Hiragana with a Master

Calligrapher Saori Kunihiro, who works between Kyoto and Paris and has created works for the UNESCO World Heritage site Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, invites you into the world of hiragana—a script embodying the refined beauty of Japanese culture.

Hiragana is a unique Japanese syllabary that originated from simplified kanji characters. Its golden age was the Heian period, when waka poetry and the greatest masterpieces of Japanese literature, such as "The Tale of Genji" and "The Pillow Book," were created. The flowing, graceful lines of hiragana still reflect the delicate sensibility and aesthetic perception that have shaped Japanese culture for centuries.

This experience goes far beyond learning writing techniques. Together with the master, you will trace the history and development of hiragana, discover its connection with literature, poetry, and art, and explore the expressive possibilities of Japanese calligraphy: the movement of the brush, the beauty of empty space, the balance of strength and softness in each line.

Lessons take place in special locations in Kyoto: in a calligraphy workshop, a traditional Taisho-era townhouse, or one of the sub-temples of Nanzen-ji. Each of these spaces has its own unique atmosphere, offering a new way to experience the connection between the art of writing and the cultural heritage of the ancient capital.

You may choose to write your own name, the famous poem "Iroha" known to every Japanese, or a seasonal waka. You will take your completed calligraphy with you as a memorable souvenir and a personal touch of Japanese culture.

This experience is suitable for both beginners and those already familiar with calligraphy. Thanks to detailed explanations and demonstrations, you will confidently handle the brush from the very first moments. Gradually, familiar symbols will reveal themselves to you as works of art, filled with meaning and beauty.

In the silence of Kyoto, holding a brush and following the movement of ink across paper, you will touch not only the Japanese language but also a unique worldview at the heart of Japanese aesthetics.