Woodworking Your Own Chopsticks at Mogami Kogei – with Paulownia Box

Excellent communication. Was very beautiful to be in the presence of a master craftsman and having an interpreter that was so easy to be with.

C.J. Australia

Amazing, authentic experience. Wonderful souvenir that we will cherish forever and will be a wonderful reminder of our time with Wabunka.

S.E. United States

It was terrific! We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a lot. Everyone was super helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. We appreciated the guidance and felt very well cared for.

K.C. United States

I think it was very good overall! I enjoyed the class and the expertise of the teacher and fluency of the translator.

A.G. United States

The whole experience was amazing, exactly what we were looking for and will be a memory for years to cone. The technique is difficult, more challenging than I thought, but eventually I think the girls got a good handle on it! They had so much fun.

K.F. United States

Our interpreter and instructor were both excellent. It was a nice experience learning local culture and art and appreciation on woodworking skills.

R.W. New Zealand

It was perfect. You get to experience the woodworking firsthand!

S.S. United States

We had an excellent experience and enjoyed the activity greatly. So much fun and interesting to learn about the art of edo carpentry.

A.D. United States

This was a surprise from my brother. We didn’t know anything until 2 days ago. This was amazing. Thank you.

J.K. United States

We loved getting to work with the master craftsman and love our chopsticks. Also our interpreter was excellent!

K.G. United States

It was the ultimate cultural experience that we will remember fondly for a long, long time. It was traditional, relaxing, and fun. The chopsticks we made are beautiful and the process was even better than the end product.

M.N United States

Experience was very nice, we enjoyed everything about it !

M.Y. Switzerland

AWESOME. Wonderful Experience, unique setup, so warm and friendly teacher & translator

Y.K. Germany

We really enjoyed our time making chopsticks. It was challenging at times but help was always at hand. We enjoyed chatting about our trip and it was so nice to receive a gift to celebrate our honeymoon. We are truly honoured.

K.S. United Kingdom

This was a really great experience to sit down with a fine Edo furniture maker, and create something.

M.B. United States

What a wonderful experience! Thank you very much for your service and kindness.

J.N. Denmark

This experience is something everyone should go through.The experience is very enlightening. The actual crafting of the chopsticks was soothing and educational. Well worth the time and money and I want to do this Everytime I visit Japan.

N.P. United States

An amazing moment in the life of the craftsman. We discovered his work and his history … it was amazing. Thank you

T.B. France

This was an amazing experience. We learned so much about Sashimono woodworking, the tools they use, and so much more. Our interpreter was very personable and helpful.

A.W. United States

Very good communication and everything was a great experience. To be in the presence of a master craftsman was beautiful and humbling. And to have the interpret was so much better. Am very grateful.

C.J. Australia

This experience was one of the top highlights of our trip to Japan. We felt incredibly privileged to be able to go into the workshop and learn from a master of the trade. Both the master and interpreter were kind, communicated extremely well and definitely made this activity one to remember.

K.L. Australia

Mogami-san was extremely knowledgeable and clearly an expert artisan. He was very patient with us as we participated in the wood carving activity and answered our many questions. It was very cool to learn from one of the few remaining craftsmen of his specific trade, as well as better understand the process of woodworking. It was very special to be able to take home our own pair of wooden chopsticks! It was also very easy to navigate and find the location of the experience because of the Google Maps URL that was included in the email.

W.C. United States

Authentic, educational. People were so nice -- master craftsman, and his family.

V.G. United States

The personal touch and the unique experience. Great and very professional interpreter. Very attending experience.

M. P. United States

Appreciation for hand made wood products and structures. Up close and intimate with 1st class English translator.

D.S. United States

Everyone in our family enjoyed this craft. It was special that the artist was an actual woodworker and the time he took to walk us through each step patiently. We were able to work in a wood workers studio in a small group. The interpreter and the artist were very friendly and helped us make great souvenirs that will always remind us of our time in Japan.

V.G. United States

Great experience that is hands on. Overall everything went very smoothly from the communication of booking the service to the interpreter on the meeting place and during the experience. Explained everything well. It gave me a better understanding of how chopstick are made.

M.B. United States

We saw no problems in the way things were handled. We understood the assignment and instructions perfectly due to both the host as well as the interpreter. All our questions were answered without much issues and well as our curiosity. All the topics already mentioned plus the friendly host and interpreter we believe that this workshop was beyond our expectations marking one of the best workshop's we've ever had and as such it deserves the rating from above. I would recommend it since it's an interesting experience.

N.P. Portugal

A must in your life time. Wish it was more longer to enjoy it more. The guidance for the master him self during the workshop was amazing. It made me connect deeper with Japan's history of wood making.

A.A. Kuwait

Unique time learning from local master craftsman. We learned more about the tradition and skill needed for making chopsticks. We appreciate our translator for her hard work and great English translation.

L.C. United States

Everything was great! Meeting the man who makes the gumbai for sumo was really special! I think the experience deepened my appreciation for the craft of everyday objects. It was also great to chat with our translator. It was super interesting and fun.

R.B. United States

Perfect experience!!! The warm hospitality of Mogami-san and his wife. It was great to get to know them and to build our own chopsticks was certainly memorable. The experience showed me how meaningful the craftsmen are and how they should be valued. It was really cool and memorable to be able to make something that we can take home and use everyday.

A.A. Netherlands

A unique experience with custom made professional woodworking tools. Very nice change of pace from usual tourist events being able to work with our hands. The translator made a special effort to show us fond memories from her wedding and family and connect with us on a personal level. She is an excellent translator and made the entire experience very enjoyable and comfortable. It was very immersive and allowed us to connect with non-English speakers in a better way.

A.S. United States

The craft master was kind, open to sharing his craft, patient with our family, and helpful with each of our projects. Our interpreter was delightful. She went above and beyond and even escorted us to our next destination after the event. Meeting with the craftsman himself and having the interpreter to communicate directly with him was the best part of our experience. The experience reinforced the kindness and hard working ethics of the Japanese culture. I would tell a friend that it was a memorable family experience that we will cherish.

R.S. United States

The craftsman and interpreter are very knowledgeable. Informative, educational, specialized.

D.D. Canada

A very good, including and highly educative experience. Top scores from all members of my family to both the craftsman master and the host. It was special as we were in the carpenters house and only with our group, also the master was very forthcoming. We got a view of the fine craftsmanship from the edo times.

B.E. Denmark

Everything was well organized. The session wasn’t too short or too long, but just right. The price was well worth the experience. Awesome customer & interpretation service provided. Just spending time with my daughters in the presence of a Master, Mr. Yutaka Mogami, & a wonderful interpreter was such an amazing experience. Both Mr. Mogami & the interpreter were polite and respectful. They were so patient as we made our own special chopsticks. We felt so relaxed in their presence & they inspired us by feeling capable and empowered, motivating us to move forward and try our best. The attention to detail and a quest for perfection was definitely felt as we made our chopsticks. I would tell my friend that they should experience this themselves as it’s hard to describe. We’re hoping to see Mr. Mogami on the TV show (can’t remember if it was CNN?), but it will be very cool to be able to tell others - that’s the place we made our chopsticks at! Mahalo nui loa!

D.S. United States

Very expensive but really a cool experience. We loved when the master carpenter pulled out the atlas to ask where we are from, and learning the history of the shop. The translator was also phenomenal and priceless. We met the kindest interpreter, who introduced us to the most wonderful craftsman where we learned so much, enjoyed ourselves, and left with a beautiful keepsake. And surprisingly, we ended up being interviewed for TV! It was great, just reenforcing the respect and dignity with which everyone treats each other and their respective craft.

B.S. United States

All around a very joyful experience. A chance to learn from a master one-on-one while making something that seems simple, but is more complex than it might appear at first. Our interpreter really made the experience sing. It was very special to have a one-on-one workshop with the woodworker and the translator came especially prepared and seemed to really enjoy the experience with us!

M.G. United States

A special experience. It was a meticulous process but also calm and Mr Mogami was very patient.

S.M. Australia

A once in a lifetime chance to meet with locals and create a one of a kind souvenir. We were very happy with everything and have no negative feedback or criticisms. The most memorable part of the experience was simply getting the know our interpreter and the workshop host throughout the experience. It is difficult when visiting other countries to have more casual feeling experiences with the locals. The workshop itself was fantastic, but the items we created will continue to symbolize that small human connection we were able to make which I'm sure we will look back on fondly for many years. It continued to show us how warm and inviting Japan can be. As tourists we are constantly worried we are being rude or annoying, but the workshop made us feel more at ease and at home.

L.W. United States

Everything was perfect. My father especially enjoyed speaking with the interpreter. My father said he enjoyed the history of the woodworking, and he loved Mogami-sensei. It was very encouraging to meet a master artisan who takes great pride in his work. That is not necessarily true in the US and it was such a treat to see his workshop and learn from him. It is a great way to appreciate the woodworking in Japan - not just small items like chopsticks but everything. The patience and attention to detail are unparalleled.

T.M. United States

Very authentic, very friendly. Mogami-san was very helpful to ensure we would walk out with perfect selfmade chopsticks! It may feel like a lot of money, but if your budget allows it the experience is totally worth it!

H.B. Netherland

Very professional. Hands on instruction from an obvious master craftsman. It was great to see the value placed on traditional crafts.

R.S. United States

100% worth and a lot of fun. Go with an open minded group if you have a few people, and be patient. It takes a lot of patience to not mess up the process, but also takes a good student to be able to learn enough to get by. Everyone will love and appreciate their hand made chopsticks. Most the group I was with are mechanics, so we all work with our hands, but working on a finer piece of wood, and being able to produce a quality piece made us appreciate the art in a different way. Our interpreter was amazing. She was able to clearly and easily communicate what the master was instructing, able to answer a lot of questions without needing to interrupt his teaching, and was able to easily transfer our questions to the master without issue. She made the experience infinitely better in our groups opinion. The most memorable was probably when all of the group had a finished chopstick post oil stain. There was a lot of amazing moments between with everyone focusing and trying to get their details correct before handing it off to the master, but the finishes product is finally when everyone saw what they worked on come to fruition.

A.M. United States

Special experience to interact with the artisan and watch. It was fun, and very amazing to watch the the artisan at work. It connected us better to understand the beauty of Japanese wood working.

N.C. Canada

Making chopsticks with the master was an amazing memory! Incredible experience.

Z.S. United States

I was so happy with the experience- it felt unique and special and I love that we now have a wonderful souvenir of our trip. Meeting Mr. Mogami and hearing about the history of his shop and his craft- it felt like such an honor to be there with my family! The experience made me want to make a point to do more cultural/historical activities when I visit in the future. I would tell them how special it felt to be there and how the memories of that day will last a long time.

J.C. Germany

Everything was perfect and I wouldn’t change anything. Our translator went above and beyond by helping us find an ATM that worked for us as we were having card issues. I really wanted to buy a finished piece and needed to find cash. Everyone is so polite and welcoming. 10/10 would recommend.

C.N. United States

Excellent experience. The declining number of Japanese people who are recognized and certified experts in their craft, but also the hope that these skills and traditions are being passed down through the generations. Unique and special, an experience worth doing beyond the typical tourism activities.

G.G. Canada

Unique opportunity to learn a treasured craft from a master. Very much enjoyed the hands on, one to one learning experience. Was incredible to learn from a master craftsman in his workshop. Also appreciated that there was a translator.

C.C.Canada

A wonderful time together. My husband and I attended a private workshop together, and it was wonderful. The translator and the craftman were very kind and helpful. It was a very pleasant atmosphere. It was very nice to learn about traditional crafts. If you enjoy creating things and learning about new cultures, give it a try.

E.F. Czech Republic

My husband and son really enjoyed doing this special activity together. Very impressed with the tradition and importance of handicraft in Japan.

F. M. United States

A must do experience. Cannot complain about anything, was amazing. The act of making something to take home as a meaningful souvenir, and how welcome we felt.

M.A. Australia

It was so nice to be able to chat with both the staff and the master to learn more about Japanese culture. We were able to experience Japan's ancient traditions which still survive but are not so popular. It is a fun experience to create your own hashi, but also an opportunity to learn about Japan.

S.S. Mexico

The experience is very personal since it is a private class. It is very relaxing to focus on working with your hands and become centered on the present moment. It made my appreciation even deeper for shokunin and their dedication to craft, tradition and artistry.

L.L. United States

Everything was on time, and well organized. Our interpreter was fantastic and very personable. Everyone took the time to make out experience special and to offer their time and energy in a way that made the whole morning extraordinary. Getting to speak with both our instructor and our interpreter during the class was the most memorable experience. We loved learning about both of them while we worked on our projects. We would highly recommend this experience with Mogami Kogei and our interpreter. It was such a wonderful way to see a perspective of life in Japan from the viewpoint of our instructor, a master and professional in his craft, and our interpreter who took the time to speak with us about her life in Japan as well as show us around the neighborhood. We also loved seeing our instructor’s workshop, and slowly spending the morning learning about so much. We would recommend this experience to anyone looking for a way to learn about Japan in an intimate setting. This was such a special way to learn about an expert and his craft and to try something new.

J.N. United States

Simply perfect. We loved the instructor and he was so kind to us and took a picture with us. Our translator was lovely and took photos for us and was so helpful! Loved learning about the woodworking craft and how few artisans there are in this space. 10/10 experience with one of the last remaining master woodworkers in Japan. And you get to take home a souvenir!

M.C. United States

Creating something that will be a great reminder of our trip.

B.D. United States