Discover the pleasure of carving your own traditional Japanese stone seal in Kamakura. In Japan, a personal name seal (hanko) is still used in place of a handwritten signature. Stone seals are also used by artists to sign their calligraphy and paintings. Visit KAMAKURA SIGNET, a working atelier with a four-generation seal-making tradition dating back to 1898, and learn directly from a skilled engraver.
See traditional engraving tools, award-winning works and a live demonstration. Discover how Japanese seals can represent a name, a personal meaning or a memory. Choose a suitable character from beginner-friendly options and learn how to transfer it into a seal design.
With the artisan's guidance, safely carve your character into a stone seal. No previous carving experience is needed; materials and tools are supplied. Apply red seal ink in the atelier and reveal your first impression on a keepsake card.
You can take your hand-carved stone seal, its drawstring pouch and your stamped card home immediately. This is a focused 50-minute workshop for one to six guests—an enjoyable introduction to authentic Japanese craftsmanship that fits easily into a morning of Kamakura sightseeing.
Take the west exit of JR Kamakura station, turn left and walk down Onari street. Turn left at
the first big 5 way intersection. Kamakura Hanko is on the right side of the street.
Take the west exit of JR Kamakura station, turn left and walk down Onari street. Turn left at
the first big 5 way intersection. Kamakura Hanko is on the right side of the street.
