Tokyo: Japanese Calligraphy Lesson with Skilled Instructor

Travelers seeking a hands-on cultural experience in Tokyo will find this Japanese calligraphy lesson to be a rewarding addition to their trip. Led by an instructor with over 10 years of expertise, this class offers not just a crash course in writing Kanji, but a chance to craft a meaningful keepsake from your visit. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience with brush and ink, this tour balances guided instruction with ample opportunity for practice.

What we really appreciate about this experience are three key elements: the personalized guidance from a seasoned calligrapher, the chance to create your own souvenir—be it a fan, shikishi, or hanging scroll—and the clear explanations of the meaning behind each word in English. Plus, at just $47, it offers excellent value for such an engaging cultural activity. That said, it’s worth noting that the session is relatively short—about 30 minutes of practice—which might feel quick for those wanting a more in-depth workshop. Still, it’s perfect for those curious about Japanese arts or looking for a unique, memorable souvenir.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy interactive cultural activities, those wanting a personalized memento of Japan, or anyone interested in learning about Japanese language and calligraphy in a relaxed setting. If you love crafts, art, or simply want a memorable story to tell, this class balances authenticity with accessibility.

Key Points

• Authentic Instruction: Led by a certified calligraphy expert with extensive teaching experience.
• Personalized Souvenir: Create a fan, decorative board, or scroll tailored to your taste.
• Cultural Insights: Words are explained with clear meanings in English, enriching your understanding.
• Practical Practice: You receive 20 sheets of paper and about 30 minutes to refine your strokes.
• Flexible Location & Timing: Starts in a traditional Asakusa rental room, ending back at the same spot.
• Affordable & Value-Rich: At $47, it offers quality instruction and a memorable keepsake.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Is Structured

The class starts in a quiet, traditional room—either a tatami-style Japanese space or a Western-style room with a table and chairs, depending on availability. The meeting point is in Asakusa, a neighborhood well known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic charm. Once you arrive, the instructor, Shusuke, greets you warmly and begins the lesson by introducing the three main styles of Japanese calligraphy—something visitors often find fascinating, as confirmed by reviews stating, “a well-explained class to understand the three types of calligraphy.”

Participants are then invited to browse a selection of sample words, each with its cultural significance and meaning explained in accessible English. This step helps you choose a word or phrase that resonates, whether it’s a personal motto, a favorite kanji, or an inspiring phrase. The instructor’s ability to clarify meanings in English makes the learning process smoother, especially for non-native speakers, as noted by one reviewer who appreciated the clear explanations.

Practice and Technique

The core of the experience is practicing your chosen word or phrase on hanshi—a traditional calligraphy paper. Each person is given 20 sheets, which provides plenty of room for trial and error. The instructor offers hands-on guidance, demonstrating proper brush strokes and helping you refine your technique. “Practice makes perfect” is truly the motto here, and you’ll find yourself slowly gaining confidence even if you’re new to brush calligraphy.

According to one review, the class includes an introduction to the three types of calligraphy and Kanji exercises, making it a comprehensive beginner-friendly session. The instructor’s feedback is personalized, aiding you in achieving a balanced, elegant look for your characters.

Creating Your Souvenir

Once you’re satisfied with your calligraphy, the next step is transferring your work onto your preferred souvenir: a fan (uchiwa), shikishi (decorative board), or kakemono (hanging scroll). These options allow you to choose something functional or decorative, perfectly suited for display at home or as a gift. The process is straightforward, and the instructor ensures each piece is crafted with care, resulting in a high-quality finished product.

As one reviewer noted, the class ends with a photo of their masterpiece, creating a nice keepsake of the experience. The souvenir is not just a decoration but a meaningful symbol of your time in Japan.

Practical Details & Value

The class lasts around 30 minutes, making it a quick but meaningful activity, especially if you’re tight on time. The total cost of $47 includes all materials, personalized guidance, and your souvenir. For the price, this experience offers a lot of value—particularly because you leave with a tangible, beautiful item that embodies your visit.

The activity is in English and Japanese, accommodating international travelers, and you can reserve in advance with the option to pay later—adding flexibility to your trip planning. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance, which suits spontaneous or flexible itineraries.

Luis Miguel praised the class for its well-explained instructions and enjoyed bringing home his Kanji words, saying, “we brought our words back with us.” He appreciated the instructor’s clarity and the engaging way the class was run.

Soumaya highlighted the professionalism and artistry of the instructor, Shusuke, noting that he was responsive and passionate. She was especially pleased with the elegance and balance of her calligraphy, calling it “timeless” and a perfect reflection of her style. These reviews underscore the instructor’s skill and the quality of the final products.

This calligraphy lesson is perfect for travelers who seek authentic cultural activities that are easy to access and don’t require a long commitment. It’s especially suited for those wanting to create a personalized souvenir with sentimental value—something tangible to remember their trip by.

It also appeals to art lovers or those curious about Japanese language and writing. Beginners will find the pace accommodating, while more experienced calligraphers will appreciate the chance to refine their skills in a relaxed environment. If you’re after a fun, creative break during your Tokyo visit, this experience fits the bill perfectly.

This Japanese calligraphy class offers an engaging blend of art, culture, and personal craftsmanship. For just $47, you get a chance to learn from a highly qualified instructor, gain insights into Japanese script, and leave with a beautiful, handmade souvenir. The fact that it’s held in Asakusa—a well-loved neighborhood—adds to its appeal, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.

While the session is relatively brief, its quality and authenticity make it a worthwhile activity, especially for those eager to add a meaningful story to their trip. The opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of each word and then craft a tangible keepsake is a memorable way to connect with Japan beyond typical tourist sites.

Overall, if you want a fun, educational, and creative experience that leaves you with a beautiful reminder of Japan, this calligraphy lesson is an excellent pick.

How long does the calligraphy lesson last?
The session lasts about 30 minutes, including practice and creating your souvenir.

What is included in the price?
All materials, guidance from an experienced instructor, 20 sheets of hanshi paper, your choice of souvenir (fan, shikishi, or kakemono), and a photo of your completed work.

Can I choose the words I want to write?
Yes, you can explore sample words and choose one that resonates with you. The instructor explains their meanings in English.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed for beginners and offers clear guidance, with plenty of time for practice.

Where does the activity start?
In a rental room in Asakusa, which could be a traditional Tatami room or a Western-style room, depending on availability.

Is there an option to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

What languages are spoken?
The activity is conducted in both English and Japanese, making it accessible for international travelers.

How many people are in each class?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, the focus on personalized guidance suggests small groups or individual attention.

Will I receive a souvenir I can keep?
Yes, you will leave with a personalized calligraphy piece on your chosen item—a fan, shikishi, or hanging scroll.

Is this experience good for couples or groups?
Yes, it can be enjoyed solo, as a couple, or with friends, offering a shared creative activity in Tokyo.

In brief, this Japanese calligraphy experience balances cultural authenticity with fun and creativity, offering a memorable souvenir and a deeper appreciation for Japan’s artistic traditions. Whether you’re a curious traveler, art lover, or gift seeker, it’s a delightful addition to a Tokyo itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: