Private Japanese Calligraphy in Kyoto – Learn Shodō with a Master

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Kyoto, Japan

1 hour (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Dive into traditional Japanese culture by taking a calligraphy class in the middle of Kyoto. Discover the beauty of one of the oldest traditional art forms in Japan and learn how to use the correct brush movements to make beautiful kanji characters. Choose a kanji character to write and write your own name in Japanese. Afterward, you’ll have beautiful piece of calligraphy art to take home as a keepsake.

Take a Japanese calligraphy class in the center of Kyoto
Private class: Ensures your teacher's full attention
Learn how to use the correct brush movements to create callligraphy
Create a beautiful, unique souvenir to take home

What's Included

Private calligraphy lesson with an experienced master
All calligraphy tools rental and paper
Guidance on selecting and writing your favorite kanji
Your finished artwork to take home

Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

さくら日本文化体験二条城教室 / SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture Nijo Home
６６０番地 Izumichō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0015, Japan
The class takes place at a private residence near Nijo Castle (exact address provided after booking). A detailed map and photos of nearby landmarks will be shared to make finding the house easy.3min walk from Nijo Castle and Kyoto subway Tozai line [Nijojomae] station.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Children under 12 years old cannot be accommodated to maintain a quiet learning environment.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the class cannot be offered and refunds are not available.
Offered in English and Japanese.
Please wear or bring clean socks — entering the tatami room barefoot is not permitted.
For delays due to public transport or weather, please contact us as soon as possible.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8

based on 40 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Authentic Japanese experience

Sandra_G, Mar 2026

Aya gave us a truly special experience. The class took place in her home, which made it deeply meaningful for our family. Being welcomed into a traditional Japanese home added an authenticity we will never forget. She is a skilled and passionate teacher — clear in her instruction and encouraging throughout. What meant the most to us was how she recognized our son Max’s artistic ability and encouraged him. That moment alone made the experience priceless. Her English is excellent, which made communication easy and comfortable. We felt honored to learn from her and grateful for the opportunity to experience Japanese calligraphy in such an intimate and authentic setting. A memorable experience we will always cherish.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure to welcome you and your family into our home. I am very happy to hear that the experience felt meaningful and authentic for you. Sharing Japanese culture in a traditional home setting is something very important to me, so your words mean a great deal. I was especially surprised by your son Max’s artistic ability. His sense of balance and expression was remarkable. Please encourage him to continue writing not only digitally but also with a brush after you return home. I truly believe his talent will continue to blossom. It was a joy to spend time with your family, and I feel honored that you chose to experience Japanese calligraphy with me. I hope the memories of your time in Kyoto stay with you for many years. Thank you again for visiting. I wish you and your family all the best. Warm regards, Aya

Calligraphy in Kyoto!

zach8051, Jul 2025

I’m here with a tour group & was thrilled to have the chance to break away from the group one afternoon & sign up for this class. So far, this experience has been one of my favorites from my entire trip to Japan! Aya is patient & kind teacher. I loved learning the different brush techniques & found the afternoon to be informative, fun, & relaxing! I am excited to be able to take my calligraphy home! I am a teacher of blind students, & after class & learning about calligraphy, I was able to show Aya what her name looks like in braille! Please sign up for this class & have the chance to learn something in a fun & relaxed setting. Highly recommend! ~~ Sara from Seattle

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Dear Sara, Thank you so much for your wonderful words! I’m truly honored that you chose to spend part of your trip with me and that the calligraphy experience became one of your favorite memories in Japan. It was such a joy to share this art with you, and I loved learning about your work and seeing my name in braille—that was an unforgettable moment for me! I hope your calligraphy brings back happy memories every time you see it. Please visit again if you return to Japan—I would love to welcome you back. Safe travels and thank you again for your kind recommendation! Warm regards, Aya

Very pleasant,...

ivanka_i, Jun 2025

Very pleasant, instructive and fun! We learned about calligraphy and practiced drawing the beautiful symbols with ink. The hostess was very generous with her time.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for your kind review! I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the calligraphy experience and had fun learning and practicing the beautiful characters. It was a pleasure to spend time with you. I truly appreciate your warm words and hope you will continue to enjoy the art of calligraphy. You are always welcome back anytime! Warmest regards, Aya

Sublime experience

Ava_R, May 2025

This is a supremely pleasant and enriching experience. The teacher provides a no pressure environment in a typical home setting, with a delicate yet informed approach. It’s a cultural and deeply personal experience which can unlock a lifelong passion for perfection. Calligraphy is ancient and worth trying and Kyoto and this teacher were the perfect way to try it.

Response from Host, May 2025

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. It brings me great joy to hear that you found the experience both enriching and relaxing. I always strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can truly connect with the spirit of calligraphy and Japanese culture at my home. I'm deeply grateful that you chose to explore this timeless art form here in Kyoto with me, and I hope it continues to inspire you on your journey. Please know that you are always welcome back anytime. Warmest regards, Aya

Great calligraphy class

Alen_L, Nov 2024

We had a great time. The teacher is very experienced, patient and helpful. We got to keep and take many examples home. They were kind and spoke English very well which was helpful. Recommend this tour!

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great time and enjoyed the experience. It’s wonderful to know that the teacher’s expertise and patience made a positive impact, and we’re glad you found the English support helpful. We hope the examples you took home bring back fond memories. Thank you for recommending our tour—we hope to see you again someday!

Great experience

Anders_A, Oct 2024

The class is not intended for children (ours are 7 and 9), which is not clear in the Viator description. After some initial discussion, we sorted the situation. We thereafter had a wonderful class which all of us enjoyed. The children must be motivated. Great teacher. Definitely recommend.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We apologize for the lack of clarity regarding the age range of the class in the Viator description. While some adjustments were needed initially, I’m very happy to hear that your family enjoyed the class. I’m also delighted to know that your children were so engaged. They are truly wonderful! We look forward to welcoming you again! Aya

Great activity to do in Kyoto

Kerri_S, Jul 2024

Had a great time. We copied some calligraphy and our teacher was very attentive and patient. We learnt about the history too which was very interesting. My son loved it so we bought him some equipment from the recommended shop too. Thank you for having us! Kerri & Finn

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Hi Kerri san and Finn san, Thank you for coming on the class day. I am very happy to hear that you have got calligraphy tools for yourself! Please enjoy Japanese calligraphy at your home! Thank you for having with me ! Aya

Very good

Aviv_O, Jul 2024

learned a lot about Japanese calligraphy, was fun, great ac, worth it if you are in the area. instructor very kind. recommend!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Dear Aviv san, Thank you for coming on the class day! I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed my class at my home! Please come back again someday. Thank you again, Aya Sakura

A fantastic experience :-)

Mikael_S, Jul 2024

We had such a good time with Aya san and her husband. Not only with regard to the calligraphy class, in which Aya san showed her deep knowledge and history of the art, but also getting to know each other as we struggled with brushes, ink and paper. The class inspired us to learn more about calligraphy and to continue trying it on our own. Thank you so much Aya san for a fantastic class. We strongly recommend the class. Eva & Mikael from Sweden

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Hi Mikael san, Thank you for coming on the class day! We are very happy to hear that you and Eva san enjoyed my calligraphy class. Please get nice brush and keep enjoy it at your home! We are looking forward to meeting you again someday. Aya

Do not recommend!

Andrea_U, Jul 2024

Unfortunately due to no fault of our own, we could not make the booking on time. We contacted the vendor prior to our time and they refused to offer a refund. They were not able to accomodate us at a future day or time since they stated they were fully booked. I looked at previous reviews and saw similar experiences to ours. Very dissapointing. Not a good practice towards your customers. I would not recommend them. Viator would not assist us either since they leave it to the vendor. Buyer beware.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

First and foremost, your payment has already been refunded. We understand that missing your booking time can be frustrating. However, we had prepared for your arrival based on the scheduled appointment. Writing a negative review without participating in the experience or making the payment does not accurately reflect the situation. We hope you will consider this perspective.

Very nice class from Aya,...

Mark_H, Jun 2024

Very nice class from Aya, thanks for having us!! You get to keep your calligraphy too! Highly recommended

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Dear Mark, Thank you for having with us at my home! It was really fun time for me. I am looking forward to meeting you again someday! Warm regards, Aya

Excellent caligraphy experience in nice surrounding.

Franziska_K, Jun 2024

Excellent. We loved the time spent with Aya, our instructor. She explained the history of caligraphy and teached us how to easily start doing caligraphy. She was very patient with us. We could take home our artwork, very nice memory! She was very helpful in finding her place, arranging a suitable time slot (so we could have a little bit more time). As it was raining she helped us to get a taxi back. Thank you Aya!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Dear Franziska san, Thank you for for coming on the class day with your lovely family. And thank you for taking your time to write your review for us! It was lovely meeting with your family ! Please come back someday. I am looking forward to meeting you again in Kyoto. Warm regards, Aya

Better than thought

Marjorie_K, May 2024

It was good. Fun to be taught how to do the writing. Hard to find the place. The house was good. We all had a good time

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you for taking your time to write a review. Before your visit, I made sure to send you the correct Google Maps link via WhatsApp for your number you have given to us via Viator when you booked our class and even provided a photo of the entrance to assist you in finding the location. But it seems you didn’t read it. I don’t know why you have given that phone number for us because we couldn’t reach you because of you. My husband was waiting for your group in front of our house, so I'm glad we were able to meet. My location is not hard to find. It's situated just 200 meters straight west from the front of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The layout of Kyoto's streets has been planned for centuries, which might make all roads seem similar to first-time visitors. Yet, this is part of the charm of Kyoto's cityscape. While the pin location on Google Maps is accurate, there seems to be a discrepancy with the street view, showing images from a different location. If you check the pin's position on the map, you'll easily find us. However, if you rely solely on the photos while walking, you might end up in the wrong place. This issue has persisted for three years despite our repeated attempts to correct it. Please understand that this is not our fault. Thank you for kindly understanding. I am so sad to have your review like this even I celebrated your daughter’s birthday and graduation with the gift of traditional Japanese sweets…. Aya

Highly recommend this wonderful class

Michelle_S, May 2024

Aya was a wonderful host, she was warm, friendly and very knowledgeable. She gently guided us through the history of calligraphy and the different strokes. It was a wonderful class and I would highly recommend.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you for taking your time to write your review and I really appreciate it. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed my class. I think you should own calligraphy brush because you were so good at brush. I loved your powerful and beautiful strokes! Thank you again, Aya

Being able to write...

Therese_F, May 2024

Being able to write myself the Wabi Sabi I really wanted to achieve. It was well setup and organised. A bit hard to find as Google maps shows wrong.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Before your visit, I made sure to send you the correct Google Maps link via WhatsApp and even provided a photo of the entrance to assist you in finding the location. I was waiting for you in front of the house, so I'm glad we were able to meet. My location is not hard to find. It's situated just 200 meters straight west from the front of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The layout of Kyoto's streets has been planned for centuries, which might make all roads seem similar to first-time visitors. Yet, this is part of the charm of Kyoto's cityscape. While the pin location on Google Maps is accurate, there seems to be a discrepancy with the street view, showing images from a different location. If you check the pin's position on the map, you'll easily find us. However, if you rely solely on the photos while walking, you might end up in the wrong place. This issue has persisted for three years despite our repeated attempts to correct it. Please understand that this is not our fault. If the deduction of one star is not due to the map issue, I suspect it's because you couldn't take home the example I wrote. However, as I sell my works for a fee, I cannot provide them for free for use outside the classroom. Just like calligraphy, artists generally do not distribute their work for free. I hope you can understand this aspect as well. I'll add that Wabi Sabi is a challenging concept even for beginners among Japanese people to write. Additionally, it's not common to decorate these characters. In the tea ceremony, it's more typical to display "和敬清寂," which carries a similar meaning within the tea room, but I don't think Japanese people decorate with "Wabi Sabi." I'm not entirely sure how Wabi Sabi is understood in foreign countries, but I recommend researching it thoroughly on Japanese-language websites. Aya

Amazing!!!

Amber_d, Apr 2024

I enjoyed this so much! Loved that she also told about the background of kalligrafie. She was so friendly and sweet.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Dear Amber san, Thank you for coming on the class day and thank you for taking your time to write your review for us! I am so happy to share our calligraphy culture for you as a Japanese. Please enjoy Japanese calligraphy at your home too because you were very good at calligraphy! Kind regards, Aya Sakura

Highly recommend

Rupert_W, Apr 2024

Charming instructor, great set up, really enjoyable experience, and left with good memories and understanding on the art.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Dear Rupert san, Thank you for having with us at our home! I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed Japanese calligraphy! Please come back again someday. Thank you again, Kind regards, Aya Sakura

Something a little different

Patrick_C, Mar 2024

Highly recommend! Aya and her husband were so thoughtful. It was informative, fun, and private. To top it off, we get keepsakes to bring home. Never thought of doing this, but we found it looking for rainy day events. Now I’d say it’s worth your effort to make it part of your itinerary. Thanks again!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Dear patrick san, Thank you for taking your time to write your review for us! Me and my husband are very happy to hear that you enjoyed calligraphy at our home! We are here always so please come back again! Thank you so much! Warm regards, Aya Sakura

Great cultural experience

Kelsey_L, Mar 2024

Aya and her husband were amazing! The class was fun and has some fun history lessons as well. We were running about 10-15 minutes late (got lost!) and Aya was great about working with us and squeezed us in. Great communication and just a fun class. Aya took lots of pictures of our class and our efforts, which she then shared with us. Also gave some local places to check out! Would recommend to anyone! Our whole family loved it (kids 13 and 15)!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Kelsey san, Thank you for having with us and thank you for taking your time to write review! We are very happy to have you to our class and your kids made us smile! It brought me back when our daughter was teenager. Thank you for everything. I hope you enjoy rest of your trip in Japan! Aya Sakura

Excellent cultural experience and education in the art of Japanese Caligraphy

Olivia_J, Mar 2024

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!!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Olivia, Thank you for having with us on the class day and thank you so much writing your review for us. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed calligraphy at our home. We look forward to meeting you again someday. Kind regards, Aya Ito Sakura

Lifetime memories

Krisztian_K, Mar 2024

I want to write down my name, but it was too long and an hour too short time for that. I choose father character for my action. The host was very cute and she was professional!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Kristian san, Thank you for coming and bringing your kid to my home on the day! I am regretting for that I could not teach you to write our name in Japanese. You can ask me anytime if you needed. Thank you again, Aya Sakura

Calligraphy in Kyoto

Sacha_N, Feb 2024

Aya was such a good teacher, and so patient and encouraging! My husband was apprehensive, but we BOTH had a great time and have some nice keepsakes!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Sacha, Thank you for having with me at my home! I am sohappy to hear that you enjoyed my class. Please say hello to your husband! I am looking forward to meeting you guys again someday. Warm regards, Aya Sakura

Lovely host, beautiful setting, book it…

Ryan_B, Jan 2024

Incredible experience. Aya was great, very knowledgeable and attentive. Aya was happy to answer any questions we had about anything, not just Caligraphy. Being at her home, the setting was intimate and felt special, we wish it was longer! We both thoroughly enjoyed this experience and can highly recommend it to all. You must do this if you’re vaguely interested in Japanese culture.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Dear Ryan, Thank you so much for taking your time to write your review for us! I was very happy to have you guys at my home and it was lovely time to chat with you guys. Me and Manabu welcome you anytime so please come back again someday. We wish you will enjoy rest of your trip in Japan! Warm regards, Aya Ito Sakura

so worth it!!

andrew_h, Dec 2023

So worth it!! The hosts were so hospitable and encouraging. The instructor has been practicing calligraphy for over 50 years and gives hands on guidance and a history lesson. You end up with some pieces to take home with you so it doubles as free decor for your home!!

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Dear Andrew , Thank you for giving us your review and taking your time for it! I wish you enjoyed your trip in Japan and Kyoto. Please free free to ask anything if you have further questions about Kyoto! Thank you again, Aya

Amazing experience for beginner calligrapher

Charlotte_R, Sep 2023

Aya was amazing! She was kind, supportive and very helpful which really helped since I am a beginner. I finished 3 paintings for my grandchildren. I highly recommend her. Enjoy!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you for taking your time to write your review for us! I am honer to have you in my class. I am sure that your artworks makes your grandchildren very happy! Thank you so much! Aya

Excellent calligraphy experience

Katrinapenna, May 2023

This was an excellent experience. The teacher was lovely and very positive about my beginners ability. I came away with calligraphy I will frame for my wall.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you for writing your reviea and thank you for taking your time for it. I thought you are so talented for calligraphy do please keep learning! I am sure you will be very nice. Thank you again! Aya

Go for it, reluctantly.

GEORGIOS_T, May 2023

Experiences where you get to keep a memoir are always enjoyable. Our hosts made us feel very welcomed and were patiently guiding us to create our japanese ideograph. They were also taking pictures of the session which in the end shared with us. However, the whole session did feel a bit rushed. No time was spent at all sharing information about calligraphy. A leaflet was provided but we had to open it to understand it contained some historical information. Our hosts never said what it was about. Although our hosts were patient as I mentioned if we did choose not to draw anymore, the session would probably last 10 minutes! Overall I would recommend it, but don't get your hopes up high.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you for kindly giving us 4 stars! I really appreciate it. Thank you so much! Aya

A great class for introduction to calligraphy

ja_s, Jan 2023

A great introduction to Japanese calligraphy in a peaceful environment. The teacher was knowledgeable, patient and kind. Would highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Dear ja_s, Thank you for coming my class and thank you for giving us great review! I am so grateful to introduce you Japanese culture at my own home. Please come back the next time in Kyoto. We are looking forward to meeting you again! Kind regards, Aya Ito SAKURA

Ein toller privater Kurs!

Alina_O, Sep 2024

Es war ein wunderbares Erlebnis. Wir wurden herzlich aufgenommen und es hat wahnsinnigen Spaß gemacht auch wenn die Kalligraphie sehr anspruchsvoll ist. Sehr zu empfehlen.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, eine Bewertung für uns zu schreiben! Wir freuen uns sehr, Sie bei uns zu Hause begrüßen zu dürfen, und es freut uns, dass es Ihnen gefallen hat! Kommen Sie gerne irgendwann wieder. Wir heißen Sie jederzeit herzlich willkommen! Aya &Manabu

Experiencia turística

Tutti_C, May 2024

Crei que seria una experiences más artistica y fue más turistica no sali muy complacida. La Maestra es buena pero se nota q al alumno del tour no le toma tanta importancia por ser solo unos minutos de clase al final de cuentas.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you for your feedback. We strive to offer both an artistic and cultural experience that appeals to a wide range of guests. I'm sorry to hear that our class did not meet your expectations in this regard. Our goal is to provide a balanced experience that includes both informative and hands-on elements. And our classes are always in private and located in private local home,not touristy place. But one point is missing on your review because you could not understand English as well. You can read class details that it will be held in English or Japanese because I do speak only English and Japanese. Regarding the class, we do aim to give each guest personal attention during the tour. If you felt that this was lacking, we sincerely apologize. Your comments are valuable to us, and we will take them into consideration to improve our future tours. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. One last thing I'd like to mention. My home's bicycle area is not a trash bin or a luggage storage area. I hope you can take back with you some respect for Japanese culture.