Calligraphy Class in Beppu: Write Onsen & Jigoku Characters

Write Japanese characters with a brush and take home what you made

A beginner calligraphy class in a century-old Japanese house in Beppu where you learn to write characters related to the local hot spring region: onsen (hot spring) and jigoku (hell), using traditional brushes and paper under the guidance of a friendly local instructor. The class runs about an hour, tools and a frame are provided, and you take your finished work home with you. A live guide leads the instruction in English or Japanese.

The experience

The class centers on forming stylish Japanese characters using only traditional paint brushes and paper. Your instructor, a local with deep experience in calligraphy, walks you through the technique and etiquette of the art form in a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting. You'll learn to write words specific to Beppu's identity as a hot spring destination, turning the practice into a connection with the place itself rather than abstract letterforms.

Everything you need is there: a full set of calligraphy tools and a frame to display your work. The century-old house itself becomes part of the experience, its traditional architecture and setting reinforcing what you're learning about Japanese culture. By the end of the hour, you'll have a one-of-a-kind piece ready to take home, a tangible record of what you made in the class.

What’s included

• Full set of calligraphy tools (brushes, ink, paper).
• frame for your finished piece.
• instruction in English or Japanese from a local guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (4 to 90 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Space Beppu

Is this one for you?Book this class if you want a relaxed introduction to calligraphy in an authentic setting: the local instructor and century-old house create an intimate experience rather than a formal lesson, and the focus on words tied to Beppu grounds the practice in the place you're visiting.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

21 verified traveler reviews

5 ★21

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

What words will I learn to write in the calligraphy class?

You'll learn to write onsen (温泉), meaning hot spring, and jigoku (地獄), meaning hell: both words tied to Beppu's character as a geothermal region famous for its hot springs and the "hells" (colorful hot spring pools) that draw visitors.

Do I need any experience with calligraphy or Japanese to take this class?

No. The class is designed for beginners and requires no prior knowledge of calligraphy or Japanese. The instructor guides you through the technique and cultural etiquette step by step in a relaxed atmosphere.

What do I get to take home from the class?

You take home your finished calligraphy piece, which is mounted in a frame provided as part of the class. It's your own creation, made during the session.

Is the instructor a professional calligrapher?

The instructor is a highly experienced local with deep knowledge of calligraphy, but is not a professional calligrapher. If you prefer to learn from a professional, the operator offers an alternative class with a professional calligrapher.