Create a hand-made book using silk kimono fabric in a traditional bookbinding class.
Kyoto, · Art workshops
Listing highlights
What you’ll do
This experience is hosted in English.
4.98 out of 5 stars, from 332 reviews
4.98, · 332 reviews
0 of 0 items showing
, · 2 weeks ago
A special experience. Highly recommend.
Imogen
Murwillumbah, Australia
, · 3 weeks ago
Very unique experience! We enjoyed a lot. The experience is very well designed and we got to do every step on our own so that each book is uniquely made. Tsutomu Sansei is perfect! And Yoko San is very knowledgeable about the story behind. We learned a lot about this craftsmanship. This is definitely the most worthy and memorable experience we had in Kyoto! Recommend to anyone who is interested in the history, culture, and would like to make something by hands.
Xiaoqian
China
, · January 2026
I was worried because it was a solo experience and I wasn't good at Japanese, but the host explained everything in English, so I was able to experience making books without any difficulties :) Both the space and the tools for making books were special. Seeing the various patterns of kimono and the story of history and tradition was the most memorable moment in Kyoto. Thank you so much!
혜미
Incheon, South Korea
, · January 2026
This is by far the best Airbnb experience I’ve had while in Japan. The hosts, father and daughter, care deeply about the book-making craft and it shows. I will have a unique keepsake to help remember my trip long after I’ve arrived back home. One of the hosts even walked me a short distance to a restaurant in the neighborhood so I could have dinner afterwards! I *highly* recommend this experience if you’re in Kyoto.
Katherine
Minneapolis, MN
, · January 2026
Great experience for the curious. It was a joy to learn custom bookbinding amd experience embossing. Easy to communicate and find the location as well.
Yx
Singapore
, · January 2026
What a beautiful workshop and what an interesting life story. I learned traditional bookbinding but also about the story behind this workshop and how it came to be created. It was both fun and meaningful and the result is beautiful! The engraving adds the final touch and it was impressive to see how it is done. One of the highlight of my trip ! Thank you so much for your time and your knowledge 😊😊 Merci.
Noémie
Some reviews have been automatically translated.
Upcoming availability
0 of 0 items showing
Where we’ll meet
Matsuda Seihon æ¾ç”°è£½æœ¬æ‰€
603-8326, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
0 of 0 items showing
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About me
Master bookbinder and artisan
Hand-made bookbinding using traditional silk kimono fabric is a coveted craft. Every step of the process has meaning, making it an artistic and meditational experience. I have run my authentic studio for over 55 years. I give lectures on traditional bookmaking at universities of art & product design, and was part of the embossing workshop in Kyoto in 2017.
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To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Things to know
Guest requirements
Guests ages 13 and up can attend, up to 2 guests total.
Cancel at least 1 day before the start time for a full refund.
Art workshops are vetted for quality
Art workshops are led by artists, sculptors, and other hosts who showcase what makes the city unique. Learn more
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From
$56From $56, per guest
/ guest
Free cancellation
Show dates
Make a Kyoto-style book at an authentic studio
4.98 · 332 reviews
From
$56From $56, per guest
/ guest
Free cancellation
Show dates
What you’ll do
Choose a book cover
Choose from a collection of old kimono fabrics and textiles.
Stitch the pages
Measure and-stitch the interior pages of your unique book.
Press your book
Assemble your book using a hot iron and pressing tools.
Spine support
Using technic of registrations, support spine of the book
Book cover making
Making book cover using traditional technics and tools
Completing
Using original tool, complete book making
Design your font
Choose the words and letter style for your book's cover.
Learn to emboss
Finally, emboss your book cover with your choice of leaf.
This experience is hosted in English.
4.98 out of 5 stars, from 332 reviews
4.98, · 332 reviews
0 of 0 items showing
, · 2 weeks ago
A special experience. Highly recommend.
Imogen
Murwillumbah, Australia
, · 3 weeks ago
Very unique experience! We enjoyed a lot. The experience is very well designed and we got to do every step on our own so that each book is uniquely made. Tsutomu Sansei is perfect! And Yoko San is very knowledgeable about the story behind. We learned a lot about this craftsmanship. This is definitely the most worthy and memorable experience we had in Kyoto! Recommend to anyone who is interested in the history, culture, and would like to make something by hands.
Xiaoqian
China
, · January 2026
I was worried because it was a solo experience and I wasn't good at Japanese, but the host explained everything in English, so I was able to experience making books without any difficulties :) Both the space and the tools for making books were special. Seeing the various patterns of kimono and the story of history and tradition was the most memorable moment in Kyoto. Thank you so much!
혜미
Incheon, South Korea
, · January 2026
This is by far the best Airbnb experience I’ve had while in Japan. The hosts, father and daughter, care deeply about the book-making craft and it shows. I will have a unique keepsake to help remember my trip long after I’ve arrived back home. One of the hosts even walked me a short distance to a restaurant in the neighborhood so I could have dinner afterwards! I *highly* recommend this experience if you’re in Kyoto.
Katherine
Minneapolis, MN
, · January 2026
Great experience for the curious. It was a joy to learn custom bookbinding amd experience embossing. Easy to communicate and find the location as well.
Yx
Singapore
, · January 2026
What a beautiful workshop and what an interesting life story. I learned traditional bookbinding but also about the story behind this workshop and how it came to be created. It was both fun and meaningful and the result is beautiful! The engraving adds the final touch and it was impressive to see how it is done. One of the highlight of my trip ! Thank you so much for your time and your knowledge 😊😊 Merci.
Noémie
Show all reviews
Learn how reviews work
Some reviews have been automatically translated.
Upcoming availability
0 of 0 items showing
Where we’ll meet
Matsuda Seihon æ¾ç”°è£½æœ¬æ‰€
603-8326, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
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, · 4.97 out of 5 average rating4.97
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About me
Master bookbinder and artisan
Hand-made bookbinding using traditional silk kimono fabric is a coveted craft. Every step of the process has meaning, making it an artistic and meditational experience. I have run my authentic studio for over 55 years. I give lectures on traditional bookmaking at universities of art & product design, and was part of the embossing workshop in Kyoto in 2017.
Message Tsutomu
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Make a Kyoto-style book at an authentic studio
Create a hand-made book using silk kimono fabric in a traditional bookbinding class.