Welcome to the world of traditional Japanese culture.

We offer cultural experience classes to pass down Japan's ancient skills and beauty to the modern age.
Enjoy a variety of classes, including tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy, origami, koto music, and Japanese cuisine.
Would you like to experience Japanese culture in the beautiful setting of Kyoto? We welcome everyone, from beginners to advanced learners.

Japanese Culture Experience Kyoto Ninenzaka Kangetsu
Japanese Culture Experience Kyoto Ninenzaka Kangetsu

Featured Cultural Experiences

Tea Ceremony

Tea Ceremony(茶道)

Escape from the busy daily life and immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and beauty. In our beginner-friendly tea ceremony experience, spend a peaceful moment learning the spirit of Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility) and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

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Flower Arrangement

Flower Arrangement(華道)

Would you like to spend a peaceful moment through time spent with flowers? Our flower arrangement experience class offers a serene journey with beautiful flowers, providing even beginners with an opportunity to find inner peace.

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Calligraphy

Calligraphy(書道)

Open to everyone from beginners to advanced learners, we carefully guide you from the basics of calligraphy. Discover the joy of creating your own beautiful artwork while learning refined movements and the heartfelt spirit of hospitality.

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Japanese Culinary ExperiencesExperience Japanese Culture

Decorative Sushi Rolls

Decorative Sushi Rolls(飾り巻寿司)

Discover the art of making decorative sushi rolls using colorful ingredients that create stunning, art-like creations! Enjoy a step-by-step lesson that’s perfect for beginners and brings out professional results. Create a beautiful dish for special occasions with friends or family, and add vibrant touches to your table with seasonal and festive sushi!

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Nigiri Sushi

Nigiri Sushi(握り寿司)

Experience a moment of beauty and taste with Japanese nigiri sushi. In a traditional Kyoto setting, savor authentic kaiseki dishes crafted with seasonal elegance and delicate flavors in every bite.

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Shokado Bento

Shokado Bento(松花堂弁当)

A Shokado Bento features various delicacies like sashimi, grilled dishes, simmered items, and rice beautifully arranged in a partitioned bento box. It’s a splendid culinary experience inspired by kaiseki tradition, perfect for celebrations or hosting special guests.

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Kaiseki Cuisine

Kaiseki Cuisine(懐石料理)

Immerse yourself in the fusion of Japanese aesthetics and flavors. In a traditional Kyoto setting, relish seasonal kaiseki cuisine crafted with precision and taste that captivates both the eyes and palate.

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Shojin Ryori

Shojin Ryori(精進料理)

Experience the gentleness of shojin ryori, a traditional Japanese plant-based cuisine that draws out the natural flavors of seasonal vegetables, tofu, and grains. Grounded in Zen principles, this meal fosters peace of mind and nurtures true wellness.

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Japanese Cultural ExperiencesExperience Japanese Culture

Origami

Origami(折紙)

Discover the charm of origami! Join our origami workshop, suitable for both children and adults, to create beautiful designs from a single piece of paper. Enjoy a calming moment while stimulating creativity.

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Koto Music

Koto Music(箏曲)

Relax to the soothing sounds of the koto. Even beginners can enjoy this experience, connecting with Japanese culture and finding peace through traditional music.

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Hanafuda

Hanafuda(花札)

Experience the traditional Japanese card game of hanafuda, featuring beautifully illustrated cards that capture the beauty of Japan's seasons, plants, and animals.

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Building Preservation DistrictBuilding Preservation District


The area around our classroom, Ninenzaka, is especially known as a Building Preservation District.
Located in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, it’s famous for its well-preserved historic streets and architecture.
As part of the path to Kiyomizu-dera, this charming area lined with old townhouses and shops is a popular spot for visitors.

District Features

Buildings:
Many wooden townhouses remain around Ninenzaka, preserving its historic appearance.
These buildings feature iconic tile roofs and lattice doors, vividly reflecting Kyoto’s traditional architectural style.
Ninenzaka
District Designation:
Ninenzaka has been designated a "Building Preservation District," with strict regulations on building preservation and renovation to protect its historical value.
Tourist Appeal:
The stone-paved slopes and old townhouses lining the streets evoke an era of old Kyoto, attracting numerous visitors who come to enjoy the traditional culture and history of the area.

The Depths of Japanese Culture UnveiledThe Abyss of Japanese Culture Unraveled by a Foreigner

Exploring Japanese Beauty and Spirit Through Notable Works

From tea ceremony to bushido, Zen, and archery—explore diverse aspects of Japanese culture through the eyes of iconic writers. Their works, like Kakuzo Okakura’s *The Book of Tea* and Eugen Herrigel’s *Zen in the Art of Archery*, continue to bridge cultural understanding across the world.

*Bushido: The Soul of Japan* (1900) - Author: Inazo Nitobe
Introducing the spirit of bushido to the world, this book elucidates the concepts of ethics, honor, and morality, making Nitobe a pioneer in presenting Japanese culture and values to Western society.
*The Book of Tea* (1906) - Author: Kakuzo Okakura (Tenshin Okakura)
Through the tea ceremony, Okakura introduces Japanese aesthetics and philosophy to the West, viewing tea as an “art” that deeply explores beauty and spirituality.
*Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan* (1894) - Author: Lafcadio Hearn
In this work, Hearn, who moved to Japan during the Meiji era, richly describes Japanese culture, customs, and beliefs, capturing the hidden charm of Japan through the eyes of a foreigner.
*A Diplomat in Japan* (1900) - Author: Ernest Satow
A historical account from British diplomat Satow, who observed Japan during the Meiji Restoration, providing valuable insights into this transformative period from an outsider’s perspective.
*Essays in Zen Buddhism* (1927) - Author: D.T. Suzuki
A collection of essays exploring the essence of Zen Buddhism, introducing Zen philosophy and practice to the Western world through Suzuki’s profound insights.
*In Praise of Shadows* (1933) - Author: Junichiro Tanizaki
This essay exalts the subtle beauty of Japan’s traditional aesthetics, focusing on the contrasts of light and shadow as a hallmark of Japanese sensibility.
*The Chrysanthemum and the Sword* (1946) - Author: Ruth Benedict
A classic work of cultural anthropology, analyzing Japanese social norms and values through symbols like the chrysanthemum and the sword to explain the unique facets of Japanese society.
*Zen in the Art of Archery* (1948) - Author: Eugen Herrigel
German philosopher Herrigel delves into the practice of Zen through Japanese archery, presenting it as a pathway to enlightenment and inner peace.

Gallery | Photos of Japanese Cultural Experiences

Tea ceremony experience in Kyoto, enjoying traditional tea Ikebana (flower arrangement) experience in Kyoto, learning traditional Japanese flower arranging Japanese calligraphy experience in Kyoto, using brushes to learn about Japanese culture Origami experience in Kyoto, discovering traditional Japanese paper folding Koto music experience in Kyoto, enjoying the performance of the koto Hanafuda experience in Kyoto, learning a traditional Japanese card game Decorative sushi roll-making experience in Kyoto, learning the art of kazarimaki Nigiri sushi-making experience in Kyoto Shokado Bento-making experience in Kyoto Kaiseki cuisine experience in Kyoto Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) experience in Kyoto