Shodō Calligraphy: Private Kyoto Brush Art Class

Immerse yourself in the art of Japanese calligraphy with a private class in Kyoto. Choose from a variety of kanji characters and take home your own beautifully crafted piece.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • さくら日本文化体験 二条城教室 / SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture Nijo Home - Immerse yourself in Shodō, one of Japan’s most ancient and elegant arts.
    This exclusive class, hosted in a cozy Kyoto residence, is conducted by a calligraphy expert with over 55 years of experience. You and your group will receive the instructor’s undivided attention — no other…
What's Included
  • Private calligraphy lesson with an experienced master
  • Guidance on selecting and writing your favorite kanji
  • All calligraphy tools rental and paper
  • Your finished artwork to take home
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Immerse yourself in the refined art of Shodō, the traditional Japanese practice of brush writing. This exclusive private lesson takes place in a cozy Kyoto residence, where a calligraphy expert with over 55 years of experience will be your guide. With no other participants, you and your group can savor a personal and genuine experience in a serene,…

Location
さくら日本文化体験 二条城教室 / SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture Nijo Home
The class takes place at a private residence near Nijo Castle (exact address provided after booking). A detailed map and photos of nearby landmarks will be shared to make finding the house easy.3min walk from Nijo Castle and Kyoto subway Tozai line [Nijojomae] station.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(40 Ratings)
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Dsella
Nov 11, 2025
Unique and educational - Unique experience with a lovely and knowledgeable teacher who actually helped us leave with a few samples of our work. Highly recommend even if you have no experience at ll ( like us) . We learned so much and also experienced the quieting of the state of mind .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Companion47076170367
Nov 11, 2025
Wonderful Calligraphy Class in Kyoto - This calligraphy class was a great way to learn a bit about Japanese culture and practice our brush skills. The instructor was very welcoming, knowledgeable, and personable; she taught us about the evolution of calligraphy and gave clear, easy-to-follow instructions for drawing the characters we chose. After an hour spent learning and laughing, we were able to create our own personal calligraphy souvenirs from the class. We would definitely recommend this activity in Kyoto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S831xtfranziskab
Oct 4, 2025
That was fun. - It very informative and it quickly transitioned into the practical part. First, I touched the brush to understand the brush guide. Later, my lines were corrected and then let go. That was a very good accompaniment. The atmosphere was very warm and additionally I got a recommendation for two stores.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zach8051
Jul 27, 2025
Calligraphy in Kyoto! - I’m here with a tour group & was thrilled to have the chance to break away from the group one afternoon & sign up for this class. So far, this experience has been one of my favorites from my entire trip to Japan! Aya is patient & kind teacher. I loved learning the different brush techniques & found the afternoon to be informative, fun, & relaxing! I am excited to be able to take my calligraphy home! I am a teacher of blind students, & after class & learning about calligraphy, I was able to show Aya what her name looks like in braille! Please sign up for this class & have the chance to learn something in a fun & relaxed setting. Highly recommend! ~~ Sara from Seattle
Review provided by Viator
Ivanka_i
Jun 7, 2025
Very pleasant,... - Very pleasant, instructive and fun! We learned about calligraphy and practiced drawing the beautiful symbols with ink. The hostess was very generous with her time.
Review provided by Viator
Ava_r
May 11, 2025
Sublime experience - This is a supremely pleasant and enriching experience. The teacher provides a no pressure environment in a typical home setting, with a delicate yet informed approach. It’s a cultural and deeply personal experience which can unlock a lifelong passion for perfection. Calligraphy is ancient and worth trying and Kyoto and this teacher were the perfect way to try it.
Review provided by Viator
Alen_l
Nov 30, 2024
Great calligraphy class - We had a great time. The teacher is very experienced, patient and helpful. We got to keep and take many examples home. They were kind and spoke English very well which was helpful. Recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Kieran
Nov 6, 2024
If you're in Kyoto, take this class - If you're in Kyoto and interested in a cultural experience, TAKE THIS CLASS. Aya-san and her husband were wonderful hosts. Aya-san's 50+ years of experience in the art of Japanese calligraphy, provided a class full of history, deep knowledge, and wonderful instruction. She is a natural teacher. I was so taken with the experience that I wanted a brush of my own. Aya-san directed to her favorite shop and over text helped me select a weasel brush in my price range. She and her husband were generous and lovely hosts to us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anders_a
Oct 3, 2024
Great experience - The class is not intended for children (ours are 7 and 9), which is not clear in the Viator description. After some initial discussion, we sorted the situation. We thereafter had a wonderful class which all of us enjoyed. The children must be motivated. Great teacher. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Jeremy
Oct 3, 2024
Do you want to try Japanese calligraphy? This is the place to get the e best experience! - If you’re looking for a Japanese calligraphy experience, you must book this one! Aya-san and her husband are an extremely welcoming and attentive host couple and made us feel welcome in their home. Aya-san is a very capable teacher and helped our group of four (two adults and two 13 year olds) produce some lovely Kanji characters to take home. It was lovely to learn about calligraphy and hear about Aya-san’s experience of learning her art from a very young age.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $94
up to 4 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).