Top Tokyo Painting Classes

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Deepen your understanding of Japanese crafts with this private calligraphy lesson in Asakusa. Start by watching a short video introducing the history and meaning of Japanese calligraphy, then practice essential brushstrokes with a teacher. Customize a t-shirt and write a letter using traditional techniques to create unique souvenirs to take home.

Take a break from sightseeing and learn the ancient arts of the ninja during this fun-filled introduction to key ninja techniques, culture, and weapons. During this small-group Tokyo workshop and demonstration, learn a range of practical skills—such as how to throw a ninja star, and how to draw a samurai sword—and also discover key ninja philosophies, take part in a short meditation, and have time to take photos.

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.

- 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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Veer away from the well-trodden tourist activities in Tokyo and try your hand at something a little different—fan painting. With the help of an instructor, you get tips on how to make your fans pop as well as a fresh insight into the role fans have played in Japanese culture and history.

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

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.

Experience Authentic Manga Drawing in Asakusa with a Professional Japanese Manga Artist! Create your own manga in the heart of Tokyo's most iconic cultural district. At MANGA DOJO Asakusa, you'll learn directly from a professional Japanese manga artist using the same tools real manga creators use, including G-pens, ink, screen tones, and official manga manuscript paper. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced artist, your instructors will guide you step by step in English, making this an unforgettable cultural experience. Why travelers love this experience ・Learn from a professional Japanese manga artist ・Create your own original manga artwork to take home ・Use authentic professional manga tools ・ English interpretation included ・Suitable for beginners, families, and experienced artists ・Small-group lessons for personalized instruction ・ Convenient location just 1 minute from Asakusa Station

Create your own short anime in Japan, the home of world-famous animation. This beginner-friendly workshop teaches the basic principles of animation through a simple stop-motion method. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll bring your ideas to life using your own smartphone or tablet, then take home your finished video as a unique souvenir to share with family, friends, or on social media.

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.

Step into a traditional Japanese calligraphy experience in the heart of Tokyo and create a meaningful souvenir to take home. In this 1.5-hour private session, you won’t just learn how to write—you’ll experience the beauty, philosophy, and mindfulness behind Japanese calligraphy. Guided by a professional calligrapher, you will explore the meaning of kanji and discover how each stroke expresses emotion and intention. By the end of the class, you will create your own unique artwork—whether it’s your name in Japanese, a meaningful kanji, or a word that represents your journey. Your finished piece becomes a special souvenir you can keep for yourself or gift to family and friends. This experience is designed to be relaxing, creative, and personal—even for complete beginners. After the session, you can also enjoy a moment of calm with traditional matcha. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo or looking for a cultural escape, this is more than a class—it’s a memory you can take home.