Calligraphy and Sake Experience in Saijo, Hiroshima

The teaching was definitely the highlight for me, but the atmosphere made the whole experience even better. This was only my second time trying Japanese calligraphy, and it was the first time I actually learned how to move through the brush strokes properly. The teacher first demonstrated the basic strokes and let us practise them, then helped us choose and work on a kanji. There was even a little "kanji menu" with some popular words and phrases if you didn't have your own idea. I wanted to write the kanji for autumn, since it's my favourite season, and the teacher prepared a sample for me to follow, including the stroke order. What I especially liked was how attentive the teacher was while we were practising. He watched how we moved the brush, gave us tips about things like the angle of the brush, answered questions, and helped us adjust our technique. It felt like proper instruction rather than simply being given a character to copy. I also enjoyed learning about the history of the brushes and the teacher's own background as a calligrapher. He comes from a family with several generations of calligraphy artists, which added an interesting personal dimension to the workshop. The setting brought another layer to the whole experience. Practising calligraphy inside a historic sake brewery in Saijō, surrounded by the atmosphere of the sake-brewing district, felt very different from a regular calligraphy class. The personalised sake bottle and sake tasting were nice additions, but for me, the calligraphy and the interaction with the teacher were what I loved most. It's such a great introduction to shodō, particularly if you want to actually learn some technique while also experiencing a bit of Saijō's sake culture.

The activities I participated in today are amazing. The teachers are kind and the guides are wonderful. The kanji written by the teacher is especially impressive and the sake is delicious.

I had such a wonderful experience at this calligraphy workshop. The instructor was incredibly kind, patient, and passionate, making the lesson enjoyable even for a complete beginner like me. Every step was explained clearly, and I never felt rushed or intimidated. The atmosphere was calm, welcoming, and inspiring, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the art of Japanese calligraphy. What impressed me the most was how much care and attention the instructor gave to each participant. It wasn’t just about learning how to write beautiful characters—it was also about understanding the meaning, history, and spirit behind each brushstroke. By the end of the session, I felt I had gained not only a memorable piece of artwork but also a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture. This was one of the most meaningful cultural experiences I’ve had in Japan. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone, whether you’re a beginner or already interested in calligraphy. Thank you for such an unforgettable experience!

It was a very good experience. The teacher's handwriting was very beautiful and left a lasting impression on me.

The event was held in a quiet space with a solemn atmosphere. I had a hard time writing well. It was just a good opportunity to reflect on myself. The season was also good.

In one of the stately rooms of the Kamozuru brewery, you could experience a special calligraphy using a Kumano brush. Being able to get sake with colored paper that I wrote and labels that the teacher wrote for me was also an experience I couldn't find anywhere else.