WORLDWIDE · TEA & CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
The brush and the bowl come from the same tradition and most studios teach them in one sitting. The 15 below are priced, timed, and clear about whether you leave with your own sheet.
Make matcha in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse with an English-speaking tea master, traditional sweets, and a small, relaxed group.
“Great experience : the guide gives to us very precise explanation. She is very cheerfull and nice I do recommend this lovely place”
Try Osaka’s kimono, calligraphy, and tea ceremony experience, with friendly guides, a handmade souvenir, and three hours of Japanese culture.
“I was worried as I attended solo but was immediately made to feel welcome. it was a great experience and a must do if in Osaka”
Practice Zen through a guided Tokyo tea ceremony, taste matcha and sweets, and learn to prepare tea yourself in a small accessible group.
“Tea seremony was really great. Everything was explained and we got to try it ourselves as well. Zen excercize was too short.”
Make udon, sushi, gyoza, tempura, matcha, origami, and calligraphy in a welcoming Tokyo home with Taka and Keiko.
“A truly memorable experience. The lessons on origami, cooking, tea making and calligraphy were very educational, but what we will really remember is Taka Sans and Keiko Sans warmth and hospitality. If we hadn't had this experience, we would never have gotten to talk to people from this country and got some insight into their lives. We cannot recommend this experience highly enough”
Dress in kimono, make matcha, practice calligraphy, and learn Japanese traditions at Tokujuji Temple on Miyajima near Hiroshima.
“What a great experience, ladies were lovely and really helpful. Would recommend as this was very different,”
Review of Beijing’s intimate tea, Guqin, and calligraphy workshop, with practical advice on value, timing, transport, and who should book.
“I didn’t expect to feel so moved. Playing the Guqin while the master guided my fingers felt like stepping into another time. It was quiet, personal, and completely different from anything else in my itinerary.”
Learn tea ceremony and calligraphy in a private Osaka studio, make matcha, choose seasonal sweets, and take home personalized kanji art.
“We love everything! especially Calligraphy where we get to learn and write our names in Japanese.”
Dress in a kimono at Tokuju-ji Temple, learn calligraphy, prepare matcha, and make an amulet during this hands-on Miyajima experience.
“This was an all-around fantastic experience! The hosts were informative, gracious, and we left knowing far more about Japanese culture than when we started. This was well worth it!”
Dress as a samurai, watch sword shows, try tea ceremony and calligraphy in Osaka, just five minutes from Dotonbori.
“I loved wearing the Kimono, this is a perfect experience of Japanese culture. It should be a must for all foreigners wanting to experience Japanese culture.”
Dress in a kimono, practice calligraphy, make matcha, and watch samurai sword and music performances at Osaka’s michi cultural experience.
“Absolutely incredible experience. This is a must visit. Can try on real armor and they teach you so much.”
Review of Shizuoka’s Zen, matcha, and calligraphy shore excursion from Shimizu Port, with temple visits, bus details, price, and tips.
“We had a delightful day with this tour. The guides provided so much background detail. The meditation experience was very moving and impactful. The calligraphy was a very special unique challenge. Highly recommend this intimate and rewarding experience.”
A three-hour Beijing cultural experience combining tea ceremony, guqin music, hands-on calligraphy, and expert instruction for $15.
“Forget the usual dinner date—this was way more special. Sipping tea, listening to live music, and writing calligraphy for each other made it an unforgettable evening. If you want something authentic and intimate, this is it!”
Review of Hue’s evening tea, meditation, pagoda visit, and vegetarian dinner, with practical advice on price, timing, and what to expect.
“Very beautiful and meaningful experience. One of the best things I did in Vietnam which I highly recommend. Talking to the wise nuns (via the guide & translator) was so impactul 🥹 After visiting the pagoda and talking to the nuns I saw the orphan children the nuns are looking after 🥹 I wish I came more prepared to give them something (sweets or colouring pens or books etc) 🥹 After seeing the children I had a delicious local dinner with the guide & his helper ☺️ and a crash course into Vietnamese food. I would have loved to also have dinner with the nuns 🥰 to spend more time…”
Practice riverside zazen in Kyoto, then enjoy Uji matcha and wagashi with an English-speaking guide in a small group.
“If you are thinking about doing this experience while in Kyoto, take this review as your sign that you should register right now. This has been the highlight of our trip, amongst some very notable experiences. Highly recommend!!!”
Spend 90 quiet minutes at Kyoto’s Keishunin Temple with illuminated gardens, zazen meditation, matcha, sweets, and a private guide.
“One of the best activities that I did on this trip , worth it every penny!”
Pick a room, a ridge, a factory floor or a trolley.
