Japanese Culture Experiences in Kyoto
Japan Travel Centre has teamed up with an authentic Japanese cultural exchange service to bring you a selection of traditional activities that you can do during your stay in Kyoto!
These activites include many different aspects of Japanese culture and history and include calligraphy, tea ceremony, flower arrangement and many more.
All of our courses take place in a central workshop in Kyoto and are conducted in English by Japanese people skilled in the traditional arts.
Green tea preparation in Japan is highly influenced by Zen Bhuddism and offers the classic refinement present in many Japanese arts. Experience making your own delicious Japanese matcha tea and enjoy drinking after in a traditional relaxing environment.
Like much of Japan's culture, calligraphy or "Shodo" was heavily influenced by Chinese arts and with the introduction of original Japanese script, has become a classic and important art form. Learn how to write calligraphy in a traditional Japanese style.
Kimono is the national costume of Japanese and literally means "Thing to Wear". Kimono are now more recognised as a particular type of full length dress and on this course you have the opportunity to learn about kimono and wear one yourself.
Origami, the ancient art of Japanese paper folding is the technique of using a single sheet of sqare paper to create a representation of an object in a beautiful form. From the popular Japanese crane to other exotic shapes, everything can be explored in this course.
The Koto is a Japanese instrument derived from the classic Chinese zither and has become the national instrument of Japan. In this course you will learn how to play the popular Japanese song "Sakura" and can enjoy listening to the experts playing this fascinating Japanese harp.
Experience using traditional Japanese paper and fabric to make crafts and other small decorations such as boxes, book covers and many other items. You can even learn about the process for making the paper and some of the different uses Japanese paper has in the arts.
Why not learn some Japanese during your stay in Japan? Learn from experienced Japanese teachers how to introduce yourself in Japanese along with other basic phrases which will guarantee to impress both your Japanese and English friends.
Flower arrangement, or "Ikebana" is a Japanese art form dating back over 600 years which developed from the Buddhist ritual of offering flowers to the spirits of the dead. Now you too can make a beautiful flower arrangement to show your artistic talent.
Japanese Teriyaki is a cooking technique in which foods are grilled in a sweet soy sauce marinade. Learn how to get the right mix of soy sauce, sake and sugar or honey to make a delicious and traditional Japanese dish with chicken and other delicate flavours.
Everyone know what sushi is, but did you know that is is fun and easy to make yourself. Learn how to prepare the best ingredients with the right methods to create a great selection of rolled sushi called "Makizushi", which is both delicious and healthy.