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Cultural Experience

UNIQUE JAPANESE EXPERIENCE

Not only just viewing Japan, but why don’t you try and experience Japanese cultural experience!!
Most of the programs below takes from one hour to one day.
Many courses can be taken with English instruction.
Although some courses are only in Japanese, you can hire a Japanese interpreter upon request.
Let us know what kind of experience you’re expecting in Japan…
You’ll find yourself more familiar to Japan only by sharing experience with people here!
*Remarks;
1. All rates in Japanese Yen per person
2. Courses are not held everyday. The schedule is subject to change without any notice.
3. Fee, time duration, and venue are flexible. It depends on the availability.
・IKEBANA (Flower arrangement)
・BONSAI (Potter plant)
・TEA CEREMONY
・SHODOU (Calligraphy)
・ORIGAMI (Paper craft) & FUROSHIKI Wrapping
・MAIKO / GEISHA photo shooting
MUSIC
・WADAIKO (Japanese drums)
・KOTO (String instrument)
・SHAMISEN (String instrument)
COOKING
・SUSHI & FISH MARKET
・SOBA
・WAGASHI (Sweets)
BUDDISM
・ZAZEN
・SHAKYOU
EXCURSION
・SUMO WATCHING
・KABUKI WATCHING
・CHERRY BLOSSOM NIGHT CRUISE

・GHIBLI MUSEUM
SAKE BREWERY WITH TASTING

CULTURE

IKEBANA-Flower arrangement

English Ikebana lesson available.
The instructor will explain the differences between Ikebana and western style flower arrangement.
As Japan has 4 seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), seasonal flowers are used to express the inner emotions.
Some programs have optional experience, such as wearing Kimono (traditional clothes), visiting a Sake brewery, etc.
Duration: 1 ~ 2 hours
Fee: JPY 4.000 ~

BONSAI - miniature potted plant

Bonsai is now getting so popular for foreigners.
This art express WABI-SABI, a comprehensive Jpanaese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. (quoted from wikipedia).
How can you express Wabi-sabi by a plant in such a small pot???
You’ll only know when you experience it…
Duration: 1 ~ 2 hours
Fee: JPY 3.000 ~

TEA CEREMONY

There is a certain way to make tea in Japan.
You can just see how it’s made, try making in yourself, or even put Kimono on and make tea as a traditional way.
All programs can be taken in English.
Duration: depends on your request
Fee:  depends on your request

SHODO (Calligraphy)

Shodo is also a handy cultural experience.
By using a brush made from animal’s hair such as weasel, rabbit, deer, pig, etc. and ink made from lampblack,
you will learn not only the technique but also the origin and the meaning of Shodo.
If you have a specific letter you want to learn, let the instructor know. He will teach you how to write.
Duration: 1 hour ~
Fee:  JPY 6,000 ~

ORIGAMI (Paper craft) & FUROSHIKI wrapping

Origami has been spread to all over the world now.
It is just amazing how a piece of square paper can turn itself into a beautiful flower, animals, or even buildings… only by finger technique!
Furoshiki is a fashionable Japanese wrapping cloth to be used to transport foods, gifts, clothes, etc…
It is just a square shaped cloth, but there are plenty of ways to wrap, according to the shape of goods inside.
Furoshiki has been becoming popular recently in an eco-friendly view as it’s sustainable product, not like a plastic bags.
Duration: 100 minutes
Fee:  JPY 5,000 ~

MAIKO Photo shooting

You can put on Maiko outfit and make up by professional artists.
Kimono and cosmetic are what real Maiko are using for themselves.
Shooting photos in the studio, taking a walk outside in Maiko outfit, or touring around by rickshaw…
Variety of options available.
Duration: 2 ~ 4 hours (depends on the programs)
Fee:  JPY 10,000 ~ 20,000

MUSIC

WADAIKO

Japanese traditional drum performance.
Wadaiko is commonly played at seasonal festivals in Japan.
Your body and your soul will be gloved with the Japanese powerful and trance rhythm.
Duration: 2 ~ 4 hours (depends on the programs)
Fee:  JPY 10,000 ~ 20,000

KOTO

Koto is a stringed instrument with 13 strings, mainly played by women.
Even total beginners can master one easy piece by the end of the lesson.
English lessons are available, and you can even wear Kimono before taking a lesson.
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Fee: JPY 5,500 ~ 8,000

SHAMISEN

Shamisen is a three-stringed instrument played with a plectrum called a bachi.
You can learn not only the technique, but also the rule of propriety.
Most of Japanese traditional culture are closely bound up with ancient manners.
It’s a great opportunity to understand Japan, by playing music.
There aren’t many English Shamisen lessons, but you can still hire an interpreter.
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Fee : JPY 2,000 ~ 5,000

COOKING

SUSHI & FISH MARKET

This course gives you a great opportunity to learn the Japanese cuisine and also to visit Tokyo’s largest wholesale fish market (Tsukiji)!
At fish market, you can see how the fresh ingredients for sushi can be actually chosen and sold.
After enjoying fresh sushi lunch around Tsukiji, a professional chef will teach you how to make sushi…
including the technique of slicing fish and serving dishes.
The tour to fish market and sushi lesson can be taken in English.
Duration: 4.5 ? 6 hours
Fee: JPY 14,500 (include lunch)

SOBA

Soba is a Japanese noodle made of buckwheat flower.
You will learn the whole process of making Soba noodle made of homemade ingredient.
After the lesson, you can taste your own soba with other students,
and even takeaway together with the special soup for soba. English lesson available.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Fee: JPY 3,150 ~

WAGASHI

Wagashi is  a traditional Japanese confectionery.
We normally use natural ingredients for wagashi, such as mochi, bean paste, fruits, etc.
They’re also shaped into natural things like flowers and leaves, and express the beauty of season.
The lesson is taken in Japanese, but they have written instruction in English.
Duration: 1 hours 15 minutes
Fee: JPY 2,000 ~(include Japanese tea)

BUDDHISM

ZAZEN

Zazen is a Zen meditation at temples.
Nowadays many temples are open for visitors to join their custom,
so even on buddhists or foreigners can easily experience it.
You cross-legs and sit on the floor, close your eyes quietly and feel “non-being” there…
Duration: 2 hours
Fee: JPY 500 ~ 2,000 (depends on the course)

SHAKYOU

Shakyou is a handwritten copy of a sutra.
You can just copy what’s written on sutra, with traditional stationaries such as brush (Fude) and ink (Sumi).
Writing Chinese character looks difficult for foreigners but actually you can just trace the draft!
This is also very unique experience at temples.
Duration: 1 hours
Fee: JPY 1,000

Excursion

SUMO WATCHING

Enjoy Japan’s national sport SUMO!
While the tournaments are held in Tokyo (three times a year),
you have easy access to enjoy watching sumo at an area in Ryogoku that can accommodate up to 13 thousand spectators.
English speaking guide service is provided.
You can be picked up at Bus Terminal in Tokyo, and return to hotel on own.
Optional tour: Chanko Nabe Dinner after the match
(Chanko nabe is a representative meal of sumo wrestlers, a hot pot stew filled to the brim with bountiful amounts of hearty vegetables and meat)
Duration: 3-4 hours (Sumo match)
Fee: JPY 10,800 (includes one way transfer)
Optional: JPY 3,800 (Chanko nabe Dinner)

KABUKI WATCHING

Japan’s most traditional cultural events: kabuki theater. This package allows you to book your tickets in advance online, and as an added bonus includes English headphone guides for the play. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Japan’s unique styles of theater!
Date and Time: Please contact
Fee: 7,500 (Only for the ticket with English headphone guide)
There is no other service in this tour. If you need transfer or English speaking interpreter, please contact us.
We can provide extra service with additional fees.

TOKYO CHERRY BLOSSOMS NIGHT CRUISE

Evening cruise down Tokyo’s Sumida River, which is famous for its cherry tree-lined banks.
Take in the scenery on the banks of the river and enjoy a performance by apprentice geisha on board.
You can enjoy a glass of sake, one drink, and a snack bento box while watching cherry blossoms and Geisha performance.
English speaking guide service is provided.
Duration: 45 minites Sumida River Cruise
Fee: JPY 6,500 
*This program is held only for Cherry blossoms season. (the end of March to the middle of April)

GHIBLI MUSEUM  Hayao Miyazaki’s Animation world

The Academy award winning film director, Hayao Miyazaki’s animation world “Ghibli Museum” is here
You can take a public train and bus to the museum with the English speaking guide’s assistance.
Once you get to the museum, you can interact with imaginative exhibits.
The architecture is filled from corner to corner with everything Ghibli.
If you are a fan of Miyazaki’s animation films, this is the MUST place to visit!
Duration: Half day
Fee: JPY 6,000

SAKE BREWERY WITH TASTING

SAKAGURA is the brewery that brews and stores Sake. 
Sake is popular liquor, and have many kinds of that in Japan.
Some people have sommelier qualifications, and they will offer Sake according to the season and cooking, and will advice you on recommended drinking methods that suit your taste.

You can learn what is Sake (Japanese rice wine) and also you can taste Sake.
Duration: 40min ~ 
Fee: JPY 400 ~

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