Brush & Ink Classes in Japan: 15 Sorted by What They Cost

Tokyo: Calligraphy on Kanji Fan & Scroll with Drink - Finding Shodo Cafe 7557 in Roppongi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · 1h 20m · from $53Our pick

At Shodo Cafe 7557, three minutes from Roppongi Station, you learn basic shodō brushwork in English, then write a chosen kanji or translated name on a traditional fan and hanging scroll. Kana, Kanako, Tomi, and their team offer patient guidance, matcha or another drink, a personalized hiragana hanko stamp, and several take-home gifts.

“SO FUN!!!! The amount of time to help you practice kanji and the amount of things you did make it so worth it! The staff were so friendly and the matcha latte was very good.”

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Kyoto: Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

2.Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 1h 10m · from $55

In central Kyoto, meet Jose or another multilingual guide beneath the red-lantern meeting sign at Seigan-ji Temple. A Japanese calligraphy teacher leads you through brush technique, basic strokes, and a chosen kanji before you create a finished piece on shikishi board. The 70-minute class includes materials, photos, and a personalized keychain.

“We definitely recommend this activity, it was very fun and we learned a lot! The teacher and her apprentice were both very helpful and nice. They gave us individual tips while we were practicing writing our names and even took some pictures for us. We got to take the boards with our names home and even got a little keychain as a gift!”

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Let’s experience calligraphy in YANAKA, Taito-ku, TOKYO !!

3.Let’s experience calligraphy in YANAKA, Taito-ku, TOKYO !!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 127 reviews · from $75

In Yanaka, Chie or Saori guides you through brush control, basic strokes, and a favorite kanji or word during a one-hour private lesson. You practice first, then create a finished piece on shikishi paper, with the option to make a kanji T-shirt. The class takes place in an old townhouse studio beside a coffee shop, just 100 meters from Yanaka Ginza.

“This was one of the highlights of our trip! The instructor was charming and made the experience so much fun! The shop is located in a lovely old part of town in Tokyo.”

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Tokyo: Calligraphy Workshop & Original T-Shirt Creation

4.Calligraphy Workshop & Original T-Shirt Creation

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 105 reviews · 2 hours · from $30

Meet the Local Guide Stars host at FamilyMart near Okubo Station South Exit for a two-hour English-language calligraphy class. You will wear traditional workwear, grind an inkstick, practice brush strokes, turn your name into kanji, and make artwork on paper. An original T-shirt is available for an extra fee.

“Hiromi our calligraphy expert was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. We had ample time to learn different techniques of Japanese calligraphy.”

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Experience all of Japanese culture and Japanese food experience classes “origami, udon, Japanese food, green tea, calligraphy” in 4 hours

5.Experience all of Japanese culture and Japanese food experience classes “origami, udon, Japanese food, green tea, calligraphy” in 4 hours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 105 reviews · from $92

Meet Taka at JR Omori Station, then walk to his home for four hours of hands-on Japanese culture. Fold an origami crane, knead udon, prepare sushi and gyoza, enjoy tempura, drink sake or soft drinks, make matcha, and take home calligraphy of your name from Keiko. This private experience welcomes vegetarian and vegan menus.

“Great experience for our family to learn some more about Japanese food and culture. We travelled for 3 weeks with our family with 2 boys 7 & 8 years old and this was such a valuable session to feel more connected to and understand JapanRead more”

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Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Class

6.Japanese Calligraphy Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 89 reviews · 1 hour · from $51

In front of Kyoto Station, an English-speaking instructor guides you through brush handling, ink, basic Kanji, and your name in Japanese characters. You can create a scroll, fan, postcard, picture frame, or stationery to take home. Sessions are private or small-group, with instructors such as Rena, Lana, Waka, Yoshia Kobayashi, and Kou.

“This was such a wonderful experience for my kids. They loved it. The staff was all so kind and welcoming. Really glad we did this class and it was great to get the writings to take with us. Highly recommend!”

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Kyoto: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

7.Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 84 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $32

At Gojo Paradiso beside the Takase River, teacher Takako introduces you to shodo through brush-stroke practice, kanji, and writing your name in Japanese. This small-group class welcomes beginners, supplies everything you need, and ends with a finished piece on rice paper, plus time for photos and gallery browsing.

“I learned a lot and it was fun! I would do this again.”

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An Amazing set of Cultural experience: Kimono, Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy

8.An Amazing set of Cultural experience: Kimono, Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 69 reviews · from $132

At Okeiko Japan Miyajima, you’ll choose a kimono with help from the staff, learn tea ceremony manners, whisk your own matcha, and practice Japanese calligraphy at Tokujuji Temple. The small group setting, garden photos, local tea bowls, and wrapped calligraphy souvenir make this a hands-on cultural visit rather than a quick photo stop.

“Everyone was amazing! We got there very early because it was so hot outside and they let us sit and wait. They had a lot of cool stuff in their shop too. There is a large selection of beautiful kimono to choose from. And they took so many pictuRead more”

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Kyoto: Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class

9.Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 1 hour · from $66

Spend one private hour in a local Kyoto home 200 meters west of Nijo Castle, learning Japanese calligraphy with Aya and her assistant. You will practice brush movements, choose a meaningful kanji such as peace, love, strength, or wisdom, add your name in Japanese, and take your finished work home on washi paper.

“It was extremely fun and the teacher was very informative on the history of Japanese calligraphy. it was a wonderful class!”

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Osaka: Private Japanese Calligraphy Experience

10.Private Japanese Calligraphy Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 1h 30m · from $51

In Namba, an English-speaking instructor guides your private group through Japanese calligraphy, from choosing a meaningful theme to writing kanji, adding your name, and stamping your initials. You practice brush strokes, learn how kanji can reflect your personality, and finish a colored-paper artwork. Families can request water calligraphy for children.

“Wa no ma, is the best sweetest person. We had an introduction to the Japanese way of writings and then to the art of calligraphy. A 100% worth experience to any traveler that was to dive deeper into the Japanese culture. If you are thinking about it just do it ☺️”

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Tokyo:Calligraphy &Make your original folding fan in Asakusa

11.Calligraphy &Make your original folding fan in Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 30 - 90 minutes · from $16Best value

In Asakusa, English-speaking instructor Mana guides you through Japanese calligraphy, from posture and brush control to melting solid ink and writing kanji. You will practice with guide sheets, create a personal folding fan, enjoy green tea, and write a postcard to your future self. The session lasts 30 to 90 minutes.

“Mana was so kind and helpful. She made everything run smoothly and had many gifts and green tea. Great experience would recommend”

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Kyoto Ninenzaka : Japanese Calligraphy Class in Townhouse

12.Kyoto Ninenzaka : Japanese Calligraphy Class in Townhouse

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 50 min · from $49

In a quiet townhouse near Kiyomizu Temple, an English-speaking instructor introduces you to shodō, the Japanese art of calligraphy. You will learn about brushes, ink, paper, and basic kanji, then create a keepsake to take home. The 50-minute class suits beginners aged 10 and up. Socks are required, and clothes may get stained.

“Kind and patient but excellent teachers. Short class But fun. We came away with our own handmade Kanji symbol”

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Tokyo: Calligraphy Workshop Craft Your Own Art in Asakusa

13.Calligraphy Workshop Craft Your Own Art in Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

In Asakusa, Mei guides you through Japanese calligraphy basics, from brush control and stroke order to writing characters of your choice. You practice with traditional brushes and a fude pen, then create a final piece on a scroll, fan, or hard-backed square. The English-language class welcomes beginners and includes an artwork to take home.

“Mei was an incredible instructor. We learned about the history of Japanese calligraphy and the writing templates were soooo helpful. We got to produce a work on a scroll, fan or hard backed square.”

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Calligraphy Workshop in Namba, Dotonbori

14.Calligraphy Workshop in Namba, Dotonbori

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $49

Spend two hours learning shodo, the Japanese art of brush calligraphy, in Namba. Instructor Nao guides beginners through brush and ink techniques, while Stephen or another English-speaking interpreter explains the cultural meaning behind the characters. You will practice kanji or katakana, then write your own name on colored paper or a luggage tag to take home.

“We did this lovely calligraphy workshop in the Namba area of Osaka. We are a family of six with 4 teenagers. It was a really fun afternoon learning more about the history of kanji and also giving it a go ourselves. Much harder than it looks for sure. Stephen & co were very nice and informative and taught us a lot. We all really enjoyed this day a lot and brought our own handwritten names home as a lovely keepsake.”

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Learning Zen of Japanese Calligraphy in kimono near Osaka Castle

15.Learning Zen of Japanese Calligraphy in kimono near Osaka Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · from $43

At Samurai Honor in Osaka’s Joto Ward, you change into a kimono or hakama, learn basic shodo brush techniques from a professional teacher, and choose a kanji character to practice. Your name is translated into kanji on a wooden tag, and digital photos of your outfit and artwork are emailed to you. English is standard, with other languages possible by request.

“We had a wonderful time learning about the culture, history, and traditions of calligraphy and tea ceremonies. I would highly recommend coming here if you have a chance you're in Osaka. No Japanese needed, they teach you the brush strokes for each character and can let you choose your own if you like! The tea ceremony was an excellent experience and we had the opportunity to make our own tea. Thank you again everyone at Samurai Honor!”

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