Daruma Workshop in Tokyo: A First-Timer’s Guide (Price, Time, What’s Included)

Guests holding the fabric-covered daruma they made at a workshop in Tokyo

A daruma is the round, red good-luck doll you see all over Japan. You make a wish, paint in one eye, and paint the other when the wish comes true. In this workshop you don’t just buy one: you make your own Chofu Daruma, covered in fabric you choose, in a private class with a local maker. This guide covers the price, times, how to get there, what’s included and how to book.

Check dates on WhatsApp · See the Daruma Making Experience

Quick facts

Where: Daruchan no Ouchi, Jindaiji area, Chofu, Tokyo
How long: 90 minutes
Times: 11:30am–1:00pm or 2:00pm–3:30pm (message us to check dates)
Price: $80 per person (USD)
Group: Private class for one group of 1–4 people
Language: Mainly Japanese, with simple English and translation tools

What is a Chofu Daruma?

Most daruma are painted papier-mâché. A Chofu Daruma is wrapped in fabric, so every one looks different. You pick the fabric, draw the face yourself and take home a daruma no one else has. No art skills are needed: the maker guides you step by step.

Choosing kimono-style fabric for a Chofu Daruma

What’s included

Instruction from the maker
All materials: the daruma base, fabrics, glue and face-drawing tools
Your finished Chofu Daruma in a custom fabric pouch
A “Daru-chan” strap to take home

Not included: transport to the venue.

How the 90 minutes go

Choose your fabric. Pick from the fabrics on the day, or bring your own if you like.
Wrap the daruma. Cover the base with your fabric, guided by the maker.
Draw the face and make a wish. Add the eyebrows, beard and eyes, and write your wish.
Dry and pack. A hairdryer dries it in about 7 minutes, then it goes into its fabric pouch.

Writing a wish on a handmade daruma in Tokyo

How much does it cost?

The workshop is $80 per person (USD). The class is private, so your group of 1–4 has the maker to yourselves.

How to get there

Daruchan no Ouchi, 5-5-1 Jindaijimotomachi, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0017.

From Chofu Station (Keio Line, North Exit): about 15 minutes by Odakyu bus, or about 10 minutes by taxi
From Kichijoji Station (South Exit): about 25 minutes by bus, or about 30 minutes by taxi
From Mitaka Station (South Exit, bus stop 2): about 20 minutes by bus, or about 25 minutes by taxi

The venue is near Jindaiji Temple, so you can pair the class with a temple visit and a bowl of Jindaiji soba.

What to bring

Nothing. Everything you need is provided. If you have a fabric you love, you’re welcome to bring it.

Good to know

Please arrive 10 minutes early.
There is no restroom inside the venue, so use one before you arrive.
Please don’t drink alcohol before the class.
There is no age limit. If someone in your group will come along without taking part, tell us when you book.

Drawing the face on a fabric-covered daruma in Chofu

Cancellation policy

Within 48 hours of the class: 100% of the fee
Earlier than 48 hours: full refund
If we have to cancel: full refund

How to book

Dates fill up, so message us with the day and time you’d like.

Check dates on WhatsApp · See the experience and book