Written by Tiffany
The art of Japanese calligraphy is known as shodō, which literally translates to “the way of writing.” Although the practice originated in China (what with kanji characters being a Chinese import) and was introduced to Japan in the sixth or seventh century, Japanese calligraphy eventually developed its own styles, especially after the invention of hiragana and katakana.
The three basic styles of shodō, however, are quite similar to Chinese calligraphy:
- kaisho – regular, block-style script;
- gyosho – semi-cursive script; and
- sosho (literally: “grass script”) – cursive script
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Despite the introduction of pens and—later on—gadgets, calligraphy has managed to survive to this day; it still has a place in modern-day society. It’s still being taught in schools to help students develop penmanship and the ability to quietly concentrate. For those who want to enhance their skill, make a pastime out of calligraphy, or specialize in it, there are also extracurricular clubs and shodō schools. Additionally, calligraphy can be considered a Zen activity in that calligraphers must, ideally, clear their minds and focus on their writing.
Why don’t you spend some quiet time trying your hand at this art? You, too, can experience writing the old-school way—not with a brush pen, but with a brush and ink—at these places or websites that offer calligraphy workshops in Tokyo. As these workshops are geared towards first-timers and/or those who just want to experience calligraphy, don’t expect to write an entire poem. Instead, you will usually just learn the basic strokes, write a kanji character of your choice, and take home the finished product.
Note: unless otherwise specified, costs listed here are per person. Reservations are required.
Pro tip: Want to try calligraphy yourself? Book one of these highly-rated experiences: Calligraphy Workshop & T-Shirt Creation or Craft Your Own Art in Asakusa
1. Roppongi Calligraphy Experience
Kanji Name & Hiragana Stamp Creation
Dates/times: Multiple daily sessions available
Duration: 80 minutes
Cost: From ¥5,474
Location: Roppongi, Tokyo
Create personalized calligraphy art in the heart of Tokyo with this hands-on workshop. You’ll learn to write your name in kanji or create hiragana stamps to take home as souvenirs—a perfect way to capture the beauty of Japanese calligraphy. Book this Roppongi experience on Viator for an interactive lesson with an expert instructor in an accessible central location.
2. KLOOK exclusive Japanese culture experience
Dates/times: Tuesdays and Fridays
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: From ¥4,500
Address: B1F, 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo | Access: Ochanomizu Station, Shin-Ochanomizu Station, Akihabara Station or Suehirochou Station
If you’re not quite ready to throw yourself into a full lesson, this cultural experience at Edocco Studio (Kanda Myōjin Shrine) gives you just a little taster. As well as calligraphy, you’ll also get to try orgiami (paper folding), learn about (and taste) Japanese green tea and watch a traditional Nihon Buyō dance, amongst many other things. But wait, it gets better — you’ll even recieve a complimentary gift.
This experience is great for those who are only visiting for a short time, and want to pack a lot in. You’ll be able to tick off a lot of traditional Japanese experiences in just one day.
<.-- HIDDEN SECTION: Ota City Tourist Information Center (closed March 2026)
3. Ota City Tourist Information Center
Dates/times: Depends on instructor availability; from 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: ¥2,500
Address: M2F, Wing Kitchen Keikyu Kamata, Kamata 4-50-11, Ota Ward, Tokyo | Access: Keikyu Kamata Station
Phone: 03-6424-7288
Calligraphy is one of the cultural experiences that the Ota City Tourist Information Center offers for foreigners to try. The lesson will begin with an introduction, and you’ll get to take home your handiwork afterwards. The center can also provide lesson assistance in Korean and Chinese.
Be sure to make a reservation at least three days in advance. Also, do note that your reservation isn’t guaranteed to be accepted, as the instructor may not be available on your preferred date.
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3. Yanesen Tourist Info and Culture Center
Dates/times: Depends on instructor availability
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: ¥4,850 for 1 person | ¥3,850 per person for groups of 2 or more
Address: Yanaka 3-13-7, Taito Ward, Tokyo | Access: Nippori or Sendagi Station
Phone: 03-2828-7878 (9:30 am-5:00 pm)
Previously featured on our article on ikebana experiences, the Yanesen Tourist Info and Culture Center gives you the option to try calligraphy on paper or a T-shirt. To reserve (they also accept same-day reservations), fill out their inquiry form or call them.
4. Wayo Udoyoshi
Dates/times: Depends on instructor availability
Duration: At least 1 hour
Cost: ¥3,500
Address: Yushima 2-14-12, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo | Access: Yushima, Hongo-sanchome, or Ochanomizu Station
Phone: 0800-812-6303 / 080-8315-8980
How about something different for a change? Most calligraphy workshops featured here will teach you to write a kanji character in one of the three basic shodō styles, but opportunities to learn wayo calligraphy, which uses Japanese characters (hiragana and katakana), are few and far between.
Fortunately, Udoyoshi of Wayo Udoyoshi—the only calligraphy school that uses Japanese characters—is determined to keep wayo alive. To revive wayo, he invented his own modern wayo calligraphy style, as the traditional cursive script is unreadable to most modern readers.
A lesson, which requires a minimum of two people and a maximum of eight to push through, typically takes an hour, but could be longer depending on various factors. You will write on washi (Japanese paper), but you can also request a different surface, such as a fan, for an additional fee. For an additional ¥5,000, you can also carve your name onto a seal.
5. Tenshin (NPO-LESA)
Dates/times: Depends on instructor availability
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: ¥5,500
Address: Room 405, Studio Toranomon Building, Toranomon 3-18-12, Minato Ward, Tokyo | Access: Kamiyacho Station
Phone: 03-6914-3371
One of Airbnb’s popular experiences, calligraphy lessons with Tenshin are for a good cause, as everything you pay will support Tenshin’s non-profit NPO-Lesa, which provides scholarships, clothes, beds, and more to Vietnamese children with HIV.
A master of shodō, Tenshin has been practicing for over 45 years and is happy to share his knowledge. After the lesson, guests can enjoy some chit-chat over tea and cookies. Note that guests must be over the age of 12 to participate.
6. Wakalture
Note: Wakalture calligraphy workshops are temporarily unavailable in 2026. The instructor, Wakana, will be based in Bangkok from May 2025 through 2028. Please check back later or explore other calligraphy experiences listed above.
This post was published in January 2019 and was last updated in May 2026. Information is subject to change.
