What is a Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) Experience?
Shodo — Japanese calligraphy — is the art of writing characters with ink and brush.
More than simply writing, it is a practice of focusing the breath and following the flow of the brush, offering a sense of calm and deep satisfaction that is rare in everyday life.
GreenTeaTokyo brings this experience directly to you — to your office, hotel, or event venue.
How the Experience Works
① Practice on Washi Paper
We start with practice on traditional Japanese washi paper, getting comfortable with the brush and finding the right balance and rhythm.
Our instructor will guide you through the basics, so no experience is necessary.
② Write Your Final Piece on Shikishi Board
Once you’re ready, it’s time for the real thing — writing your final piece on a shikishi (decorative board), which you take home as a keepsake.
You choose what to write.
The most popular choice is a kanji rendering of your own name.
Names like Ashley, Vincent, or Krishnamurti are written in kanji characters chosen for their sound and meaning — creating a completely one-of-a-kind work of art.
You can also choose a four-character phrase, a meaningful word, or anything that resonates with you. Let us know your preference in advance and the instructor will prepare a personalised example for you.
Event Report: Calligraphy at a Tokyo Hotel
We were invited to host a calligraphy experience at a hotel event in central Tokyo.
For this occasion, we offered a special plan: guests practised their brushwork on washi paper, while the instructor wrote each guest’s name on a shikishi board as a personalised gift.
Every guest received their own shikishi with their name rendered in kanji — a one-of-a-kind keepsake that was met with great delight.
This special option — where the instructor writes each guest’s name as a gift — is also available on request. Please contact us for details.
Suitable for Larger Groups
The calligraphy experience accommodates up to 5 participants at a time.
For groups of 6 or more, we use a rotation format so that everyone gets to participate.
A great option is to pair calligraphy with a matcha tea ceremony — guests rotate between the two experiences, keeping the event flowing smoothly.
We design the programme to fit your group size and venue. Please feel free to get in touch.
Perfect for
- Corporate events and company anniversaries
- Welcome and farewell parties for international guests
- Hotel banquets and wedding receptions
- Team building and corporate training
- Inbound tourism and cultural experience programmes
Everything is Brought to You
Brushes, ink, inkstone, washi paper, shikishi boards — all equipment is provided and carried to your venue by the instructor.
No preparation is needed on your end.
All we need is a table and chairs.
Pair It with a Matcha Tea Ceremony
Calligraphy pairs beautifully with our on-site matcha tea ceremony experience.
Focus and presence with the brush, then unwind with a bowl of matcha and Japanese sweets.
Two windows into Japanese culture — one unforgettable event.
Learn more about our matcha tea ceremony experience
Pricing
Calligraphy only: From ¥38,000 (travel fee) + ¥2,800 per person (tax included)
Combined with matcha experience: From ¥38,000 (travel fee) + ¥5,500 per person (tax included)
A travel surcharge may apply for venues outside the Tokyo 23 wards.
Please contact us for a custom quote.
