Gigative · Experiences
Private Signature Hanko, Calligraphy & Stone Seal Experience
About this experience
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
What to expect
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.
What’s included
- Stone seal you carve yourself, with guidance from the craftsman
- Hanko case
- English guidance throughout
- Specially crafted wooden seals carved by master artisans—custom-made with your name.
- Calligraphy you write, to take home
- Original pouch
Not included
- Upgraded materials: buffalo horn, premium woods, gemstone
- Kanji engraving / typeface upgrade
- Red INK
- Shipping (if you prefer not to collect the same afternoon)
Tour & ticket options
Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.
Hanko Name Seal
Hanko Name Seal
Meeting & pickup
- 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.
Before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.