Private Japanese Calligraphy near Arima Onsen

Had a wonderful experience with Maki at her studio! She was very kind and supportive as I was learning how calligraphy worked. She is very passionate, creative, and a great teacher. I would definitely recommend visiting! There is also a lovely cafe right next door with friendly staff and a cute cat.

I experienced the sutra copying course with three friends. Just a step into the studio was a wonderful space for calligraphy. The things that are placed there are cute and it is hard to encourage calligraphy ww Your experience begins with a polite explanation. The teacher's wealth of knowledge and fun talk will make the place feel relaxed. It is a rare experience to print ink properly. It's been a long time since I've waited for a brush. Your posture naturally hits me. It was my first time to copy a sutra, but I was extremely focused and the sense of accomplishment I had written down was amazing! Private lessons in the lovely studio are too luxurious. I wanted to go there regularly. The matcha time after the lesson was also great. Thank you for the healing time. I'm very happy with that.

Four of my relatives took care of me. As it turns out, it was an exciting time to completely change the image of "calligraphy" we had! The biggest surprise is the style of expressing one's sensibility, rather than just writing the letters "beautifully". A variety of brushes and expressive sumi ink that have never been seen before. It was a series of surprises to see how the range of expression that can be created on pure white washi can be expanded simply by choosing the tools. 【This part of the experience is amazing!】 Enjoy "drawing": There are few opportunities to "create something from scratch" in everyday life, but here you can have a fresh and exciting experience, like using a brush to project your heart. Novices can rest assured: The teacher will always be there to guide you. When I was wondering how to write something, he actually wrote an example and showed me it, so even if I was new to it, I didn't hesitate and was able to complete a wonderful piece myself. Deep knowledge: I used to learn calligraphy a long time ago, but all I know is the history and characteristics of washi, brushes, and ink. The teacher's talk is just so interesting and piques my intellectual curiosity. It was a valuable experience for me to go beyond mere lessons and learn more about calligraphy. All my relatives are very satisfied! I really recommend it to those who want to find their own expression or are looking for new stimulation. I'm looking forward to the day when you can teach me again! Thank you very much.

I had such a beautiful experience at this kanji calligraphy studio. From the moment we arrived, everything was set up so thoughtfully. Every brush, ink, and paper we could need was ready for us. The studio itself is gorgeous and filled with Maki-san’s artwork, which made it feel really special and inspiring. What I loved most was how immersive it was. We learned everything from making the ink to understanding the different types of paper and practicing different writing styles and techniques. Even the materials themselves had meaning - the ink, paper, stone and brushes all had stories behind them, which made the whole experience feel deeper and more intentional. We were also served tea and snacks, which made it feel really warm and welcoming. Maki-san showed us some beautiful calligraphy sets you can take home too, which I loved because it made me want to keep practicing after. I came in not knowing what I wanted to write, and she gave me a suggestion that felt so fitting for me. It made the experience feel really personal. I appreciated being able to practice with different brushes and play around until I found a style that felt like mine. Maki-san was so patient and encouraging, and she made the whole process feel fun and relaxed for all of us. My partner and I had such a great time, and it was honestly really sweet to see our friends’ 4-year-old enjoying it just as much. It really is something anyone can enjoy. I’d absolutely recommend this if you’re looking for something creative, cultural, meaningful, and a little different. It was worth trip!

One of the most authentic and rewarding experiences we had in Japan! Makiko is an amazing teacher, as she guides you through the sublime art of kanji calligraphy. From making the ink, to determining your kanji message, and exploring the various ways you can depict it. The entire process was as fulfilling as it was enlightening. Absolutely worth it, and you get to choose the final keepsake on which to write your message! Made one for myself, and another for my Mom’s birthday. The matcha and snacks at the end were the perfect way to finish the lesson as well.

It's been a while since I've been polishing ink. I asked. When I was not sure what letters to write, he suggested I try writing with the theme of cherry blossoms, and we played with brushes. I used cherry blossom ink to finish bookmarks and mini-works. You will learn new ways to enjoy calligraphy that you never knew before. Maki-sensei is full of humor and ideas, and she is friendly. You can also buy rare Japanese ink stones and sumi ink as souvenirs. It is also a recommended experience for Japanese people.

My American husband is interested in Chinese characters, so we participated in a calligraphy experience together. The teacher was very friendly and spoke English, so I could focus on making my own work with peace of mind. Even I, a Japanese, have rarely rubbed ink, and the scent and its work soothed me. The tools used were also elaborate, and I was intrigued to learn how they were made. Even though I asked him to improvise the letters I wanted to write, he wrote a variety of examples, including what typefaces would fit. My husband is left-handed, and I was thrilled that he also taught me how to write and type accordingly. They also suggested how to decorate the finished work, and I immediately wanted to hang it at home. By the time I finished writing, I felt strangely refreshed in my long, quiet studio where I could hear the birds singing, writing with a unified spirit. I am happy to take my work home, but spending time quietly in the healing studio with the mischievous and kind teacher was a very good experience in itself. When my husband's parents and friends in the U.S. come to Japan, I would love to take them with me again.

Mamiko san took us for an easy walking tour of Arima Onsen, which is the oldest hot spring town in Japan and filled with rich history. We stopped by the small shop that makes her calligraphy brushes before trying sake manju(steamed dumplings filled with sweet bean paste.) and then heading back to her studio for the lesson. Back at the atelier, we learned about the inks, brushes and papers used in traditional calligraphy and discussed which kanji we wanted to learn. Makiko san showed us various brush strokes and techniques, which was particularly helpful for me since I’m left handed! After preparing our ink, selecting our brushes and practicing on plain washi paper, we moved on to our final pieces. Being Japanese, I’d say my wife did much better than I did, but with the lessons, I managed to produce artwork that looked pretty passable! We selected our hangers to display our work at home, said our thank yous and goodbyes and we’re on our way. Thank you again, Makiko san! 10/10 recommended!