
Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station)
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 40 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station) worth booking?
Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station) is a 1-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $9000 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 40 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (40)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $9000 per person
Please come and try Traditional Japanese Calligraphy! You can learn a new skill and get some great authentically Japanese Souvenirs to take home! You can experience calligraphy after sightseeing in Kyoto or before dinner
What you get
About this experience
Please come and try Traditional Japanese Calligraphy! You can learn a new skill and get some great authentically Japanese Souvenirs to take home! You can experience calligraphy after sightseeing in Kyoto or before dinner, so you can use your time effectively. Check out the video below for an example of the class, and make a reservation ASAP! (*English Instruction Included) We also have activities for young children, so please bring them along! *Due to popular demand, we have increased the number of time slots for the experience! You can now choose from 3:00PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, and 6:00PM. Other times also possible. Please ask!* Souvenirs you will recieve for taking part in our class (included in the cost): 1. Your name written on calligraphy paper in kanji, hiragana, or katakana 2. A folding fan with your favorite word or name written on it 3. A postcard with your favorite word or name written on it & 4. A gift envelope OR 5. A photo frame *Please choose one.
What's included
Included
- Use of brushes, ink & washi-paper
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Kyoto
[Content of Experience] ①The staff will give you a lecture on how to use a brush and how to apply ink. ②Let's write basic characters (Kanji "One", "A", "Forever", "Kyoto") →You can make a scroll of the Kanji characters you write and take it home with you. ③Let's write your own name in Kanji characters (approximately) Our staff will assist you with possible kanji characters and their meanings. Example) Brian → “武礼安” (武 =Martial → military commander/bravery, courtesy →礼=politeness/gratitude, 安= peace) Liz → "梨図 Pear Painting" (梨=Pear, 図= painting)
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Our VIP Taxi Station is just across the street from Kyoto Station!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our VIP Taxi Station is just across the street from Kyoto Station!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kyoto MK
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 40 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
40 verified traveler reviews for Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We had a fun time...
We had a fun time learning calligraphy! Our hosts were on time and so friendly and encouraging. Our whole family really enjoyed the experience and it was a welcome break from walking and August heat.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining our calligraphy experience! We were so impressed by how well your son did, especially since he already knew some Japanese! It was wonderful to see how interested everyone was in Japanese calligraphy, Japanese characters, and the way children learn in Japan. We were very happy to have your whole family join our class, and we hope you enjoyed this special Japanese experience! 🇯🇵✨ - from Ms.Ichikawa
via Viator
Had a lot of fun
Really enjoyed learning how to write my name and my favourite word in the three Japanese alphabets. A great experience and some great keepsakes to bring home.
via Viator
Memorable experience
Amazing calligraphy class in Kyoto! The instructors were very patient and explained the directions so well. We learned so much about both technique and culture. A truly unique and memorable experience—highly recommend!
via Viator
A MUST DO!
Had a great time with the family. The staff was full of energy and very helpful! My kids had a blast from start to finish. A must stop!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much! We are SO happy to hear your kids enjoyed our calligraphy (shodo) class :)) and we really appreciate you taking the time to write this review!! Hope you had a great time in Kyoto ;)
via Tripadvisor
Great
Was great learned the way they read it and write and she was very knowledgeable and kind and helpful with any questions i had
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station) cost?
+
Prices start at $9000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station) take?
+
Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station) worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 40 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station)?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station) suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station)?
+
Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station) start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
+
On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station).
Pick your date







