The art of Japanese calligraphy is known as shodo, which literally translates to “the way of writing.” Although the practice originated in China (what with kanji characters being a Chinese import) and was introduced to Japan in the sixth or seventh century, Japanese calligraphy eventually developed its own styles, especially after the invention of hiragana and katakana.
The three basic styles of shodo, however, are quite similar to Chinese calligraphy:
- kaisho – regular, block-style script;
- gyosho – semi-cursive script; and
- sosho (literally: “grass script”) – cursive script
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Despite the introduction of pens and—later on—gadgets, calligraphy has managed to survive to this day; it still has a place in modern-day society. It’s still being taught in schools to help students develop penmanship and the ability to quietly concentrate. For those who want to enhance their skill, make a pastime out of calligraphy, or specialize in it, there are also extracurricular clubs and shodo schools. Additionally, calligraphy can be considered a Zen activity in that calligraphers must, ideally, clear their minds and focus on their writing.
Why don’t you spend some quiet time trying your hand at this art? You, too, can experience writing the old-school way—not with a brush pen, but with a brush and ink—at these places or websites that offer calligraphy workshops in Tokyo. As these workshops are geared towards first-timers and/or those who just want to experience calligraphy, don’t expect to write an entire poem. Instead, you will usually just learn the basic strokes, write a kanji character of your choice, and take home the finished product.
Note: unless otherwise specified, costs listed here are per person. Reservations are required.
1. Rakuten
Essence of Japanese Beauty with Calligraphy Workshop with Hoyu
Dates/times: Depends on availability; book on Rakuten to arrange a date
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: From ¥4,000
Address: Exact address to be given upon confirmation of booking | Access: Musashi-Koganei
This author was offered the chance to experience Rakuten’s most popular and most-reviewed (as of this writing) calligraphy workshop, which this section will focus on.
Learn the basics of calligraphy just like Japanese students do and create your own works of calligraphy that you can take home and optionally have printed on a bag.
An hour and a half long lesson with Hoyu starts with basic brush technique and posture. Hoyu will gradually guide you until you are able to compose your own works.
2. KLOOK exclusive Japanese culture experience
Dates/times: Tuesdays and Fridays
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: From ¥4,500
Address: B1F, 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo | Access: Ochanomizu Station, Shin-Ochanomizu Station, Akihabara Station or Suehirochou Station
If you’re not quite ready to throw yourself into a full lesson, this cultural experience at Edocco Studio (Kanda Myōjin Shrine) gives you just a little taster. As well as calligraphy, you’ll also get to try orgiami (paper folding), learn about (and taste) Japanese green tea and watch a traditional Nihon Buyō dance, amongst many other things. But wait, it gets better — you’ll even recieve a complimentary gift!
This experience is great for those who are only visiting for a short time, and want to pack a lot in. You’ll be able to tick off a lot of traditional Japanese experiences in just one day.
3. Ota City Tourist Information Center
Dates/times: Depends on instructor availability; from 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: ¥2,500
Address: M2F, Wing Kitchen Keikyu Kamata, Kamata 4-50-11, Ota Ward, Tokyo | Access: Keikyu Kamata Station
Phone: 03-6424-7288
Calligraphy is one of the cultural experiences that the Ota City Tourist Information Center offers for foreigners to try. The lesson will begin with an introduction, and you’ll get to take home your handiwork afterwards. The center can also provide lesson assistance in Korean and Chinese.
Be sure to make a reservation at least three days in advance. Also, do note that your reservation isn’t guaranteed to be accepted, as the instructor may not be available on your preferred date.
4. Yanesen Tourist Info and Culture Center
Dates/times: Depends on instructor availability
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: ¥4,850 for 1 person | ¥3,850 per person for groups of 2 or more
Address: Yanaka 3-13-7, Taito Ward, Tokyo | Access: Nippori or Sendagi Station
Phone: 03-2828-7878 (9:30 am-5:00 pm)
Previously featured on our article on ikebana experiences, the Yanesen Tourist Info and Culture Center gives you the option to try calligraphy on paper or a T-shirt. To reserve (they also accept same-day reservations), fill out their inquiry form or call them.
5. Wayo Udoyoshi
Dates/times: Depends on instructor availability
Duration: At least 1 hour
Cost: ¥3,500
Address: Yushima 2-14-12, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo | Access: Yushima, Hongo-sanchome, or Ochanomizu Station
Phone: 0800-812-6303 / 080-8315-8980
How about something different for a change? Most calligraphy workshops featured here will teach you to write a kanji character in one of the three basic shodo styles, but opportunities to learn wayo calligraphy, which uses Japanese characters (hiragana and katakana), are few and far between.
Fortunately, Udoyoshi of Wayo Udoyoshi—the only calligraphy school that uses Japanese characters—is determined to keep wayo alive. To revive wayo, he invented his own modern wayo calligraphy style, as the traditional cursive script is unreadable to most modern readers.
A lesson, which requires a minimum of two people and a maximum of eight to push through, typically takes an hour, but could be longer depending on various factors. You will write on washi (Japanese paper), but you can also request a different surface, such as a fan, for an additional fee. For an additional ¥5,000, you can also carve your name onto a seal.
6. Tenshin (NPO-LESA)
Dates/times: Depends on instructor availability
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: ¥5,500
Address: Room 405, Studio Toranomon Building, Toranomon 3-18-12, Minato Ward, Tokyo | Access: Kamiyacho Station
Phone: 03-6914-3371
One of Airbnb’s popular experiences, calligraphy lessons with Tenshin are for a good cause, as everything you pay will support Tenshin’s non-profit NPO-Lesa, which provides scholarships, clothes, beds, and more to Vietnamese children with HIV.
A master of shodo, Tenshin has been practicing for over 45 years and is happy to share his knowledge. After the lesson, guests can enjoy some chit-chat over tea and cookies. Note that guests must be over the age of 12 to participate.
7. Wakalture
Dates/times: Depends on instructor availability
Duration: from 1.5 hours
Cost: from ¥6,500
Address: 5/F Sotokanda 6-9-7, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo | Access: Yushima, Suehirocho, or Okachimachi Station
E-mail: info@wakalture.com
Wakana of Wakalture Experience, which won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence from 2018-2020, started offering Japanese cultural experiences to foreigners with the aim of making their time in Japan more memorable. A licensed shodo teacher who has been practicing for 23 years, Wakana offers calligraphy lessons for a maximum of six people at a time. For an additional ¥500, you can write on a fan instead of paper. Children under the age of 12 only have to pay half price.
Advanced lessons are also available for ¥12,000 per session.
Read our guide for more traditional Japanese cultural experiences.
