Private Tour
Private Meditation and Calligraphy with a Monk in Tokyo Temple
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Learn Japanese culture and Buddhism directly from a Buddhist monk in a 400-year-old private temple. This private group experience starts with a calligraphy lesson, creating your own artwork to take home. Then participate in a sutra-copying session, focusing on the chant and calming your mind. Personalized guidance allows questions about culture, Buddhism, or life as a monk. This exclusive private group experience combines learning, creativity, and mindfulness, leaving you with unique art and a sense of inner peace.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Experience Japanese culture through calligraphy and temple meditation in Tokyo. This private group experience is led by a Buddhist monk who will explain Japanese religion and the history of the temple. Participants can ask questions about Japanese culture, Buddhism, or life as a monk. The experience begins with a calligraphy lesson. All basic techniques are taught carefully, including how to hold the brush and write Japanese characters. After learning the fundamentals, participants can choose a favorite word or phrase to create their own calligraphy artwork. Each participant takes home their unique creation as a memory of the experience. The final part of the experience is a sutra-copying (shakyo) session. In a quiet and peaceful environment, participants focus on the sutra while the monk chants. This meditative practice helps calm the mind and allows a deeper connection with Japanese tradition. This experience combines learning, creativity, and mindfulness. It is a unique opportunity to explore Japanese culture with a real monk, enjoy the temple’s calm atmosphere, and take home personal artwork and a sense of inner peace.
What‘s Included
Take-home artwork
Temple entry
Equipment rental
traditional green tea
Options
Private Meditation and Calligraphy with a Monk in Tokyo Temple
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience to disconnect from the bustle of Tokyo
nuria p,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience that makes you disconnect from the bustle of Tokyo and leaves you feeling totally at peace. The monk who accompanies you wonderfully, answers all the questions, guides you in an easy way in the calligraphy, and participates in your songs in the temple. Recommended 100%. Unique and authentic experience that we will always remember! He also speaks perfect English but also uses the translator and makes everything easy!
Educational centering through calligraphy and Meditation
Matt L,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Taki was perfectly engaging in this experience. He shared with us the roots of Buddhism while connecting it to calligraphy. We learned the basics of traditional Japanese calligraphy (with a brush) and utilized these skills as we meditated in a form consistent with one of the ways of buddhist practice. His English was amazing. Taki had a great calmness but also a compelling interest in us, and his craft. We will be practicing our calligraphy with hopes to show him what we've learned next time we are in town!
UNFORGETTABLE CALLIGRAPHY LESSON
clarat953,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The calligraphy lesson was a real treat: Taki is attentive and empathetic, speaks excellent English, and is a highly talented teacher. The part of the lesson in front of the altar is almost ‘mesmerising’: Taki sings whilst we are all focused on transcribing the sutras. Truly moving! Thank you, Taki!
Calligraphy and meditation with Taki
Ryan B,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a great time this afternoon learning calligraphy with Taki. He was very informative, great to speak with and happy to answer any questions. I especially like the take home of my own calligraphy. Great way to finish my trip. Highly recommend.
A calm and authentic calligraphy experience in a beautiful temple
D1477BFtobiask,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I first participated in the calligraphy class and I really enjoyed the experience. The temple grounds are very beautiful, and you can even see the garden from inside while practicing calligraphy, which creates a really calm and special atmosphere. The calligraphy itself was a lot of fun, even as a beginner, and everything was explained clearly. We also had some tasty green tea and a chance to learn a bit about Buddhism,. I think it’s also quite rare to find an English-speaking monk, so this is a great opportunity especially for foreign residents or visitors in Japan. I would definitely recommend it!
Great experience
Michele C,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing activity, highly recommend! I learned more about the culture, religion, and monk life. It was also relaxing
One of The BEST Experiences of My Trip!
DrHope G,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thank you, Venerable Taki for making this such a beautiful and enlightening experience for me during my first visit to Japan. Thank you for your patience, grace and kind spirit while teaching me the beautiful art of Japanese calligraphy and meditation. An absolute must do experience for those visiting Japan. You won't regret it.
A lovely experience!
Micheline A,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A lovely experience! Taki is so welcoming and patient with his instruction in the calligraphy class and happy to answer questions about Buddhism. The meditation was a great insight into the faith and I really enjoyed the peace the temple environment exuded. I had a great time and I will be recommending to all my friends when they visit Tokyo. Thanks Taki
Meditation and Japanese Writing Class
meganbX9199GP,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00During my trip to Japan, I was not only looking to explore the cities and beautiful landscapes of the country, but also to experience its culture and traditions. This experience was truly special. From the very beginning, Taki welcomed us warmly and made us feel comfortable and at home. Together with my sister, we had the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture, its writing, and some of its traditions. The place itself is also incredibly beautiful and creates the perfect atmosphere for this experience. We left with very special memories from this moment. I would absolutely recommend it. If you have the chance to add this experience to your itinerary, don’t miss it!
Interesting Activity, Nice Ambience
Sabrina Y,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a great time. Taki spoke good English and gave clear instructions. The lesson was easy to follow, and being able to see him demonstrate up close helped with picking up the writing motions required. The temple is also pretty and serene. Copying the sutra while he chanted was actually excellent practice, so I wish he'd let me do that before writing on the board to take home instead of after. He was very kind and kept saying it looked fine (it did not) and there's no pressure (there is! Plenty! It's not erasable!), but I wanted more practice before the final! Great activity for a break between/after touring.
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