Top Tokyo Painting Classes

Japan is known for its stunning calligraphy, and if you’ve ever been curious about this ancient art, then this hands-on lesson is a fantastic way to explore it. Led by an expert calligraphy artist, you can learn how to write your name in Japanese “kanji”, then create your own personalized calligraphy t-shirt, which you can take home with you.

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.

Exercise your creative side with this relaxed sumi-e ink wash painting experience in a Tokyo teahouse. Led by an award-winning calligrapher and artist, they share their extensive expertise with you as you learn the best ways to use the water and ink to make a piece of art that’s totally unique and yours.

Turn something old into something new during this lesson in the Japanese art of "Kintsugi," the practice of repairing broken pottery, and there's a chance you'll get to see Master Taku on the day of your visit. Stemming from a Japanese belief that breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, rather than a reason to throw them away, your class involves repairing damaged items (plates are provided; personal items are not allowed) with lacquer mixed with gold. Don a "samue" as you refinish one traditional pottery item, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and a unique souvenir.

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 tour offers just that. You can learn how to make pottery from a sensei (teacher) in central Tokyo.

Authentic Japanese Calligraphy Experience in Asakusa Discover the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and create your own unique masterpiece. What will you Do? Learn the History – Watch a short video about the history of Japanese language and calligraphy. Master the Brush – Practice essential brush techniques and the basic 8strokes. Write Your Own Word – Choose your name in Japanese or a favorite kanji and bring it to life! Make your original folding fan– A perfect souvenir to remember your Japan trip! Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and your own creativity!

Learn real manga techniques from an active professional manga artist in a small, beginner-friendly workshop. Create your own character or a short manga story, get personal feedback, and explore authentic manga culture with all tools provided.

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 will tell you all you need to know to create beautiful calligraphy. Fit up to 15 people in your session with advance notice.

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.

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

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.”

Seeking out the well-concealed back-alley bars of Tokyo's Shinjuku district is notoriously tricky for outsiders. Take the guesswork out of your trip on this guided tour that takes you barhopping to Izakaya bars in two different alleyways in Shinjuku with a small group. Experience the backstreets of Tokyo and authentic street food and drinks (included) while your guide shares insights into local culture in this atmospheric part of the city.

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.

Engage in the art of manga illustration at Manga School , where professional manga artists share their expertise from Japan’s comic scene. Over a 2-hour session in a small group, learn essential techniques like sketching, inking, and applying screentones. Discover the unique aspects of Japanese character design, explore how facial proportions convey personality, and craft your very own manga hero. All materials are included, allowing you to focus entirely on creativity. At the end of the class, take home your original artwork, a personal memento of your artistic journey.

Immerse yourself in the elegance of Japanese culture with a unique henna tattoo experience that allows you to express beautiful kanji art. In just 5-10 minutes, skilled calligraphy professionals will apply natural henna to your skin, offering a painless and gentle way to showcase your chosen symbols. Select from categories like Power, Love, Natural, or Cool/Anime Style, and enjoy the convenience of a temporary tattoo that lasts 1-2 weeks—a perfect gift for couples or friends on a journey together. Each design is customizable, with care instructions provided to ensure vibrant results throughout its duration.

Raise your sword like a true samurai warrior during a private training session in Tokyo. Don a samurai outfit and train with the katana, then enjoy a photo shoot to commemorate your experience. This private lesson offers personalized attention and includes outfit rental and photo and video footage.

Welcome! Let's learn Japanese calligraphy with a knowledgeable yet super friendly Japanese instructor! This experience combines real Japanese calligraphy with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. After plenty of simple but important practice, you’ll write your own final piece and take it home as a meaningful souvenir. It’s a calm, fun way to enjoy Japanese culture and leave with something truly your own! - Try authentic Japanese calligraphy in the center of Shibuya with a calm and relaxed atmosphere - Create your own calligraphy piece to take home as a special souvenir - Learn with a friendly and knowledgeable Japanese instructor

You can experience calligraphy at a reasonable price in Nakano! Let's write your favorite characters and kanji with a brush! The instructor will instantly convert your name into kanji! Your work will be presented as a hanging scroll, perfect as a souvenir! You can even turn your writing into a tattoo sticker! You can also write on the T-shirt with a brush. Experience Japanese culture while shopping at Nakano ！

Zero drawing experience? No problem! Step into an authentic Tokyo manga studio and learn side-by-side with a published artist whose work appears in national magazines. With just six guests per session, you’ll ink, shade, and paste screentones using the exact pro tools the industry relies on—choosing an easy inking sheet or designing a brand-new character at your own pace. Walk out with a signed illustration, insider tips, and brag-worthy photos of your very first manga masterpiece. Perfect for anime lovers, first-time drawers, and families alike, this hands-on workshop turns a quick visit to Tokyo into a memory—and a masterpiece—you can frame forever.

Immerse yourself in the art of Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) during a one-hour workshop in Roppongi, led by a PhD-holding master calligrapher. Begin with a live demonstration showcasing traditional brush techniques before diving into ancient scripts like Tensho and Reisho, learning about their evolution from Chinese origins to Japan's unique style. Engage in hands-on practice writing meaningful kanji, such as “夢 (Dream)” or “和 (Harmony),” and create a stunning piece of art on a shikishi board or fan. With an English-speaking assistant to guide you through cultural insights, this experience culminates with a photo opportunity and your own handcrafted artwork, a personal connection to Japanese heritage.

This walking tour of Shinjuku’s buzzing areas of Golden Gai and Kabukicho is the perfect way to discover great bars, restaurants, and food stalls, without having to do any research. Discover new haunts, and feast on local specialties, such as ramen and “yakitori” (skewers). Learn about local history from your guide, and best of all, enjoy the perk of having tastings included.

This activity is one a simple way to learn about Japanese culture while making a valuable keep sake. Your Daruma can be cute or serious. It can be you, a friend, or a family member. It can be creative or stick to the original. With all of these possibilities it is a great activity. Take it home to help keep you inspired, and it will help you remember your trip to Tokyo.

Begin your experience with an introduction to the program. Then, choose your design from famous Ukiyo-e prints by masters like Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. Next, use colored pencils or markers to freely add color. Blend traditional style with your own creativity to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Take your finished artwork home in a clear file, perfect as a travel souvenir. Discover the joy of Japanese art in a relaxing, hands-on session that welcomes beginners and enthusiasts alike. Our friendly guidance ensures you feel confident as you explore vibrant colors and timeless designs. This is more than an art activity—it’s a cultural experience that sparks creativity and leaves you with a unique keepsake or a thoughtful gift. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in tradition while creating something truly personal!