Hand Weaving Workshop in Gion, Kyoto
At BLANKED KYOTO you use a real table loom, suitable for both children and adults, to weave a bookmark, omamori charm or sacoche bag. It is an indoor, hands-on craft class you can fit into a day of Kyoto sightseeing — from 60 minutes, plus a 30-minute bookmark session.
No previous experience is required. Our staff guide you through each step, and you take your finished piece home the same day. Ideal for solo travellers, families, couples and friends, and a good rainy-day plan in Gion.
- Indoor · rainy-day friendly
- Ages 6+
- Beginners & solo guests welcome
- Nothing to bring
- Take it home the same day
- Japanese & English
Experience Information
| Minimum age | 6 years old (children of elementary-school age and under must be accompanied by an adult) |
|---|---|
| Experience level | None needed. Beginners and solo guests are welcome |
| Capacity | Up to 4 guests per session (all courses combined, 4 looms) |
| What to bring | Nothing |
| Yarn colours | Around 30 colours |
| Languages | Japanese and English (translation tools for other languages) |
| Finished piece | Take it home on the same day (including the sacoche bag) |
| Venue | Indoors, 2F Gion Matsumoto Building (stairs only) |
The workshop uses cotton, acrylic, polyester and other yarns in different colours and textures. The material composition depends on the yarns you choose.
Courses and Prices
Bookmark
| Duration | Approximately 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥3,300 including tax |
| Start times | 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 |
Our shortest course. Choose your colours and weave a small bookmark — an easy stop between sightseeing spots in Gion.
Omamori Charm
| Duration | Approximately 60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥5,500 including tax |
| Start times | 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 |
Weave a piece of fabric, have it finished as a small pouch and complete it with a knotted cord. An omamori is a Japanese protective charm — a meaningful, handmade souvenir of Kyoto.
Sacoche Bag
| Duration | Approximately 120 minutes |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥13,200 including tax |
| Start times | 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 |
Weave the largest piece of fabric offered in our three courses and have it finished as a small shoulder bag for everyday use. This course is offered five times a day. You take the finished bag home the same day.
A Quiet Moment of Weaving
Japan developed alongside its textile industries, but many people rarely have an opportunity to learn how everyday towels and clothing are made from individual threads.
Choose your yarns, sit at the loom, pass the shuttle and pull the beater, row by row. Through plain weave, the most fundamental weave structure, you experience how fabric is created.
The quiet concentration of weaving can feel similar to the stillness associated with Zen.
Before You Come
| Hours | 10:00–19:00 (last entry 18:00) |
|---|---|
| Closed | Tuesdays and Wednesdays (open on public holidays). Occasional closures |
| Capacity | Up to 4 guests per session across all courses |
| Walk-ins | Accepted when space is available |
| Arrival | Please arrive 5 minutes before your start time |
| Cancellation | Free until 20:00 the day before. After that, the booking platform's policy applies |
Advance booking is recommended because your preferred time may not be available.
Quick FAQ
Can I join on a rainy day?
Yes. The workshop is entirely indoors, so weather is not a problem. We are 30 seconds from Exit 6 of Gion-Shijo Station, so you can reach us almost without getting wet.
Can I join without a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome when space is available. We have four looms and take up to four guests per session, so we recommend booking in advance.
Is the workshop available in English?
Yes. Our staff guide you in English. For other languages such as Chinese or Korean we use translation tools.
Please see our FAQ for age limits, payments, luggage, clothing, photography and group visits.