painting classes for foreigners living or traveling in Korea. Participants will learn the skills of traditional Korean painting to improve their understanding of Korean culture and the artistic spirit. You might find your potential talent!

Artistic travelers and anyone interested in Japanese pop culture will enjoy a small-group manga- and anime-drawing class with a professional artist. Whether you draw regularly or are a complete beginner, your instructor will walk you through the process step-by-step and teach you new skills. Learn to come up with manga/anime ideas, sketch, add color, and more.

What makes this experience truly unique is the opportunity to create a functional Japanese knife through a hands-on process guided by a local craftsman in historic Asakusa. Rather than simply observing, guests actively take part in shaping and refining their own blade using whetstones, gaining firsthand insight into the precision, patience, and craftsmanship that define Japanese knife-making. The small-group setting allows for personal instruction in a calm, welcoming workshop, making the experience accessible to beginners while remaining deeply authentic. Guests leave not only with a handcrafted knife, but with a genuine connection to one of Japan’s most respected artisan traditions.

Hoi An Lantern Making Class is a hands-on cultural experience where travelers can create a traditional Vietnamese lantern in the heart of Hoi An. Guided by a local instructor, guests receive a brief introduction to the history and meaning of Hoi An lanterns, then follow step-by-step instructions to complete a foldable silk lantern. This activity is ideal for culture lovers and travelers interested in local experiences, as well as creative guests who enjoy handicrafts. The class is safe, interactive, and easy to follow, making it suitable for families with children. For travelers with limited time, this workshop offers a meaningful cultural experience in a short duration, with the added benefit of taking home a handmade lantern as a unique souvenir. With small group sizes, all materials included, and personal guidance, the class provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and a genuine connection to Hoi An’s traditional culture.

Create a unique piece of jewelry by crafting a ring from vintage Japanese coins that tell a story of the nation's history. Choose from coins dating back to the Meiji, Taishō, or Shōwa eras, and transform them into a stunning ring through a hands-on process of shaping, hammering, and polishing. With expert artisans guiding you, even beginners can confidently navigate the crafting journey and leave with a one-of-a-kind treasure that embodies Japan's rich heritage.

We offer a unique, hands-on experience for travelers - especially Gameboy lovers to mod your Gameboy (Original/ Advance/ SP). The final result is a one-of-a-kind, meaningful souvenir you can take home, play every day, or gift to someone special. This blend of craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural immersion makes our experience truly unlike anything else available in Japan.

If you’re on the hunt for a great souvenir to take home from Japan, then this experience is the perfect choice. Learn how to make your own wooden chopsticks from scratch, with step-by-step guidance from a skilled artisan. During the session, you can find out fascinating insights about the cultural meaning of chopsticks, before making your own personalized pair, using traditional techniques.