- Making a Shakumaru Chochin
The studio is the maker of some of Kyoto’s most iconic chochin, including the lantern at the entrance of the Minami-za Theatre. It also collaborates with prominent international brands.
Kyoto Chochin Studio
Crafting Light in Paper
Center of Kyoto City
This historic Kyoto studio produces traditional chochin, including the iconic lantern displayed at the entrance of Minami-za Theater. Alongside temple and theater commissions, the studio also collaborates with prominent international fashion houses, Japanese brands, and creates custom lighting for hotels and private residences in Japan and abroad. Through these contemporary projects, chochin has evolved from traditional signage into refined interior lighting that fits modern spaces.
In this experience, you will take part in the paper-pasting stage of creating a 30 cm ceiling-hanging lantern. While the process may appear simple, achieving a beautifully even surface requires careful control of tension and placement. Guided closely by the studio’s artisans, you will learn the delicate technique of applying washi to the bamboo frame and complete your own lantern by hand. Your finished piece becomes a functional interior light — a refined souvenir that brings a subtle Japanese presence into your everyday living space.
- Pursuing New Possibilities for a Living Tradition
Building on traditional production methods, Kojima Shoten creates distinctive new settings with its lanterns. By exploring the relationship between lanterns and natural materials such as washi, bamboo, and wheat-paste adhesive, the studio carries this valued tradition forward to the next generation.
- He says
“Thank you for choosing our lantern-making experience. Seeing, touching, and making a craft yourself is entirely different from simply looking at it.
“We hope you will sense the care and attention invested by the craftspeople. We look forward to welcoming you.”
- Chochin Studio
- Kojima Shoten
- Kojima Shoten began operating during the Kansei era (1789–1801) of the Edo period. The company makes robust Kojima-style Japanese lanterns entirely by hand, carrying out every stage from splitting the bamboo to painting the finished lantern.
Access
10 minutes by train from Kyoto Station
The marker shows the approximate area.
The exact address will be provided when your reservation is confirmed.
Experiences
- Reserve
Kyoto Chochin Lantern-Making Experience
78,500 JPY / personVisit Kojima Shoten, a historic Kyoto studio known for traditional chochin lanterns, including the iconic lantern at the entrance of Minami-za Theatre. The studio also brings the craft into contemporary interiors through collaborations with international fashion houses, Japanese brands, hotels, and private residences.
After consulting with the studio to choose the lantern form, take part in the delicate washi-pasting stage under the artisans’ guidance. Careful control of tension and placement transforms the prepared bamboo framework into a functional lantern for your home. The finished piece can be taken home on the day or shipped later for an additional fee. Electrical fittings, cord, and bulb are not included.
