Visit by Appointment for a Custom Hanko in Kamakura
Book Your Appointment
Your consultation and selection of your hanko take approximately 30 minutes. If you choose same-day express collection, you can explore Kamakura while our artisan engraves your seal, then return at the agreed collection time.
Visit by Appointment for a Custom Hanko in Kamakura
Visit KAMAKURA SIGNET to choose a personal Japanese seal crafted by an artisan. Explore materials and designs, discuss your name or logo, and find a hanko that is right for you.
Visits are by appointment only. Please book before coming to our Kamakura atelier. Our artisan can engrave only three seals per day, so advance booking is required for both consultations and orders.
Appointments are free, and you are welcome to book a consultation-only visit. There is no obligation to purchase. We welcome consultations in English, so you can discuss your name, materials and design without speaking Japanese. You may cancel your appointment if your plans change. Please let us know in advance.
Benefits of Visiting Our Atelier
Explore Historic Kamakura
Combine your visit to our atelier with sightseeing in historic Kamakura. Enjoy the city before or after your appointment.
See Design Examples in Person
View design examples with the artisan to get a clearer idea of the lettering and layout you would like for your hanko.
Meet the Artisan in Person
Meet the artisan who will create your hanko and discuss your ideas directly, from your name or logo to the design of your seal.
Discover Your Name in Japanese
Our artisan can suggest a Japanese rendering of your name in kanji or katakana. Discuss the sound of your name and, for kanji, the meanings of the characters to choose a personal expression for your seal.
See and Feel the Materials
Hold a variety of seal materials in your hands and compare their weight, colour and texture. Choose your favourite by seeing and feeling the differences in person.
Typical Budget
Plan for a total purchase budget of approximately US$150–600, depending on your seal, case and accessories. We will confirm the final price and any express-service or delivery charges before you pay.
What Happens During Your Visit
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1 Book Your Appointment Online
Book your appointment using the form on this page before visiting our Kamakura atelier.
2 Visit Our Atelier in Kamakura
We are a 2-minute walk from Kamakura Station. Kamakura is approximately 20 minutes by train from Yokohama Station and 50 minutes from Tokyo Station. Travel times vary by service.
3 Discover Japanese Hanko Culture
Learn briefly about the history of hanko and how personal seals are used in Japanese culture.
4 Choose Your Characters and Design
Choose kanji, katakana, alphabet lettering, a decorative design or your own logo. Discuss the lettering style and layout with our artisan.
5 Choose Your Seal Material
Explore the available materials and choose the one that suits your preferences and budget.
6 Confirm Your Order and Pay
Confirm your design, selections, total price and collection or delivery arrangements before payment.
7 Have Your Hanko Engraved
Our artisan will engrave your hanko according to the design agreed during your visit.
8 Explore Kamakura and Collect Your Hanko
For an additional fee, same-day express collection may be available. While your hanko is being crafted over approximately 3–6 hours, enjoy Kamakura’s Zen temples, shrines, Great Buddha, seaside and mountains. After sightseeing, return to our atelier to pick up your completed hanko at the agreed time.
