Wood Works Kawagoe in Kawagoe, Japan, puts you to work making your own set of chopsticks. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
A unique experience in Kawagoe, a city whose Edo Period past already qualifies it for a weekend visit, will leave you with a personalized souvenir of Japan that you can use every day.
Wood Works Kawagoe on Kanetsuki-dori, a popular street of shops and restaurants, puts you to work making your own set of chopsticks.
The staff offers a kind welcome and guides visitors to the back of the small shop, where a wide choice of raw materials is available along with a description of each type of wood.
Creating a pair of personalized chopsticks starts with wood selection at Wood Works Kawagoe in Kawagoe, Japan. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
After you choose your wood, you will be guided to a seat and shown how to carve the chopsticks. There are two molds that match numbers inscribed on the wood to be shaved into eating utensils.
After each side of your chopsticks are shaved to fit their molds, you’ll use sandpaper to round them off into a smooth finish.
Now you’re ready for the final step. The chopsticks are dipped into an edible oil and then dried. Put your dried chopsticks in a plastic holder and your journey is complete.
Visitors to Wood Works Kawagoe make their own chopsticks at the shop in Kawagoe, Japan. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
This activity takes no more than 30 minutes. Instructions on maintaining your chopsticks comes with the holder. Every part of this experience is satisfying.
When you are done, sample some of the many small food stands on Kanetsuki-dori, many of which are sweet potato-based.
Tools for making chopsticks at Wood Works Kawagoe in Kawagoe, Japan. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: 1-4-3 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063. Diagonally across from the Bell of Time tower.
Times: Open 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Last entry is 5 p.m.
Costs: 1,650 yen per person, plus cost of wood, which is between 2,000 yen and 5,000 yen.
Food: No food at the shop, but plenty of stalls and restaurants on nearby Kanetsuki-dori.
Information: Online: karakimokkou.com; Instagram: @karakimokkou_
