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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
・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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Just 55 min from Tokyo, 20 min from Yokohama, and a 2-min walk from JR Kamakura Station's West Exit. Turn left, walk down Onari Street, then left at the first large 5-way intersection; we are on the right. Please be punctual — your seal is prepared in advance, and sessions are morning only.
What to expect
Your name. Your own seal. Made for you in Kamakura.
Elsewhere, you carve it yourself. Here, a fourth-generation engraver creates it for you.
Meet a craftsman with Japan’s First-Grade National Trade Certification in Seal Engraving. Learn about hanko culture, choose your name design, and watch your seal being finished by hand.
What You’ll Experience
1. Learn
Discover the history of hanko and how seals are used in Japan.
2. Design(Font: Simple KOIN-TAI)
Choose your name in katakana, commonly used for foreign names. Kanji is also available.
3. Choose Your Material
Acrylic HANKO is included. Buffalo horn and premium woods are available for an extra fee.
4. Watch the Craftsman
See traditional tools and watch the engraver finish your seal by hand. Questions and photos are welcome.
5. Take Home Your Seal
A professional engraver creates a personalized seal bearing your name.
Your seal will be ready later the same day. Collection or shipping is available.
Good to Know
Morning sessions only.
Please arrive on time.
About 20 minutes from Yokohama and under one hour from central Tokyo.
One name. One craftsman. One seal made for you in Kamakura.
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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