Japanese Cultural Experience – Deepen Your Knowledge in a Special Space
Our Japanese cultural experiences offer the opportunity to enjoy private, intimate sessions in unique and historical settings, such as hidden temples, traditional Kyoto machiya (townhouses), and authentic Japanese tatami rooms. In these distinctly Japanese locations, you can immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural traditions and spend a peaceful, enriching time.
In the serene atmosphere, you can forget the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to calm your mind and deeply connect with Japanese culture. Through activities like tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and Zen meditation, you will gain insights into the spiritual and technical aspects of Japanese traditions.
We can accommodate groups of 2 to 30 people, depending on the activity and venue, so please feel free to inquire about group bookings.
Japanese Sweets （Wagashi）Making Experience
Experience the making of traditional Japanese sweets, known as “nerikiri,” in a Kyoto machiya or a traditional Japanese room. A skilled artisan will guide you step by step, making it accessible even for beginners. Using white bean paste and gyuhi (a type of rice dough), you will create beautiful pieces that reflect the changing seasons through flowers and landscapes, offering both visual and taste enjoyment.
After making the sweets, you will savor them slowly with matcha tea, enjoying a tranquil Kyoto moment. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in the delicate Japanese aesthetic and the craftsmanship of the artisan, leaving you with lasting memories of your journey.
This experience is suitable for vegetarians, and for vegans, we can adjust the ingredients as needed. Please feel free to consult with us in advance if you have any specific dietary preferences.
Tea Ceremony Experience
The Japanese tea ceremony is not just about enjoying tea; it is a profound experience designed to calm the mind and connect with oneself. During a tea ceremony experience in Kyoto, you will learn traditional Japanese aesthetics and movements while practicing mindfulness. The process of preparing the tea and the moment of drinking it requires you to focus on the present moment. By paying attention to each gesture and movement, you will calm your mind and enjoy a peaceful, meditative time.
Through the tea ceremony, you will learn the principles of “eliminating waste” and “valuing each moment,” which can be applied to your daily life. Take a break from your busy routine to quiet your mind, embrace the present moment, and enjoy a tranquil experience that restores your inner peace.
Sushi Making Experience
The sushi making experience is not just about creating delicious sushi, but also about engaging with Japan’s rich culinary culture and the artistry of its craftsmen. Using fresh ingredients, you will learn the techniques and mindset of sushi chefs while enjoying the sushi you have prepared yourself.
Through each movement, you will understand the Japanese spiritual values behind them, such as “precision,” “respect for ingredients,” and “efficient movements.” This experience offers a deep insight into the essence of Japanese culture, beyond simply eating.
Additionally, we offer options for vegetarians. You will have the opportunity to make sushi using fresh vegetables and other plant-based ingredients, allowing everyone to experience Japan’s sushi culture.
This experience is not only about the joy of making sushi but also about feeling the spirit of Japanese hospitality. Immerse yourself in the culture and create lasting memories through this unique experience.
Zen Meditation Experience (Zazen)
Zazen is not simply about sitting in silence; it is a deep practice of calming the mind and finding inner peace through the teachings of Zen, such as “no-mind” and “one seat, one breath.” During the zazen experience at a Zen temple in Kyoto, you will be guided by a Zen monk, maintaining the correct posture while focusing on your breath. As you sit in stillness, you will quietly acknowledge and release the thoughts that arise in your mind.
Through this practice, you will learn the importance of focusing on “the self that exists here and now” and being mindful of each moment. By experiencing this, you can alleviate the stress and anxiety of daily life, and acquire techniques to calm your mind that can be applied in your everyday routine.
Zazen allows you to experience the Zen spirit of “being empty, simply existing,” and offers an opportunity to step away from the noise of modern life, embracing a moment of quiet reflection. This is a valuable time for those seeking mental rejuvenation and inner peace.