The 12 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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6.Private Japanese Calligraphy in Kyoto – Learn Shodō with a Master

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $77

In central Kyoto, Aya Ito teaches a private one-hour Shodō class in her home studio near Nijo Castle. You’ll learn brush strokes, choose a kanji, write your name in Japanese, and take home your artwork. English and Japanese instruction is available.

“Aya and her husband made this one of our favorite experiences on the trip. They welcomed us into their home where they have a studio room set up for the lesson. They offered te and traditional Japanese sweets. We had a lesson about the history of Japanese Caligraphy and then had time to practice. We left with beautiful Caligraphy made by us that we plan to exhibit in our home. This is a must on your visit!!”

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7.Japanese Calligraphy – Shodo – Lesson (near Kyoto Station)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $50

Meet Kyoto MK near Kyoto Station for a one-hour hands-on shodo lesson. An English-speaking instructor, including staff such as Haruko, teaches brush and ink basics, then helps you write kanji and your name. Make souvenirs on washi paper, fans, or a scroll, and take your work home.

“The staff were very helpful and chatty, and guided us through creating a set of souvenirs for ourselves with our names and favourite words in Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana characters.”

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8.Calligraphy & Digital Art Workshop in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $72

At Studio Aya in Kyoto, Ami and her creative team guide you through traditional calligraphy or suibokuga ink painting, then show you how to create Japanese picture letters, called etegami, on an iPad. Tea, snacks, and the iPad are included.

“My husband and I had a great time learning both calligraphy and also how to make digital Japanese painted postcards called etegami. The first half of the class are teachers helped us improve our brush stroke work and explained the Zen approach that calligraphy takes. Read more”

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9.Calligraphy Experience in Kyoto Townhouse

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $58

Spend 90 minutes at Ami Kyoto learning Japanese calligraphy with an instructor such as Toshiko. You will hear the art’s history, watch a technique demonstration, then practice kanji with ink, paper, and traditional tools in a small group of up to five people.

“My 17 year old daughter and I really wanted to find a place to give calligraphy a try. Toshiko was knowledgeable, entertaining and a very good teacher. We can only recommend! You won't be disappointed”

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10.Japanese Calligraphy Class in 150 years old townhouse

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $43

At Kangetsu Kyoto, you’ll learn basic Japanese calligraphy in a 150-year-old townhouse near Ninenzaka. A master and assistant guide beginners through the language’s background, brush technique, and a finished piece you can take home. The English-language class lasts about 50 minutes, so bring socks and expect a focused lesson.

“Great experience in an amazing part of Kyoto. The teachers were great. They provided a brief but informative history of Japanese calligraphy and were patient and instructive. Nice way to spend a brief part of your visit to Kyoto.”

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11.Sumi Ink and Brush Calligraphy Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 50 min · from $49

Spend 50 minutes learning Japanese sumi painting and calligraphy in a small group of up to six. You will grind ink, practice two brush techniques, paint bamboo, and add kanji to a shikisi board. English and Japanese guidance is provided, and your finished artwork goes home with you.

“my teacher was patient, a good communicator and I had an enjoyable experience”

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12.【OKADA】Kyoto Japanese calligraphy experience (shodo)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $45

At OKADA Japan Culture Center in Higashiyama, you’ll learn kanji meaning, brush posture, ink control, and stroke order with patient English-speaking instructors. Create an original piece on a shikishi board, then add a sensu folding fan or uchiwa fan for an extra fee. No experience is needed.

“Brilliant activity. Authentic, informative, encouraging and fun. Would definitely add this to your plans.”

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