Shodō Meets Tea
A Japanese Ritual for Clarity and Decision
In Japan, important decisions are rarely rushed.
Before anything is written, the mind is prepared.
Shodō Meets Tea is not simply a calligraphy workshop.
It is a quiet Japanese ritual where tea and calligraphy come together to help you slow down, reflect, and express what truly matters—in a single character.
You begin with tea.
As its aroma fills the space, your breathing settles and your attention turns inward.
Only then do you take the brush.
In shodō, every stroke is final. There is no sketch, no erasing.
This moment of commitment requires presence, focus, and intention—qualities deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Instead of ink, you write using tea leaves.
Their natural fibers create texture and movement, allowing even first-time participants to produce a powerful and expressive work.
Guided step by step, you will learn the fundamentals of shodō—how to hold the brush, and the essential movements of hane, harai, and tome.
More importantly, you will choose a character that represents what you want to define, decide, or carry forward.
This is not about writing beautifully.
It is about writing honestly.
Through tea, silence, and a single character,
you will experience a uniquely Japanese way of reflection—
and leave with a story, a work of art, and a moment of clarity you can take with you.
This is not a calligraphy class focused on technique or perfection.
It is a Japanese ritual of intention, reflection, and decision.
Key Points of the Experience
- Feel like a rising contemporary artist—create refined art with tea. This unique calligraphy-art experience blends tea and shodō in a way you’ll only find here. You’ll write one kanji on a mounted shikishi board, and the tea leaves add texture and nuance that elevate it into a striking, gallery-ready piece. Perfect to display at home or to gift as a memorable souvenir.
- Learn the foundations of shodō with guidance from a calligraphy artist. You’ll be shown how to hold the brush, draw steady lines, and practice essential strokes such as hane (up-flick) and harai (sweeping finish). Then choose a kanji you love and render it in the style you prefer—clean and balanced, playful and cute, or bold and free.
- Be soothed by the aroma of tea. Before creating, you’ll savor a cup of freshly brewed tea—the fragrance of the leaves is known for its relaxing, stress-softening effect. As you work, the scent accompanies your strokes, and when your piece dries, a subtle tea aroma lingers so you can revisit the calm even after you take your artwork home.
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LOCATION
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WHEN
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DURATION
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GROUP OF PEOPLE
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| Suehirocho, Tokyo | Mon 10:30–15:30, Thu 14:00–15:30, Fri 10:30–15:30 | Approximately 90 min | Up to 5 participants |
Book Now
Leave with a single character that defines your intention — and a moment of clarity you can take home.
Select a date below to begin your tea and calligraphy ritual.
Ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful experience beyond sightseeing, and for those looking for a quiet moment of reflection.
About the Experience
Age: 12 and older
Duration: 90 mins
Fee: 130 USD per person
Location: Suehirocho, Tokyo
Approximate Schedule
Tea intro video – 5 min
Tea tasting – 20 min
Calligraphy intro video – 5 min
Practice – 30 min: brush handling and basic strokes; choose your character and rehearse with a water brush
Final piece – 20 min: apply paste (nori) to the brush and write on a shikishi art board; finishing touches
This 90-minute experience is designed for small groups to ensure a quiet, personal, and immersive atmosphere.
Experience Features
In shodō, your inner state travels through the brush onto the paper—the kanji you choose and the trace of each stroke invite quiet self-reflection. Tea leaves lend expression to the character, so the final look reveals itself as it dries—often better than you imagined. You’re free to take your work home; the subtle tea aroma—and tea’s natural antibacterial qualities—remain, making it a soothing accent for your space or a thoughtful gift.
AGENDA
Please arrive 10 minutes before the start. Take your seat and we’ll begin right away.
The instructor explains the shodō flow—quietly tracing with the brush tip or letting the stroke run bold and free—so you can “listen” to the brush like a conversation.
Once the feel settles in, try writing a kanji. Start by practicing lines and hane with a water-dipped brush.
Repeat a few rounds. When you’re ready, take a deep breath and commit to the final character on the mounting board—and your piece is complete.
Included
- All necessary art materials are provided—ink, brush, paper, etc. Just bring yourself.
Not Included
- Participants’ food and drink
- Transportation to/from the venue
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cancellation and Refund
Free cancellation up to 3 days before the experience.
No refunds for cancellations made within 3 days of the experience date.
If the experience is canceled by the organizer, or if severe weather/disasters make
Late Arrival
If you arrive more than 15 minutes past your reserved start time without prior notice, your booking may be treated as a no-show and the experience may be canceled
MEETING POINT & HOW TO ACCESS
Meeting Point : 4F Wa no Oto Koryukan
Wa no Oto Koryukan 4F, 5-4-1 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan
How to Access
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Suehirocho Station — 5 min walk from Exit A2
JR
JR Okachimachi Station — 6 min walk from the South Exit
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Okachimachi Station — 4 min walk from Exit 2
