Kimono, Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy Class in Miyajima

Dress in kimono, brew tea by hand, and make a lucky amulet in a centuries-old temple

A two-hour cultural class in a 300-year-old Miyajima temple teaches you kimono dressing, tea ceremony, calligraphy, and amulet-making, all led in English by a live guide. You'll wear traditional dress, taste matcha prepared by a tea master in an authentic tea room, then practice each craft yourself: writing a character on a rice scoop and assembling your own amulet to take home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Japanese cultural lessons at temple

• Walk to 300-year-old temple
• Learn temple history and significance
• Dress up in kimono
• Participate in tea ceremony
• Taste sweet and matcha tea
• Make your own tea
• Practice calligraphy with brush
• Write name on rice scoop
• Create original amulet

The experience

The temple sits five minutes' walk from the ferry port but far enough back to escape the crowds. You start by putting on a kimono, then move into the tea room where a tea master walks you through the ceremony step by step. You'll taste matcha and a sweet, then brew your own tea using the proper technique. The tea master guides you through each movement so you understand what's happening and why.

Calligraphy comes next. You'll learn to draw the brush strokes, study a sample character carefully, then write your own on a rice scoop. A shamoji, which is considered a lucky item in Miyajima. The final part is making an amulet just for you: you choose the case and string, write or stamp a wish onto a small rice scoop, and assemble everything together. It's something you'll actually carry home.

The temple was founded about 300 years ago and houses a Buddha called Kinseki Jizo, believed to protect children and pregnant women. The space blends Buddhist and Shinto traditions, which is typical of temples throughout Miyajima. All fees and taxes are included in the price.

What’s included

• Kimono dressing.
• tea ceremony instruction and matcha tasting in an authentic tea room.
• calligraphy lesson with rice scoop to take home.
• amulet-making with your choice of case and string.
• all fees and taxes.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 10:00 and 13:00, from JP¥ 26,950 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking1 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Okeiko Japan

Is this one for you?Two hours is enough to move through all four practices without rushing, but it leaves the rest of your day free to explore Miyajima's shrines, shops and waterfront. If you're island-hopping on a tight schedule, this fits neatly between ferry arrivals.

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Top questions

What exactly do I make or take home from this class?

You create two things: a character written on a rice scoop during the calligraphy lesson, and a personalized amulet assembled from a case, string, and stamped wish that you choose and build yourself.

Will I actually wear a real kimono, or is it a costume?

You dress in a proper kimono at the start of the class as part of the cultural experience. You wear it throughout the lessons in the temple.

Does the tea master teach me how to make tea, or do I just watch?

The tea master demonstrates the ceremony first and explains each step, then you prepare your own tea using the proper technique they've shown you.

How far is the temple from Miyajima's main attractions?

The temple is about five minutes' walk from the ferry port, positioned away from the busiest tourist areas so you experience a quieter side of the island.

Can children do this class?

Children ages six and up can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult throughout the two hours.