Search
Category
Area
Season
-
Visit A Traditional Kyoto Artisans Workshop and Create One-of-a-Kind Artworks with Kyo-yuzen and Fusai-zome Dyeing
◆ Create an original work of art at Kyoto's long-established Isshin Kobo studio
Artisans and participants share their thoughts about the piece to be created and what it should look like, after which the artisan creates the piece as envisioned by the participant. Experience the creation of a one-of-a-kind personalized work using traditional fusai-zome dyeing techniques that have been passed down in this studio for many years.
◆ An authentic kimono experience event in Kyoto
Participants will wear traditional kimono and be led by artisans through the streets of Kyoto, and then they will help create original works of art using the fusai-zome dyeing technique. This special one-day program allows you to experience authentic kimono culture, including explanations about Japanese kimono culture, yuzen dyeing, and fusai-zome dyeing, as well as the opportunity to create your own work. Isshin Kobo will also hold events that promote authentic kimono culture, such as special kimono-related lectures and special sales of fusai-zome items. Isshin Kobo, founded in 1868, is a Kyoto institution that works to preserve the tradition of hand-made kimono, even as the number of kimono workshops declines across the country. -
Held at the Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa in Kyoto KYOTO NOH DINING 2024
This dining event will be held at the Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa in Kyoto. Guests will enjoy an exclusive dinner crafted by a leading Japanese chef and take in a Noh theater performance in English, presented by Japan’s top performers. After the event, guests will be transported by private car to stay at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, Kyoto's premier luxury hotel.
The event takes place at the historic Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa, a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan. Attendees will experience a close-up performance of Noh theater by members of the Kongo school, which boasts a 600-year history and whose current head is a designated Living National Treasure. All Noh performances will be in English, with English commentary between performances to help even first-time Noh theatergoers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of classical Japanese performing arts. A highlight of the event is the exclusive dinner, which is created by Head Chef Asano of The Mitsui Kyoto restaurant Toki and themed around Shimogamo-jinja Shrine in fall.
Join this special dining event to enjoy the very best of Japan’s cuisine and classical performing arts in this historic location, amidst the beautiful fall scenery of Kyoto. -
Opening the door to Yomei Bunko: A bespoke experience of Japanese tradition
This tailor-made tour offers an exclusive glimpse into authentic Japanese culture with a special viewing of national treasures, such as The Tale of Genji and Mido Kanpakuki, and accompanying English commentary at Yomei Bunko.
Yomei Bunko is a treasure trove of historical materials that has been maintained for over 1,000 years by the Konoe, a branch of the noble Fujiwara family. For the first time ever, there will be a special lecture on waka poetry and related aspects of Japanese culture by the incoming head of the Konoe family (a presenter for the Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading); a Japanese calligraphy experience; and a special tour of Hoshun-in Temple on the Daitoku-ji Temple grounds (an Important Cultural Property usually closed to the public).
Several other traditional Japanese cultural experience programs are also available, giving you the freedom to customize your own tour. Activities include a tea ceremony, ikebana flower arrangement session, court dance and music performance, kemari (an ancient Japanese sport), and a Kyoto culinary experience. -
EUROJAPAN CUP 2024 Borussia Dortmund vs Cerezo Osaka
Choose from 3 different special packages.
(1) Premium Hospitality Package: Table seating + participation in exclusive activities through in-stadium hospitality programs
(2) Pitchside Seat Package: Seats to watch the game at pitch level, which is normally restricted to players and staff. A rare opportunity to experience the excitement pitchside
(3) City Tour Package: Enjoy a bus tour of Osaka City and a stadium tour before the match. Then watch the game from Category 1 seats. Also features a meet & greet with Dortmund alumni. -
A Traditional Japanese Autumn Festival in Hannan City, Right Next to Kansai International Airport!
Every year, in early October, the residents of Hannan City celebrate the autumn harvest with a traditional local performing art passed down over generations: the Yagura Parade.
Now, for the first time ever, VIP seating packages will be available at the Hannan City Yagura Parade on October 6 (Sunday). On the private guided tour package, interpreters will accompany participants as they experience the entire Yagura Parade up close. Highlights include "Yagura Miyairi," when the floats are carried up the stairs to the shrine, and "Mikoshi Togyo," when the portable shrine procession enters the sea at Ebinohama Beach. -
Ascetic Training, Senchado Tea Ceremony, and Fucha Cuisine at Manpukuji Temple
Manpukuji Temple was founded in 1661 by the Chinese monk Ingen Ryuki and is the head temple of the Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism. It is characterized by its Chinese-style architecture, in which its seven halls are arranged in the Ming Dynasty style.
The Daio Hoden Main Hall—the only one made of teak in Japan—the Dharma Lecture Hall, the Kaizando Founder’s Hall, and more, still stand as originally constructed. Highlights of the temple also include its Important Cultural Properties, which consist of twenty-three main buildings, corridors, plaques, and hanging couplets.
You can also experience the Chinese culture of the time through the temple's collection of Buddhist statues, framed inscriptions, paintings on sliding-door panels, and hanging scrolls by Buddhist artists from China.
Zen Master Ingen introduced a great number of things to Japan, many of which are taken for granted today. Such imports include kidney beans, watermelon, lotus root, sencha green tea, bamboo shoots (moso bamboo), chairs, tables, and manuscript paper.
Fucha cuisine, the Chinese version of Japanese Buddhist Shojin vegetarian cuisine, is beautifully presented and tastes divine. It is one of the highlights of the event that allows guests to truly experience Chinese culture.
There are Zen monks at Manpukuji who continue to practice asceticism to this day. These monks devote themselves to their practice through zazen meditation, Zen dialogue, religious services, alms begging, and other daily temple work at the Zen dojo located on the temple grounds. Visitors can deepen their understanding of the history and culture of Manpukuji from a digital guide available in seven languages: Japanese, English, French, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese (simplified and traditional). -
Heian Jingu Tsuki Otoyo: Kyoto Harvest Moon Concert 2024
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration that originated in China to celebrate the fullest and brightest moon of the year. It is now celebrated with great enthusiasm in South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and many Southeast Asian countries. This year, the festival falls on August 15, as per the lunar calendar. Traditional "moon-viewing parties" will be hosted this October in the modern setting of Kyoto’s Heian-jingu Shrine. The Daigokuden (outer hall of worship) will be lit up in the background for special live performances by talented musicians to embody the elegant and romantic time that is mid-autumn.
■ Dates: October 12 (Sat.) - October 14 (Mon.)
■ Admission: All seats reserved, advance purchase 8,000 yen / 25,000 yen with meals included (scheduled/admission date designated)
■ Performer: October 12 (Sat.): Hiromi Go October 12 (Sun.): Erika Ikuta October 14 (Mon.): NEO PIANO
[Special Gift for Visitors: Original Japanese Sweets]
This tradition of admiring the moon originates in China. There, they serve round mooncakes in the shape of the full moon. The Tsuki Otoyo Kyoto Harvest Moon Concert represents East Asia's shared culture of affection for the moon. Original Japanese sweets will be handed out to all who join in on the festivities.
[Plan with Dinner]
Enjoy an exquisite dinner at Rokusei, a restaurant located near Heian-jingu Shrine. Savor their Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine which embodies the culinary culture of Kyoto cultivated over its long history.
Time: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. each day (concert begins at 7:00 p.m.)
Details: Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine -
Bringing Japanese Arts and Crafts to the World - The Future of the Beauty of Craft: Vessels, Wrapping, and Decoration
This arts and crafts exhibition will be held between two venues in Tokyo and Kyoto to help share Japanese crafts with the world.
(1) Tokyo Venue Dates: July 4 (Thu.) to July 16 (Tue.), 2024 / Venue: TERRADA ART COMPLEX Ⅱ, BONDED GALLERY
(2) Kyoto Venue Dates: November 3 (Sun.) to November 5 (Tue.), 2024 / Venue: Kenninji Temple, Shoin (temple building)
(Admission is free for both venues. However, please note that the Kyoto venue has a separate admission fee to enter Kenninji Temple.)
The exhibitions are under the general supervision of Yuji Akimoto, the director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. They will offer visitors the opportunity to see works of Japanese art and crafts, especially those from Kyoto and the Hokuriku regions. The Kyoto exhibition in particular will be held in a special space within the temple that is not usually open to the public.
Selected exhibited works will also be available for purchase. -
Ascetic Training Programs at World Heritage Site Koyasan
1. Goma Fire Prayer Ritual
Offer your prayers to the sacred flame and get a feel for how such prayers have been carried on through the generations at the temples of Koyasan.
2. Acts of Service
Commit yourself to acts of service and cleanse the mind as you get up close with the Buddha statues in some of the Main Halls of Koyasan's temples, including Bekkaku Honzan, Jun-Bekkaku Honzan, or temples with long-standing connections to daimyo and warlords.
3. Furumaizen Cuisine Experience
Furumaizen is a traditional cuisine prepared especially for the high priests by the priests of Koyasan, and it is said to be the origin of Japanese hospitality.
The average visitor does not usually get the opportunity to try these dishes prepared by priests, for priests, but this memorable dinner experience offers illuminating insights and explanations into the meticulous preparation process.
● Participants will be granted special permission to view the main hall of temples where entry is usually prohibited. (permission only granted when accompanied by temple staff) -
Make one last memory before you leave Japan at this cherry-blossom festival near Kansai International Airport!
1. When the regular festival comes to a close, special box seats will be set up to allow participants to enjoy gourmet cuisine beneath the cherry blossoms. The meal includes Naniwa wagyu beef, which was served at the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit, and sake from Naniwa Sake Brewery, the oldest brewery in Osaka.
2. In addition, there will be 10 days worth of other food-focused events that showcase the delicacies of Hannan. Enjoy the cherry blossoms with light snacks on a special eat-while-you-walk tour.
3. A nighttime event at Jifukuji Temple with a special light display that artfully illuminates the temple's large weeping cherry tree. Complete with reserved seating and a sake tasting held by Naniwa Sake Brewery.