Experiencing the Art of Calligraphy through “Shu–Ha–Ri”
Learn · Practice · Express

Shu (Learning)

Discovering the Foundations of Calligraphy

Foundations of Calligraphy

A Journey through 2,000 Years of History

Originating in ancient China and flourishing uniquely in Japan, calligraphy embodies centuries of heritage and human emotion. Each brushstroke carries the breath of the past—inviting you to sense the timeless spirit and discover the beauty hidden within the characters.

Tools of Calligraphy

The Craftsmanship of Traditional Tools

Ink, brush, paper, and inkstone—each reflects the skill and devotion of master artisans. Simply holding these tools sharpens your senses; their weight and fragrance prepare your heart and mind for writing.

Appreciating Calligraphy

Seeing Calligraphy as Art

Calligraphy is far more than writing characters. Beauty emerges in the flow of the lines, the depth of the ink, the rhythm, and the spaces between. By training your eye, you open yourself to a wider range of expression—and in doing so, you also meet your own sense of beauty.

Ha (Experience)

Enjoying Calligraphy
with Freedom

Grinding the Ink

A Moment of Stillness

As you grind the ink, your breath slows, and your mind settles. The scent of water and ink surrounds you; slow, deliberate movements draw you away from daily distractions and into a state of calm focus.

Holding the Brush

Aligning Body and Breath

With the brush in your hand, your spine lengthens, and your breath flows to the tip. You become aware of pressure, wrist movement, and the space between brush and paper—until, at last, your heart and brush move as one.

Practicing Strokes

Feeling the Basics

Lines, dots, and sweeping motions: by trying them yourself, you feel the texture of brush and paper. Writing freely helps you find your own rhythm and the joy of expressing yourself through movement.

Ri (Expression)

Creating Your Own Work

Choosing Characters

From Model to Individual Style

Selecting your characters gives your work its individuality. Models provide guidance, but you are invited to follow your instincts and explore your own lines and forms.

See the Kanji Chart here

Small Brush

Practice · Guidance · Completion

Using a fine brush, you’ll practice writing your name in katakana, following an example sheet. This reveals delicate strokes and subtle expression. (On request, you may even try ultra-fine brushwork on elegant, traditional Japanese washi paper.) Writing each character carefully deepens both focus and aesthetic sensibility.

Large Brush

Mindful Preparation and Expression

Before taking up the large brush, you pause to meditate and bow, asking yourself: “Why this character? What does it mean to me?” Then, on a sheet of pure white paper, you inscribe your chosen word as a vow. Your whole body joins the movement—breath, ink, and brush flowing together to release your inner spirit. In the finished work, shades, smudges, and the ink’s own sheen tell your story. Skill does not matter; what remains is a one-of-a-kind proof of your personal pledge.

Creating Souvenirs

Transforming Your Work into Keepsakes

To preserve your creation, we can turn your calligraphy into everyday items: nameplates, fans, bookmarks, or T-shirts. These keepsakes let the memory of your experience live on in tangible form.

Plan Information

Large-Brush Calligraphy Plan

Experience Authentic Japanese Calligraphy

Duration
2 hours
Price
approx. 25.000 JPY per person
Participants
2–30(extra staff available upon request)

Step into the world of calligraphy nurtured by 2,000 years of history. As you focus your heart on the tip of the brush, each stroke becomes a journey inward—a special time for self-reflection. Learn the foundations in Shu (Learning), express freely in Ha (Experience), and entrust your heart to your work in Ri (Expression). From small and large brushes to creating your own keepsakes, this unique experience guided by professional calligraphers can only be found here.

Large-Brush Calligraphy (120min) + Zen Meditation (30min) Plan

Quiet the Mind and Go Beyond Yourself

Duration
2.5 hours
Price
35.000 JPY per person
Participants
2–20 (extra staff available upon request)

Enhance your calligraphy session with a period of Zen meditation to clear and center the mind. Sitting quietly in a serene space, your breathing deepens and your senses sharpen—heightening the feeling at the tip of the brush. The sound of grinding ink, the movement of the brush, and the breathing of meditation blend together, guiding you into deep focus away from the everyday. Your finished calligraphy reflects the spaciousness of mind cultivated through meditation—your own unique character born from stillness.

Large Brush Calligraphy (120min) + Zen Meditation (30min) + Tea Ceremony (90min) Experience Plan

The Ultimate Immersion in Japanese Culture

Duration
4 hours
Price
From 300,000 JPY / group
Participants
1 group (1–4 people)

Enjoy the spirit of ichi-go ichi-e—a once-in-a-lifetime encounter—through a tea ceremony that refines the senses and loosens the heart. Then deepen your tranquility with Zen meditation before entering the calligraphy session. Each experience enriches the next, culminating in large-brush calligraphy where your movements become more expressive and natural. Surrounded by the fragrance of tea and the lingering scent of ink, this is a uniquely luxurious immersion in Japanese culture.

Includes: Professional filming and story-style editing (1-minute and 5-minute videos plus photos)

Premium Plan

The Supreme Authentic Experience of Japanese Culture

Duration
5–8 hours
Price
From 1.000.000 JPY / group
Participants
1 group (1–4 people)

Immerse yourself in the ultimate Zen experience at a private temple or traditional house in the Tokyo area, surrounded by nature. Tea ceremony, Zen meditation, and calligraphy are woven together into one extraordinary day. Sharpen your senses with the aroma of tea, quiet your heart with meditation, and step into the stage of focus and self-expression with calligraphy. Each experience resonates with the others to create a timeless moment far from everyday life. The calligraphy you create at the end is not just writing—it is the landscape of your heart. Deep, serene, and beautiful, this Japanese cultural journey will become one of your most treasured memories, captured in professional videos and photos.

Includes:Round-trip private transportation from your hotel, Flexible scheduling, Lunch included, Professional filming and story-style editing (1-minute, 5-minute, and 60-minute videos plus still photography)

How to Participate

1

Booking

Reserve your experience through our inquiry form, via your travel agency, or through one of our partner travel and activity websites.

2

Reservation Confirmation

You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your booking, including the meeting point.
Tip: To ensure a smooth experience on the day, we recommend deciding in advance which character(s) you’d like to write.

3

Arrival & Check-in

Our staff will greet you at the venue on the day of your experience. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement and can get a little ink on it.
If you’ve booked our pick-up service, we’ll escort you from your hotel or other designated meeting point.

4

Workshop & Immersive Experience

“Learn, try, and challenge.” Take time to calm your mind and reflect on why you’ve chosen your character. Then, with a sense of commitment, bring it to life in bold strokes with a large brush.

5

Completion & Reflection

Together, we’ll admire the finished works, share reflections, and look back on the special moments of the experience.

6

Keepsakes & Aftercare

Receive an original keepsake as a memento of your experience. For those interested, we also offer follow-up touches such as New Year’s cards, newsletters, and referral discounts to help you stay connected.

7

Sharing Your Experience

Upon request, we can feature your work and experience on YouTube, our website, or Instagram—allowing you to share your memory with the world.