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Environmental Studies and Noh Plays on the Lake: an Overnight Tour on a State-of-the-Art Yakatabune Boat
On the tour, participants will visit Lake Biwa (Japan's largest lake in area and water capacity) to experience its nature and culture.
Noh is a classical Japanese performing art with a history of over 600 years. In this tour, guests will experience Noh theater firsthand by wearing Noh costumes, using Noh tools, and receiving direct instruction from a Noh performer who has been designated a National Important Intangible Cultural Property. Participants will also get a chance to watch professional Noh performances.
Participants can also explore Lake Biwa by cruising and canoeing on Shiki, a modern yakatabune boat that blends Japanese and Western style and design. The 400,000-year-old Lake Biwa has a unique natural environment is home to more than 50 species of indigenous freshwater fish and a distinct community of reeds.
On the yakatabune, participants will enjoy dishes featuring fish caught in Lake Biwa, as well as Shiga Omi beef. During the cruise, participants can take in beautiful views of Ukimido, a floating Buddhist temple built in the lake, from the water.
An experienced guide and interpreter will accompany participants throughout every part of the trip.
*Some itineraries may be subject to change due to weather conditions or other reasons. -
Japanese Culture Program 【Discover the Authentic Kyoto】 Kyoto Studies in Tokyo 2024
A special program held in Tokyo to study and experience Japanese tradition as nurtured in the 1,200-year-old cultural capital of Kyoto. Spend an invaluable time with top instructors of various schools of Japanese culture, including the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Kyoto dance, Kyoto cuisine, and Noh theater. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to rediscover the beauty of Japan and experience the essence of Kyoto.
Dates: November 2024 to February 2025 (Five sessions total)
Facilitator: Kundo Koyama, Head of Kyoto Studies in Tokyo
(1) Tea ceremony: Saturday, November 9, 2024 / 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Meiji Jingu Shrine (Reception opens at 8:30 AM)
Instructor: Sen Soshitsu (15th head of Urasenke school)
(2) Flower arrangement: Sunday, December 15, 2024 / 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Gaien Campus (Reception opens at 2:30 PM)
Instructors: Senko Ikenobo (Next head of Ikenobo school) and Senshu Ikenobo (Flower arrangement artist & photographer)
(3) Kyoto dance: Saturday, January 18, 2025 / 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Meiji Kinenkan (Reception opens at 2:30 PM)
Instructors: Yachiyo Inoue (5th head of Inoue school) and Yasuko Inoue (Inoue school)
(4) Kyoto cuisine: Saturday, February 1, 2025 / 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Meiji Kinenkan (Reception opens at 2:30 PM)
Instructors: Eiichi Takahashi (14th-generation owner of Hyotei) and Yoshihiro Takahashi (15th-generation owner of Hyotei)
(5) Noh theater: Saturday, February 15, 2025 / 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Meiji Kinenkan (Reception opens at 2:30 PM)
Instructors: Hisanori Kongo (26th head of the Kongo school), Tatsunori Kongo (Young master of the Kongo school) -
Immersive Musical Performance at Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater
The story begins when guests enter the lobby. The lobby, dotted with cast members dressed in traditional Japanese costume, will make you feel you have stepped back in time. Some of them are actual maiko and geiko in training. Guests are made to feel like members of the cast, as if the entire venue, including the lobby, is the stage. The first portion of the show features a Japanese drum performance, and a joint performance of koto and traditional Japanese dance that will allow guests to truly feel the essence of Japanese wa (harmony). The second portion features an hour-long original selection of performances that combines a variety of genres. The entire program features top-notch musicians, traditional instruments, long swords, Japanese dance, and other cultural arts unique to Japan.
The venue, Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater, is rarely open to the general public, making this an incredibly rare experience. It is also the first time such a show will be held here. After the show, guests will be served Kyoto cuisine and sake from the Noto region, for a full experience of O-MO-TE-NA-SHI hospitality! -
30th Anniversary of World Heritage Registration and 800th Anniversary of Sect Founding NAKED Light-Up at Nishi Honganji Temple 2024 Special Autumn Viewing
This year in Kyoto, Nishi Honganji Temple, the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect that was founded by the holy man named Shinran, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its World Heritage registration and the 800th anniversary of the sect's founding. To commemorate this event, the creative company NAKED, INC., will plan and host an autumn light-up event at Nishi Honganji Temple.
Experience the history and culture of Nishi Honganji Temple by carrying NAKED distance lanterns (artistic lanterns popular at NAKED events) while touring Miedo Hall, a National Treasure which will be decorated with digital art, and Hiunkaku Pavilion, a National Treasure that is usually closed to the public. In addition to the regular tickets, there will be special tickets available that will allow visitors to get a better feel for what Nishi Honganji Temple is like in the early fall. These include a special viewing ticket for admission to the Shoin complex, another National Treasure which is normally closed to the public, and a premium ticket enabling visitors to enjoy digital art and a tea ceremony experience at Hiunkaku Pavilion. -
Journey into KABUKI～Appreciation and Experience～
At 90 minutes long, this program includes both a kabuki performance and a variety of kabuki-related experiences to make the performing art accessible to those of all ages, nationalities, and languages.
Kabuki actors will explain the history behind the performing art and how to enjoy the humor in the plays. A few lucky audience members will also have the opportunity to perform kabuki gestures on the stage before viewing the kabuki performance. Consecutive interpretation in English will be provided during the actors' explanations, and an English audio guide (available for a fee) will be available during the performance.
Kabuki props (horses, boats, etc.), instruments for sound effects, costumes, and other items used in past performances will be on display in the theater lobby, with participants given the opportunity to actually hold these items in their hands.
The Minamiza Theatre, with its over 400-year history, preserves the history and traditions of kabuki theater and offers a wide range of attractions for kabuki lovers, first-time kabuki theater-goers, and visitors.
■ Performance schedule: November 2 (Sat) to November 10 (Sun)
■ Performance time: Afternoon at 2:00 PM / Evening at 6:00 PM
*On November 2 (Sat) and November 5 (Tues), only the evening performance will be held
■ Running time: Approx. 90 min.
■ Fee: 5,000 yen (all seats reserved) -
BONSAI JAPAN: Japan Bonsai Taikan Exhibition
Enjoy the charm and traditional aesthetics of the world-famous art of bonsai at one of Japan's largest indoor bonsai exhibitions. Bonsai sizes and styles featured at the exhibition include conifers, broadleaf trees, satsuki azaleas, shohin bonsai, creative bonsai, famous trees, suiseki stones, and other masterpieces, all of which were carefully selected from throughout Japan.
November 22–25, 2024 / 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (until 4:00 PM on November 25)
[Special events]
・Demonstration by a bonsai master (November 22–24, from 10:30 AM)
・Bonsai Cafe
・Bonsai commentary tours (Japan Bonsai Taikan Exhibition commentary tour, Daitokuji Temple Hoshun-in Bonsai Garden bus tour)
・Premium bonsai sales
[Concurrent events]
・Individual booth exhibitions
・Large sales event
・Auction
For details, please visit the dedicated website. -
Japan Job Challenge in Senshu
This job workshop event will be held for the first time on Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, in the Senshu area of southern Osaka, near Kansai International Airport. The aim of the event is to showcase of traditional industries, lifestyle/culture, and various occupations. Locations will include Kishiwada Castle, local shopping areas in Sakai and Izumisano, Kansai International Airport, and a variety of other spots.
With around 60 programs, you can experience the traditional industries of Senshu, such as cutlery, glasswork, tea ceremony, Japanese sweets, local sake, wooden danjiri floats, Noh theater, and more. Not only that, but you can also immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of the Senshu area, such as tatami mat-making, working at shrinesk and local shopping districts, and more. Professionals of each job will guide participants through the process, making for great interactions with locals. Participants can also try out several occupations over two days. Take this opportunity to truly experience the various cultures and lifestyles of Japan! -
Private Sightseeing Tours to World Heritage Sites with Shugendo Practitioners as Guides, for a Special Experience of Art and Nature
The tour includes a commentary by a sightseeing guide driver who is a Shugendo practitioner at Kongobuji Temple. Participants will tour the sacred sites and pilgrimage routes of the Kii Mountain Range, a World Heritage Site, and visit various spiritual hotspots. Participants will also be able to take part in a workshop at the Shiyu-en Special Arts Museum—once a place of lodging for Emperor Go-Shirakawa during his pilgrimages to Koyasan—where they can paint nihonga Japanese paintings while sipping on sake. Participant accommodation will be provided in the form of a glamping experience at the Kudoyama Forest Fairy Tale House (former Kubo Elementary School), a facility located by a World Heritage Site called Kuroko Michi. For dinner, participants will enjoy a BBQ meal made with locally-caught wild game. They will also have the opportunity to engage in special experiences only available on this tour, such as viewing the famous sword Ichimonji Tachi, which the Warring States warrior Sanada Yukimura is said to have offered at the World Heritage Site of Niu Kanshobu Shrine, as well as view the World Heritage Sites of Jison'in Temple and Choishimichi Road, which are themselves associated with Kobo Daishi.
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Kumano Food and Culture Branding Promotion Project: Experience the Essence of the Kumano Faith and Savor the Bounties of Nachi-Katsuura
This program is a chance to spend a meaningful time at Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seigantoji Temple, and Nachi-Katsuura Nigiwai Market.
- After the shrine gates are officially closed, head to the World Heritage Site Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine for a special nighttime visit in the hushed atmosphere. Afterwards, enjoy a premium dinner in the shrine precincts, with dishes and tableware that express the world of the Kumano mandala. After dinner, listen to a sacred dedication and savor local Kumano sake made from the holy waters of Nachi Falls.
- Experience a tea ceremony in Heian costume in the tea room at the World Heritage Site of Seigantoji Temple. This is the first time this tea room has been opened to the public, and it overlooks the three-story pagoda and Nachi Falls. Experience Kumano Shugen by viewing the hidden Buddha statues of Fudarakusanji Temple, learn about the essence of the Kumano faith through a Kumano mandala painting session, and participate in a ceremony at Gyojado Hall, which took 150 years to construct.
- You'll also go to Nachi-Katsuura Nigiwai Market. This market, which is attached to the Katsuura Tuna Market, serves fresh raw tuna from Katsuura, masterfully prepared on the spot by locals. This is a rare and delicious opportunity to appreciate fresh-caught whole tuna.
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Kyoto Art Experience: Inspiring moments that weave together beauty and history
A special cultural tourism experience distinct to Kyoto, offered in conjunction with the Art Collaboration Kyoto (ACK) art fair to be held in Kyoto from November 1-3, 2024.
(1) Premium excursions: A variety of special excursion programs will allow participants to experience Kyoto’s fascinating traditional culture and history through areas of shrines, temples, gardens, and other spots that are usually closed to the public.
(2) Night hopping: A nighttime way to take in as much art as you can throughout Kyoto. After visiting the ACK venue, “hop” around to exhibitions at venues normally closed to the public and to art venues especially open for this night with special guides in attendance. After that, go to music events held on the roof of Kyoto City Hall and at Metro Kyoto, the longest-standing club in Japan.