Workshops offer English instruction in making custom gold leaf bags, weaving bamboo baskets, and crafting samurai armor.
Many tourists descend upon the historical capital of Japan each day to appreciate its architectural beauty and cultural charm, but there are fewer who come away from their trip with a tangible traditional souvenir crafted by their own hand. Creative digital arts company Naked is launching interactive cultural workshops starting September 8, held every Tuesday and Thursday at Kyoto Station, that will give you a hands-on experience of a traditional craft.
Naked is a renowned Tokyo-based creative studio famous for blending projection mapping and digital art with historical spaces, like their previous exhibitions at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, also located in Kyoto. Through their project Naked Garden One Kyoto, they aim to connect the city’s living heritage with global travelers. As part of this initiative Niwa was created in 2025 on the seventh floor of the East Square in Kyoto Station, featuring dynamic bamboo installations, a tranquil rock garden, and a light-filled modern tearoom named Kiwa.
The new rotating workshops showcase Kyoto’s traditional crafts with practical, artistic activities. You can learn the philosophy of bringing out the natural beauty of flowers through ikebana under the guidance of an instructor from Ikenobo, the founding school of Japanese flower arranging. Textile enthusiasts can try yuzen dyeing by hand-painting handkerchiefs or applying surihaku, which involves stenciling elegant gold and silver leaf onto a tote bag using provided patterns or custom images. Alternatively, you can craft a traditional shikai nami (four-seas wave) bamboo basket to take home, or tackle odoshi, the intricate samurai technique of lacing armor plates together using colorful silk cords.
Joining a session is without challenge for any prospective traveler exploring the city, being located at the city’s gateway and main transportation hub. Workshops are held every Tuesday and Thursday between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., lasting roughly 40 to 60 minutes per experience. At 4,500 yen (US$28) per person, each ticket includes a complimentary matcha latte or coffee from the Niwa cafe.
Classes hold up to six people (participation is available from just one person), require zero preparation, and offer clear English text guides alongside instruction in Japanese. It is possible to reserve spots online via KKday or Asoview, or simply walk in for same-day booking up until 4:00 p.m.. Whether you have a spare hour before catching the train to your next destination or want to kick off your Kyoto stay with some real artisan crafts, Niwa offers an easily accessible opportunity to learn a skill and walk away with a unique Japanese souvenir.
Related: Niwa Website, KKday, Asoview
Source, images: PR Times
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