Private Tour
Private 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 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.
What‘s Included
Provision of materials
Loan of tools
Paulownia boxes
Options
Private Pewter Sake Cup Experience with a Kyoto Artisan
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
One of the highlights of our trip!
jasonlB8717UX,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fun, unique experience. And you get a truly unique memory of your time in Kyoto. Highly recommend : )
I had a wonderful time...
Don S,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a wonderful time shaping my own pewter sake cup at this workshop. Kanako is a professional in her craft and made the experience easy for beginners and provided clear instructions to help. In the end, I was able to keep an engraved custom souvenir to take home with me!
Creating your own unique sake cup
Brage S,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely wonderful experience creating our own sake cup. Kanako-san guided us through the process of shaping the cup and creating our own pattern on the sake cup. Highly recommend if you like sake, and want your very own unique sake cup.
Not to be missed activity!
MarieLine B,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very welcome from Kanako-san who took the time to welcome us, to explain to us how we would proceed. We loved this experience! The fact that you could also discuss your craft and your creations was a plus! We highly recommend this activity! You leave with a unique memory 🤗🥰
Incredible experience, woukd do again.
Riley L,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an amazing time getting taught by Kanako how to make our beautiful pewter cups, and being shown the private workshop where she does her incredible work. She was a great instructor, very knowledgeable and super friendly, and made us feel absolutely at home. Can't give this experience enough praise.
What an amazing...
Kirsten R,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing experience! Our whole group loved it, and would definitely recommend it to everyone. Kanako is an amazing artist and host, making sure we all felt welcome and walked away from a couple hours of fun with some very cool cups. Kanako's studio is in a quiet part of town, accessible by public transportation but feels tucked into the mountains. If you're looking to experience some authentically-Japanese and super fun crafting, this is for you!
Fun craft souvenir activity
Zack D,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was so much fun. Hands on fun; great host; removed from the business of downtown Kyoto. Would definitely recommend
Kanako Made Our Cup-Making Class an Unforgettable Highlight of Our Trip!
K9333NTlucass,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic experience! Kanako made our cup-making class an absolute joy. She was an incredibly patient and helpful instructor, guiding us through the entire process. The moment we finished, she even shared some sake with us—the perfect way to 'test drive' our creations! Our finished cups are beautiful, durable, and truly one-of-a-kind. They're the ideal souvenir from Japan, and we've loved using them since we got back.
Great hands-on experience
Alexei D,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a unique, peaceful, and memorable experience that's worth the short commute to the edge of Kyoto. Had a great time learning to work with pewter alongside my fiancee. I went a little bit off-script with the design, but Kanako ensured we both went away with beautiful and functional keepsakes.
Memorable and unique experience! You won’t regret taking this class!
indiaw88,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you ever get the chance to take the pewter sake cup making workshop here, you absolutely should! My husband, mom, and sister all found it to be one of the most memorable and unique experiences we’ve ever participated in while traveling. The owner and teacher, Kanako-san, was such a pleasure to work with. Through kindness, knowledge, and a great sense of humor, she helped us to create beautiful and one-of-a-kind sake cups, and she even provided us with sake at the end so that we could try out our brand new cups. The whole experience was top-notch and a true highlight of our trip!
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Operated by Saluk