Yanaka UpCraft Studio

A fun craft experience in old Tokyo 東京の下町で楽しむクラフト体験

Give real kimonos
a new life.

Upcycle a real kimono into a new creation to take home in this relaxed, informative, one-hour hands-on workshop.

Check the ScheduleChoose a workshop ↓

Beginner friendly · Materials included · Presented in English (Japanese OK)

Give the beautiful past a cherished future 美しい過去を、大切な未来へ。

A quiet creative pause in the heart of Yanaka Ginza

Inside our welcoming neighborhood studio, real kimonos with past lives begin new ones. We’ll guide you step by step as you turn something with history into an object that is useful, personal, and made to last.

Every material used in our workshops comes from an actual kimono, yukata, or obi. No sewing experience is needed—only curiosity. Come alone, with a friend, or as a family, and leave with a handmade memory of Tokyo and a new story to carry home.

The experience

A real kimono.
Your new creation.

Spend a relaxed, informative hour choosing from real kimono, yukata, and obi, then transform part of its beautiful past into something personal to take home.

01

Choose

Explore a curated selection of authentic Japanese garments and find the colors, pattern, and story that speak to you.

02

Create

Enjoy friendly, hands-on guidance as you upcycle your chosen kimono into a new creation. Beginners are completely welcome.

03

Take it home

Leave with your finished piece—a meaningful reminder of Tokyo, made by you from a real kimono.

The workshops ワークショップ

Choose what you’ll make

Each relaxed session includes guidance, tools, and a curated selection of real kimonos, yukata, and obi ready for a new life.

01

Kimono Keepsake Workshop

Choose a real kimono with a past and give it a new life as a one-of-a-kind piece.

  • Approximately 1 hour
  • ¥9,900 per person, including tax
  • All standard materials included
  • Suitable for complete beginners
Check the schedule ↗

02

Private Group Session

A personal workshop for families, friends, and small groups exploring Tokyo together.

  • Private booking priced for 4 participants
  • Groups of 4 receive a 5% discount
  • Personal guidance throughout
  • Book at least 2 days in advance
Check the schedule ↗

Plan your experience

Everything you need to know

A personal, hands-on introduction to kimono culture and creative upcycling in Yanaka Ginza.

DurationApproximately 1 hour
Group size2–4 participants
LanguagesEnglish and Japanese
Price¥9,900 per person

Your workshop itinerary

  1. Arrival & welcome

    Meet your host in our relaxed and welcoming Yanaka Ginza studio.

  2. Quick introductions

    Get to know your host and the other participants before beginning.

  3. Discover the world of kimono

    Enjoy a short, engaging presentation about kimono, traditional Japanese textiles, patterns, and their cultural meaning.

  4. Project introduction

    Your host introduces the day’s craft project, materials, and steps.

  5. Create your kimono treasure

    Choose and transform authentic kimono material into your own handmade piece, with guidance throughout.

  6. Photo time

    Celebrate your finished creation and take photos as a memory of your workshop.

  7. Browse the collection

    Enjoy time browsing available kimono and craft items and discover more unique Japanese treasures.

  8. Farewell

    Take home your handmade creation and a special memory of your time in Yanaka Ginza.

What’s included

  • Hands-on kimono craft experience
  • Authentic kimono material for the standard project
  • Use of required tools and materials
  • Introduction to kimono culture, patterns, and symbolism
  • Step-by-step guidance from your host
  • One completed handmade creation to take home

Not included

  • Transportation to and from the workshop
  • Optional project upgrades or additional materials
  • Nearby paid parking fees
  • Personal purchases while browsing
  • Anything not specifically listed as included

Important information

Before you book

  • Book at least 2 days in advance; dates and times are offered on selected days.
  • Guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Private bookings are available for the equivalent price of 4 participants.
  • Nearby paid parking is available.
  • There are two steps at the entrance and a step down into the bathroom.
  • Wheelchair access may be difficult. Please contact us in advance if you require accessibility assistance.
  • Some projects may offer optional upgrades for an additional charge.
一

Real kimonos

Each one arrives with its own pattern, texture, and past life.

二

Gentle guidance

Thoughtful, step-by-step support as you begin its next chapter.

三

A new story

Take home something personal—not another souvenir.

“Give the beautiful past
a cherished future.”

— Yanaka UpCraft Studio

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Still wondering about something? We’ll be happy to help before your visit.

Do I need sewing or craft experience?

Not at all. Workshops are designed for complete beginners, with friendly guidance throughout.

What materials will I use?

All tools and workshop materials are included. Every material used in our workshops comes from an actual kimono, yukata, or obi. You’ll choose one in the studio and help its story continue.

Are workshops available in English?

Yes. Workshops are presented in English, and Japanese is also OK.

How many people can join?

Standard workshops are for 2–4 participants. Solo visitors are welcome to inquire about joining an available session. Private bookings are available for the equivalent price of 4 participants, and groups of 4 receive a 5% discount.

Can children join?

Yes. Guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please cancel at least 3 days before the scheduled workshop and confirm applicable refund conditions before booking. Rescheduling may be possible when another date or time is available. Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable. If the workshop is cancelled by the operator, a refund will be provided.

Conveniently located just one block from Yanaka Ginza谷中銀座からわずか1ブロックの便利な立地
Full walking map from Nishi-Nippori, Nippori, and Sendagi stations to Yanaka UpCraft Studio near Yanaka GinzaClick the map to open Google Maps

Yanaka Ginza access 谷中銀座へのアクセス

A creative corner of old Tokyo

Yanaka Ginza is known for its traditional shopping street and relaxed neighborhood rhythm—a fitting home for making something by hand.

Search for Yanaka UpCraft Studio in Google Maps and look for our studio sign. The venue is a short distance from FamilyMart.

Address / 所在地
Yanaka UpCraft Studio
Hinode Heights 101
3-11-5 Nishinippori
Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0013
From Nippori / 日暮里駅から
Approximately 5 minutes on foot / 徒歩約5分
From Sendagi / 千駄木駅から
Approximately 7 minutes on foot / 徒歩約7分
Studio hours / 営業時間
By workshop reservation / ワークショップ予約制
Open in Google MapsCheck the schedule →

Upcoming workshops 今後のワークショップ日程

Choose a date and time

All sessions begin with four available places. Email us with your preferred date, time, and number of guests.

Email your preferred date and time

Or email . Availability is confirmed when you receive a reply.

Take a new story home 新しい物語を持ち帰ろう

Ready to give
a kimono new life?

¥9,900 per person, including tax / お一人様・税込

Check the upcoming schedule, then email your preferred date, time, and number of guests. Please book at least 2 days in advance.

yanakaupcraftstudio@gmail.com

Book a workshopワークショップのご予約はこちらGroups of 4 receive a 5% discount.