Your Own HANKO Name Seal Activity in Kamakura.

Crafting a unique Japanese Hanko, or personal seal, is a captivating cultural experience awaiting visitors in Kamakura. At the Your Own HANKO Name Seal Activity, participants can design their own stamp, choosing from a variety of materials, styles, and fonts. As they watch the skilled engraver bring their creation to life, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this centuries-old tradition. The final product, nestled in a stylish pouch, serves as a one-of-a-kind souvenir to cherish long after the experience. What makes this activity so intriguing, however, is the opportunity to leave with a piece of Japan’s rich heritage that bears your own personal touch.

Key Points

Participants can create a custom Hanko (personal seal) during a hands-on workshop in Kamakura, Japan.
The workshop includes selecting the Hanko material, design, and font style, followed by professional engraving.
The completed Hanko is presented in a stylish protective pouch, and participants can witness the engraving process.
The workshop location is a short walk from the JR Kamakura station, and punctuality is important as sessions are held in the morning.
Participants can choose from traditional, modern, or artistic design options, as well as natural materials like wood, horn, or gemstone.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Overview of Hanko Seals

Hanko seals, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, serve as a unique form of personal identification and signature. They’re widely used in various contexts, from official documents to personal correspondences.

These seals, often made of materials like wood, horn, or gemstone, are engraved with the owner’s name in stylized Japanese characters. The design and style of a Hanko seal can reflect the individual’s personality and preferences.

During the Hanko-making activity in Kamakura, you will have the opportunity to create their own custom Hanko, learning about the history and different writing styles. This hands-on experience allows visitors to take home a personalized souvenir that captures the essence of traditional Japanese culture.

What’s Included in the Activity

The activity includes an acrylic stamp for the custom Hanko seal, the engraving fee, an original pouch to store the Hanko, and optional shipping. Plus, participants can choose from various materials such as horn, wood, or gemstone for their Hanko, with an associated material fee.

What’s Included	Details
Hanko Seal	Acrylic stamp
Engraving Fee	Included
Pouch	Original pouch for Hanko
Shipping	Optional
Materials	Horn, wood, gemstone with fee

The activity provides everything needed to create a personalized Hanko seal, allowing participants to customize their design and choose from a range of premium materials.

Meeting and Pickup Location

The meeting point for this activity is the Kamakura seal shop Souvenir shop, which is located just a short walk from the JR Kamakura station.

Participants should take the west exit of the station, turn left, and walk down Onari street before turning left at the first big 5-way intersection, where the shop will be on the right side.

It’s important for participants to be punctual, as the workshops require preparation and are only held in the morning.

The key details to remember are:

Take the west exit of JR Kamakura station
Turn left and walk down Onari street
Turn left at the first big 5-way intersection, the shop is on the right side

Designing Your Custom Hanko

Once participants have arrived at the Kamakura seal shop, they’ll get to customize their own Hanko name seal. This hands-on activity allows them to learn about the history and styles of traditional Japanese Hanko writing before designing their own unique stamp.

Design Options	Traditional	Modern	Artistic
Font	Kaisho	Gyosho	Sosho
Material	Wood	Acrylic	Stone
Motif	Nature	Abstract	Calligraphy

The shop staff guides participants through selecting the font, material, and motif for their personalized Hanko. They’ll get to sketch out their design before the seal is professionally engraved, allowing them to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Kamakura.

Engraving and Receiving Your Seal

After finalizing the design, participants watch as the seal shop staff skillfully engraves their custom Hanko stamp. Once the engraving is complete, they’re presented with their personalized Hanko, along with a protective pouch, ready to take home as a unique souvenir from Kamakura.

The Hanko engraving process includes three key steps:

The staff carefully selects the appropriate materials, such as horn, wood, or gemstone, based on the participant’s design.
Using specialized tools, they meticulously engrave the Hanko, ensuring a precise and polished finish.
Finally, the Hanko is placed in a stylish pouch, making it easy to preserve and display the new personal seal.

Activity Details Explained

Participants first learn to write their name in Japanese characters during the activity.

They then work with the shop staff to design a custom Hanko stamp, selecting the desired style, font, and materials. The engraving process allows them to create a personalized Hanko that reflects their individual preferences.

Once the design is finalized, the shop staff will engrave the stamp, which participants can then take home as a unique souvenir.

Throughout the activity, the shop staff provides guidance and support, ensuring participants have an engaging and memorable experience. The activity offers a hands-on way to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of Hanko seals in Japan.

Additional Information for Participants

When booking the activity, you will receive confirmation details.

The workshop is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps during the session, but most travelers can participate. This is a private tour, so only your group will take part.

The cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The additional information for participants includes:

Confirmation details provided at the time of booking.
Accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
Cancellation policy offering a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity.

This practical and informative overview ensures participants have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to plan their experience.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled activity, participants can cancel their reservation for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy allows guests to adjust their plans if needed without incurring any penalties.

The activity provider understands that unexpected circumstances can arise, so they offer this hassle-free cancellation option. Guests who cancel within 24 hours of the start time or fail to show up won’t be eligible for a refund, as the provider has already made preparations for the workshop.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Design or Template for the Hanko?

Yes, you can bring your own design or template for the Hanko. The activity allows participants to customize their Hanko seal, including the option to provide their own design for the engraver to work with.

Is There an Age Limit or Restriction for This Activity?

The Hanko activity doesn’t have an age limit, but infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate, making it suitable for all ages. The shop is also wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Hanko Material Selection?

There are no special requirements for selecting the Hanko material. Participants can choose from options like horn, wood, or gemstone, each offering a unique appearance and feel for their personalized seal. The materials are provided as part of the activity.

Can I Customize the Size of the Hanko Seal?

Yes, you can customize the size of the hanko seal. The activity allows participants to select from various materials and sizes to create their personalized stamp. The engraved seal is a unique souvenir that can be tailored to individual preferences.

Is It Possible to Have the Hanko Shipped to My Home Address?

Yes, the hanko seal can be shipped to your home address for an additional shipping fee. This option is available during the booking process, allowing you to receive your custom-made hanko seal conveniently at your desired location.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby