# Kobaien (tinta sumi) · Perks for your Kansai trip: apps and invite links | Tony Kansai Guide

URL: https://tonykansaiguide.com/en/perks/kobaien/
Idioma: en

> Nara’s oldest sumi ink maker (since 1577): you shape your own ink stick by hand. Only from October to mid-April, the ink-making season.

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**墨** Experiences

# Kobaien (tinta sumi)

Kobaien has made sumi ink in Nara since 1577. In its workshop you shape your own ink stick by hand (nigiri-zumi) and take it home.

I book it for you in Japanese and come in to translate the workshop at no extra cost.

[Open Kobaien (tinta sumi) →](https://www.kobaien.jp/)

[© 663highland · CC BY 2.5](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ANaramachii02n4592.jpg) **墨**

## What it is good for in Kansai

- Taking home a souvenir you made with a technique over 400 years old.
- Seeing a craft that has almost vanished in Japan.
- Adding something calm to a Nara day, away from the crowds.

## How to get started, step by step

- 1
Message me on WhatsApp with the date and how many of you.

- 2
I book it for you in Japanese.

- 3
I come with you and translate the workshop (the guide goes in free).

[Open Kobaien (tinta sumi) →](https://www.kobaien.jp/)

## My tips

- The workshop only runs from October to mid-April: no ink is made the rest of the year.
- Ink stains: wear clothes you do not mind.
- It fits well after Todai-ji or Naramachi.

## Price

I confirm the exact price when I book.

一人旅

## Go on your own, step by step

Everything you need to get there, walk in and be understood, even without Japanese.

I arrange this perk myself: message me and I will book it. You can visit the place itself on your own. [Message me on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/34634193106?text=Hi%20Tony%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20perks%20page%20and%20wanted%20to%20ask%20about%20a%20tour.)

### How to get there

They do not publish the address: you get it when you book.

### Show this when you arrive

Kobaien (tinta sumi)
**こんにちは。大阪のガイド、ハンマ・トニー（Tony Kansai Guide）の紹介で来ました。** Hello. I was sent by Tony Hanma, a guide from Osaka (Tony Kansai Guide).

**予約しています。名前は ＿＿＿＿ です。** I have a booking. My name is ____.

Go full screen and show your phone to the staff.

### Phrases you will use

Tap the speaker to hear it. If it does not come out, just show the written phrase.

**子どもも参加できますか？** Kodomo mo sanka dekimasu ka? Can children take part?

**予約しています。名前は ＿＿＿＿ です。** Yoyaku shite imasu. Namae wa ____ desu. I have a booking. My name is ____.

**英語で大丈夫ですか？** Eigo de daijōbu desu ka? Is English OK?

**カードで払えますか？** Kādo de haraemasu ka? Can I pay by card?

**写真を撮ってもいいですか？** Shashin o tottemo ii desu ka? May I take photos?

**トイレはどこですか？** Toire wa doko desu ka? Where is the toilet?

**ありがとうございました！** Arigatō gozaimashita! Thank you very much!

### Book or ask

- [Website ↗](https://www.kobaien.jp/)
- [nara@kobaien.jp](mailto:nara@kobaien.jp)

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## Rather not deal with apps?

On my tours I handle all the getting around: I pick you up at your hotel and we go together.
[Message me on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/34634193106?text=Hi%20Tony%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20perks%20page%20and%20wanted%20to%20ask%20about%20a%20tour.)