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.