Tours/Kyoto/Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station)
Viator · group up to 10 pax

Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station)

4.9(39)Kyoto1 hour
VIATOR4.9(10)TRIPADVISOR4.9(29)

Description

Please come and try Traditional Japanese Calligraphy! You can learn a new skill and get some great authentically Japanese Souvenirs to take home! You can experience calligraphy after sightseeing in Kyoto or before dinner, so you can use your time effectively. Check out the video below for an example of the class, and make a reservation ASAP! (*English Instruction Included) We also have activities for young children, so please bring them along! *Due to popular demand, we have increased the number of time slots for the experience! You can now choose from 3:00PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, and 6:00PM. Other times also possible. Please ask!* Souvenirs you will recieve for taking part in our class (included in the cost): 1. Your name written on calligraphy paper in kanji, hiragana, or katakana 2. A folding fan with your favorite word or name written on it 3. A postcard with your favorite word or name written on it & 4. A gift envelope OR 5. A photo frame *Please choose one.

Tour Options

Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station)

Itinerary

60 min

[Content of Experience] ①The staff will give you a lecture on how to use a brush and how to apply ink. ②Let's write basic characters (Kanji "One", "A", "Forever", "Kyoto")  →You can make a scroll of the Kanji characters you write and take it home with you. ③Let's write your own name in Kanji characters (approximately)  Our staff will assist you with possible kanji characters and their meanings.  Example) Brian → “武礼安” (武 =Martial → military commander/bravery, courtesy →礼=politeness/gratitude, 安= peace)  Liz → "梨図 Pear Painting" (梨=Pear, 図= painting)

Highlights

Use of brushes, ink & washi-paper

What's included

Included
Use of brushes, ink & washi-paper
Not included
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

4.9
39 reviews
5
36
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(39)

A
Alicia_C
July 8, 2026
Had a lot of fun

Really enjoyed learning how to write my name and my favourite word in the three Japanese alphabets. A great experience and some great keepsakes to bring home.

O
Olga_A
April 12, 2026
Memorable experience

Amazing calligraphy class in Kyoto! The instructors were very patient and explained the directions so well. We learned so much about both technique and culture. A truly unique and memorable experience—highly recommend!

N
nickolasl809
February 2, 2026
A MUST DO!

Had a great time with the family. The staff was full of energy and very helpful! My kids had a blast from start to finish. A must stop!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thanks so much! We are SO happy to hear your kids enjoyed our calligraphy (shodo) class :)) and we really appreciate you taking the time to write this review!! Hope you had a great time in Kyoto ;)

M
Monica R
December 14, 2025
Great

Was great learned the way they read it and write and she was very knowledgeable and kind and helpful with any questions i had

1 people found this helpful
L
lynnr998
October 13, 2025
Such great fun!

We have just had so much fun with Haruko and Kani being taught about Japanese calligraphy, its origins and its use. We were taught how to use the brushes snd a brush pen and learnt to write our names and chosen words. We each came away with cards, a fan and examples of our work. The most important thing though is that we had fun, we laughed and really enjoyed ourselves, they were kind, patient and so encouraging. I would highly recommend this experience.

1 people found this helpful
S
Somze
August 25, 2025
A great activity for the family!

This was a very fun activity that both I am and my 9-year old son loved. There were several items to decorate with calligraphy and many chances to practice. The team created unique spellings of our names in Japanese kanji characters and helped us make the brush strokes in the right direction and order. There were 3 or 4 people helping us and they were very patient and encouraging. We came away with lots of uniquely decorated items and presents. To top it off, we were there at the right time but on the wrong day and the team accommodated us anyway. Highly recommend!

R
Rosalette_P
August 25, 2025
A wonderful time learning Japanese Calligraphy

Highly recommended fun activity for young and old. The staff was very engaging and helpful. Very conversant in English.

B
Ben7804
August 8, 2025
Create memories during your Japan travel.

Very pleasant and fun activity. We enjoyed every single minute. We are a family of 5 (2 parents + 8yo / 15 yo / 17 yo ) and all of us had a great time learning and writing some words in Japanese.

1 people found this helpful
G
gailmck1226
August 4, 2025
Fun art experience!

Such a fun experience. Lana and Waka were so informative and patient. We learned so much history and art. Definitely would recommend.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

From Lana-san, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re glad to hear that you not only had fun but also took away some history and art knowledge from the experience. We’re always happy to welcome you in Kyoto again!

V
Vivian_P
July 22, 2025
Calligraphy in Japan

It was our last day in Japan at it was only two blocks away from where we were staying near the train station very nice and welcoming. Learned about different kinds of calligraphy used in Japan. To find it you need to look for the MK taxi stand.

You might also like...