Private Signature Hanko, Calligraphy & Stone Seal Experience

5.0 (26 reviews) 1 h 10 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

26 reviews

5.0

Private Signature Hanko, Calligraphy & Stone Seal Experience — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Signature Hanko, Calligraphy & Stone Seal Experience, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

1. Meet Your Fourth-Generation Master

Step inside the historic Kamakura atelier and learn about the art of Japanese seals.

2. Discover the Master's Craft

View award-winning works, traditional tools and a live engraving demonstration.

3. Experience Japanese Calligraphy

Selected characters on paper.

4. Carve and Stamp Your Stone Seal

Choose a character, carve it with careful step-by-step guidance, and stamp it onto your calligraphy.

5. Design Your Name Hanko

Discuss kanji or katakana options for your name and the design of your personalized wooden name seal with the master.

6. Explore Kamakura

Take home your calligraphy and stone seal in its pouch, then enjoy Kamakura while the master hand-finishes your name seal

7. The Master Finishes Your Seal

Your wooden name hanko is carefully hand-finished by the fourth-generation master.

8. Pick Up or Delivery

Collect your finished hanko at the atelier the same day, or have it delivered to your hotel in Japan or shipped overseas

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 10 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Name of Japan. Kamakura HANKO

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Stone seal you carve yourself, with guidance from the craftsman
Included: Hanko case
Included: English guidance throughout
Included: Specially crafted wooden seals carved by master artisans—custom-made with your name.
Included: Calligraphy you write, to take home
Included: Original pouch

Not included

Not included: Upgraded materials: buffalo horn, premium woods, gemstone
Not included: Kanji engraving / typeface upgrade
Not included: Red INK
Not included: Shipping (if you prefer not to collect the same afternoon)

Itinerary

Meet a fourth-generation master seal engraver in a private Kamakura atelier, and take home two different Japanese seals: one you carve yourself and one personally hand-finished for your name by the craftsman. This is KAMAKURA SIGNET's signature experience. In Japan, a personal name seal (hanko) is still used in place of a handwritten signature. The family tradition behind this atelier dates back to 1898. See award-winning engraving, traditional tools and a live demonstration, then discover how Japanese characters, seal carving and brush calligraphy express names and meaningful wishes.

Stop 1
Kamakura

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Just 55 min from Tokyo, 20 min from Yokohama, and a 2-min walk from JR Kamakura Station's West Exit. Turn left, walk down Onari Street, then left at the first large 5-way intersection; we are on the right. Please be punctual — your seal is prepared in advance, and sessions are morning only.

End point

Just 55 min from Tokyo, 20 min from Yokohama, and a 2-min walk from JR Kamakura Station's West Exit. Turn left, walk down Onari Street, then left at the first large 5-way intersection; we are on the right. Please be punctual — your seal is prepared in advance, and sessions are morning only.