Where to Go: the 12 Best Temple Workshops and Classes Worldwide

1.Calligraphy class at Buddhist temple in city center

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 1h 10m · from $55Our pick

At Seigan-ji Temple in central Kyoto, a Japanese calligraphy teacher guides you through brush technique, kanji practice, and a final artwork on shikishi board. English, Spanish, Japanese, and Dutch support is available, often with guides such as Jose or Saskia. The 70-minute class includes materials, a personal souvenir, and a small-group setting for up to six people.

“This was such a memorable, positive experience! The teachers provided clear, systematic instruction to help our group create our own piece that we then got to take home as a souvenir. My partner and I enjoyed the process of Japanese calligraphy so much that we headed to a local calligraphy shop in Kyoto the next day to pick up a kit that we could use at home. Thank you for the lovely time!”

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2.Chinese Kungfu class in old temple beside Forbidden Ci

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 53 reviews · 3 days · from $45

Meet Limeng and a Shaolin-trained master at Pudusi, a nearly 700-year-old royal temple beside the Forbidden City. You’ll spend about an hour learning basic kungfu, traditional forms, and practical self-defense. English translation is provided, and some sessions can include a hutong tea ceremony.

“Everything was wonderful! The teacher is amazing and so patient, I’ll continue practicing this. Limeng, you are incredible! Ps: I love my kung fu uniform”

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3.Vegan Temple Food Class, Jogyesa & Changdeokgung Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 34 reviews · from $73

Meet at Anguk Station for a hands-on vegan temple food class with a Buddhist monk, followed by Jogyesa Temple, Insadong, a medicinal herb market, and Changdeokgung Palace. English-speaking guides such as Bruce, Gina, Ron, and BJ have led this cultural day, which may include local tastings and a private format.

“This was a brilliant activity. I highly recommend it. Our tour guide was excellent. Loved every minute.”

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4.Full-Day Private Water Temple Ritual & Yoga Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 31 reviews · from $92

Start early at Pura Mengening, where a guide explains the Balinese melukat cleansing ritual before you choose whether to enter the holy springs. Continue to Tepi Sawah Villa for lunch, pool time, guided yoga, and meditation with Jero Priestess Luh Manis. Pickup is included from major Bali resort areas, and groups are limited to nine.

“Big day! Get a good sleep before it. Near 2 hour drive from kuta. Amazing to remove negative energy and cleanse yourself.”

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5.Thai Dance Class at Wat Arun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $71

Meet near Wat Arun for a two-hour Thai dance lesson with traditional Ayutthayan costume, jewelry, and nail extensions. An experienced instructor teaches basic hand and body positions before guiding you through three dances set to three songs. You will also enjoy a Thai snack, herbal drink, and time for photos.

“Have fun dressing up and gain knowledge about traditional Thai dances. Must do it especially with a friends.”

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6.My Son Hindu Temples & Terracotta Workshop PRIVATE TOUR

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $70

Travel privately from Da Nang or Hoi An to Le Duc Ha Terra Cotta Workshop, then follow rural paths by army jeep or modern car to My Son Sanctuary. Your English-speaking guide explains brickmaking, Shiva worship, wartime damage, and local life. The tour lasts about four to six hours, with My Quang available at an added cost on some options.

“We had an amazing day with our guide John. My Son and the pottery village is definitely worth a visit and John was a very knowing and friendly guide, who made the tour so much more enjoyable. Doing the tour in the jeep is a fun twist that makes the transportation an experience itself. We would definitely recommend this tour.”

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7.Temple Tour and Traditional Calligraphy Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 24 reviews · 1 hour · from $20Cheapest good one

At Saishoji Temple, an English-speaking instructor and resident monks guide you through Japanese history, breathing meditation, and basic calligraphy. You will copy characters, choose one kanji for a mini shikishi, receive a kanji name card, and take home a small ceramic plate. The one-hour session is calm, central, and suitable for first-timers or solo participants.

“I experienced something like this for the first time! It was so much fun. I’ve come to really enjoy calligraphy.”

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8.Kanazawa: Samurai Swordsmanship Lesson at a rented temple

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 1 hour · from $80

Meet Shin near FamilyMart Kanazawa Saiwai-cho, change into a samurai kimono, and learn basic katana movements in a rented temple. The private one-hour lesson includes instruction, photos, and video. English is available through simple spoken guidance and an instructional script. A guide can join for an extra interpretation fee.

“Thank you, Shin-san for the amazing experience! The training was fun and educational and the guide very kind and understanding. The temple was very beautiful and we were allowed to take plenty of photos in full samurai gear. Strongly recommend booking some time with Shin-san while in Kanazawa!”

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9.Cooking Class in a former Artist Monastery in the Heart of Monopoli

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $114

Join Marilena in her artist’s home near Monopoli’s old town for a three-hour hands-on class. Make cavatelli, fusilli, orecchiette, or ricotta ravioli, then finish with homemade-biscuit tiramisu, coffee, limoncello, and wine. The private class runs in English and ends where it begins.

“Marilena was an absolutely lovely host! We had such an amazing time making pasta and tiramisu together. The food was amazing and one of our best meals during our stay in Monopoli. Her space was incredibly warm and welcoming and it was our pleasure to get to some drone with such a wonderful person!”

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10.Temple Of Heaven+Tai Chi Class+Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 6 hours · from $129

Meet an English-speaking guide at the Temple of Heaven, practice Tai Chi for 30 to 40 minutes, explore the echo wall and secret echo stone, then visit a tea house near the temple. Guides including Candice, Alice, Simon, Jackie, Jaki, and Lisa have led this private experience. Hotel pickup is available within Beijing’s Fourth Ring Road.

“This was such a wonderful experience in Beijing. Visiting the Temple of Heaven was unforgettable, but the Tai Chi lesson truly made the day extraordinary. The Tea House visit was another highlight—the owner was so knowledgeable, sharing both fascinating stories and incredible teas. The best part of the entire tour, though, was Candice. She wasn’t just a guide—she felt like a friend, which made the whole experience even more special. It’s a day I will always treasure. I also want to thank the rest of the Beijing Tour Company team for their support. Amber and Kolar, your help with coordinating our two groups was greatly appreciated. We now understand why…”

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11.Private Tour: Grand Palace,Wat Phra Kaew, Museum&Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $97

Spend about 10 hours with your private group visiting Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, exploring the National Museum, pausing beside the Chao Phraya River, then shopping at a local market and cooking four Thai dishes. Transport, admissions, water, and dietary options are included. Lunch is extra.

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12.Luang Prabang: Pottery Workshop & Wat Chomphet cycling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5 reviews · from $69

You’ll meet an English-speaking guide at 8:30 am, cycle across the Mekong by local car ferry, visit Wat Chomphet, and make pottery at Ban Chan, once a Royal Family supplier. This small-group half-day tour suits couples, families with children over eight, and anyone who wants quiet village roads rather than busy sightseeing.

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