Open Your Heart with Meditative Calligraphy

Practice this ancient art in Yame’s beautiful Tea Country

Step back in time when you visit Yame, an idyllic town in Fukuoka Prefecture, which is also known as Chanokuni, or “Tea Country.” Here, you can admire the beautiful tea gardens on the outskirts of town and venture into the city, which features traditional architecture preserved since the Edo period (1603 to 1867). 

At the heart of Yame is its artisans, who have been undertaking traditional Japanese crafts passed down for generations. Among the many tours exploring these arts is a wonderful painting and calligraphy lesson with local artist Chikako Nakashima. Step into her workshop, located in a quaint old-style house filled with artwork and surrounded by mountains, and let your creativity flow.
 

A central theme to this experience is wabi-sabi, an aspect of Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection. With her help, you will create a piece of calligraphy, practicing how to write kanji (Chinese characters) that resonate with you in the process. Calligraphy is not just a visual art, but a mental one as well, and Chikako will help you find your inner peace and style with your art.

You can create one piece for yourself or for a loved one as a souvenir from your Japan travels. 

With brush in hand, open your heart and mind to the beauty of Japanese art.

Access: From Hakata Station, take the Kyushu Shinkansen to Kurume Station (about 17 minutes), walk to the JR Kurume Station bus stop (about five minutes) and board the No. 32 bus for the Nishi Tojin-machi   stop (about one hour three minutes), then;take a taxi to Villa Artis (about 20 minutes).

Wabi Sabi Japanese Art Experience (Villa Artis)