Craft Your Own Lucky Daruma at Jindaiji Temple
Infuse it with your personal wishes!
Discover the Daruma doll, Japan’s quintessential symbol of good luck and perseverance.
In this unique workshop, you’ll craft your own special Daruma using beautiful, traditional Japanese kimono fabric—creating a personal symbol to reflect your goals and intentions.
Key Points of the Experience
- Your creative journey begins by inscribing your personal wish onto the Daruma’s body. From there, you’ll explore a beautiful selection of traditional Japanese kimono fabrics, choosing colors and patterns that resonate with you. Using a simple cutting and layering technique, you’ll freely design and decorate your own one-of-a-kind Daruma.
- No drawing skills are required. By working with existing fabric patterns, anyone can create a striking design with confidence. As you focus on cutting and placing the fabric, many participants naturally enter a calm, immersive state—often surprised by how quickly their hands begin to work with ease and precision, even on a first try.
- This workshop celebrates the “Chofu Daruma,” deeply connected to the traditions of Jindaiji Temple, which hosts a famous Daruma Market each March. After completing your Daruma, enjoy some lighthearted moments by taking photos with a playful Daruma headpiece or trying simple, traditional Daruma-themed games just outside the workshop.
|
LOCATION
|
WHEN
|
DURATION
|
GROUP OF PEOPLE
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Jindaiji, Chofu, Tokyo | 11:30am-1:00pm or 2:00pm-3:30pm |
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes | Private for one group only (1–4 people) |
Book Now
This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy hands-on cultural activities and creative workshops. It’s ideal for those looking to create a meaningful souvenir connected to Japanese tradition, rather than a typical tourist item.
No artistic experience is required, making it suitable for beginners, solo travelers, couples, and small groups. If you enjoy taking time to focus, reflect, and create something personal, this workshop is for you.
Select a date below to create your own Daruma.
About the Experience
Duration: 90 minutes
Fee: 80 USD per person
Location: 182-0017 Jindaijimotomachi 5-5-1, Chofu, Tokyo
Group Size: Each experience session is private for one group only (1–4 people).
Sample Schedule (Starting at 11:30 AM)
11:30-11:40: Introduction & Pattern Ideas: Listen as we explain different pasting patterns to spark your imagination!
11:40-11:43: Write Your Wish: Start by inscribing your personal wish directly onto the Daruma.
11:43-12:08: Choose & Cut Fabric: The most fun challenge! Select your favorite kimono fabrics and cut out your patterns. Your careful choices make it unique!
12:08-12:33: Apply the Fabric: Time to get hands-on! Use your fingers to apply the special glue and attach the fabric pieces – it’s really enjoyable!
12:33-12:40: Drying & Face Practice: Quick drying with a hairdryer. While you wait, sketch practice designs for your Daruma’s face on paper.
12:40-12:50: Draw the Face: Bring your Daruma to life! Draw its distinctive eyes and facial features.
12:50-12:55: Completion & Photo Op!: It’s finished! Time for a celebratory snapshot with your amazing creation!
12:55-13:00: Souvenir Gift: Receive a cute “Daru-chan” strap as a memento of your experience!
Experience Features
Authentic Japanese Fabrics
Craft your Daruma using a rich selection of authentic Japanese textiles, including traditional kimono fabric, lightweight summer yukata, and rare kakishibu (persimmon tannin)–dyed cloth. Each material carries its own texture, history, and character.
Experience Daruma Culture
Learn the deeper meaning behind Daruma dolls and the Japanese tradition of entrusting them with one’s intentions. This experience goes beyond crafting, offering a cultural connection rooted in perseverance and personal resolve.
Flexible Face Drawing
Choose the approach that suits you best. Draw your Daruma’s face using an easy-to-handle brush pen, or enjoy the tactile experience of traditional paints and brushes—no artistic experience required.
Special Take-Home Pouch
Your completed Chofu Daruma is placed in a beautifully made, custom fabric pouch, making it easy and safe to take home as a meaningful keepsake from Japan.
AGENDA
Please arrive at the shop 10 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Materials & Introduction
All necessary materials will be provided, including the Daruma base, authentic Japanese fabrics (kimono, yukata, and kakishibu-dyed cloth), glue, and tools for drawing the face. The session begins with a brief introduction to the process and design possibilities.
Crafting Your Daruma
You will follow a guided process to create your Daruma, including writing your personal wish, selecting and cutting fabric, carefully applying it with traditional glue, and drawing the Daruma’s distinctive face. Many participants find this hands-on process naturally calming and immersive.
Completion & Take Home
Your completed Chofu Daruma will be ready to take home immediately after the workshop. A special fabric pouch is provided for safe transport, and you will also receive a small Daruma-themed souvenir. After the session, you are welcome to enjoy a short photo opportunity with our Daruma headpiece outside the shop.
Language
The workshop is conducted primarily in Japanese. However, we are happy to assist international guests using simple English and translation tools when needed.
Included
- Instructor fee
- materials
Not Included
- Transportation costs
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cancellation Policy and Refunds
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled date: 100% cancellation fee (Full refund for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance).
In the event that the experience is canceled due to organizer circumstances: A full refund will be issued.
Regarding Late Arrivals
If you arrive late, part of the process may be omitted.
Restrooms
Please note that there are no restroom facilities available within our shop. We kindly ask that you plan accordingly before your arrival.
Accompanying Guests
If anyone will be visiting the shop along with the participant(s) but will not be taking part in the workshop (for example, parents accompanying a participating child), please let us know when you book.
Seating
Our shop space is cozy, so informing us about any non-participating guests in advance helps us prepare appropriate seating arrangements for everyone.
MEETING POINT & HOW TO ACCESS
Meeting Point : Daruchan no Ouchi (Name of our shop)
5-5-1 Jindaijimotomachi, Chofu, Tokyo
How to Access
From Keio-Line Chof station North Exit
🚌Odakyu Bus：Approximately 15 minutes
🚗Taxi：Approximately 10 minutes
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qktJT8PJgWfmJkXq8
From JR/Keio Inokashira Line Kichijyoji station South Exit
🚌Odakyu Bus：Approximately 25 minutes
🚗Taxi : Approximately 30 minutes
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BVLWwV6tXaVy1JYr5
From JR Line Mitaka station South Exit
🚌Odakyu Bus(Bus Stop#2)：Approximately 20 minutes
🚗Taxi：Approximately 25 minutes
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dnuRiiCKk6BvhuGZ8
