Explore the captivating world of Shodo, the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy, in the heart of Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district. This immersive 90-minute workshop, hosted by the renowned Musashi Ninja Clan, offers a rare glimpse into the disciplined Shinobi Samurai culture that shaped this ancient practice. With personalized guidance from a seasoned instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own calligraphic masterpiece while discovering the philosophical depths that underscore this captivating artform.
Key Points
- 90-minute immersive workshop in traditional Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) hosted by the Musashi Ninja Clan Honjin Dojo in Asakusa, Tokyo.
- Learn basic techniques and principles of Shodo, an artistic discipline rooted in Samurai culture, with a seasoned instructor.
- Create calligraphic masterpieces with provided materials and receive personalized feedback on your Shodo practice.
- Experience the cultural significance of Shodo through insights into the rich history and discipline of the Samurai tradition.
- Activity is accessible via public transportation and suitable for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience, but not wheelchair accessible.
About the Activity
This 90-minute activity provides travelers with an immersive experience in traditional Japanese calligraphy, known as Shodo, within the cultural context of the Samurai warrior class.
Hosted by the Musashi Ninja Clan Honjin Dojo in Asakusa, Tokyo, you will learn the basic techniques and principles of Shodo under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
Along with the training wear and all necessary materials, the session aims to offer a glimpse into the artistic discipline that was deeply rooted in the Shinobi and Samurai cultures of feudal Japan.
The activity is limited to a maximum of 4 travelers.
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Meeting and End Point
Travelers meet for this activity at MUSASHI JAPAN in Tokyo’s Taito City, just a stone’s throw from the nearby Japanese Cafe-bar named Kiraku on the first floor.
Participants must arrive 5 minutes before the session start time. The activity concludes back at the original meeting point.
The location is accessible via public transportation and stroller-friendly, though not wheelchair accessible.
Spectators can attend by paying a ¥1000 admission fee to the interpreter at the entrance.
What to Expect
Upon arrival, participants are greeted by a seasoned instructor from the Musashi Ninja Clan Honjin Dojo.
They’re provided with traditional training wear and guided to a calligraphy workspace. The instructor demonstrates the proper techniques for holding the brush and applying ink to the paper.
Participants then practice the art of Shodo, creating their own calligraphic masterpieces. Throughout the session, the instructor offers personalized feedback and insights into the cultural significance of Shodo within the Samurai tradition.
The experience concludes with participants taking home their unique calligraphy creations as a memento of their immersion in this ancient Japanese art form.
Instructor and Materials
A seasoned instructor from the renowned Musashi Ninja Clan Honjin Dojo greets participants upon arrival.
They guide travelers through the process of traditional Japanese calligraphy, known as shodo. All necessary materials are provided, including a brush, ink, mat, and paper weight.
Participants don rented training wear to fully enjoy the cultural experience.
The instructor demonstrates proper calligraphy techniques and provides individualized feedback to ensure each traveler creates their own unique work of art.
With the instructor’s expertise, participants gain insight into the rich history and discipline of this centuries-old samurai tradition.
Accessibility and Additional Information
The activity is accessible by public transportation, as the meeting point is located near the Japanese Cafe-bar named Kiraku on the first floor.
Infants must sit on laps, and service animals are allowed. While the activity is stroller accessible, it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Spectators are welcome to attend for a fee of ¥1000 per person, payable to the interpreter at the entrance.
The activity is suited for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience in the art of shodo (calligraphy) and its connection to shinobi and samurai traditions in Tokyo.
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Booking and Cancellation Policy
Travelers receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability.
This Shodo (calligraphy) experience is non-refundable, with no refunds for cancellations. Participants must arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Admission to observe the session costs ¥1,000 per person, payable to the interpreter at the entrance. The activity is limited to a maximum of 4 travelers per session.
Accessibility is generally good, with the meeting point located near public transportation and stroller-friendly, but it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
About the Venue
The Musashi Ninja Clan Honjin Dojo in Asakusa serves as the meeting point for this 90-minute Shodo (calligraphy) experience.
Located on the third floor of the Mets Hachiban Building, the dojo is just steps away from the iconic Senso-ji Temple.
Travelers will meet their instructor at the Japanese cafe-bar Kiraku on the first floor before heading upstairs.
The activity concludes back at the meeting point.
The venue is easily accessible by public transportation, but it’s not wheelchair-friendly.
Spectators can pay ¥1000 at the entrance to observe the calligraphy session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Calligraphy Materials?
You can’t bring your own calligraphy materials to this activity. The inclusions state that the materials, such as brush, ink, mat, and paper weight, are provided as part of the activity.
Is There an Age Requirement for Participants?
There’s no explicit age requirement mentioned, but the activity includes rental of training wear, so it’s likely intended for older participants. Children may need to sit on laps during the session.
Do I Need to Have Prior Calligraphy Experience?
No prior calligraphy experience is required. The activity is designed for beginners, with an instructor providing guidance and all necessary materials. Participants will learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy during the 90-minute session.
Can I Take the Calligraphy Artwork Home?
Yes, participants can take their calligraphy artwork home. The activity includes materials like brushes, ink, and paper, allowing travelers to create and keep their own unique piece of Japanese calligraphy after the 90-minute session.
Is There a Dress Code for the Activity?
There’s no formal dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to allow for easy movement during the calligraphy session. Avoid anything too restrictive or formal. The focus is on the artistic experience, not attire.
The Sum Up
Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Samurai through this intimate Shodo workshop. You’ll create your own calligraphic masterpiece while gaining insights into the discipline that shaped Shinobi Samurai culture. With personalized feedback and hands-on instruction, you’ll experience the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy in this unique 90-minute session hosted by the Musashi Ninja Clan in Asakusa, Tokyo.
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