Private Tour
Authentic Pewter Sake Cup Experience with a Kyoto Artisan
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This workshop is led by the owner of Craft Gallery SALUK, a skilled pewtersmith, who will guide you as you create your own pewter sake cup.
Pewter has been part of Japanese culture since the 8th century, first used by nobles and temples. From the 17th century it spread among common people, especially for sake and tea utensils. Even today, many say sake tastes smoother from a pewter cup. By making your own, you connect with this tradition firsthand.
Workshops are limited to 4 guests, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Solo travelers, couples, and small groups are all welcome. No experience is needed; clear guidance helps beginners enjoy the process.
You’ll also see inside the pewter workshop—normally closed to the public—and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft. Your cup will come in a paulownia wood box, making it a meaningful keepsake or gift. Join us and make a lasting memory with your handcrafted pewter sake cup.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Provision of materials
Loan of tools
Paulownia boxes
What To Expect
Experience the joy of striking metal with your own hands and creating something yourself. First, choose your favorite hammer from several types, place the pewter cup on the anvil, and strike it while rotating to make patterns. You can use just one hammer, or combine several. The cup is crafted in a shape that fits comfortably in the hand, and its expression expands endlessly depending on the type of hammer and the way you strike it, allowing you to create a pewter sake cup that is truly one of a kind. If you wish, you can also stamp letters, numbers, initials, or a date on the base to make it more personal. Next, use a file to adjust the height and bevel the rim at an angle, giving it a pleasant feel when drinking. For safety, the final polishing is done by the craftsman using a rotary machine. The finished cup measures about 64 mm in diameter, 53 mm in height, and holds about 90 ml (115 ml when filled to the rim). The completed cup can be enjoyed not only for sake, but also for whiskey, chilled green tea, and many other occasions.
Options
Private Pewter Sake Cup Making Workshop in Kyoto
Reviews
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Such a unique experience! You won’t regret participating in this workshop!
India W,
Aug 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was absolutely a highlight of our recent trip to Japan! The owner of Saluk, Kanako, taught the workshop and her kind personality, sense of humor, patience, and clear knowledge about working with pewter made this experience one that we’ll never forget. She helped us create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pewter sake cups, and at the end, she even offered us a bottle of sake and a snack so that we could try out our new sake cups! I would highly recommend signing up for this workshop if you ever get the chance!
Amazing experience!
Lee Z,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was an incredibly fun and insightful experience. It was so great to create with my own hands and see the final result. Kanako is an incredible teacher and a generous host and her studio is located in a peaceful, calm area outside the city--well worth the trek!
Incredible local craftsmanship experience!
SungIn M,
May 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was such a special workshop and one of the most memorable activities I have ever done while traveling. Kanoko-san welcomed me with tea and snacks and then provided a brief overview of the pewter decorating process. I was able to do most of the pewter work on my own with observation from her and enjoyed the experience of making something by myself. Kanoko-san finished the pewter cup with a polishing process in her workshop and it was really wonderful to see her at work. Her gallery and workshop are about 50 minutes from Gion-Shijo but it is well worth the trip to experience a quieter part of Kyoto and to take part in a workshop that is truly one of a kind and a special and unique experience. This is a must-do for anyone looking for something different than the beaten tourist tracks. I would absolutely do this again and highly recommend it!
Wonderful Pewter Lesson!
Barbara C,
Apr 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00I came to Japan this time to study crafts and art with masters. Hammered pewter work is one of Japan's artisanal specialties. I decorated a blank pewter cup by using differently shaped hammers to tap patterns on the metal. This work is done by placing the cup on an anvil affixed to a large tree stump. After hammering my pattern,. I learned how to level the cup, and file the edge at a 40° angle so it will be smoother to human lips. Because of the machinery involved, Kamako did the finishing sanding, polishing and buffing. Most people use these cups for sake; I plan to use mine for small ikebana. Kamako is a delightful teacher and artisan. She worked at an established pewter firm before opening her own atelier called SALUK. Kamako's work with pewter is aesthetically refined and functional. I especially like her embossing work. It was such a fun experience that I'm thinking of doing it again to make another cup as a gift. The first photo is my cup; the second and third photos are of Kamako and a couple of her pieces. I highly recommend studying with Kamako if you want a special experience.
It’s one of the most...
Brenda L,
Dec 29, 2024
- Viator
5.00It’s one of the most satisfying experiences we’ve had. The patience you learn and the amazing result we got was wonderful, we each got something we created with our hands and we couldn’t believe how beautiful it turned out.
Related Experiences
Operated by Saluk