Hands-on Zen Calligraphy & 150-Year-Old Kyoto Machiya Tour

5.0 (11 reviews) Kyoto, Japan
Duration1h 15m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Chinese
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers

Overview

Beginner-friendly, chair-seated, and suitable for all ages!
Learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy from a professional instructor
Choose a meaningful kanji and create your own artwork to take home
Enjoy Japanese tea and sweets during a guided tour of a 150-year-old machiya
Step into the birthplace of Taichiro Kobayashi — a philosopher and art historian

Options

Calligraphy + Umami (+30 min)

Umami and Dashi (+30 min)

Calligraphy & Machiya Tour

What's included

  • Traditional calligraphy lesson
  • Finished calligraphy artwork to take home
  • Guided introduction to a 150-year-old historic machiya
  • Ink grinding experience
  • Brush, ink, paper, and all necessary materials
  • Japanese tea and sweets
  • Transportation
  • Additional food or beverages not specified

What to expect

In a quiet historic Kyoto neighborhood, this workshop introduces the history, philosophy, and techniques of Japanese calligraphy in an authentic cultural setting. Beginner-friendly and chair-seated, it's a relaxed small-group experience for all ages.

【Learn Traditional Techniques】
Begin by grinding your own ink, a traditional practice that encourages focus and mindfulness. Your instructor will guide you through basic brush techniques and the balance and meaning behind Japanese characters.
【Create Your Own Masterpiece】
After practicing, choose a meaningful kanji such as 愛 (love), 夢 (dream), or 志 (ambition) and create your own artwork on traditional paper or a hanging scroll, complete with your name and a seal stamp, to take home.
【A Legacy Written One Stroke at a Time】
JURAKU sits in Nishijin, home of philosopher and art historian Taichiro Kobayashi (1901–1963). Like Kobayashi's carefully crafted ideas, calligraphy builds meaning one deliberate stroke at a time. Enjoy tea and seasonal sweets during a guided tour of this 150-year-old machiya.
【Create a Personalized Journey】
Add an optional cultural experience* to your visit.
*Options vary by season. Check our website for details.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Located next to Honryu-ji Temple, direclty across From Tori Iwarou, a well-known restaurant famous for its chicken and egg rice bowl.

End point

Located next to Honryu-ji Temple, direclty across From Tori Iwarou, a well-known restaurant famous for its chicken and egg rice bowl.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (11)
From
7,700.00 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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From
7,700.00 JPY per person
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