Top Japan Painting Classes

Japan is known for its stunning calligraphy, and if you’ve ever been curious about this ancient art, this hands-on lesson is a fantastic way to explore it. Led by an expert calligraphy artist, you learn to write your name in Japanese kanji, then create your own personalized calligraphy t-shirt to take home. The workshop includes traditional workwear, ink grinding, and brush techniques for a complete experience.

Artistic travelers and anyone interested in Japanese pop culture will enjoy a small-group manga- and anime-drawing class with a professional artist. Whether you draw regularly or are a complete beginner, your instructor will walk you through the process step-by-step and teach you new skills. Learn to come up with manga/anime ideas, sketch, add color, and more.

You can also choose experiences other than Sumi-e (ink painting), so please choose what you want to do beforehand. We will ask you by e-mail. In case of Sumi-e While explaining the tools, we will draw a basic Sumi-e bamboo. You will also learn how to look at Sumi-e. In the case of watercolor painting The instructor will choose a photo of a Japanese landscape (Mt. Fuji) as the subject for a landscape painting. The instructor will teach you how to paint your own favorite scenery. For ballpoint pen drawings Participants will be asked to draw a landscape drawing using a photo of a Japanese landscape chosen by the instructor as the subject. You will learn shortcuts for rough finishing. In the case of colored pencil drawings The instructor will teach you how to draw realistically using colored pencils. This is done on postcard size paper.

- Create your own Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat), a traditional Japanese symbol of good fortune - Experience a hands-on Maneki-neko painting workshop in Gotokuji, a neighborhood associated with the origins of this iconic cultural symbol - Suitable for all ages and skill levels, with no prior experience required - Personalize your Lucky Cat using specialized paint pens and complimentary decorative stickers - Take your finished creation home with you on the same day as a unique souvenir or gift

This two-in-one experience combines a hands-on cooking class with a traditional craft, both centered around ramen. Set inside an atmospheric ramen restaurant, begin by painting your own ramen spoon, which is then baked in a kiln overnight. Afterwards, take part in a practical class to learn the secrets behind making Michelin-nominated ramen using the included Musoshin recipe. Then at the end—you can sample your tasty creations.

Step back into the golden age of manga and experience how legendary artists once worked. This beginner-friendly class is supervised by a professional manga artist and is easy to follow, even if it’s your first time drawing manga. You’ll feel like a mangaka from the 1970s—the era of Osamu Tezuka—by using traditional tools such as dip pens and screen tones. Start by practicing inking techniques, learn how to draw classic manga-style hair, and apply screen tones just as professionals did before digital tools existed. As the class progresses, you’ll move from guided practice to creating your own manga drawing from a blank page. Enjoy the satisfaction of completing your artwork by hand and take your finished piece home as a memorable keepsake. This hands-on experience is perfect for anyone who has ever thought, “I want to draw manga” or “I want to learn professional techniques from the past.”

Experience Traditional Japanese Calligraphy! This workshop is open to everyone, from complete beginners to those with prior calligraphy experience. Under the guidance of a professional calligraphy instructor, you’ll unlock your creativity and enjoy a unique cultural experience rooted in Japanese tradition. In this workshop, you will: ・Calm your mind by grinding solid ink with an inkstick ・Learn basic brush techniques using practice kanji to prepare for your main piece ・Transform your name into kanji ・Complete your favorite kanji artwork and take it home as a special souvenir ・Optionally write your kanji directly onto a T-shirt to create a one-of-a-kind original design

Pottery is an art form deeply embedded in Japanese culture. As a visitor, it can be difficult to find a way to experience it. This group class in central Tokyo teaches you how to make pieces, offering hands-on experience in a structured setting. Leave with a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Head deep inside one of the world’s most under-the-radar natural wonders on this small-group guided expedition through a Japanese ice cave. This site is hard to reach for most independent travelers, but special entry permits are included in the tour. Follow the light of a headlamp into the mysterious, ice-cold cavern, carved by lava eruptions from Mt. Fuji over a millennium ago—a thrilling, out-of-the-box adventure.

This activity offers an unparalleled opportunity to step behind the scenes of Japan’s manga world by working with official manuscript copies from legendary titles and using the same professional G-pen and ink trusted by top manga artists. Whether you're a devoted fan or simply curious about Japanese pop culture, you’ll create your own beautifully framed masterpiece, receive an exclusive manga starter kit to continue drawing at home, and capture every moment with easy time-lapse recording stands. Combined with gentle support from experienced staff, this immersive, hands-on workshop delivers a rare, authentic, and unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else, making it a must-book activity for anyone visiting Japan. Experience Manga Titles - Fist of the North Star (北斗の拳) - City Hunter (シティーハンター) - Keiji of the Flowers (花の慶次 ―雲のかなたに―) - Cat's Eye (キャッツ♥アイ) - Record of Ragnarok (終末のワルキューレ) - Wakakozake (ワカコ酒)

Hakata Doll（博多人形）is a local art work which has as long as 400-year history. In this tour, you will visit the most famous Hakata Doll Shop in Hakata, and you can experience Hakata Doll Painting with a teacher(speaking Japanese). The only one doll in the world will be a great souvenir to yourself, with an unforgettable memory of your travel to Fukuoka!!

Paint your own traditional Japanese Daruma doll Enjoy a relaxing cultural experience in beautiful Arashiyama Learn the meaning and symbolism behind Daruma in Japan Take home a one-of-a-kind handmade souvenir Beginner-friendly workshop with local guidance The experience takes place in a peaceful Kyoto-style creative space near Arashiyama, surrounded by traditional Japanese atmosphere and famous sightseeing spots. No previous art experience is required, making this activity perfect for beginners, couples, families, solo travelers, and anyone looking for a memorable cultural experience in Kyoto. At the end of the workshop, take your handmade Daruma home as a special souvenir and memory of your Japan trip.

Welcome to a private Japanese calligraphy experience in the heart of Shibuya, where tradition, creativity, and a calm atmosphere come together. Led by a friendly and knowledgeable Japanese instructor, this beginner-friendly workshop offers a relaxed and authentic introduction to Japanese calligraphy. You’ll start by learning the basics through simple but important brush practice, then create your own finished piece to take home as a meaningful souvenir. More than just an art activity, this experience is a peaceful and memorable way to enjoy Japanese culture while making something truly your own. ・Enjoy authentic Japanese calligraphy in central Shibuya ・Create your own finished calligraphy piece to take home ・Learn in a calm, welcoming setting with a friendly local instructor

Add a unique and personal touch to your trip to Japan with an authentic Hanko-making experience. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your very own original Hanko — a traditional Japanese name seal. In Japan, a Hanko is more than just a stamp; it’s seen as a true symbol of personal identity. During the experience, you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of Hanko at a long-established seal shop, then carve the characters you’ve chosen into the seal yourself. Finally, take home your one-of-a-kind Hanko — a meaningful and truly special souvenir from Japan. Experience highlights: - Learn about the history and various styles of Hanko at a traditional seal shop - Design your own original Hanko (name seal) - Carve and take home your engraved Hanko as a unique keepsake

Kids and adults alike will love this Ninja experience in Tokyo. It’s informative, it’s fun, and it’ll give you some cool ninja skills to show friends at home. Avoid annoying hidden costs as ninja costume rental is included. You’ll learn how to throw ninja weapons, have a photo shoot, and go on a treasure hunt.

Create a fun papier mâché figurine and personalise with paints Take home a souvenir/memento of your trip to Kyoto that you made by yourself Enjoy a complimentary drink & traditional Japanese confectionery of your choice Discover the historically significant temples & shrines in the surrounding areas

This is the only samurai sword experience in Tokyo where you would feel like a real samurai and have a real hands on sword experience different from some simple costume play. Many people come to Japan to learn about the history of samurai and fulfill their childhood dream of being a samurai and this is it. ！Children under 10 can not enter the samurai venue.！ ！You can reserve maximum 4 people from Viator however we accept any other booking site and there will be more participants in your experience！

Cross off two experiences in one session during this private Japanese calligraphy class. In addition to learning about shodo, the Japanese art of calligraphy, you'll also get to dress up in traditional clothing such as a kimono and pose for photos with your work. An English-Japanese or Chinese-Japanese translator will help you navigate any language barriers during the class.

Create your own handmade souvenir while learning a new skill and gaining greater insight into Japanese culture during a private calligraphy session. Choose whether you want to paint your Japanese kanji character onto a t-shirt, a lantern, or a traditional folding umbrella. Your private instructor tells you all you need to know to create beautiful calligraphy, plus enjoy Japanese sweets and green tea while you work.

Prepare for battle and learn the skills of the samurai during an interactive class studying the ancient Japanese martial art of kenbu. Learn everything from basic choreography movements to more complex actions that incorporate a sword and folding fan. After your class, participate in a photo session with your samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion and a souvenir towel.

“A once-in-a-lifetime encounter “ichigo ichie (一期一会)”. Discover the unique beauty of kimono.” Every kimono is truly one of a kind. No two are ever the same. Each piece holds its own story and beauty, waiting to be discovered in that fleeting, perfect moment. In Japan, we have a saying: ichigo ichie (一期一会). It means “treasure each encounter as if it happens only once in a lifetime,” capturing the spirit of cherishing the present moment. Among more than 200 antique kimonos, the one that catches your eye is your ichigo-ichie, a unique encounter between you and the fabric. Turn this precious moment into a one-of-a-kind work of art, and savor the special experience. As you transform your chosen kimono into a piece of art, you are not only preserving legacy but also creating a deeply personal memory that will stay with you. Turn this precious moment into a one-of-a-kind work of art, and savor the experience of meeting something and someone you’ll never meet again in quite the same way.

Step back in time to the old days and experience Japan like a ninja. This small-group class (maximum six people) introduces you to such ninja techniques as ninja meditation (Kuji-In) as well as the use of samurai weapons, including the sword. Get insights into Japanese fuedal times as you practise.

Originating from Kanazawa, Kutani ware is a distinctive style of Japanese porcelain famous for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. As the only Kutani ware kiln in the city, Kutani Kosen Kiln, established in 1870, remains one of the most revered ceramic studios in the region. The kiln produces exquisite handcrafted pottery using time-honored techniques, with skilled craftsmen specializing in the delicate art of painting and glazing. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn the drawing techniques on Kutani ware. During this approx. 1 hour workshop, you will sketch and draw your design on a blank vessel and select your preferable colors from the Japanese pallette for your design before the workshop is concluded. Later, your work will be completed by a skilled craftsmen based on your selected colors by using traditional Kutani pigments. After painting, the piece will be fired in the kiln and shipped to you within about three months (shipping fee is at your expense).