Japanese Calligraphy Experience with a Calligraphy Master
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Japanese calligraphy is the essence of traditional Japanese culture. Why not try your hand at this art?
“Shodo,” or Japanese calligraphy, is artistically written words that are written in a style that is both artistic and emotionally driven. The art of calligraphy was handed down from China during the 6th and 7th centuries, at which time the Japanese learned how to make brushes, ink, and paper. Soon after its introduction, it became an indispensable skill for educated nobles and samurai, the leaders of Japan. Over time, the appreciation spread to the general public. Now, it can be found not only as works of art but also in things such as New Year's cards and other special occasion writings. This art form is now a part of Japanese culture.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 7 years
Minimum number of participants for booking:2
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
All necessary equipment
English guide
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Please add 6000 yen to the tour price for hotel pick up
Taxi / Private Car or Bus
What To Expect
Keikyu The school is a five-minute walk from Umeyashiki Station on the Keikyu Line. It offers a wide range of instruction from basic to creative calligraphy. The instructor, calligrapher Eizuru Matsumura, is also an artist, lecturer at workshops, events and TV programs, and has created the official logo for the Kyokushin Karate World Tournament pamphlet. He has been practicing calligraphy since he was 31 years old.
Options
Japanese Calligraphy Experience with a Calligraphy Master
Reviews
33 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A meaningful experience
Vishaal S,
Aug 4, 2024
- Viator
5.00This was a personal and memorable experience. The guide(+translator) very helpfully guided me to the nearest station, and from where she led me to the calligraphy master's studio, a small space with gentle music. The master was very friendly and welcoming, even though he spoke only in Japanese. The experience itself was amazing; not in some spectacular way, but in a deeper way.. I found it similar to doing yoga and music - he encourages you to focus on the experience of making those strokes, how it feel and should feel, body and mind, in addition to teaching the nuances of the art form. He was patient and encouraging throughout. There were many things to appreciate and think about from that experience, calligraphy itself just one of them! At the end of the session, the guide was so kind as to walk me back to the station and act as a translator to help me buy some sweets on the way!
Contemplative experience, calming and focusing
Jnaneshwar D,
May 30, 2024
- Viator
5.00This was the last activity I did through a two week stay in Japan, and I couldn't have hoped for a better experience to leave Japan with! Michiko San (our interpreter) got in touch with me well in advance, and met me at Umeyashiki station, and we went straight to Matsumura San's studio. Over the course of the next 90 minutes or so, Matsumura San patiently showed me the ways of Japanese calligraphy -- how to hold the brush, how to relax the body, how to move the brush. We went through a sequence of strokes and symbols, before culminating our experience with a symbol of my choice (I picked Bu from Bushido). Michiko San was wonderful with interpreting for us, and to be honest, the language barrier between Matsumura San and I made the experience even more fun, and almost poetic, since I could sense his excitement when speaking in Japanese. Overall, I suppose I was a good student, since he seemed very happy :) I left with a feeling of calm, and focused energy, and I am so glad I signed up for this experience!
Scam! Bad Experience
Danilo H,
Apr 19, 2024
- Viator
1.00Scam! Unfortunately we didn't get what we paid for. This review is for viator.com, not for the teacher and the guide, who were both wonderful! On viator.com there were options for calligraphy classes ranging from 1h and 1,5h to 2h. We chose to book the 2h class because we wanted to learn more about calligraphy than we would in 1h. After a pick up just a couple minutes before class the calligraphy lesson went for 1h and 5 minutes. As mentioned above, the teacher and the translator were really nice, but it wasn't the 2h class we had booked. When we tried to discuss this with viator.com, they sent us an email stating that the 2h refer to the time which is needed for the "whole experience" and that sometimes, the guide offers to take guests on a short tour through the neighbourhood. The tour hadn't been in the class description when we booked and it wasn't offered to us. (Which is fine because we signed up for calligraphy). Also they mentioned in their email that a class can last between 1 - 1,5h depending on the skill of the students. Which sounds unfair and isn't a strong argument considering it said 2h in the booking description. (After our complaint they changed the description on Viator from 2h to 1,5h.) We asked for a partial refund since for us the difference between a 2h class and a class of 1h and 5min feels too much. Unfortunately, we did not get any positive reaction to settle this problem and find a compromise. So sad to say, booking over viator.com was a bad experience for us.
Best way to end my trip!
Ari G,
Dec 30, 2022
- Viator
5.00I had a wonderful time with the master. He was very patient and kind. I have a new found love for Japanese calligraphy. I would do it again.
Fantastic experience!
Jennifer L,
Oct 17, 2019
- Viator
5.00Everyone was so kind and helpful, what a great first experience with calligraphy! Thank you so much for such a wonderful time!
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