Tokyo:Calligraphy &Make your original folding fan in Asakusa

If you’re seeking something more meaningful and hands-on during your Tokyo adventures, the Calligraphy & Fan-Making experience in Asakusa offers a beautiful blend of culture, artistry, and relaxation. With a modest price of just $26, this activity delivers more than just a souvenir—it provides a moment of Zen and a genuine taste of Japanese craftsmanship.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s led by knowledgeable guides who make the learning process accessible and enjoyable. Second, you get to create a personal piece of art—your own calligraphy and a custom-designed folding fan—that you’ll cherish long after your trip. Third, the experience is designed to be calm and immersive, perfect for slowing down amid Tokyo’s bustling streets. The only consideration? It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, so keep that in mind if accessibility is a concern.

This experience suits travelers who want more than just sightseeing, those curious about Japanese arts, or anyone in need of a relaxing cultural activity. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy hands-on workshops and authentic, meaningful souvenirs.

Key Points

• Authentic Japanese Calligraphy: Learn the history and techniques of writing with a professional instructor.
• Creative Souvenir: Make a personalized folding fan featuring your calligraphy design.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Enjoy green tea and write a postcard to capture your feelings.
• Educational and Fun: Discover the cultural significance of hiragana and the right calligraphy posture.
• Value for Money: For $26, you receive a comprehensive, engaging experience with plenty of personalized guidance.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users; wear clothes that might get inked.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect During the Session

The meeting point is a distinctive red brick building on the 3rd floor, with a sign on the first floor indicating the location. After ascending the stairs, you’ll find yourself in a space dedicated to Japanese arts, where the instructor, Mana, will set the scene for your calligraphy journey.

Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy and Its Roots

The session kicks off with a friendly overview of Japanese calligraphy’s history, providing context on how this art form has evolved and its role in daily Japanese life. This background helps you appreciate the significance behind each brushstroke. Reviewers, including Amanda, mention that Mana’s patience and expertise make this part approachable, even for beginners.

Learning the Proper Posture and Technique

Next, you’ll learn the attitude and correct posture for calligraphy, essential for producing elegant characters. This isn’t just about aesthetics—good posture influences the flow of your brush and your overall experience. Mana emphasizes the importance of this, and many note how her calm guidance makes the process feel almost meditative.

Practical Practice with Guidance

After mastering the basics, you’ll practice eight key techniques on guide paper, using a traditional Japanese brush called “Fude” and melting ink sticks with water. The expert staff and well-structured guide sheets help you get comfortable with the right ink amount and brush movement. Expect around 30 minutes of focused practice, which many find surprisingly relaxing and rewarding.

More Great Tours Nearby

Creating Your Favorite Design

Once confident, you’ll select a design from a sample book or request a custom one, then practice until satisfied. Reviewers like Seán praise Mana’s kindness and helpfulness, noting she made everything run smoothly and created a supportive environment. Your finished calligraphy can be preserved as a prized keepsake or a gift.

Writing a Postcard and Enjoying Green Tea

To deepen the experience, you’ll write a postcard to yourself—a reflective moment to record your feelings after the activity. With a cup of green tea in hand, this quiet ritual allows you to process your artistic journey and embed the memory. Amanda highlights this as a “nice little touch,” making the experience more heartfelt.

Making Your Own Folding Fan

The final step is the fun part: transforming your calligraphy into a unique folding fan. This personalized souvenir captures your handwriting and design, making it a memorable keepsake of your visit. Many reviewers mention the joy of creating something tangible and beautiful with their own hands.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Included in the tour are the history of Japanese calligraphy, learning proper posture, traditional ink melting, brush techniques, guide paper practice, design customization, postcard writing, and green tea. These components ensure you gain both knowledge and a personal artifact.

Not included are T-shirt printing options—if you want to print your calligraphy on clothing, you would need to buy a T-shirt separately. Also, remember to wear comfortable clothes that can get inked, although aprons are provided for protection.

The activity lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours, giving enough time to absorb the techniques without feeling rushed. It’s a small group setting, which allows for plenty of individual attention from Mana and her team.

Authentic Insights from Past Participants

Reviewer Amanda describes the activity as “a little bit of Zen off the busy and hot streets of Tokyo,” emphasizing the calming atmosphere. She also mentions how Mana’s patience and skill made the lesson accessible and enjoyable. Marloes found it a “relaxing activity,” and Seán appreciated the personalized guidance and gifts, noting Mana’s generosity and the green tea.

These comments highlight how this experience is not just about learning calligraphy but also about escaping the city’s rush and connecting with Japanese culture on a deeper level.

Practical Tips for Future Participants

• Wear comfortable clothes that may get ink stains—though aprons are provided, it’s best to be prepared.
• Bring an open mind and patience; even if you’re new to calligraphy, Mana’s friendly approach will guide you.
• Don’t rush—use the full 30 minutes of practice to enjoy the process and create your best work.
• Take advantage of the postcard activity to reflect on your experience—many find it a meaningful part of the session.
• If you’re interested in custom souvenirs, the fan creation is a perfect keepsake that combines art and culture in a practical form.
• Remember, reservations are flexible with pay later options, and cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance.

The Sum Up: Is This Experience Worth It?

This calligraphy and fan-making workshop offers a compelling blend of cultural insight, artistic practice, and relaxation. For just $26, you gain a deep appreciation of Japanese calligraphy, learn proper techniques from a knowledgeable guide, and leave with a beautiful, handmade souvenir. It’s a perfect activity for anyone wanting a break from the city’s hustle or those curious about Japanese arts.

The experience’s balance of instruction, creativity, and tranquility makes it especially suitable for beginners or anyone interested in meaningful crafts. While it’s not accessible for wheelchair users, most other travelers will find it a rewarding way to connect with Japan’s artistic traditions in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, this workshop provides a personalized, memorable encounter with Japanese culture—one you’ll likely think about long after your trip ends.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the activity is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners. The instructor, Mana, makes the learning process approachable and supportive.

How long does the workshop last?
It typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, giving ample time for instruction, practice, and creating your fan.

Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?
No special preparation is necessary. Just wear comfortable clothes that can get ink stains, and arrive ready to learn.

Can I customize my calligraphy design?
Yes, you can choose your favorite design from a sample book or request a custom one, guided by the expert staff.

Is there any opportunity to buy additional souvenirs?
The main focus is on your calligraphy and fan, but the experience includes a postcard and green tea. T-shirt printing isn’t included but can be arranged separately in some cases.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

This engaging, hands-on tour in Asakusa offers a genuine slice of Japanese culture, perfect for those looking to create something special while enjoying a peaceful moment in busy Tokyo.

You can check availability for your dates here: