Making Bamboo Lanterns in a Forest Grove Outside Tokyo

You know those experiences that just feel magical from the start? Making bamboo lanterns in a bamboo grove about an hour outside of Tokyo was exactly that. It’s one of those hands-on, totally memorable workshops that’s worth carving out a half-day for—especially if you love crafts, nature, and a little bit of a challenge.

What really makes the workshop special is the setting: you’re actually in the bamboo grove where the bamboo is harvested. It’s quiet, peaceful, and has that dreamy filtered light that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. You can get there by train, but honestly, it’s much easier if you have a car.

Step 1: Learn About Bamboo + Pick a Pattern

Once you arrive, you start by learning a little about bamboo and how it’s used. Then comes the fun part: picking your pattern. There are so many designs to choose from—some are seasonal, and others are traditional like waves, koi, or sakura. I picked sakura this time, but I already want to go back and do the Tokyo Tower design because it was just so cute.

Step 2: Choose Your Bamboo

Next, you pick your bamboo. I had no idea bamboo came in so many different sizes and shapes. Fat, skinny, tall, short—every piece feels a little different in your hands. It’s fun to find one that just feels right.

Step 3: Drill Time

Once your design is taped onto the bamboo, it’s time to drill. This part takes the longest, and yep—you’re kneeling on the floor using different-sized drill bits to poke holes through the bamboo. It’s not hard, but it is definitely a full-body experience. My arms were sore the next day, and so were my legs from kneeling. Worth it, though.

You can customize your design if you want, and most of us were able to avoid overlapping holes. On the one where I did drill into another hole, it just gave it that handmade charm. (Which honestly—I kind of love. I worked for it!)

Step 4: Sanding + Sun

Once the drilling’s done, you head outside to sand your lantern. For us, that meant sitting on the sunny porch and slowly working through a few different grits of sandpaper. It takes about 20 minutes, but the transformation is amazing—the bamboo goes from rough and raw to soft and polished.

There are also little tools to clean out the tiny holes and smooth the edges. It takes a little extra effort, but this is what gives your lantern that finished look.

Step 5: Take Photos in the Grove

Finally, you take your lantern and head into the bamboo grove for photos. This part is honestly so special. You’re standing in this peaceful grove with your handmade lantern, snapping photos among the bamboo—and you’ve got it all to yourself. It’s funny because if this were Kyoto, you’d be waiting in a crowd just to step foot into a bamboo forest like this. Here? It’s just you.

Bonus Options & Tips

There’s an option to have a light installed in your lantern so you can plug it in at home (for an additional cost). I went for the simpler option and just use a tea light, which works beautifully.

If you can’t make it to the grove to make your own, good news—you can also order lanterns through their website. The artist was actually working on one for an order right next to us while we drilled

There’s also a tiny pop-up café on site, and yes—they’ll even deliver coffee straight to your workshop table. It was the perfect little surprise.

I booked our session through Instagram in English, and it was super easy. You need at least two people to book a private class. She also posts open dates on Instagram for solo bookings.

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I walked away with something that felt meaningful, beautiful, and 100% made by me. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Japanese craftsmanship—and want to be surrounded by nature while you do it—this bamboo lantern workshop is a must.

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Would you try this? Let me know in the comments.