Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience worth booking?
Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience is a 1.5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $85 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (18)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $85 per person
- Turn your name into meaningful Kanji characters - Create a one-of-a-kind personalized hanko seal - Hands-on carving experience using traditional tools - Learn the story and meaning behind your name - Enjoy tea and matcha dorayaki in Kyoto
What you get
About this experience
- Turn your name into meaningful Kanji characters - Create a one-of-a-kind personalized hanko seal - Hands-on carving experience using traditional tools - Learn the story and meaning behind your name - Enjoy tea and matcha dorayaki in Kyoto
What's included
Included
- Hanko (name seal) making experience, All materials and tools,Japanese tea,Matcha dorayaki
Not included
- Transportation to the meeting point
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Please come directly to our shop. Our staff will be waiting for you at the entrance. Look for a sign with your name or “Hanko Experience”. The shop is located on Shinmachi Street, near Shijo Street in central Kyoto. If you have any trouble finding us, please contact us in advance.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please come directly to our shop. Our staff will be waiting for you at the entrance. Look for a sign with your name or “Hanko Experience”. The shop is located on Shinmachi Street, near Shijo Street in central Kyoto. If you have any trouble finding us, please contact us in advance.
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- 京都インバン株式会社
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- "Please inform us of any food allergies in advance"
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Absolute recommendation
Absolutely recommended. It was a special experience for me to go through the process of creation, from selecting the kanjis to drawing them and finally the first print. Because it is your own drawing, it is truly an original. I feel very honored. 🙏 The experience of carving yourself and making mistakes while doing so, realizing how hard it is to draw a straight line or curves: Everything becomes visible and beautiful. The smell of the stamp ink is special. The guidance, the patience, and the dedication of the master and the staff were very friendly and benevolent. Thank you.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
My own seal
I really enjoyed creating my own unique seal! Before my visit, the shop prepared three kanji options for my name, each with a different meaning. I could choose my favorite. I learned about the history of seals and had the opportunity to experience hand carving. The best moment was stamping my seal on paper for the first time. Seeing my beautiful seal appear was so exciting! It was a special experience in Japan. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
I enjoy thinking about design.
It was a very fun experience. It was enjoyable to think about the design while learning about the history of seals and understanding the meaning of kanji. When I first stamped it on blank paper, I was so moved by the seal I designed myself that I couldn't help but let out a gasp. They had prepared things so that even a beginner could get started right away, and if I was interested, I could also ask them many things about seals. I also had the experience of hand-carving, but it was difficult for me. The seal I designed myself became a wonderful memory. I plan to use it to stamp my own works and letters. Thank you very much.
Response from the operator: このたびは、素敵なクチコミをお寄せいただき、誠にありがとうございます。印章のデザインを深く考え、ご自身の作品が完成した瞬間の感動をお聞かせいただけたこと、私どもも大変嬉しく拝読いたしました。お客様の心に残る体験をご提供でき、スタッフ一同心より光栄に存じます。 印章の歴史や漢字の奥深さに触れていただけたことや、手彫り体験では難しさも感じられたことなど、思い出に残る時間をお過ごしいただけたこと、大変嬉しく思います。 ご自身でデザインされた印章が、今後お客様の様々なシーンを彩ることを願っております。お客様の温かいお言葉を励みに、これからも皆様に喜んでいただける体験をご提供できるよう、より一層努めてまいります。またのお越しを心よりお待ちしております。
via Tripadvisor (translated)
It's a unique, memorable, and fun activity.
Amazing experience! Making my own Hanko here today was wonderful. The shop carefully chose beautiful Kanji characters with great meanings for my name. The staff was so helpful and attentive. Highly recommended! 5 stars!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are absolutely delighted to hear that creating your own Hanko was a unique, memorable, and amazing experience for you. It brings us great joy to know that our efforts in carefully selecting beautiful Kanji characters with meaningful interpretations for your name resonated with you, and that our staff's helpful and attentive service contributed to your enjoyment. Your kind words truly encourage us. We are committed to providing exceptional and personalized experiences for all our visitors. We sincerely hope you will visit us again whenever you are in Kyoto. We eagerly look forward to welcoming you back!
via Tripadvisor
Enjoy 🩷
Getting my first hanko in Japan felt a little intimidating, but this shop made the whole experience surprisingly easy and enjoyable. The staff took the time to answer my questions without making me feel rushed, and I really appreciated their kindness and attention to detail. The finished hanko looks elegant, feels solid, and has become something I’ll keep for years. It’s rare to find a place where both the craftsmanship and the customer care leave such a good impression. Thank you for making this such a memorable experience.
Response from the operator: Dear valued customer, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review of your experience at Kyoto Inban Co., Ltd. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that what might have initially felt intimidating became such an easy and enjoyable process for you, resulting in your first hanko in Japan. It brings us immense joy to know that our staff's kindness, attention to detail, and willingness to answer your questions without rushing made such a positive impression. We also greatly appreciate your kind words about our craftsmanship and customer care, recognizing that both contributed to your memorable visit. We are delighted that your finished hanko is elegant, feels solid, and is something you will cherish for years to come. Your feedback is a true encouragement to our entire team. We look forward to welcoming you back to our store whenever you visit Kyoto again.
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $85 to $13,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience cost?
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Prices start at $85 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience 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 Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience?
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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 Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience 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 Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience?
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Around 6 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available), Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture 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 Kyoto?
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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 Kyoto?
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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 Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience?
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Included: Hanko (name seal) making experience, All materials and tools,Japanese tea,Matcha dorayaki. Not included: Transportation to the meeting point. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience?
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Please come directly to our shop. Our staff will be waiting for you at the entrance. Look for a sign with your name or “Hanko Experience”. The shop is located on Shinmachi Street, near Shijo Street in central Kyoto. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience 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 Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience?
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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.
What happens to Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Create your Japanese name in Kanji - Authentic Kyoto Experience?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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