CAPTURE THE BEAUTY OF KYOTO WITH WATERCOLORS

2 or 3 hour guided walk around Kyoto, half or full day customizable course also available

Looking to learn the basics of watercolor painting or keeping a travel sketchbook? Are you an artist looking to find the best sketch spots in Kyoto or try a fresh approach to your work? Beginners to advanced artists welcome.

I’m Rachel, a friendly and experienced painting instructor living in Kyoto. Join me for a private outdoor sketching/painting art class in Kyoto. You can book directly by emailing me, or you can book a group lesson through Airbnb (Fushimi class only). Scroll down to see location options around historic and beautiful Kyoto, as well as reviews from satisfied guests (7+ years, 4.97/5 stars)

Cost is 12,000 yen per person (approximately $78 USD/ $68 Euro), including take-home compact paint set featuring artist grade Japanese-brand watercolor paints, sketchbook, and brush.

I can also offer private, custom-tailored half or full day classes (including for families with children): please email me for more information! This is a perfect way to explore Kyoto as a solo traveler, as a couple’s activity/honeymoon activity, or to spend time when traveling with friends or family.

The Art of Travel Sketchbooking in Kyoto

Does your camera remember your trips better than you do? Slow down and go analogue with travel sketchbooking. We’ll spend a relaxing afternoon learning how to capture Kyoto’s charm and beauty with a sketchbook and compact watercolor kit.

Not only will I show you how to paint what we see during the experience, I’ll give you tips, tricks, and ideas for continuing to use your new compact watercolor sketching kit for the rest of your stay in Japan, and for your next adventures as well.

I’ll guide you through neighborhoods, temples, shrines, and riverside parks in search of inspiration, and of course: relaxation.

Small, Private Classes

*Private classes are 2 hours in length. Additional hours available at 3,000 yen for individuals or 6,000 yen per hour for groups of 2 or more.

*Includes professional artist instruction by me personally as well as all supplies, including an ultra-compact watercolor sketchbook kit (paints, water brush, and sketchbook) that’s yours to keep. Some itineraries may require additional transportation or admission costs to be paid directly by participants. If this applies to your choice of itinerary, this information will be communicated at the time of booking.

These classes are available in many different areas of Kyoto and can be customized to your interests. These are my recommended areas, but feel free to contact me for other itineraries. I also have extensive experience teaching children, so groups looking for fun family activities for kids in Kyoto are welcome to contact me!

If the weather forecast is poor, not to worry: light rain doesn’t interfere. In the case of heavier rain, you’ll have the option of free cancellation or to have an indoor session using your own travel photos as references or a selection provided for you.

NEW! Option to try sumi-e ink painting outdoors as a part of any itinerary! Would you like to try the beautiful art of sumi-e (also known as suibokuga)? This timelessly elegant art form uses black ink on white washi paper to render forms in their essence. Using high-quality materials, such as authentic handmade ink from a Nara craftsman, you’ll learn the basics of using Japanese brushes and ink to make your own unique artwork. Please note in your booking inquiry if you’re interested in this!

Fushimi

Canals, sake breweries, and sacred shrines

(3 hour option)We’ll get our start in the southern Fushimi area. Peppered with sake breweries and laced with old canals that used to be the arteries of commerce in days gone by, it’s the perfect setting to try out your new watercolor kit and learn some basics. After that, we’ll stroll through a retro shopping arcade and hop a train to the nearby Fushimi Inari shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up a forested mountain slope.

(2 hour option) Choose from the Fushimi Inari or sake brewing district.

Gion and Higashiyama

Narrow streets, grand riverside views, and classic Kyoto sophistication

This area of Kyoto is packed with travelers from all over the world, and for good reason: it’s stunning! But fear not: there are countless escapes from the busy main attractions to be found, such as the serene willow-lined Shirakawa river and tiny alleyways. Sites will be customized based on the season and group. There are many choices in a relatively compact area, so this is great for first-timers to Kyoto in particular.

Locals relax on the banks of the Kamogawa river, where one can see the not-so-distant mountains and enjoy scenic seasonal views (cherry blossoms in the spring, lush green leaves in the summer, autumn leaves, and the occasional dusting of snow in the winter.)

The Philosopher’s Path

Temples, teahouses, and history

Lined with trees and teahouses catering to weary travelers, this pleasant walk through Kyoto’s eastern side is brimming with opportunities to capture its beauty with your sketchbook. Exact sites will be customized based on the season and group.

See famous temples, an old city aqueduct,  and charming views of everyday life in Kyoto.

The Confluence

Shrines, gardens, and peace where two rivers meet

Fewer tourists choose to go to this area just a few train stations away from the busy heart of the city. Those who go are rewarded with the best views of Kyoto’s famous river, the Kamogawa, as well as the opportunity to take in Kyoto’s Botanical Gardens and two of its oldest shrines. Exact sites will be customized based on the season and group.

Hidden Arashiyama

Quiet historical streets and inspiring mossy temple grounds

Visit a lesser-known area of the famous Arashiyama. We’ll make our way though quiet and scenic streets and stop to sketch the charming scenery along the way. For fans of matcha and Japanese sweets, we can make a stop at a legendary family establishment serving a unique variety of sweet dumplings.