Kyoto : Craft Your Name in Japanese Kanji! Fun With Japanese

Experiencing the beauty of Japanese calligraphy has never been easier. In Kyoto’s cozy cafes, visitors can enjoy the art of Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana through a captivating workshop that allows them to craft their names in stunning Japanese characters. With expert guidance and a relaxed atmosphere, this cultural exploration promises a personalized souvenir and a deeper understanding of the language’s unique writing systems. Prepare to be enchanted as you uncover the secrets of Kanji and discover the joy of mastering Japanese.

Key Points

• Participants create a personalized souvenir by learning to write their name in the beautiful Kanji script during this engaging 1-1.5 hour cultural experience.
• The workshop provides an introduction to basic Japanese conversation phrases and hands-on practice with Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana writing systems.
• Held in a cozy local café, the experience includes a complimentary drink and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere for learning Japanese calligraphy.
• Expert instructors guide participants through the process, focusing on writing names in Kanji rather than traditional calligraphy.
• The activity is limited to 10 participants and has a 5/5 rating from 11 reviews, offering a unique and immersive culture in Kyoto.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The "Craft Your Name in Japanese Kanji" activity offers a personalized cultural experience in Kyoto. Lasting 1-1.5 hours, you will learn to write their name in traditional Kanji script.

Priced at $32.13 per person, the small group size is limited to 10. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

Along with English, the activity is offered in Japanese. Highlights include a complimentary drink, an introduction to Japanese conversation, and hands-on practice with Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana.

With 5/5 ratings from 11 reviews, this activity promises an engaging and memorable culture.

Experience Highlights

Personalized souvenir: Participants will write their name in Kanji on traditional Japanese paper, creating a unique memento.

The experience also includes an introduction to basic Japanese conversation phrases, allowing them to get a taste of the language.

As a bonus, attendees will enjoy a complimentary drink at a local café, seeing Kyoto’s vibrant culture.

Beyond the hands-on activity, the workshop covers the three main Japanese writing scripts: Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana, providing a well-rounded introduction to the language’s unique characteristics.

Workshop Details

Beginning at a cozy local café, the workshop provides participants with a complimentary drink of their choice as they embark on their Kanji-writing journey.

Participants receive calligraphy paper, known as "shikishi," and felt-tip pens to craft their personalized souvenirs. An expert instructor guides the group through the process, offering a casual introduction to Japanese writing systems like Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana.

This hands-on cultural experience focuses on the art of writing one’s name in Kanji, rather than traditional calligraphy techniques. The workshop aims to give participants a taste of Japanese language and tradition in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Participant Information

Participants meet at the clock in front of the Takashimaya main entrance, located at the southwest corner of Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori.

Participants are responsible for keeping track of their personal belongings during the activity. Late arrivals may not be accommodated, so it’s important to arrive on time.

While gratuities for the instructor aren’t included, participants are welcome to tip if they’re satisfied with the service. Personal insurance coverage is recommended, though not required.

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Customer Feedback

The activity boasts an impressive overall rating of 5/5 based on 11 reviews.

Participants praised the instructor’s knowledge and helpfulness, with one guest from the UK, Kayla, loving the personalized souvenir.

Another UK guest, Luke, commended the host’s friendliness and informative content.

A reviewer from the Philippines, Raffy, noted the great service and fun experience with instructor Kazu.

The feedback highlights the activity’s engaging culture, expert guidance, and high-quality takeaways, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a memorable introduction to Japanese writing in Kyoto.

Exploring Japanese Writing Systems

Embarking on this captivating workshop, participants explore the intricate world of Japanese writing systems.

They’re introduced to the three main scripts – Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana – each with its unique origins and applications.

Kanji, the logographic characters borrowed from Chinese, represent words and concepts.

Hiragana and Katakana, the syllabic scripts, express native Japanese and borrowed words, respectively.

This hands-on experience allows participants to understand the beauty and complexity of these writing systems.

As they craft their names in Kanji, a newfound appreciation for the artistry and precision of Japanese calligraphy emerges.

Personalizing Your Kanji Souvenir

Eager participants begin the personalization process, gathering around work stations adorned with traditional Japanese calligraphy paper known as shikishi.

Under the expert guidance of their instructor, they learn the fundamentals of Japanese writing systems – Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana.

With focused attention, they practice sketching their names in these elegant scripts, receiving feedback to refine their strokes.

The room fills with concentration and excitement as each participant crafts their unique souvenir.

Soon, an array of beautifully inscribed shikishi papers emerge, serving as cherished mementos of their Kyoto culture.

Taking in Japanese Culture

As the personalization process unfolds, participants enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of Japan. Beyond crafting their Kanji masterpieces, the experience offers a glimpse into the country’s linguistic traditions. Learners explore the three writing systems – Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana – and how they complement each other.

Japanese Writing Systems	Description
Kanji	Chinese-derived characters
Hiragana	Native Japanese phonetic script
Katakana	Phonetic script for foreign words

This culture extends to the complimentary café visit, where participants can savor a taste of local hospitality and practice their newfound Japanese conversation skills.

Things To Know

Do I Need Any Prior Experience in Calligraphy or Japanese Writing?

No, you don’t need any prior experience in calligraphy or Japanese writing. The workshop is designed for beginners, providing expert guidance and an introduction to the basics of Japanese scripts like Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana.

Can I Choose the Kanji Characters for My Name?

Participants can choose the kanji characters for their name during the workshop. The expert instructor will guide you through the process, ensuring your personalized souvenir reflects your desired name in the Japanese writing system.

Is There an Option to Include My Name in English on the Souvenir?

Yes, there is an option to include your name in English on the souvenir. The experience allows participants to personalize their Japanese kanji calligraphy piece by writing their name in both Japanese and English scripts.

Can I Take Additional Materials Home After the Workshop?

Participants can take home the calligraphy paper and felt-tip pens used during the workshop. This allows them to continue their Japanese writing practice after the session and keep their personalized souvenir.

What Is the Dress Code for the Activity?

There’s no formal dress code for the activity. Participants can wear casual, comfortable clothing. The focus is on the cultural experience, not appearance. As long as you’re dressed appropriately for a public setting, you’re good to go.

Sum Up

This workshop offers a delightful way to dive into the captivating world of Japanese writing. Participants will craft their name in the elegant Kanji script, gaining a hands-on understanding of the language’s intricate characters. Complemented by a cozy café setting and culture, this experience promises an unforgettable journey into the enchanting essence of Japan. Whether a beginner or enthusiast, everyone will leave with a cherished souvenir and a newfound appreciation for the artistry of Japanese calligraphy.

You can check availability for your dates here: