Calligraphy Shodo in Nagoya: Make ink, write kanji

You make the ink yourself by grinding an ink stick, and the sound and aroma are part of the practice.

A shodo calligraphy class in a small Japanese house in Nagoya for up to four students, lasting up to 2.5 hours. You grind your own ink, select a kanji to practice, write it repeatedly on paper, and finish with a clean copy on shikishi board to take home. The classroom is a 6-minute walk from the nearest train station, and a prayer room is available for Muslim guests.

The experience

The class starts with an explanation of shodo tools, then you pick the kanji character you want to write. You practice it over and over, talking to yourself in your mind to focus, before writing your final version on shikishi: a special paper board. The whole process takes up to 2.5 hours, giving you time to settle into the rhythm instead of rushing through the strokes. Because the class stays under five people, the instructor can watch your technique and adjust your grip or posture as you work.

Making the ink yourself is the heart of the experience. You rub an ink stick against a stone to create the ink, and the sound and smell become part of your meditation on the craft. It is the kind of sensory detail that stays with you after you leave. When you finish, your work goes into a plastic case so you can hang it at home, and everything travels in a reusable non-woven shopper bag with the studio's logo.

The studio sits in a small Japanese house, and after class you can tour the gallery of the owner, an up-and-coming calligraphy artist whose own work hangs there. The location is walkable from the train station, and the space has handrails on the stairs and in the toilet. You can take the lesson sitting in a chair if you prefer not to sit on the floor. A simple Japanese drink is included, and if you want to buy calligraphy tools or other goods to take home, the option is there.

What’s included

• Use of all calligraphy tools and materials.
• ink made by grinding an ink stick yourself.
• a plastic case for your finished shikishi board.
• one Japanese drink.
• a reusable non-woven shopper bag with the studio logo.
• a gallery tour of the owner's work.
• instruction in English or Japanese from a live guide.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 13:30Last departure this season: 23 Jan 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (10 to 15 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by 灯

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Japanese, so you can follow comfortably in either language. Children are welcome from age 10, and single guests join the same small class as groups, so you are never learning alone.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 15 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

How much experience do I need to take a shodo calligraphy class?

No experience is necessary. The instructor explains the tools and technique at the start, then guides you through selecting a kanji character and practicing it until you are ready to write your final version. Single guests and complete beginners are welcome.

What happens during the 2.5 hours of the class?

The class begins with an explanation of shodo tools, then you choose a kanji character to work with. You practice writing it repeatedly, talking to yourself to focus your mind, before creating a clean final copy on shikishi board. The extended time lets you settle into the practice without rushing.

Do I have to sit on the floor during the lesson?

No. You can take the entire lesson sitting in a chair if you prefer. The studio has handrails on the stairs and in the toilet for accessibility.

What do I take home after the class?

Your finished shikishi board comes in a plastic case so you can hang it on your wall at home. Everything is packed in a reusable non-woven shopper bag with the studio's logo.

Is the studio easy to reach by public transportation?

Yes. The classroom is a 6-minute walk from the nearest train station. Public transportation options are available nearby, though you are responsible for your own transport costs.

Are there facilities for Muslim guests?

Yes. A prayer room is available at the studio for guests who need it.