Experience calligraphy,
the very essence of Japanese culture.
KURO TO SHIRO is a place where international visitors can gently experience the traditional Japanese calligraphy.
The moment you move the brush, breathe in the scent of ink, and focus on a single stroke in a quiet space, you are touching the very heart of Japanese aesthetics. Beyond language and nationality, within the simple world created by black and white, you will find deep spirituality and creativity.
To ensure everyone can enjoy the experience with ease, we provide careful English guidance and step-by-step instruction that allows even beginners to create beautiful calligraphy.
Create your own piece of calligraphy and feel the spirit of Japan through your hands.
Experience calligraphy,
the very essence of Japanese culture.
KURO TO SHIRO is a place where international visitors can gently experience the traditional Japanese calligraphy.
To ensure everyone can enjoy the experience with ease, we provide careful English guidance and step-by-step instruction that allows even beginners to create beautiful calligraphy.
Create your own piece of calligraphy and feel the spirit of Japan through your hands.
About
What is KURO TO SHIRO?
A place to clear the mind in a world of black and white.
KURO TO SHIRO is a small atelier created to help you experience the Zen spirit and Japanese sense of beauty found within the simplicity of calligraphy.
The contrast of black ink on white paper, the slow passage of time, the gentle sound of the brush— here, you step away from daily noise and enter a space of ma (emptiness), where you can quietly face your inner self.
Even if this is your first time trying calligraphy, our instructors will guide you carefully in English, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.During your journey, take a moment to pause and connect with the spiritual essence of Japan.
The Experience
Meet at Oshiage Station
We will meet at Oshiage Station, the nearest station to Tokyo Skytree.
After exiting the ticket gates, your instructor will be there to welcome you.
Character Hunt
On the approximately 10-minute walk to the atelier, look for Japanese characters throughout the city.
Signs, shop names, noren curtains—please take photos of at least three characters that catch your eye.The walk itself becomes a time of discovery and curiosity.
Arrival & Sharing Time
At the atelier, everyone shares the characters they photographed and talks about why they were drawn to them. The person with the most unique perspective receives a small gift.
Enjoy Japanese tea and traditional sweets while relaxing and connecting with others.
Projection Mapping Experience
Step into a world of images projected across the atelier wall. Travel through Japanese landscapes and immerse yourself in a dreamlike world inspired by ink wash paintings for about five minutes.
The beauty of ink and paper gently leads you deeper into the world of calligraphy.
Calligraphy Practice
Learn about the three Japanese writing systems—Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji—their history and characteristics. From grinding ink to holding the brush and drawing lines, you will receive careful instruction step by step.
In the final 30 minutes, you will complete your own original piece, choosing a word or message that holds special meaning for you or someone you care about.
The Experience
Meet at Oshiage Station
We will meet at Oshiage Station, the nearest station to Tokyo Skytree.
After exiting the ticket gates, your instructor will be there to welcome you.
Character Hunt
On the approximately 10-minute walk to the atelier, look for Japanese characters throughout the city.
Signs, shop names, noren curtains—please take photos of at least three characters that catch your eye.The walk itself becomes a time of discovery and curiosity.
Arrival & Sharing Time
At the atelier, everyone shares the characters they photographed and talks about why they were drawn to them. The person with the most unique perspective receives a small gift.
Enjoy Japanese tea and traditional sweets while relaxing and connecting with others.
Projection Mapping Experience
Step into a world of images projected across the atelier wall. Travel through Japanese landscapes and immerse yourself in a dreamlike world inspired by ink wash paintings for about five minutes.
The beauty of ink and paper gently leads you deeper into the world of calligraphy.
Calligraphy Practice
Learn about the three Japanese writing systems—Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji—their history and characteristics. From grinding ink to holding the brush and drawing lines, you will receive careful instruction step by step.
In the final 30 minutes, you will complete your own original piece, choosing a word or message that holds special meaning for you or someone you care about.
Guest Voice
From: Romania 🇷🇴
“It was an amazing experience! At first, I was overwhelmed by the complexity of kanji, but thanks to the instructor’s patient guidance—from how to hold the brush—I was able to create a piece with my favorite word by the end.
The quiet tatami room filled with the scent of ink allowed me to forget the noise of sightseeing and truly focus.
Taking photos with our finished works became one of the most precious memories of my trip to Japan.
I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to feel the depth of Japanese culture.”
From: Romania 🇷🇴
“It was an amazing experience! At first, I was overwhelmed by the complexity of kanji, but thanks to the instructor’s patient guidance—from how to hold the brush—I was able to create a piece with my favorite word by the end.
The quiet tatami room filled with the scent of ink allowed me to forget the noise of sightseeing and truly focus.
Taking photos with our finished works became one of the most precious memories of my trip to Japan.
I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to feel the depth of Japanese culture.”
Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culture
In a Traditional Atelier.
The KURO TO SHIRO experience takes place in a small atelier that preserves the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese room. Sitting on tatami mats and facing brush and ink feels as if you are standing at the heart of Japanese tradition.
For those who wish, wearing traditional Japanese clothing is also available—perfect for memorable photos. English-speaking staff are always present, so first-time participants can join with confidence.
FAQ
- What language is the experience conducted in?
-
The experience is fully supported in English.
Our instructors speak English and are used to guiding international visitors. - How long does the experience take?
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The total duration is approximately 90 minutes.
- Walk from station & introduction
- Calligraphy explanation and practice
- Creating your final artwork
- What will I make during the experience?
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You will create your own original calligraphy artwork, choosing a Japanese word or kanji that has special meaning to you.
You can take your finished piece home as a souvenir. - What should I wear?
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Please wear comfortable clothes.
Ink may splash slightly, so we recommend avoiding white or delicate clothing.Traditional Japanese clothing may be available upon request (please check when booking).
Access/Atelier
