- 8 Interesting Shrines in Kanazawa Not to Miss - 16 May 2025
- 100 Japanese Words You Already Know - 15 May 2025
- How to Spend One Day in Kanazawa - 10 May 2025
Kanazawa is one of the best places in Japan to visit if you enjoy crafts. The history of the city means it became home to many artisans, and it boasts a long history of making pottery, working with gold leaf and other crafts. And today there are a whole heap of classes and workshops that you can take as a tourist to learn their skills. Like these….
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Create Mizuhiki Jewellery
Mizuhiki is a traditional craft that involves knotting paper threads into pretty flower-like forms.
The type of mizuhiki we see today originated in Kanazawa, but it was initially used as a way to deter people from opening letters and packages, as the intricate knots were hard to untangle.
However, in the early 20th century, the Kanazawa artist, Sokichi Tsuda, started using it as a way to enhance the engagement gifts exchanged by families. It took off, and today it can be used to create all manner of objects from jewellery to ornate sculptures.
In this workshop, you’ll start simply making either earrings, a necklace or a hair ornament. Perfect for even the lightest of packers to take back home.
The class takes two hours and is available Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There are three sessions a day. 10.00 am, 1.00 pm and 3.30 pm
Unfortunately, you cannot book this solo, and groups also must be four or less. Children can take part, but as Mizuhki is quite delicate, the workshop organisers suggest that it’s best for children over 10. This location is not wheelchair accessible.
This class takes place near Onmichi Market, so you could grab lunch here before or after if you time things correctly.
2. Make Some Kutani-ware
Kanazawa is famous for this brightly coloured painted pottery – it’s one of the things to particularly look out for in the Nagamachi samurai district.
Kutani-ware is made from porcelain clay, which is a bit harder to work with than potter’s clay, so if you want to try your hand at something a little more delicate, this is the class for you.
This one-hour class takes place in the Nomachi area of Kanazawa, which is near the Ninja Temple. It’s available every day, with four sessions offered daily, starting at 9:30 am.
This can be booked by solo travelers. Children can also take part. The location is wheelchair accessible.
3. Paint Some Kutani-ware
As well as the clay used, Kutani-ware is famous for its designs and the bright colours used to paint it
In this class, you’ll decorate your piece of Kutani-ware pottery with a basic design and choose your colours for the finished product. This will then be coloured and glazed by the kiln’s master craftspeople, fired and dispatched to you back at home.
This one-hour class takes place in the same kiln as the above in the Nomachi area of Kanazawa, which is near the Ninja Temple. It’s available every day, with six sessions offered daily, starting at 9:30 am.
Solo travelers are okay with this one. Children can take part, but bear in mind they will be handling delicate porcelain pottery. The location is wheelchair accessible.
4. Applying Gold Leaf
Most of the gold leaf in Japan is made in Kanazawa, and there are all sorts of opportunities to encounter it – including making your own plate or box with a traditional shiny design – I chose a waving cat for mine.
It takes about 30 minutes to complete the item, and even the less artistic can manage it (trust me, I couldn’t paint my way out of a paper bag, but I am the proud owner of the pretty box below!)
The class takes place right in the middle of the must-see Higashi Chaya district and is suitable for adults and children. You can book on any day except Tuesday, and there are five sessions a day – 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon and 2 pm, and 3 pm.
Unfortunately, because the crafts room is upstairs, it is not wheelchair accessible.
5. Make Some Sweets
Kanazawa is also famous for its sweets making, and my trip to the Morehachi Sweet Mould Museum was one of the favourite things I did here. And Morehachi also offer the chance for you to make sweets of your own.
There are two sessions a day, one at 10 am and one at 3 pm. Each class lasts around 40 minutes. You’ll get to taste your sweets afterwards with a cup of green tea.
They don’t specify whether children are welcome, so it’s best to let them know how many children and their ages with your reservation request.
The class takes place at the Morehachi Honten Main Store, located about a five-minute walk from Higashi Chaya. The class fee also lets you into the Museum of Sweet Molds in the same building.
Now you can see why we suggested those who love to craft might want to spend a little more time in Kanazawa in our guide on how many days to spend in Kanazawa.
Who Writes This Blog?
My name is Helen Foster, and I’m a journalist and author. My travel articles have appeared in publications including The Australian, Escape, RAC Horizons, Jetstar Magazine, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and more.
I’ve traveled to Japan eight times before – solo and with my partner and visited over 25 towns and cities. My last visit was November 2024 so, everything here is pretty up to date.