Welcome to Tokyo, Japan!
In this tour, you can experience the beautiful art of Shodo, also known as Japanese calligraphy, with the talented calligrapher, Shiyuh Furukawa. This unique experience allows you to immerse yourself in the ancient art form of brush and ink calligraphy under the expert guidance of a master calligrapher.
At your hotel in Tokyo
Your journey begins with a hotel pick-up from your accommodation in Tokyo.
We arrive at Shiyuh Furukawa's studio, located in the neighborhood of Meguro in Tokyo.
Now let's dive into the beautiful world of Shodo!
Our teacher, Shiyuh Furukawa is one of the most artistic and unique Shodo artists in Japan because of his extraordinary ability to infuse young and modern taste into the traditional art form.
His collaborations with numerous well-known companies showcase his distinctive approach, blending contemporary aesthetics with the timeless beauty of calligraphy.
Under the expert guidance of Shiyuh Furukawa, you will embark on a journey of artistic expression.
Learn the fundamental techniques of Shodo, including brushwork and ink application, as you create your own calligraphy pieces.
During the Shodo lesson, you will use the calligrapher's original handmade ink brush, adding an authentic touch to the experience.
At the end of the workshop, you can take this special brush home as a cherished souvenir and continue their calligraphy journey with a tangible piece of the master calligrapher's artistry.
Meguro Station or Shiyuh Furukawa' studio
guide fee, workshop fee, original ink brush
transportation fee (you and guide)
If your hotel is located in 23 wards of Tokyo, pick-up fee to the hotel is free.
Tours are basically done by using public transportation like trains and subways.
Please Note：Before booing, we have to check the calligrapher's schedule first.
Your clothing might get dirty during the lesson, so it is recommended to wear clothes that you don't mind getting ink or dirt on.
During the Shodo Experience tour, you will receive expert guidance from a master calligrapher in a studio setting.You'll have hands-on learning of brush and ink calligraphy, exploring unconventional approaches and cultural insights. You also will create unique calligraphy pieces and have the special opportunity to bring the calligrapher's original ink brush home as a souvenir.
Travelled with husband and two adult daughters (English speaking Canadians) and wanted a fun, modern tour that would interest all of us. Taro worked with us in advance to get just the kind of custom tour we’d all like. His English is outstanding and manner is gentle, patient and accommodating, and he’s truly just a lovely guy. He took us to the Tokyo Sky Tree (mostly for the old folks) then to Akihabara for arcades and an anime scene, then for some cool shopping, including vintage stores in Shimokitazawa and music stores in Shibuya. He picked awesome spots for lunch and dinner that were authentically Japanese but which satisfied even our pickiest eaters. Dinner at his awesome Oden restaurant in Shibuya was complete with a serenade from the lovely owner who doubles as a folk singer. We had such an awesome, memorable day with Taro. Highly, highly recommend!
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review! It was such a pleasure to be part of your trip to Tokyo. Your family is incredible, and I had a blast chatting with all of you. From the sightseeing spots to the hidden bars, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. I look forward to seeing you again! Thank you!
Taro is the ultimate tour guide. Kind, insightful, knowledgeable and flexible, Taro made our (family of 5) tour of Tokyo simply amazing. Taro knows Tokyo inside and out, and he took us to the most amazing sights in the city. He knows all of the vintage areas as well as the major destinations and provided us with historical context as well. Vintage shopping is super cool in Japan and Taro has insider knowledge and knows where to go. He is also very flexible as we had to modify our tour due to a typhoon hitting Japan which delayed our arrival. But it was no problem for Taro, and he made the necessary adjustments. He took us to the most incredible Wagyu beef restaurant for lunch—a meal we will not forget. He is interesting to talk to and knows the music industry thoroughly. Taro responded quickly to my questions when I was initially setting up the tour and made great itinerary suggestions. Anyone looking for an insightful, fun and dynamic tour, Taro is your guy! I highly recommend him.
I truly appreciate your wonderful review. Unfortunately, we experienced a typhoon during your visit, but I’m so happy to hear that you still enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure to see your interest in our culture, and I had such a great time discussing our history and traditions with you. As a tour guide, it’s an honor to be a part of your travel experience. You and your family are amazing—so kind and heartwarming. Thank you so much again. I look forward to seeing you again sometime soon!
Taro was very organized and fun to be with. Spent two days and wandered all over Tokyo! Was a total blast. Enjoyed a cool underground restaurant that we all enjoyed! We would book Taro again for sure!
Thank you so much for your warm review! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. I'm especially happy to hear that you enjoyed the DJ bar. I really appreciate that you booked me, and I'm so happy to have been a part of your first visit to Japan. Thank you again, and I look forward to welcoming you back soon!
I booked Taro for 1/2 day shopping, anime tour for our group of four. We have two teens and they are into anime. Taro knew where to take us and showed us areas that the boys could shop and comeback to on their own. The next day Taro picked us up at our hotel and we did historical areas. We went to Edo castle and then onto the Meiji shrine. We all ate lunch together at a wagyu beef restaurant. The price was so reasonable compared to USD. I would use Taro again if I visit Tokyo in the future.
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. Your family is awesome. I really enjoyed talking with you all about various themes from Japanese culture, including anime, music, and food. Everything was so much fun. I truly appreciate that you booked me, and I look forward to seeing you in the future. Thank you!