Traditional Shodo Calligraphy Lesson in Kyoto with an English-Speaking Teacher

If you are one of the many who are simultaneously fascinated with and intimidated by the art of Japanese calligraphy and the design properties of intricate-looking kanji, this introduction class is for you. Kanji was originally a set of hieroglyphs, so painting the characters is not that difficult if you approach it as drawing a picture or pictograph. Under the patient and expert guidance of English-speaking instructors, even beginners can create beautiful artwork they can be proud of.

Shodo, or Japanese calligraphy, is a traditional artistic expression involving the writing of Chinese-based characters (kanji) using a brush dipped in smooth and vibrant black ink on stark white paper (washi).

With calligraphy, it is literally "different strokes for different folks." While it may seem like a simple and straightforward enough form of artwork, the beauty of calligraphy is that the results can vastly differ according to the person wielding the brush.

According to neuroscientists, mindful writing rests the brain and sparks creativity, so why not take a step back and unplug from the fast-moving modern world? Rest your mind, set your heart at ease and create a lasting and memorable piece of art in a traditional townhouse in historical old-world Kyoto.