Japanese calligraphy is the essence of traditional Japanese culture. Why not try your hand at this art?
“Shodo,” or Japanese calligraphy, is artistically written words that are written in a style that is both artistic and emotionally driven. The art of calligraphy was handed down from China during the 6th and 7th centuries, at which time the Japanese learned how to make brushes, ink, and paper. Soon after its introduction, it became an indispensable skill for educated nobles and samurai, the leaders of Japan. Over time, the appreciation spread to the general public. Now, it can be found not only as works of art but also in things such as New Year's cards and other special occasion writings. This art form is now a part of Japanese culture.
Posted By : christophepJ6801IT
A first experience of Japanese calligraphy and a great, very enriching moment with welcoming and more than adorable people. Our teacher Eikaku MATSUMARA, master of calligraphy with multiple works, directed us in his art.
We left delighted with this activity which I recommend during your stay in JAPAN.
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Posted On : 2024-06-05 10:41:19 
Posted By : E8781EHalinef
A great experience for the whole family! I really recommend it.
Michiko and Master Matsumura were kind and adorable companions. Thank you for this moment of sharing. Aline
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Posted On : 2024-06-05 03:51:07
Posted By : Jnaneshwar_D
This was the last activity I did through a two week stay in Japan, and I couldn't have hoped for a better experience to leave Japan with!
Michiko San (our interpreter) got in touch with me well in advance, and met me at Umeyashiki station, and we went straight to Matsumura San's studio. Over the course of the next 90 minutes or so, Matsumura San patiently showed me the ways of Japanese calligraphy -- how to hold the brush, how to relax the body, how to move the brush. We went through a sequence of strokes and symbols, before culminating our experience with a symbol of my choice (I picked Bu from Bushido).
Michiko San was wonderful with interpreting for us, and to be honest, the language barrier between Matsumura San and I made the experience even more fun, and almost poetic, since I could sense his excitement when speaking in Japanese. Overall, I suppose I was a good student, since he seemed very happy :)
I left with a feeling of calm, and focused energy, and I am so glad I signed up for this experience!
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Posted On : 2024-05-30 03:34:35 
Posted By : Danilo_H
Scam! Unfortunately we didn't get what we paid for. This review is for viator.com, not for the teacher and the guide, who were both wonderful!
On viator.com there were options for calligraphy classes ranging from 1h and 1,5h to 2h. We chose to book the 2h class because we wanted to learn more about calligraphy than we would in 1h. After a pick up just a couple minutes before class the calligraphy lesson went for 1h and 5 minutes. As mentioned above, the teacher and the translator were really nice, but it wasn't the 2h class we had booked. When we tried to discuss this with viator.com, they sent us an email stating that the 2h refer to the time which is needed for the "whole experience" and that sometimes, the guide offers to take guests on a short tour through the neighbourhood. The tour hadn't been in the class description when we booked and it wasn't offered to us. (Which is fine because we signed up for calligraphy). Also they mentioned in their email that a class can last between 1 - 1,5h depending on the skill of the students. Which sounds unfair and isn't a strong argument considering it said 2h in the booking description. (After our complaint they changed the description on Viator from 2h to 1,5h.)
We asked for a partial refund since for us the difference between a 2h class and a class of 1h and 5min feels too much. Unfortunately, we did not get any positive reaction to settle this problem and find a compromise.
So sad to say, booking over viator.com was a bad experience for us.
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Posted On : 2024-04-19 21:22:56
Posted By : K1886GSjanag
We had an excellent time! Our representative Emiko and Master Eikaku went above and beyond to make sure we understood the process and techniques. They were also very kind and encouraging which was a very nice confidence booster. We are so happy we were able to take this class and we're excited to display our work. If life brings us back to Japan, we would definitely do this again!
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Posted On : 2024-03-12 18:38:41
Posted By : wsaghir7
This calligraphy experience was truly amazing. Emiko, the tour guide and translator, was amazing and helped us throughout the calligraphy session. Eizuru Matsumura, the calligraphy master, was equally amazing and it was a pleasure not only getting to know him, but of course, learning how to write calligraphy from him. He is an excellent teacher and the whole experience was amazing and very exclusive.
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Posted On : 2023-11-21 14:43:38
Posted By : scottsK8786PS
Our first time in Tokyo and booked the Japanese Calligraphy class with Yumi. We had a great time, although we were not very talented it turns out, but it was a great experience and very interesting to learn about this skill. We highly recommend this excursion if you have an hour while in Tokyo.
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Posted On : 2023-09-15 18:11:28
Posted By : brianah698
I had an amazing experience learning Shodo Calligraphy from Mr. Eikaku. His expertise and professionalism is superb. He was patient and encouraged me along the way. I felt comfortable and safe at his studio as well. Ms. Rie, the original point of contact went above and beyond to make this experience go smoothly. She is a great interpreter and well rounded human being. Needless to say, I highly recommend this experience. Thank you so much to both of you!
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Posted On : 2023-07-14 04:55:11
Posted By : beckyq305
Fantastic experience to learn about the art of Japanese calligraphy. Eikaku was an excellent teacher and had fun with us. Tie was terrific to meet us and also translate.
Thank you!
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Posted On : 2023-07-08 21:51:21
Posted By : curdinalbin
The calligraphy experience left a deep imprint in my memory.
Both Eikaku and Yumi made me feel very welcome and comfortable. They made sure that I always felt comfortable in trying my first steps at the very basics of the art of calligraphy.
My time with them flew by so quickly as I exercised basic lines following Eikaku's precise directions. Soon enough, I even felt somewhat confident in putting ink on paper :)
All around an artistically and humanly rich experience. I'd return anytime for more!
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Posted On : 2023-05-26 01:20:25
