Tokyo Private Family Workshop: Make a Japanese Friend, Mom & Son
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Traveling Tokyo with children can be busy.
This is your private afternoon to slow down
— 3 hours with a Japanese mother and her 11-year-old son in Hiroo. One family per session.
You can buy a souvenir anywhere in Tokyo. You cannot buy this.
Children learn origami face-to-face with my 11-year-old son.
No shared language needed — just paper, hands, and laughter.
For younger children, simple Japanese games adjusted to age and mood.
Children arrive nervous and leave waving goodbye to a new Japanese friend.
While your children play happily with my son, you can fully relax and focus on your own one-of-a-kind kanji name artwork.
I research 2–3 kanji candidates a week before you arrive.
Together we choose, practice, and finish on shikishi or uchiwa — ready to take home.
Children receive discounted rates by age (from ¥4,000). All materials and snacks included.
Best for families with children ages 5–12. Teens, couples, and solo adults also welcome.
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 BY AGE • Adults & teens (13+): Kanji name calligraphy + origami + yukata photo + tea • Ages 10–12: Same full experience + Japanese snacks • Ages 7–9: Simple kanji + origami + festival games + snacks • Ages 3–6: Festival games + origami + snacks • Under 3: Enjoy the space with your family HOW THE DAY FLOWS 1. Meet in Hiroo We meet near Hiroo Station and walk to the private family studio. 2. Choose your kanji name A week before, I prepare 2–3 kanji candidates. On the day, we choose meanings together. 3. Practice calligraphy Adults and teens practice brush writing with step-by-step guidance. While you create, your kids play with my son. 4. Children make a Japanese friend My 11-year-old son welcomes your child face-to-face — origami, games, snacks. Children arrive nervous and leave with a new Japanese friend. 5. Younger children's activities For ages 3–6, simple Japanese games (yo-yo fishing, fukuwarai, sand art) adjusted to each child's age and mood. 6. Finish your artwork Write your kanji name on shikishi or uchiwa — your own artwork to take home. 7. Yukata photos and tea Optional yukata photo (if sizes available), then tea and snacks.
What‘s Included
Shikishi or uchiwa artwork to take home
Customized Japanese games for younger children (age, personality, and mood)
Optional yukata photo time (subject to size availability)
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
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best and most authentic Origami experience
591mahamadk,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptionally kind and engaging Mother and Son duo! I did the Origami with them, ended up learning quite a bit about all types of things while having great fun! Highly recommend checking Rie san and Takuto kun out! 100% worth,
A glimpse into Japanese Culture
127vinayakg,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Patient 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
5.00I 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
5.00The 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
5.00Don'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
5.00A 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
5.00During 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.
From ¥10,000
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