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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Looking for a unique experience in Tokyo? We recommend our private calligraphy workshops! Our private calligraphy workshops are perfect for families looking for a fun rainy-day activity in Tokyo! Our instructors will come to your hotel, making it easy for even busy travelers to experience calligraphy! The instructor will convert your name into kanji on the spot. Try writing your favorite characters or kanji with a brush! You can even have your writing turned into a temporary tattoo! We can also write on your T-shirt with a brush.

Learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy in this small-group Tokyo workshop. Discover the history and basic mechanics of writing Japanese calligraphy: learn the complexities of the Japanese writing system, find out how to use an inkstone and brush, master the basic brushstrokes of Japanese characters, and create a special souvenir wall piece to bring home. An accredited calligrapher leads your workshop, ensuring an educational experience.

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.