Private Tour

Private Japanese Calligraphy in Kyoto – Learn Shodō with a Master

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

1 hour

Mobile ticket

Step into the elegant world of Shodō, Japan’s traditional art of brush writing.

In this completely private lesson, held inside a welcoming Kyoto home, you’ll be guided by a calligraphy master with over 55 years of experience. No other guests will join your session, allowing you and your companions to enjoy an intimate and authentic experience in a calm, homely atmosphere.

Learn the proper brush techniques, feel how the calligrapher’s state of mind shapes each stroke, and create your own beautiful kanji. Choose a favorite character from a wide selection and add your name in Japanese beside it — a unique keepsake of your time in Kyoto.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children under 12 years old cannot be accommodated to maintain a quiet learning environment.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the class cannot be offered and refunds are not available.

Offered in English and Japanese.

Please wear or bring clean socks — entering the tatami room barefoot is not permitted.

For delays due to public transport or weather, please contact us as soon as possible.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Your finished artwork to take home

Private calligraphy lesson with an experienced master

Guidance on selecting and writing your favorite kanji

All calligraphy tools rental and paper

Private transportation

What To Expect

Step into the world of Shodō, one of Japan’s oldest and most graceful arts. This private class, held in a welcoming Kyoto home, is led by a calligraphy master with over 55 years of experience. You and your companions will have the instructor’s full attention — no other guests — for an intimate, authentic session in a calm Kyoto atmosphere. Discover the quiet beauty and flowing rhythm behind each brushstroke as you create elegant kanji. Even if you’ve never held a calligraphy brush, you’ll learn the right techniques, see how the artist’s state of mind shapes the work, and enjoy writing characters as Japanese students do. Choose a favorite kanji and add your name in Japanese, creating a keepsake to take home — a lasting memory of Kyoto. Please wear or bring clean socks; entering the tatami room without socks is considered impolite. Children under 12 cannot be accommodated. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we won’t be able to start, and refunds cannot be offered.

Options

Private Japanese Calligraphy Class in Kyoto

Reviews

4.77

39 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Unique and educational
dsella,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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 .
Wonderful Calligraphy Class in Kyoto
Companion47076170367,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
That was fun.
S831XTfranziskab,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Calligraphy in Kyoto!
zach8051,
Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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
Very pleasant,...
ivanka i,
Jun 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Sublime experience
Ava R,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Great calligraphy class
Alen L,
Nov 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
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!
If you're in Kyoto, take this class
Kieran K,
Nov 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Great experience
Anders A,
Oct 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Do you want to try Japanese calligraphy? This is the place to get the e best experience!
Jeremy M,
Oct 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.