Private Japanese Calligraphy in Kyoto – Learn Shodō with a Master

4.8 (44 reviews) Kyoto, Japan
Duration1h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Step into the elegant world of Shodō, Japan’s traditional art of brush writing.
In this completely private lesson, held inside a welcoming Kyoto home, you’ll be guided by a calligraphy master with over 55 years of experience. No other guests will join your session, allowing you and your companions to enjoy an intimate and authentic experience in a calm, homely atmosphere.

Learn the proper brush techniques, feel how the calligrapher’s state of mind shapes each stroke, and create your own beautiful kanji. Choose a favorite character from a wide selection and add your name in Japanese beside it — a unique keepsake of your time in Kyoto.

What's included

  • Your finished artwork to take home
  • Private calligraphy lesson with an experienced master
  • Guidance on selecting and writing your favorite kanji
  • All calligraphy tools rental and paper
  • Private transportation

What to expect

Step into the world of Shodō, one of Japan’s oldest and most graceful arts.
This private class, held in a welcoming Kyoto home, is led by a calligraphy master with over 55 years of experience. You and your companions will have the instructor’s full attention — no other guests — for an intimate, authentic session in a calm Kyoto atmosphere.

Discover the quiet beauty and flowing rhythm behind each brushstroke as you create elegant kanji. Even if you’ve never held a calligraphy brush, you’ll learn the right techniques, see how the artist’s state of mind shapes the work, and enjoy writing characters as Japanese students do.

Choose a favorite kanji and add your name in Japanese, creating a keepsake to take home — a lasting memory of Kyoto.

Please wear or bring clean socks; entering the tatami room without socks is considered impolite.
Children under 12 cannot be accommodated.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we won’t be able to start, and refunds cannot be offered.

  1. SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The class takes place at a private residence near Nijo Castle (exact address provided after booking). A detailed map and photos of nearby landmarks will be shared to make finding the house easy.3min walk from Nijo Castle and Kyoto subway Tozai line [Nijojomae] station.

End point

The class takes place at a private residence near Nijo Castle (exact address provided after booking). A detailed map and photos of nearby landmarks will be shared to make finding the house easy.3min walk from Nijo Castle and Kyoto subway Tozai line [Nijojomae] station.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children under 12 years old cannot be accommodated to maintain a quiet learning environment.
  • If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the class cannot be offered and refunds are not available.
  • Offered in English and Japanese.
  • Please wear or bring clean socks — entering the tatami room barefoot is not permitted.
  • For delays due to public transport or weather, please contact us as soon as possible.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.8 (44)
From
15,000.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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