Private Tour

Tokyo: Kanji Name Workshop — Calligraphy, Origami & Yukata

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

You can buy a souvenir anywhere in Tokyo.

You cannot buy this.

The moment your child — nervous, quiet, unsure

— sits across from a Japanese boy his own age.

No shared language. Just two

kids, paper, and scissors. And then, without warning, laughter.

That moment doesn't happen in a museum. It happens here.

I have traveled to over 40 countries as a backpacker.

I know that the memories lasting a lifetime are never the sights —

they are the people.

This workshop is my way of giving that back.

One week before your visit, I research your name and prepare

2–3 kanji candidates

— chosen for meaning and beauty, just for you.

Together we choose, character by character.

You write it yourself.

A name that has never existed before. Yours alone.

One private group only — family studio in Hiroo, not a tourist shop.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

WHO DOES WHAT Adults & teens (13+): Kanji name calligraphy with me + origami with my son Takuto + yukata & photos + tea and sweets Ages 10–12: Same full experience + Japanese snacks Ages 7–9: Simple kanji + origami + festival games + Japanese snacks Ages 3–6: Festival games (yo-yo fishing, fukuwarai, sand art) + origami + Japanese snacks Under 3: enjoy the space with your family FOR THE ADULTS I am a licensed calligraphy teacher and former Japanese elementary school teacher. One week before your visit, I research your name and prepare 2–3 kanji candidates — chosen for meaning and beauty, just for you. No two names are the same. FOR THE KIDS My son Takuto (age 11) teaches origami face to face — not a tablet. Children arrive nervous and leave waving goodbye on their own. This is what I do best, not just as a teacher. As a mother. Yukata & photos after your artwork (subject to size availability). Couples and adults without children are warmly welcome. Duration: 3 hours · Weekends only · One private group · 1 min from Hiroo Station Pricing: Adults ¥10,000 · Ages 10–12 ¥8,000 · Ages 7–9 ¥6,000 · Ages 3–6 ¥4,000 · Under 3 ¥500

What‘s Included

Yukata fitting & photo session (optional bonus)

Calligraphy workshop with licensed teacher

Kids Festival games for younger children (supervised)

Origami session with my 11-year-old son

All necessary materials for calligraphy and origami

Japanese tea, sweets and snacks

Personalized kanji name research & preparation (pre-visit)

Transportation to and from the meeting point

Options

Origami+Caligraphy+Yukata/Kids

Duration: 3 hours
Adults & kids : 1. Origami, Calligraphy, and Yukata (Ages 5+) 2. Kids Festival Plan (For Children Under 8) Activities: Supervised games

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A glimpse into Japanese Culture
127vinayakg,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Patient and courteous, Rie san and her son picked us up from the Hiro-o station and guided us to the place for the workshop. Rie san was well prepared for the workshop including finding suggestions for my names Kanji which is difficult. I had fun and didn’t realize the time flying by for 3 hours. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking to experience Caligraphy and Origami as well as learn more about Japanese culture.
Great experience!
typhv2026,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I enjoyed the event. And we were able to do different activities even in a short time. I had real fun. I will highly recommend. Rie-san and her son is a good teacher and they can also speak good English
Really great time!!
Trail07337757503,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The Calligraphy and Origami workshop was really fun and interesting. Rie-sensei was knowledgeable, careful and patient and Takuto-sensei was really dedicated. I had a great time and felt like I learned a new skill! We had plenty of time to practice, I didn’t feel rushed at all. We even had the possibility to wear a yukata in the end, love it! Thank you again to both of you!!
One of the best parts of our trip!! 20/10! AMAZING!
Q3215WTjenniferz,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Don't think twice, book this experience! I am writing this review as a travel agent who booked this tour for my clients. My clients spent over 2 weeks in Japan with kids of all ages and this was one of the best experiences of their whole trip. From my client - We recommend this experience more for anybody traveling to Tokyo. It was 20 out of 10 for us. Rie spent a lot of time and care teaching calligraphy and origami. Along with her son, she also brought two friends, one who would entertain our younger son for that time so that the rest of us could focus on learning and practicing our new skills. Her son was the expert in origami, and she was the expert in calligraphy. She brought yukuta's for everyone and it was such a special experience. If you are considering doing this experience, don't think twice! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
The Perfect Art Experience!
Kaitlyn S,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A wonderful experience! Our hosts were super helpful, friendly, and personable. Fantastic English and Japanese spoken, and are patient in teaching you origami and the art of calligraphy. My husband and I had a fantastic time! We highly recommend that if you are looking for a tour that is completely person centred, in depth in the history and teaching of the activities, and genuinely friendly, this is the tour for you! Thank you so much! A wonderful experience that we will treasure forever. ❤️
Art of Japanese calligraphy
minamigenot,Jul 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
During my time at the Exclusive Tokyo Art Workshop Experience, I had the chance to try several activities: folding origami, creating a paper fan, and practicing Japanese calligraphy. Each part was enjoyable and taught with care. The instructors were very supportive, and I appreciated how we could take the final products home, a perfect souvenir from Japan. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to connect with traditional Japanese arts in an engaging way.