Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
What image do you have of Japanese calligraphy? You might think of calligraphy as one of the most difficult Japanese art forms to try yourself, but it is not. Why don't you experience this Japanese cultural art form yourself?
Calligraphy has recently attracted attention from people all over the world, especially through the gaining popularity of Zen Buddhism. The fundamental philosophy of Zen teaches that meditation is a necessary practice to learn to turn the eye inward. During our calligraphy session you'll have an opportunity to concentrate in a Zen-like sitting meditation. The aroma of black ink will also soothe your mind and make you feel relaxed.
It is a unique opportunity to be able to spend time inside a traditional Japanese townhouse. Kyoto was once filled with these simple wooden houses. Ours is about 80 years old and we think you'll agree it is still beautiful. Please come and immerse yourself in a quaint, yet elegant space.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Even if the adult does not participate in the experience, a viewing fee of 3,500 yen per person will be charged.
What To Expect
Calligraphy is one of the traditional Japanese cultures. It's a simple art form to write letters with black ink on white paper. However, the form of the art work can vary greatly according to the person who creates it, which is another charm of calligraphy. You may believe that painting kanji (Chinese) characters is very difficult, but it's not the case when you approach it as if you were drawing a pictograph or picture since kanji was originally a set of hieroglyphs. Even beginners can create a beautiful work of art under the careful guidance of our instructors. Why don't you make your own calligraphy work while spending a relaxing and peaceful time in a traditional Kyoto townhouse? It is sure to become an unforgettable memory of your visit to our ancient island country. 1. Introduction: Introduction of essential knowledge about calligraphy including some history and background. 2: Demonstration: Watch our demonstration and learn some basic techniques. 3: Hands-on: Create your own calligraphy art work! The pieces you make will become your special souvenirs.
Options
Calligraphy Experience in Kyoto Townhouse
What‘s Included
Materials such as ink, paper
Calligraphy utensils rental fee
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A wonderful lesson
by essence,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A good introduction to calligraphy, the experience felt seamless and really adapted to beginners. The instructor was very nice and pedagogic. I didn’t feel time passing as I was having so much fun ! Thank you again for this wonderful experience.
Fabulous and authentic experience, can highly recommend
JacquelineUlrich,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My 17 year old daughter and I really wanted to find a place to give calligraphy a try. Toshiko was knowledgeable, entertaining and a very good teacher. We can only recommend! You won't be disappointed
Amazing!!
H7554NUreneem,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was perfect! We learnt a little bit of history, learnt how to do the brushstrokes and then went ahead and practiced on our own. Our teacher tokoshi was extremely friendly and the whole experience was very funny and interesting. Thank you for everything!!
Calligraphy course in Kyoto
DM8405,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent teacher, excellent pedagogy. Calligraphy is an art and you understand it when the brush is in your hands. During more than an hour quiet, concentration , oversight
Amazing Calligraphy Experience!
RandeS,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing and very fun experience learning calligraphy as well as the history of the various alphabets and Japanese characters of which there are 3,000. This is absolutely a must do in Kyoto, you will be amazed at what you are capable of.
Great experience! we went back 2nd time.
poel2023,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is our second time doing calligraphy at Ami Kyoto. It is great to refresh our memory and hear the story from different voices. (We had different instructor from the first time.) The instructor spoke very good english She allowed us enough time to practice and was able to give comment very clearly. The space provided us a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The old house is humble and rather charming. It is easy to find. We were there for about 2 hours and enjoyed every second. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience a private/unique/hand-on workshop.
A fantastic insight into Japanese Kanji & history.
Terri H,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After a wonderful tea ceremony we decided to take part in a Calligraphy lesson. We had a private lesson with Toshiko who was just lovely! Toshiko was welcoming, really knowledgeable, spoke fabulous English and was very patient and helpful ensuring we created the most perfect masterpiece. We were able to take all our practice sheets away, Toshiko surprised us by writing our names in Japanese and giving them to us alongside our framed masterpiece. It was a really special experience. Thank you to Toshiko for being a wonderful instructor and to Kimi for accommodating us at such short notice before we left Kyoto.
A fun challenge in a traditional setting
Troy M,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A small cozy class with only one other person plus instructor with us in a very nicely renovated traditional townhouse. Skilled instructor was very encouraging and the session flew by.
To be done twice rather than once!
C9539YPseverinec,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience accompanied by a great teacher. I highly recommend this immersion in Japanese culture.👍👏
Nice calligraphy session
Olivier M,Aug 14, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful calligraphy session in English A very interesting and necessary theoretical first part A second, very practical with support allowing after an hour to have first bases A warm welcome
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