Overview
Step inside a living Japanese temple and experience the quiet depth of Sho-Dō, the Way of Calligraphy, as it is practiced by the local community.
At Joshoji Temple in Toyota City, you are welcomed not as a tourist, but as a guest invited into a meaningful cultural moment.
Dressed in a traditional monk’s work robe, you begin with a guided walk through the temple grounds.
You will learn the foundations of Buddhism and explore spaces normally closed to the public, setting a calm and reflective tone.
The experience then flows into Sho-Dō, where breath, posture, and brush unite in harmony.
From grinding ink to selecting meaningful kanji, each step becomes a meditation in motion.
You will write your chosen characters on a Kyoto fan and colored paper as a personal expression of the moment.
More than a calligraphy class, this is a shared time of stillness, presence, and living tradition—
an invitation to experience the Japanese way through the hands and hearts of those who keep it alive.
Inside a Private Temple: Japanese Calligraphy Practiced by Locals
Select the date & Reservation
This plan is a request reservation. It is not confirmed until we check availability and send a confirmation notice.
Location
「JOSHOJI」
62 Mukaiyashiki, Wakabayashi-nishi-machi, Toyota-shi, Aichi, 473-0917, Japan
Price
The price covers experience, facility charges, lunch meals, and taxes, transportation costs are not included.
If you require transportation arrangements, please specify your request in the remarks section of the application form.
Schedule
9:30AM Meet at the temple
ーChange into a monk's work robe "Samue”.
ーWelcome Drink＆Overall Program Description
10:00AM Temple Guided Tour
ーWhat‘s about buddism?／Main hall, Tokugawaieyasu & monk meeting room
11:00AM Sho-Dō“書道” Experience (Japanese Calligraphy)
ーKnow about Sho-Dō”書道”
ー① Correct Breathing and Posture ／ ② Grind Ink ／ ③ Holding the brush ／ ④ Writing with the brush
ーSelecting kanji to express your thoughts and writing them on a Kyoto fan and colored paper
13:00PM Change clothes
Dress Code
Please wear warm inner layers in winter.
At the start of the experience, you will put on the traditional work clothes we prepare over your clothing.
We also prepare tabi socks.
Please let us know your clothing size and foot size when you apply.
Payment
Payment in advance / Credit card JPY only
Booking deadline
Booking must be made at least 7 days before the experience date
Cancellation policy
・From 20 days prior to the experience date: 20% of the total experience fee
・From 14 days prior: 50%
・From 7 days prior: 100%
Cancellation fees are calculated based on the scheduled experience date.
Further remarks
Please let us know in advance if you have prior experience in Sadō and Shodō.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, programs or workshops are subject to last-minute changes and cancellations.
If you are more than 30 minutes late without prior notice on the day of your appointment, it will be automatically canceled.
In such cases, no refund will be issued.
Select the date & Reservation
This plan is a request reservation. It is not confirmed until we check availability and send a confirmation notice.