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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
・Everything explained in English — the history of the hanko, and why a seal still stands for a person's identity in Japan
・Watch a first-class nationally certified engraver at work, up close, at his own bench
・See the tools of the trade and how each one is used — the craft, not just the product
・Learn how your name can be written in Japanese, and choose the characters yourself
・Not a craft class. A commission from a working atelier in Kamakura
A craftsman carves your seal — you watch it happen.
Curious how your name looks in Japanese? We'll show you several ways it can be written, then design and engrave an original seal for you. In Japan a seal replaces a signature on documents that matter, and is part of who you are. Everything is explained in English, at the bench, by the engraver himself — his tools included, and why each one exists. Your seal is ready any time that afternoon.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Take the west exit of JR Kamakura station, turn left and walk down Onari street. Turn left at the first big 5 way intersection. Kamakura Hanko is on the right side of the street. Please be punctual. Because workshops require preparation. Also, it is only held in the morning.
What to expect
Your name. A seal that exists only once, carved by hand in Kamakura.
Elsewhere, you carve it yourself. Here, you commission it. Our engravers hold Japan's national certification in seal engraving, and every seal leaving this atelier is finished by their hands, not yours.
1. Understand — Where the hanko comes from, why it still carries a person's identity in Japan, and how the three grades differ.
2. Design — Your name in katakana, the script used for foreign names on officially registrable seals. We help you choose the characters and typeface that suit you. Kanji available as an option.
3. Material — Wood as standard; choose your color. Buffalo horn and premium woods for an additional fee.
4. Case — Choose the style and color (sold separately).
5. Collection — Ready any time the same afternoon. Choose your pick-up time, or have it shipped.
Shaping is prepared in the workshop; the balance, depth, and final line of the seal are cut by hand by our certified craftsmen.
Mornings only. Preparation is required before you arrive, so please be punctual.
Additional info
- 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
Additional info
- 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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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