🇯🇵 Cool Japan/ Tokyo Experience
1. Kamakurabori
Experience a traditional carving of timeless beauty in Kamakura 4 hours
Over the centuries Kamakurabori carving has been perfected to reflect Japanese sensibilities and has become a useful and esthetic art.
To experience Kamakurabori carvings, a reservation is required.
Fee: from 3000JPY per person plus the cost of materials.
Place: about 1 hour and 15 min from JR Tokyo Station to the studio in Kamakura.
2. Tea Ceremony
Experience a traditional Japanese Macha Tea Ceremony in Tokyo and Yokohama 2 hours
The tea ceremony came from Zen Buddhism in the 12th century. Macha has become known around the world. An authentic Macha tea ceremony will absolutely soothe your mind. Relax and take a moment at the tea ceremony salon during your stay in Japan.
Experience fee: 3000 JPY at Yokohama salon or at Aoyama Tokyo salon.
3. Wearing Kimono (Traditional Japanese Clothes Wafuku)
Experience wearing a Kimono and stroll around the sophisticated Ginza shopping area. 4 hours
Kimono is now accepted to the world as an international word.
In the Kimono Gallery, you are able to experience traditional Japanese culture and dressed up in a beautiful kimono at a reasonable price.
Price: 6480 JPY per person including a kimono rental fee, dressing up and hair setting, hair accessories, photo fee and baggage storage fee
Place: Ginza about 10 min from JR Tokyo Station by Metro.
4. Kabuki Viewing Tour
Experience a Kabuki Performance at Kabuki Theater Ginza, Tokyo 2-4 hours
You are able to see a traditional Kabuki Performance with reserved seats.
If you would like to enjoy a part of Kabuki casually, single act seats are also available from 1000 to 2000 JPY.
Portable captioning service is available in English to understand the plot of the performance. 500 JPY
5. Traditional Japanese Flower Arrangement 2 hours
Ikebana or Kado is the traditional style of Japanese flower arrangement. Its origin is said to date back to the 6th century when Buddhist priests placed flowers before Buddhist statues. It was about the 15th century when flower arrangement was created as an aesthetic art.
You can join a two-hour regular lesson. From beginners to experienced people, anyone can join to experience the lesson at Aoyama Tokyo salon and Saitama salon.
Held every Saturday 10:00am. – 12:00pm.
6. Japanese Brush Calligraphy 2.5 hours
Shodo is Japanese brush calligraphy. It is considered to be one of the traditional arts. Chinese characters were introduced to Japan in the 1st century, but it was about the 7th century when brush calligraphy became popular in Japan. You can experience Japanese brush calligraphy.
- Traditional cloth “HAKAMA” wearing experience
- You can make your own work with mini-hanging scroll as your souvenir
- Place: Japanese-style room at Kagurazaka in Tokyo
- Price: 1 person: 16,800 JPY, 2 persons: 23,800 JPY, 3 persons: 29,800 JPY
7. Japanese Carving on a Glass Surface 1 hour
Edo Kiriko (carving on a glass surface) is one of the traditional Japanese crafts. It consists of beautifully designed glass art. It originated in the late Edo period (late 19th century). Edo Kiriko is a type of traditional handicraft which involves a detailed pattern carving on glass.
You can experience glass cutting with a teacher’s help. It is safe and easy to make. It takes about one hour and a half. You can make your own Edo Kiriko glass and keep it as a souvenir．
Experience fee: 4,860 JPY
8. Zen Meditation 2 hours
Zazen is a sitting style of meditation conducted in Zen Buddhism. It is done to unify your body and mind and/or breathe to wash and cleanse your heart. Zen Buddhism was introduced into Japan in 13th century. You may discover something really important for your life in a dialogue with yourself. The sessions are held on Sunday (06:30 – 08:30), Wednesday (13:30 – 15:30), Saturday and National Holiday (15:00 – 17:00).
Experience fee: 500JPY per person. Reservation in advance is required.
10．Japanese Drum 1 hour
Wadaiko or Japanese drum is a familiar instrument for Japanese and has been used at festivals and other traditional events. Today，Japanese taiko is performed with other instruments from different genres such as classical music and jazz and is getting fans all over the world. The session lasts for 60 minutes. Price: 30,000JPY for a group up to 5 persons. 6,000JPY per person for a group of more than 6 persons. Reservation in advance is required.
11. Sumo Morning Practice at a Sumo Stable in Tokyo 2 hours
You can see sumo wrestlers practice at a Sumo Stable in Tokyo. You can observe the rules and regulations of sumo. It is a rare chance for visitors to see this exclusive world. You can also learn about the historical roots of sumo.
Recommended Tour Plans
Please feel free to combine two or more itineraries from the following destinations.