Paper knots and warm light in Ueno. In a private 2.5-hour class at 和紙ラボTOKYOJapan, you fold washi into a mini origami lamp and tie a mizuhiki belt ornament, then slow down with Japanese tea and sweets.

I like two things most: the patient, personalized instruction from Kaho Shinoda, and the fact you leave with two handmade, meaningful souvenirs you can actually use and enjoy at home. The materials are prepared, the steps are clearly explained, and you can ask questions as you go.

One consideration: the work is detailed and precise. This workshop is not suitable for young children, so you’ll want to be comfortable with careful folding, gluing, and tying fine paper cords.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Private class in Ueno: only your group, with personalized help and time for questions
• You make a warm-light mini lamp: handmade washi folded into a bellows shape that becomes a closed-book look
• Mizuhiki knot belt ornament: you learn the craft and the idea that knots can carry meaning
• Japanese paper tea included: served with sweets, and described as not offered elsewhere
• Cat on site: let the team know if you have allergies
• Not for young children: fine-motor work is part of the experience

Ueno’s craft workshop: washi paper, warm light, and meaningful knots

This is a Tokyo break that feels calmer than sightseeing. Instead of chasing another photo spot, you’re making something with your hands: an origami-style lamp shade plus a mizuhiki knot belt ornament. It takes place in the Ueno area, and the meeting point is at 和紙ラボTOKYOJapan in Taito City, a spot that’s described as near public transportation.

The setting matters. Ueno can be busy, and afternoons can get hot fast. This workshop gives you a seat, tools, paper, and a teacher who guides you through the steps without rushing you. If you like crafts, paper, or gifts that feel personal, this format fits you well.

The two projects also balance each other. The lamp is sculptural and visual—bellows folds, glue, and a warm glow. The mizuhiki portion is smaller and more symbolic—paper cord knotting that turns into a decorative belt ornament.

Entering 和紙ラボTOKYOJapan and getting oriented

You’ll start at 和紙ラボTOKYOJapan, on the first floor of 市川ビル 1F (3-chōme) in Taito City. It’s easy to plan around because the activity runs about 2 hours 30 minutes and ends back at the same meeting point.

When you arrive, you’ll get a guide document that supports the basics of working with washi paper. Even if you’re not a paper pro, the workshop is structured so you understand what you’re doing before you start pressing folds and adding glue.

Here’s a practical thing I’m glad the workshop flags ahead of time: there’s a cat in the studio. If allergies are part of your travel math, tell the team. That’s not just a formality—it’s the kind of detail that makes the experience comfortable from minute one.

Also, this is a private activity. That means you won’t be squeezed into a big classroom pace. Your group gets the attention and spacing needed for careful work.

The mini origami lamp: bellows folds, glue, and a gentle glow

The main project is a mini origami lamp built from several sheets of handmade washi paper. The process is folding and gluing the paper into a bellows-like shape. It’s not just origami for paper folding’s sake—you’re constructing a form that holds and frames light.

Then comes the key moment: you insert a small lamp inside the washi structure. The result is described as a gentle, warm light. When you close the bellows shape, the lamp’s form looks like a closed book. That’s a fun detail because it means your souvenir isn’t only about the moment it’s lit—it also looks great as an object when it’s packed away.

What you’ll learn here is how washi behaves. Wasan? Yes, washi. It’s light and durable, which is why it works so well for interior decor and paper-based craft pieces. When you’re handling it in the workshop, you start to understand why this material has such a long life in Japanese craft traditions.

The workshop also focuses on technique—so even if you’re new to this kind of folding, you’re not left to figure it out alone. Kaho Shinoda’s role (as described in the class experience) is to guide you step by step, keeping it relaxed but focused. If you learn best with clear explanations and the chance to ask questions, you’ll likely appreciate this setup.

Mizuhiki knot belt ornament: tying paper cords with meaning

The second craft is mizuhiki, a traditional paper cord made by twisting washi paper and wrapping it with nylon or film. The workshop has you create a mizuhiki knot ornament for a belt—so you end up with something decorative, but also something you understand as a technique.

One of the most interesting angles here is that each knot can carry meaning. You don’t have to be an expert in Japanese customs to get something valuable out of that idea. For you, it translates to a souvenir with a story. You can tie the ornament back to the purpose of gifts and presentation, rather than treating it like a random trinket.

This craft also complements the lamp. The lamp is large folds and shaping. Mizuhiki is fine work and control—pinching, looping, and tightening until the knot sits correctly. Together, they make the workshop feel complete: you practice two different kinds of paper craft thinking in one session.

Tea and sweets break: Japanese paper tea you won’t forget

After you finish, you get Japanese sweets and tea included with the workshop. The tea is described as Japanese paper tea that is not offered elsewhere, which is a strong reason to go even if you’re only mildly into crafts.

This part isn’t an afterthought. It’s a chance to decompress and reflect on what you made. Sitting down with something warm also helps you appreciate the work you just did—especially the lamp, since it’s literally about gentle light and a cozy mood.

If you’re the type who likes to treat the food portion as part of the cultural experience (not just fuel), this workshop’s snack-and-tea setup is one more reason the time feels well spent.

What the 2.5 hours feels like in real life

This isn’t a rushed craft demo. The session is long enough to learn the basics, create two items, and still have time to ask questions. It’s also short enough that you can fit it between sightseeing plans without losing half your day.

A good mental model: you’re doing guided building and guided finishing, with breaks for instruction rather than constant labor. The projects are detailed, so your hands will stay busy. But the structure keeps you from getting stuck.

You’ll likely appreciate the fact that materials are prepared ahead of time and instructions are clear. That kind of organization matters more than people think. When you’re doing precision work with glue and thin paper, the difference between smooth and stressful is often whether the tools are where you need them and the steps are easy to follow.

Price and value: what $107.50 buys you

At $107.50 per person, the workshop is priced like an experience with real teaching—not a self-guided craft kit. You’re paying for:

• Handmade washi paper-based instruction and materials for the origami lamp shade
• The mizuhiki knot belt ornament materials and guidance
• A private class format with personalized support
• Japanese sweets and tea, including Japanese paper tea
• The finished pieces you bring home as souvenirs

In other words, you’re not just buying a small product. You’re buying the process, plus the story and the satisfaction of making it yourself. And because you leave with two items—an illuminated lamp form and a mizuhiki ornament—you get more value than a workshop that only ends with a single small craft.

There’s also the time value. At about 2 hours 30 minutes, you’re getting a meaningful activity without needing a full day. For many travelers, that’s the difference between a good “Tokyo day” and a packed one.

One more practical note: this workshop is often booked about 29 days in advance on average. If you want a specific day, don’t wait until the last minute.

Who should book this workshop (and who should skip it)

This is best for you if you:

• Enjoy crafts, paper work, or hands-on making
• Want a souvenir that feels personal and giftable
• Like learning how materials and techniques work, not just finishing a project

It’s also a strong fit if you’re looking for a quieter pause from busy Ueno streets. You’ll be indoors, focusing on making instead of navigating crowds.

But skip it—or treat it as a maybe—if:

• You’re traveling with young children. The workshop explicitly says it’s not suitable due to detailed, fine-motor work.
• You have cat allergies and don’t want to risk exposure. The studio has a cat, so plan to inform the team in advance.

If you’re a beginner, you’re still a candidate. The class is described as well guided with clear instructions, and the overall setup is designed so you can follow along.

Practical notes for a smooth visit

You’ll want to head to the meeting point at 和紙ラボTOKYOJapan (address provided by the activity). Plan to use public transportation since it’s described as near transit. Bring a bit of patience for careful work—this is not the kind of craft where you can rush and still get a neat result.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, so you can keep it simple on your phone.

And again: mention any allergies related to the studio cat. That one detail can save you from uncomfortable surprises.

Should you book the Mini Origami Lamp and Mizuhiki knot belt workshop?

Book it if you want a Tokyo experience that trades crowd-watching for skill-building. The biggest wins are clear instruction from Kaho Shinoda, the take-home reward of two handmade items, and the inclusion of Japanese paper tea plus sweets.

Don’t book it if your idea of a great time is zero precision work. This workshop asks for careful folding, gluing, and tying. It’s also not recommended for young children.

If you enjoy crafts and want a souvenir with genuine effort behind it, this is a great use of a couple of hours in Ueno.

FAQ

How long does the workshop last?

The duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What do I make during the session?

You make a mini origami lamp (a lampshade/structure using washi paper) and a mizuhiki knot belt ornament.

Where is the meeting point?

The start point is 和紙ラボTOKYOJapan, 110-0016 Tokyo, Taito City, Taitō, 3-chōme30２ 市川ビル 1F. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private class?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Are the materials provided?

Yes. All materials to make the lampshade and mizuhiki knot belt are included.

What food and drink are included?

A selection of Japanese sweets and tea is included, including Japanese paper tea.

Is the workshop suitable for children?

No. It’s not suitable for young children because the work requires detailed skills.

Is there anything on site that could affect allergies?

Yes. There is a cat in the workshop, and you should inform the team if you have any allergies.

Does weather affect the experience?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.