Tokyo · CALLIGRAPHY EXPERIENCES
21 reviewed
This is the shortlist we’d send a friend: the 15 calligraphy experiences worth booking, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Learn Japanese shodō in Roppongi. Write kanji on a fan and hanging scroll, make your own hanko stamp, and enjoy matcha.
“It was incredible. Kana was VERY patient with me and extremely kind. I enjoyed this very much and with practice I think I can get much better. Thanks for a great time and a wonderful memory. Plus all the gifts!!”
Learn calligraphy in Yanaka with a patient sensei, basic brush strokes, and a take-home shikishi board, plus option for a kanji T-shirt.
“Chiē, our sensei for the calligraphy lesson, was really kind, patient and explained us how to do calligraphy step by step. We experienced before the final result and she was perfectly guiding us to understand where we did mistakes. I highly recommend to spend time with Chiē to learn more about a part of japanese culture!”
Grind ink, learn brush strokes, and turn your name into kanji with a professional calligrapher in Shinjuku. Optional custom t-shirt.
“The host/tutor was very helpful and knowledgeable about Japanese calligraphy. Recommend 😀”
Make your name into Japanese kanji and write it on a calligraphy T-shirt in a small English-guided Tokyo workshop with all materials provided.
“Probably one of the best experiences I had in Tokyo. It was so sweet and relaxing. I enjoyed learning about the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy and creating my own t-shirt to wear. It is a treasured memory on my trip. My teacher, Hiromi Read more”
Learn Shodo in a small Tokyo class near Iriya Station. Write your name or kanji, get expert tips, and take home your autograph board.
“An excellent experience with a friendly and helpful teacher and it was great fun. I was the only pupil so I had a personal lesson! I tried to learn how to write “knitting” in Japanese which involves complicated characters!! But it was good to try and makes a lightweight souvenir!”
Private Asakusa calligraphy with Mana, then print your custom letter onto a take-home T-shirt and write a postcard memory.
“Really fun activity ! Mana was an excellent teacher that was really kind and joyful, she was also really knowledgeable and a calligraphy expert!”
Learn Japanese calligraphy in Asakusa with a small-group class, brush and fude pen practice, and a finished keepsake to take home.
“First of all, I was late ( stuck in traffic), and Mei was SO kind and patient and waited for me! She conducted a truncated session for me and it was truly amazing. I think this session was the highlight of my trip to Japan. Mei is so knowledgeablRead more”
Learn shodo calligraphy in Tokyo with a master artist, English guidance, and all supplies included. Walk from Umeyashiki Station.
“A must do cultural experience if you're travelling to Japan! Our guide Yoko, who took us from the railway station to the Master's studio and back again, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. It was such a once in a lifetime cultural experiRead more”
90-minute Tokyo calligraphy class in yukata or samue. Learn brush basics and kanji meaning, take home art, plus tea.
“It is very hard to decide what we liked best. We have booked on the occasion of my daughters birthday and we had the greatest time. The guide Koushi was wonderful and very experienced- his daughter and another interpretator lady was explaining everything in detail and was very helpful afterwards with booking a taxi and helping us buy a calligraphy set for my son as well. The place, the service and the experience go beyond everything we have seen and done so far in Japan”
A small-group Suiboku-ga sumi-e ink workshop in a Tokyo teahouse with award-winning artist Rensui, green tea, and a take-home artwork.
“Great teacher and workshop. I didn’t realize how difficult ink painting would be but I loved it and was pleased with my artwork.”
A calm Tokyo calligraphy workshop in Shibuya. Grind ink on an inkstone, learn etiquette, then write one character to take home.
“A very unique experience with Soba san, he provided the context and cultural references we were curious about and helped with all the intricacies around kanji.”
A private Tokyo calligraphy class near Ginza and Tsukiji. Learn strokes step-by-step, write your favorite word, and take home your work.
“Yuko-sensei and Kenji-san were such a great hosts! They explained and showed us a lot of information. They were very considerate and supportive with our basic calligraphy! So happy we have our work to bring it home and to remember this class!”
Private Japanese calligraphy class in Tokyo with one-to-one instruction in a local’s home, learn kanji your name, and take your artwork home.
“Maki is an effortless, careful and systematic teacher. She makes Shodo look less daunting, and I could get engaged in the process in a way that it felt like I'm painting, with some key rules! Will take her session again and visit soon. Highly recommend!”
Learn Japanese calligraphy shodo in a small group in a Tokyo restaurant. Write your name and one word with all tools included.
“The teacher is experienced and knows how to get a lot from her pupils. I thoroughly enjoyed learning calligraphy. The experience was interesting. This takes place in a restaurant in it's off hours. If it seems a little quiet you're probably in the right spot.”
Learn Japanese calligraphy, make ink, then print your brush characters on a T-shirt, with green tea and a postcard souvenir.
“Es war eine sehr entspannte Stimmung und wir wurden super an die Kalligraphie herangeführt. Es hat total Spaß gemacht, die ersten Pinselstriche auszuprobieren, um dann am Ende mit einem richtig schönen T-Shirt rauszugehen. Richtig toll, würde ich jeder Person empfehlen ☺️♥️”
