The 5 Best Kyoto Calligraphy Classes

1.Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

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

Meet a teacher and English, Spanish, Japanese, or Dutch translator at Seigan-ji Temple in Kyoto’s Shinkyogoku shopping street. In 70 minutes, you will learn brush basics, practice your chosen kanji, create artwork on shikishi board, and receive a small personalized key chain.

“I'd recommend this delightful Japanese Calligraphy class. The group was small—just three of us, along with the teacher and a translator— meaning we each received plenty of individual attention. The session began with an introduction to the traditional equipment we'd be using, followed by several demonstrations from the teacher. We were given a template to follow, which helped us get started before trying it on our own. As a left-handed person, I found it a bit more challenging, as it's typically easier with the right hand. However, the environment was relaxed, and we were encouraged to make mistakes and learn through the process, also trying right hand too. Once we…”

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2.Japanese Calligraphy Class

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

Meet near Kyoto Station for a one-hour English-language calligraphy class with patient instructors such as Rena, Lana, Waka, Yoshia Kobayashi, or Kou. Practice brushwork, turn your name into Kanji, and take home fans, cards, scrolls, or framed pieces.

“Great fun and it was great you get a souvenir with your efforts of your calligraphy to take home.”

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3.Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

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

At Gojo Paradiso beside Kyoto’s Takase River, instructor Takako teaches beginners the basics of shodo. You’ll practice brush strokes, write kanji and your name, then create a finished piece on rice paper. The small English and Japanese class lasts 1 to 2 hours and includes all supplies.

“The teacher is a calligraphy master With a degree in calligraphy and awards. She’s also a kind and patient teacher. She spent time individually with each of us on every exercise we did. She was supportive and encouraging. She also showed us how to write our names in kanji. The class was very well organized. There were plenty of high-quality materials. The teacher had two helpers also. It began and ended right on time. We each created a calligraphy to take home on beautiful rice paper, signed our names in kanji, and our teacher stamped it for us. In addition, we received a gift of a beautiful handmade calligraphy from…”

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4.Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class

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

Visit a local Kyoto home near Nijo Castle for a private, one-hour Japanese calligraphy lesson with Aya or her team. Learn brush movements, practice meaningful kanji, add your name in Japanese, and take your finished artwork home. Socks are required.

“Aya was a wonderful teacher. She explained the history of calligraphy well and answered all of our questions. We got to practice with her a few times and she gave us constructive direction about how to improve. She was a wonderful host and still went ahead with the class even though she had hurt her hand. It was an honour to learn from a true master of calligraphy. Would 100% recommend.”

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5.Kyoto Ninenzaka : Japanese Calligraphy Class in Townhouse

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

In a traditional townhouse near Ninenzaka, an English-speaking instructor guides you through shodō, from ink and brush care to basic kanji. You will practice strokes, write a character, and take home your work. The 50-minute class suits beginners age 10 and up. Kimono rental costs extra.

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

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