Japanese Calligraphy: Write your Favorite Japanese Character

【OUTLINE】

Write characters with traditional ink and brush on Japanese paper. Learn how to use calligraphy brushes, choose your favorite kanji (Chinese character) and write it with ink and a brush. A Japanese calligraphy artist will teach you how to use the brush that is most suitable for you. The history and the meaning of your kanji will be explained so that your experience can be taken to another level. 

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Participate in just 40 minutes without having to bring anything.
• Choose and practice your favorite kanji.
• The history and background of your chosen kanji will be explained.
• Our lecturer is a highly skilled Japanese calligraphy artist who has mastered both traditional Chinese calligraphy and contemporary/practical Japanese calligraphy.

【SCHEDULE】

Arrival→Calligraphy experience→End

【DETAILS】

Under direct guidance from a professional lecturer, you will experience writing your favorite kanji character (chosen by you!) using Japanese traditional ink and a brush. You will be taught by a Japanese calligraphy artist who has mastered both traditional Chinese calligraphy and contemporary/practical Japanese calligraphy. You will learn authentic calligraphy by using brushes that anyone can use. At the beginning of the lesson, in addition to learning to use a brush, you will learn the meaning and history of your chosen kanji. When you know the background of a kanji character well, you will reach a deeper understanding of it, and as a result your work will gain a new layer of meaning and appreciation. Under the guidance of your lecturer you will practice writing the character multiple times until you feel that your work has captured the image you want. Then you'll write it one final time and finalize your work. All the tools and materials necessary for the experience are already prepared so you can come without bringing anything. Even for those who've never tried calligraphy, please come and visit us--we'll be very encouraging and teach you well! In this short 40-minute calligraphy experience, come brush up your inner spirit! 

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Time：40 min.
• Meeting point： Urasenke Tea Ceremony Classroom Shizu-Kokoro
  1-9-8, Nishi-asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
• Access：  

①  A 4-minute walk from Tawaramachi station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Leave Tawaramachi station (G18) from Exit 3 and walk along Asakusa Dori Avenue for Ueno.
Cross the traffic light at APA Hotel Tawaramachi and turn right.  Walk for 150 m.
You will see big Higashi-honganji Temple on your left.  Turn right at the traffic light at the temple.  
Walk for 20 m and you will find Shizu-kokoro on your right.  

②  A 9-minute walk from Asakusa station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Leave Asakusa station (G19) from Exit 1 and walk along Kaminarimon Dori Avenue for 450 m in the direction of Kaminarimon Gate . 
Cross the Kokusai Dori Avenue at the traffic light towards Tawaramachi Police Box.
Turn left at the police box and walk for 120 m.
You will see a flower shop on your left and Shizu-kokoro is the third house past the flower shop. 

③ A 9-minute walk from Asakusa station on Toei Asakusa Line
Leave Asakusa station (A18) from A4 Exit and turn right along the alley.
Turn left at Kaminarimon Dori Avenue.  Seeing Kaminarimon Gate on your right and walk along the avenue for 450 m.  
Reach Kokusai Dori Avenue and cross the avenue towards Tawaramachi Police Box.
Turn left at the police box and walk for 120 m.
You will see a flower shop on your left and Shizu-kokoro is the third house past the flower shop.

④ A 9-minute walk from Asakusa station on Tobu Skytree Line 
Leave Asakusa station (TS01) from the central exit and turn right at the crossing. Go in the direction of Kaminarimon Gate.
Seeing Kaminarimon Gate on your right, walk along Kaminarimon Dori Avenue for 450 m.
Reach Kokusai Dori Avenue and cross the avenue towards Tawaramachi Police Box.
Turn left at the police box and walk for 120 m.
You will see a flower shop on your left and Shizu-kokoro is the third house past the flower shop.

⑤ A 5-minute walk from Asakusa station on Tsukuba Express Line
Leave Asakusa station (TX03)  from A2 Exit. 
Go south along the Kokusai Dori Avenue for 250 m in the direction of Kaminarimon Dori Avenue.
You will see Tawaramachi Police Box ahead.  Turn right at the police box and walk for 120 m.
Find a flower shop on your left and Shizu-kokoro is the third house past the flower shop.

• Language support：Japanese, English menu and English-speaking staff available
• Included ： Calligraphy experience
• Participation requirements ：13 years and above
  
• Free Wi-Fi ：X

【Fun Facts】

Calligraphy is a compulsory class in Japanese primary schools. Even now in daily life, people often draw characters with a brush.  There are many types of brushes, ink and paper, and there are people who choose their preferred tools in a specialty store. Even if you write the same character with the same brush and same ink, according to the shading of the ink, the amount and the pressure used, the effect is completely different. What makes calligraphy so interesting is that you can see the peculiarities and personality of the person who wrote the character.

【Nearby area introduction】 

The main object of worship at the Sensoji Temple, which is the oldest temple in the Tokyo area, is the holy Kanzeon Bosatsu. People do not wish for specific things such as marriage or a thriving business, but instead pray for the fulfillment of various wishes, and hope that the wishes in the hearts of these people will be fulfilled by the blessed Buddha. There are rules when it comes to praying at a temple, such as scooping water with a ladle where there is a small purification fountain. With the water you need to wash your left hand and right hand (in that order), then rinse your mouth with the water using your left hand. Then at the end you need to make the ladle stand up so the rest of the water will flow back. Now that you are purified, go visit and pray at the temple!

【CANCELLATION POLICY】 

7 to 4 days before the tour date: 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date: 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date/ on the day of the tour: 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.