【OKADA】Kyoto Japanese calligraphy experience (shodo)
- 1 hour
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Unleash your inner artist through the timeless beauty of Japanese calligraphy in the heart of Kyoto! first offers an immersive and beginner-friendly calligraphy experience specially designed for international travelers. In this hands-on workshop, you will: • Learn the history and meaning of kanji characters • Practice writing with a traditional fude brush and sumi ink • Receive guidance on proper posture, brush technique, and stroke order • Create your own original calligraphy on a shikishi board (which you can take home as a unique souvenir) Optional add-ons include writing on a traditional sensu folding fan (+¥1,500) or uchiwa flat fan (+¥800)—perfect for gifts or keepsakes! All instruction is available in English. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and creativity. ※Kimono is not included in the plan. Come and experience a peaceful, artistic moment in Kyoto’s historic district, and leave with a piece of Japan made by your own hands.
Inclusions
What's included
- One shikishi board to take home
- All calligraphy materials (brush, ink, paper)
- Practice sheets
- English-speaking instructor
What's not
- Write on a folding fan (sensu): +¥1,500
- Write on a flat fan (uchiwa): +¥800
- Transportation to and from the venue
- kimono rental (¥5000～)
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 55
- 40
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 5 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 8 travellers
- Operated by
- OKADA Japan Culture Center
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Kyoto
- Its from-price is 71% below the median of the 1713 experiences we list in Kyoto.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 635 of 1713.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital for over a thousand years, is a city of temples, gardens, wooden townhouses and refined traditions.
The city holds many of Japan's most treasured sites. Fushimi Inari Taisha's thousands of vermilion torii gates climb a wooded mountain, Kinkaku-ji's Golden Pavilion shimmers over its pond, and Kiyomizu-dera's wooden stage juts from the hillside above the city. The rock garden of Ryoan-ji and the mossy grounds of Ginkaku-ji invite quiet contemplation.
Top-ranked sights in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha), Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Special offers in Kyoto
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
