The Roots of Kanji — A 90-Minute Master-Led Calligraphy Workshop

Explore the origins and meaning of kanji with an award-winning master calligrapher, in an intimate small-group session.

Join an exclusive 90-minute cultural journey in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, with an award-winning master calligrapher from Garyukai — a calligraphy society founded in 1940 with around 2,000 members nationwide. Set in a tranquil traditional Japanese house, explore the history and meaning behind each kanji, watch a live demonstration, and brush your own artwork—no experience needed. Grind the ink, calm your mind, and choose a character to write under the master’s personal guidance. The session ends with a one-of-a-kind gift: your name hand-written on an art board by the master. Beginners, families and children are all welcome.

Location Map

Basic Information

Address	2-6-21 Daikan, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi 320-0867 (Garyukai Calligraphy Society HQ)
Telephone Number	+81-28-633-2005
Website	https://studio.garyukai.jp
Business Hours	Mon–Fri, 10:00–16:00
Days Closed for Business	Sat, Sun & public holidays *Sessions run on an irregular schedule; please inquire in advance.
Price	JPY 15,000 per person (excl. tax) *May vary depending on group size. Includes: calligraphy lesson and a full set of tools (brush, paper, ink); a simple apron is available to borrow. Note: Information is current as of February 2026.
DIRECTIONS	By car: approx. 20 min from Utsunomiya IC (Tohoku Expressway); parking available. By train: approx. 10 min by taxi from JR Utsunomiya Station (approx. 50 min from Tokyo Station by JR Tohoku Shinkansen).

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Central Area

Utsunomiya, the most populous city in Tochigi, is about an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen, and serves as a major transportation hub for the different regions of the prefecture. In addition to being known for its famous Gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), Utsunomiya is called the “city of jazz and cocktails”, as there are numerous venues for hearing live jazz music, and the bartenders are quite skilled, so there are plenty of options for enjoyable nightlife.