Kyoto; City Center Calligraphy experience at Buddhist temple

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ID: GYG715082-1169995
Category:
Country: Japan

Duration: 01:10 hours


Description

A special calligraphy experience at a temple with over 1350 years of history located in the heart of Kyoto. Surrounded by the scent of ink and tatami mats, enjoy the art of black lines on white washi
In Japan, calligraphy is one of the traditional arts that is so incorporated into the culture, it is even part of the school education here. This is because you can learn various things such as the structure/origin of Kanji(s), how to use the tools, and how to express yourself.
You will be able to experience Japan through the art of calligraphy at a historic temple with a Great Buddha in the center of Kyoto.
The teacher, who has been involved in calligraphy for over a decade, will guide you carefully.

The contents of the experience are as follows
1. Introduce the culture and history of Japanese calligraphy
2. Select the word/Kanji(s) of your choice
3. How to use the tools
4. Practice writing basic lines
5. Practice writing the word/Kanji(s) you have selected.
6. Create and complete your own artwork
7. Take home your artwork!

The experience will be about 70 minutes. To get the best final product, it is necessary to practice, but if you practice and write too much, your arm will get tired and your final product might not look the best.

The experience takes place in a Washitsu with tatami flooring (Japanese-style room).
Most seating will be on the floor with a zabuton (Japanese floor pillow) and some desks are available (but limited). Please take this into consideration when booking, since sitting on the floor might not be adequate for all guests and can be a bit of a strain on your legs.

This is not a complete silent experience but it tends to be quiet as all the guests concentrate to write as beautiful as possible.

After you decide which character/kanji you would like to write and practicing some basic lines and the chosen character, you will get to choose on which item you will write your character. There will be a variety of goods to choose from:
- Keychain (which will be made from a special plastic sheet on which you can write and it will become small when it is exposed to high temperatures).
- Shikishi (special fancy square cardboard)
- Gayoushi (special thick drawing paper)
- Sensu (paper folding fan)
- Uchiwa (paper fan)
- Washi paper

You can choose any item and you can bring home your chosen item!

Highlights

  • Experience calligraphy at a traditional temple.
  • Make your own unique 「OMIYAGE」(souvenir)
  • Take home your calligraphy work
  • First hand exposure to Japanese culture and history.
  • Washitsu and tatami flooring experience

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please think of a Word/Kanji that you would like to write.
We have a lot of examples you can pick from too!
In front of the Seigan-ji Temple in the SHINKYOGOKU shopping street, look for the person holding a lantern on a stick under the roofed street.

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.