
Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman worth booking?
Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman is a 1.5-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from ¥19,500 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- ¥19,500 per person
Tokyo has many craft classes. Very few take place inside a studio that is still in commercial production. Here you work beside a craftsman who supplies chochin to shrines, festivals and restaurants across Tokyo, using the same washi, bamboo and brushes he uses to fill those orders. The studio itself is more than a century old. The lettering is what sets a chochin apart. Edo-moji is the brush style that grew up with Edo popular culture — the same hand seen on kabuki billboards, rakugo stages and old shop signs, each character shaped to carry strength and meaning. It is applied to your lantern by hand, in your name or a word you choose. What you carry out is not a souvenir version of the craft. It is made by the same process, carries lettering written for you alone, and there is only one of it.
What you get
About this experience
Tokyo has many craft classes. Very few take place inside a studio that is still in commercial production. Here you work beside a craftsman who supplies chochin to shrines, festivals and restaurants across Tokyo, using the same washi, bamboo and brushes he uses to fill those orders. The studio itself is more than a century old. The lettering is what sets a chochin apart. Edo-moji is the brush style that grew up with Edo popular culture — the same hand seen on kabuki billboards, rakugo stages and old shop signs, each character shaped to carry strength and meaning. It is applied to your lantern by hand, in your name or a word you choose. What you carry out is not a souvenir version of the craft. It is made by the same process, carries lettering written for you alone, and there is only one of it.
What's included
Included
- Admission fees
- One handmade lantern to take home
- Hands-on guidance from a master chochin craftsman in a small group
- Materials for your own chochin lantern
- A dedicated English interpreter with your group throughout the session
Not included
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
- Meals
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tokyo
Meet at the studio entrance on Yokokawa street, about a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station. Full directions with photos will be sent by email after your booking is confirmed.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet at the studio entrance on Yokokawa street, about a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station. Full directions with photos will be sent by email after your booking is confirmed.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DENTÔ
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Making lanterns in Tokyo
Had such a fantastic trip with my girlfriend, we will never forget the experience. We will keep our lanterns forever!!!
via Tripadvisor
The Best Experience of Our Honeymoon
We joined this lantern workshop during our honeymoon in Japan, and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences of our entire trip. We learned that many Japanese characters carry auspicious meanings, so we chose a kanji symbolizing happiness and good fortune, and hand-painted it onto our own lantern. Creating something together as newlyweds felt very special, and the staff kindly explained the meaning behind each character, which made the experience even more personal. We now have the lantern displayed in our home as a symbol of our marriage and good luck for our future together. Every time we see it, it brings back beautiful memories of our honeymoon in Japan. If you’re visiting Japan for a honeymoon or a special occasion, this is a truly unique and heartfelt experience we highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
A Must-Do Experience in Japan for Couples and Families
This lantern-making workshop was, without a doubt, the most memorable experience of my trip to Japan. The master craftsman was absolutely wonderful—his passion and skill could be felt in every movement. His instructions were extremely clear and patient, making the experience enjoyable even for beginners. An English-speaking guide was always present, with excellent language skills and deep knowledge of lanterns and Japanese culture, which added so much depth to the experience. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the space itself truly embodied the beauty of Japanese wabi-sabi. It was calm, authentic, and deeply moving. You can take your finished lantern home, and it’s also possible to purchase beautiful souvenirs on the spot. This became a truly irreplaceable experience for me. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Japan, as well as couples and families. It’s not just a workshop—it’s a rare opportunity to connect with the spirit and craftsmanship of Japan.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by DENTÔ, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.3.
See everything DENTÔ runsWhy this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman cost?
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Prices start at ¥19,500 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.
Is Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tokyo?
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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set, Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman?
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Included: Admission fees; One handmade lantern to take home; Hands-on guidance from a master chochin craftsman in a small group; Materials for your own chochin lantern; and A dedicated English interpreter with your group throughout the session. Not included: Gratuities; Private transportation; and Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman?
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Meet at the studio entrance on Yokokawa street, about a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station. Full directions with photos will be sent by email after your booking is confirmed. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Tokyo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Asakusa, Tokyo: Make Your Own Chochin Lantern with a Craftsman?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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