Art & Culture
Area
Season
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Premium Tour Featuring the Traditional Performing Art of Kyogen at Muroji, A Temple Famous for Extraordinary Autumn Foliage
Avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxing experience of the superb autumn foliage in Japan's ancient capital of Nara!
Built about 1,400 years ago, Muroji Temple is the only temple of Koyasan that permitted women to visit since ancient times. It is popular as a secluded spot for viewing the autumn leaves in Nara.
This year, for the first time, Muroji Temple will open its main hall—a national treasure normally closed to the public—as a stage for a premium tour that includes a performance of Kyogen theater, one of Japan's classic performing arts, presented by the Izumi school.
In addition to the main hall, visitors will be guided by a priest on a special night tour of the temple grounds, which includes national treasures like the Kondo (main hall) and a five-story pagoda. They will then be treated to a performance of Kyogen by Motoya Izumi, the 20th generation headmaster of the Izumi school, who performs both in Japan and overseas. A special dinner plan showcasing Nara's traditional vegetables (available Nov. 25–26), and a plan featuring a performance by Japan's only female Kyogen performers (Nov. 23–24) will also be available—a fitting performance for Muroji Temple and its strong affiliation with women.
A month-long autumn foliage festival and illumination event will be held starting November 1. Come and enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves and appreciate the essence of traditional Japanese culture. -
Local gastronomy tour personally overseen by a two-star Michelin sushi chef in Kitakyushu, a region known for its seafood and local charm
"The Kitakyushu region is one of the best areas for fishing in Japan, offering a diverse array of outstanding seafood. Fascinated by the climate and seafood of Kitakyushu, Edomae Sushi Nikaku has earned two Michelin stars for its sushi that takes full advantage of the local climate to showcase the history and tradition of Edomae-style sushi through unrivaled flavor.
Edomae sushi, a traditional Japanese style of sushi handed down since 1830, requires not only abundant fresh seafood, but also the speed and skill to prepare it precisely. Because of the delicate nature of Edomae sushi, there are very few places even in Japan, let alone the world, where it can be properly prepared.
Edomae Sushi Nikaku is very pleased to offer this local gastronomy tour to share the charms of the Kitakyushu region, which facilitates the crafting of exquisite Edomae-style sushi, and introduce Edomae-style sushi to foreign visitors.
The tour includes a visit to the local fish market where Kitakyushu's diverse seafood are brought ashore, as well as a chance to go out to sea and catch some of the abundant seafood yourself. Later, you will be treated to courses of the finest sushi at Edomae Sushi Nikaku, all while learning the history, culinary culture, and techniques of sushi craftsmanship as part of a one-day guided tour.
Visit Kitakyushu to experience the true essence of sushi."
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TENNOZ ART WEEK 2024
TENNOZ ART WEEK is an art event aimed at bridging Japan and the international art scene by programming world class art contents in the Tennoz art district and creating a platform for domestic and international art professionals and enthusiasts to gather. In 2024, we not only showcase contemporary art but also highlight the diversity of Japanese culture through crafts, animation, architecture, food, and the charm of regions where each culture thrives. By promoting the charm of the Tennoz art district to art collectors and travelers interested in art and culture, we aim to elevate the art scene and contribute to international cultural tourism.
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Dance the Traditional Bon Odori in Nagarekawa
Immerse yourself in Japanese festival traditions through Bon Odori dance. This event includes instruction in how to perform the Bon Odori dance, as well as assistance in dressing in a rental yukata, a light kimono that is popular at summer festivals. There will also be a booth where you can write prayers from Hiroshima for world peace on strips of paper. Professional interpreters will be present at the event.
The Hashigo-zake tour and Hiroshima bar district tour will also be available in conjunction with this Bon Odori dance program.
The Hiroshima bar district tour allows participants to enjoy drinking and dining at restaurants around Nagarekawa at discounted rates. A tour-specific map and tickets will be provided to make getting around very easy. Each location has English menus for participants' ease and enjoyment.
The Hashigo-zake tour is a guided tour of the food establishments around the Nagarekawa area. You will be guided through the history and culture of Nagarekawa as you navigate its alleyways and shrines. Enjoy all-new dishes made with local Hiroshima produce with expert guides. -
NAKED “OMATSURI” Eat, Play, and Dance!
A new sightseeing destination on the 7th floor of the Marunouchi Building lets you enjoy Japanese festivals to the fullest!
NAKED, Inc., a creative company that has created novel experiences at leading Tokyo spots such as Tokyo Tower and Shinjuku Gyoen Park, is hosting a festival experience at Marunouchi Building Hall on the 7th floor of the Marunouchi Building.
The event will feature a festival entertainment with daily performances of traditional dances from all over Japan.
Visitors can also get a taste of regional Japanese festivals in the heart of Tokyo by donning festival garb in front of a projection-mapped ukiyoe-style backdrop simulating festivals from various regions of Japan.
The area near Marunouchi and Tokyo Station is a tourist hotspot that attracts many visitors.
This event is a collaboration between Mitsubishi Estate and Naked, Inc., to host a summer festival in the Marunouchi area that enables visitors to enjoy the traditional summer events and culture of Japan. The event will be open until 10 P.M. to allow visitors, especially those staying at hotels near Tokyo Station, to enjoy unique Japanese experiences well into the night. -
Cinematic HOSOKAWA History ＆ Culture Encounter Higo-Hosokawa culture: Over 400 years of history
"Suizenji Jojuen Garden, one of the top Japanese gardens in Kyushu, will be open at night for a limited time only!
Visitors can experience the unique samurai culture of Kumamoto Prefecture (Higo-Hosokawa culture) while taking in the beautiful autumn foliage and flowers.
- Take part in a tea ceremony in the Kokin-Denju-no-Ma teahouse, an Important Cultural Property built about 400 years ago
- Experience bonseki, the traditional art of depicting natural scenes with sand and stones on a tray
- Try your hand at the traditional Kumamoto goldsmith’s craft of Higo-zogan inlaying
- Try iaido, a samurai martial art using Japanese swords
- Experience Noh theater, a traditional Japanese performing art featuring masks and beautiful costumes
The park will also feature illuminated bamboo groves and art pieces.
Visitors can tour the park while listening to the dedicated audio app and pondering the life of Hosokawa Gracia.
Hosokawa Gracia was the daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide and wife of Hosokawa Tadaoki. She was a famous heroine during Japan’s Sengoku (Warring States) period.
Enjoy history, culture, and Japanese autumn foliage through this fusion of Japanese garden and projection mapping."
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FIRST-TIME KABUKI at Kyoto Station Building
Kabuki is one of Japan's leading forms of traditional theatrical performance. Its origins can be traced back to the early Edo period (early 17th century) when the Kabuki Odori dance was first performed in Kyoto.
First-Time Kabuki is a one-hour kabuki experience and explanation event for all first-time kabuki viewers. It concludes with the performance of a famous scene, set on the Gojo Bridge near Kyoto Station.
Come and enjoy the world of kabuki, a form of Japanese culture that has endured for over 400 years, in Kyoto—the birthplace of Kabuki!
(1) Kyoto Station venue means easy access!
(2) Night shows held daily at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.!
(3) Free rental for audio guides in English, Chinese, and Korean! -
MINIATURE LIFE Exhibition—Tatsuya Tanaka: The World of Observation in Mojiko Retro
Experience the amusing world of miniatures as seen by miniatures photographer Tatsuya Tanaka, who has 3.85 million followers worldwide!
Tanaka plans to create and exhibit original works unique to the region for the event, under the themes “Mojiko Retro” and the “Kanmon Straits.”
New works of art will also be exhibited for the first time.
The exhibition will also feature talk events and a Mojiko gourmet tour with the former chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy the real world alongside this world of miniatures! -
Kenninji Temple, Kyoto: Premium night viewing in the refreshing cool of evening ZEN NIGHT WALK KYOTO
Premium night viewing at Kenninji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto
A special nighttime viewing will be held at Kenninji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. During this event, visitors can experience the spirit of Zen by walking through the temple’s corridors while listening to ""neuro-music"" scientifically proven to relax the brain.
Sound Corridors: Neuro-music
Walk through the corridors of Kenninji Temple while listening to ""neuro-music."" This music relaxes the brain, leading to a more mindful state.
Daiyuen Garden - Sokai (Vast ocean)
A sea of clouds appears in Kenninji's dry landscape garden, the Daiyuen Garden, on cool summer nights. This sea of clouds complements the beauty and serenity of the garden as visitors listen to neuro-music.
Twin Dragons & Digital Twin Dragons
Kenninji's iconic Twin Dragons painting, combined with the latest in projection art. Contemporary artist Rei Wakita will use the latest technology to visualize the flow of the dragons’ energy.
Japanese Garden Sound-Art Night Walk
Enjoy art installations of sound and light while touring the corridors of extraordinary Japanese gardens: the Circle-Triangle-Square Garden, the Cho-on-tei Garden, and the Daiyuen Garden.
A truly special evening experience of sound and silence, light and shadow. Experience the fusion of contemporary art and technology while enjoying the history and beauty of Kenninji Temple. -
Zen and Art: 800 years of Kamakura-Bori lacquerware
● Visit the private Hakkodo workshop of the Goto family, renowned makers of Kamakura-bori lacquerware
・The techniques of Kamakura-bori lacquerware, which were exhibited and awarded at the 1889 Paris World's Fair, are derived from the masterful Buddhist sculptor Unkei
Visit the Hakkodo workshop, which is usually closed to the public, and witness the skills of its artisans
● Hakkodo offers special made-to-order Kamakura-bori lacquerware and also sells products in its store
- Hakkodo sells special made-to-order products, as well as other products, that are popular among celebrities from Japan and overseas, including several Japanese prime ministers
● Tour of the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures, which displays National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties
- Tour focused on the National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in the shrines and temples around Kamakura, as well as Buddhist statues carved by the master carver who created the craft of Kamakura-bori lacquerware
● Visit Kenchoji Temple to see the temple’s architecture and art
- Visit to Kenchoji Temple, the first temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism in the Kamakura Gozan area, to appreciate its architecture, temple bell, and other National Treasures and Important Cultural Assets
● Experience using fine tea ceremony utensils made of Kamakura-bori lacquerware
- Experience and handle the Kamakura-bori lacquerware tea ceremony utensils that were popular in the Edo period