Learn Japanese calligraphy and to carve your own hanko seal at a craft workshop in the historic district; from ~3.000 ¥.
Nara has a deep historical relationship with calligraphy: during the Nara period (710-794), in the Naramachi district, Japan's main makers of brushes and ink sticks were established, and the craft tradition survives to this day. Several workshops in the historic district offer introduction-to-Japanese-calligraphy (shōdō) experiences where you will learn to hold the brush, dip the ink and trace the basic strokes of kanji characters on washi paper. The experience is often complemented by carving a personalised hanko seal: the hanko is the personal seal that in Japan replaces the signature on official documents, and carving it with your name is a unique souvenir steeped in Japanese culture. The workshops last between 60 and 90 minutes and the usual price starts at 3.000 ¥ per person, including materials. No prior knowledge of Japanese or Asian writing is required. The workshops usually admit small groups and booking in advance is recommended through the official Nara tourism website or platforms such as Airbnb Experiences. Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind staining, as the Indian ink is difficult to wash out.
