All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

I reserved an SS seat (front row, 1,500 yen per person).

In the front row, there are three seats labeled A, B, and C from the right side of the stage, and we are in seat C. The stage is directly in front of seats A and B, so it’s not very visible from seat C.

Moreover, there is an aisle between seats B and C, which staff must use to serve the back row, so they frequently walk through that area. When trying to take photos or videos of the maiko, the staff keeps crossing in front of the camera. Although the staff tries to avoid getting in the way, they often end up in the frame.

Even though it’s the front row, I felt like this seat doesn’t really qualify as an SS seat. The AB seats in the second or third row are much better. I suggest that the organizing company reconsider the pricing and arrangement of the seats, or at least make the seating layout clear at the time of booking.

SS席（最前列　1人１５００円）を予約。
最前列は舞台から向かって右からA・B・Cと3席あるが私たちはC席。
舞台はABの間の正面にあり、C席からはあまり見えない。

しかもBC席の間が通路になっており、後方席の配膳のためにスタッフが必ずそこを通ります。
舞妓さんの写真や動画を撮ろうとしてもスタッフが何度も横切る。
一応、スタッフは避けるそぶりは見せるが、結構カメラに写りこんでくる。

最前列ではあるがこの席でSS席なの？と感じました。
２、３列目のAB席のほうがよほどましです。
催行業者は席の料金設定や席の配置を再検討、若しくは席の配置が予約時にわかるようにしては。

I couldn't see the sunset, but the live performance was great. The dinner included a buffet, and everything was delicious. The ship was also stable and comfortable. ^ - ^

サンセットは、見れませんでしたが、生演奏よかったです。ディナーも
一部バイキングで、全部美味しかったです。船も揺れず快適でした^ - ^

A fun and interesting activity. The instructor was very patient and friendly.

Definitely a must try in Tokyo. The instructor was very patient and helpful.

The experience was eye opening and definitely for everybody. Something not to be missed in Tokyo.

I have always thought of food samples as an image of Japanese culture since I was a child. It was a lot of fun to have the experience of making such food samples. This time, I made a seafood curry rice that can be used as a smartphone stand, and I was impressed by how closely it resembled the real thing. I will definitely try again if I have the opportunity!

食品サンプル＝日本の文化といったイメージを子供のころから思っていました。
こんな食品サンプルを作る体験ができ、とても楽しかったです。
今回はスマホスタンドになるシーフードカレーライスを作りましたが、本物そっくりに作ることができ感動しました。
また機会があれば再挑戦します！

In the evening, waiting outside in the unfortunate rain until the start time was a bit challenging. However, I was able to enjoy the Maiko's Kyoto dance and the traditional games. I think I was able to experience a bit of the atmosphere of Gion.

夜、あいにくの雨の中、開始時刻まで外での待機がちょっと大変でした。舞妓さんの京舞、座敷遊びは楽しく過ごすことができました。少し祇園の雰囲気を味わえたかなとおもいます。

I had an old-fashioned image of a yakatabune, but it was lively and fun, with warm, homey moments and romantic times. It was a fantastic two and a half hours! I was thrilled to celebrate my birthday with everyone. I want to go to Tokyo every year to ride on one.

屋形舟を古いイメージでいましたが、賑やかで楽しかったり、温かいアットホームな時間があったり、ロマンチックな時間があったり、すごく楽しめた２時間半でした！誕生日のお祝いを皆でしてもらい感激でした。
毎年乗りに東京に出掛けたいです。

I received a reminder email saying that the meeting time was pushed back by an hour, so when I arrived at that time, I was surprised to be told, "We're about to finish." This was a highlight of the trip I had reserved for my mother, and it was the last day. After checking, they said it was a mistake by the tour company's staff, not VELTRA. The staff on the phone apologized profusely, but this is the kind of mistake that a company like this should never make. I said I couldn't pay a cancellation fee for something like this, and after discussing it among themselves, they called me back and said they would arrange for a maiko to come again if I was still in Kyoto. I had to change my plans on short notice and decided to have it redone in the evening. When I arrived, there was one woman there, but there was no apology, and I was taken to the room with the maiko. The maiko was very nice, and it was a fun time as an event, but her kimono was plain, which made me think it was because she was called in suddenly. It's a small thing, but I really felt sorry for my mother, who was looking forward to this. Even when leaving, there were no words of apology. I will never use this company again, nor would I recommend it. It's the worst.

集合時間が1時間遅くなったというリマインドメールが来たので、当日その時間目指して行ったら「もう終わりますが」と言われてビックリ。母のために予約していた旅のハイライトでした。しかも最終日。先方が調べたら、ベルトラではなく催行会社従業員のミスとのこと。電話口のスタッフは平謝りでしたが、この手の会社が1番やっては行けないミスです。こんなの聞いたことない、キャンセル料なんて払えないと言うと、スタッフで協議した上で電話があり、まだ京都にいるなら舞妓さんを呼び直すと言って来ました。予定を急遽変更し気を取り直して夕方にやり直して貰う事に。到着すると女性が1人居ましたがなんの謝罪もなく舞妓さんの居る部屋に通されました。舞妓さんは大変良い方でイベントとしては楽しい時間でしたが、お着物が地味で、急に呼ばれたからかなと思わざるを得ませんでした。些細なことですが、本当に楽しみにしていた母が気の毒でなりません。帰るときも、ひとことも謝罪の言葉はありませんでした。2度とこの会社は利用しませんし、おすすめしません。最低です。

The weather was favorable, making for a fun boat ride. The skills of the boatman were impressive, and he spoke cheerfully and casually, steering the boat according to my friend's wishes. It was enjoyable when the snack boat approached with its delicious smells. Unfortunately, I wanted to buy some mitarashi dango, but I couldn't since we had lunch plans right after... what a shame.

気候にも助けられて楽しい舟遊びとなりました。船頭の方の技術も確か
でしたし、明るく気さくに話してくれたり、友人の希望通りに舟を進めてくれたりしました。売店船が寄ってきたのもいい匂いがして楽しかったです。その後すぐにランチの予定があったので買えなかったがみたらし団子を買いたかった・・・残念。

You have to wait outside until the designated time. Since you wait on the road, it's fine to arrive just in time, but it's a bit of a tricky location as it's on the second floor of the building. The lunch bento arrived, and the catering staff was at the reception. The maiko also arrived by taxi about ten minutes earlier. The seating consists of simple tables and chairs, with four people per row, and indeed, the seats closer to the maiko are better if you pay a higher amount.

Once the bento was brought to the table, the event started somewhat casually. The people who were there to experience the tea ceremony began, while those there for lunch started eating on their own, and then the maiko's tea ceremony began. After the ceremony, there was a Q&A session with the maiko, followed by a commemorative photo session with her. I wondered about the traditional games, but it turned out that the event was already over.

It ended surprisingly quickly.

時間迄外で待たされます。道路上で待つからギリギリで行ってもいい位ですがビルの２階だから少しわかりにくい場所ではありました。ランチの弁当が届き仕出し屋さんが受付していました。舞妓さんも10分位前にタクシーで乗り付けました。座席は簡単なテーブルと椅子席一列4人でやはり前の方が舞妓さんに近く金額をあげれば良い席になります。
テーブル席に仕出し弁当が運ばれて何となく開始して、お茶のお手前だけ体験する人達に合わせて、ランチの人はなんとなく勝手に食べ始め、舞妓さんのお手前が始まりました。お手前終わると舞妓さんへの質疑タイム、その後舞妓さんとの記念撮影して、アレお座敷遊びは？と思いましたが、もう終了との事でした。
びっくりする位早く終わりました。

The workshop is easy to locate. The instructor was very patient and encouraging. It was an eye opening experience for us and make us appreciate the difficulty and precision needed for hand made cut glass. Encourage all to give it a try, no matter the outcome.

This was my first time booking with Beltora, and I received a courteous email just before my trip. The weather was clear on the day of the experience. Surrounded by the peak of autumn leaves, my friends and I were moved by the kind and gentle demeanor of the boatman, allowing us to enjoy a very elegant and happy escape from our daily lives. Thank you very much!

今回初めてベルトラさんで予約、直前にもメールを頂き丁寧に対応して頂きました。当日は快晴。紅葉のピークで最高のシチュエーションの中、船頭さんの優しく穏やかな対応に同行の友人達も感動し、とても優雅で幸せな非日常を味わう事ができました。ありがとうございました！

The person in front spread their smartphone cover wide and blocked the aisle, with only about one-third of their upper body visible. I couldn't see the seated姿 at all.

I participated with the understanding that I was in the very back seat.

The maiko did their job well. Thank you.

I was left dissatisfied with the response from the organizers about "if you pay an additional fee..." Even if I pay the extra fee, I would still be blocked, right?

Is it acceptable for the person in front, who is being greedy, to be satisfied while those behind cannot see?

I've taken the time to come here, and I've paid money, so I want to see the performance.

I left, citing "I want to do some sightseeing" as my reason, but it was a waste of time.

What is a "sen-sha-fuda"? I did not receive one.

前の方がスマホをカバーまで広げて
通路まで遮り続け
舞う姿も上半身3分の1程度。
座った姿は全く見えず。

最初に1番後ろの席という事を納得した上で参加しました。

舞妓さんはしっかりお仕事をされていました。
ありがとうございました。

運営側の『追加料金を払えば…』という対応に不満が残りました。
追加料金を払っても遮られたままでしょ？

後ろの人は見えなくても
前の欲張りな上客が満足すればよろしいでしょうか？

時間を割いてきていますし

お金は支払っていますので
舞う姿は見たいですよ。


『観光したいので』と理由をつけて退席しましたが時間の無駄でした。

千社札？とは何でしょうか？
いただいていません。

It was a school trip after 50 years, just as the guide said. I didn't have much interest in the national treasure statues during my student days, but at this age, I found myself intrigued and had a fulfilling experience directly appreciating their magnificence.

ガイドさんの言う通り50年ぶりの修学旅行でした。学生時代には余り興味もなかった国宝の仏像もこの歳になって興味も湧きその素晴らしさに直に触れて観られた充実した観光でした。

We experienced this as a family of four, with my husband and our two daughters, who are a working adult and a high school student. It was definitely not something easy, but with the help of a kind, attentive, and fun teacher, we struggled through and managed to create something we were satisfied with. There was a booth set up for photographing our creations, and it was truly a thoughtful experience. We had a fun and memorable time.

主人と社会人・高校生の娘２人の４人家族で体験させていただきました。
やっぱりそう簡単なものではありませんでしたが、親切で丁寧で楽しい先生に助けてもらいながら、悪戦苦闘の甲斐あって、自分なりに満足なものが出来上がりました。
作品を撮影するブースが用意されていて、本当に至れり尽くせりで、楽しくて思い出深い時間を過ごさせていただきました。

It was difficult, but it was interesting to see personalities come out. Colored glasses are challenging. Next time, I want to adjust with clear glasses. I will definitely go again!

難しいけど、性格が出るのが面白かった。色付きのグラスは難しいね。
次回は透明のグラスで調整したいと思います。
必ずまた行きます！

First, I chose a glass and practiced the carving technique. After that, I selected a beginner-friendly design, sketched it out, and carved the glass. I couldn't carve as well as the sample, but I think I did quite well. Even if I made mistakes, I received advice, which allowed me to come up with my own solutions. Those who struggled with carving difficult lines had the staff help them with corrections.

The staff's explanations were easy to understand, and I was able to get started right away. There were also foreigners present, but the instructions were given in English, so anyone can participate.

This time, I used a clear glass included in the experience fee, but next time I would like to try a colored glass for an additional fee. Since the room isn't very spacious, it's better to wear a mask.

まずグラスを選び、削り方の練習をしました。その後初心者向けのデザインから選んで、下書きをしてグラスを削りました。見本のようには削れませんでしたが、結構うまくできたと思います。失敗してもアドバイスがもらえるので、自分なりに工夫してできました。難しい線を削るのに失敗した方は、スタッフの方に修正してもらってました。
スタッフの方の説明がわかりやすく、すぐできました。また、外国人もいましたが、英語で説明されていたので、どなたでも体験できます。
今回は体験料に含まれている無色透明のグラスでやりましたが、今度は有料の色付きグラスでやってみたいです。
部屋があまり広くないので、マスクは着用した方が良いです。

The meal was an ordinary catering service. The maiko, who said she had only been in the profession for five months, seemed to tremble in her fingertips and around her knees while dancing. I felt sorry for her. I think it would be better to include a note in the experience recruitment stating, "This will take place in a section of a building," as it would change the expectations of those who apply. After the event, when I chatted with other participants, it seemed they had a similar impression.

食事はありふれた仕出し。入ってまだ5ヶ月と言ってた舞妓さんは、踊りの時には指先や膝付近が震えていました。可哀想な気がしました。体験募集の中で、「ビルの一画で行ないます」と断り書きを入れた方が、応募してきた方の期待の持ち方が違うと思います。終了後に他の参加者と雑談を交わしたら、同じような印象を持たれたようでした。

Excellent staff who spoke good English. The craft itself is interesting and intricate, and I was told about the history of plastic food and the materials used alongside getting the hands-on experience crafting a very realistic Japanese curry. It's an offbeat activity all ages can enjoy, and something very unique to Japan. I found the price very affordable and would recommend anyone to go. 10/10.

I walked a lot, but it turned out to be a very fulfilling day. The guide's explanations were educational, and they lent me a parasol. The driver was also a warm person, and the staff from Nara Kotsu were excellent.

沢山歩きましたが、すごく充実した1日になりました。ガイドさんの解説は勉強になるし、日傘を貸して下さったり、運転手さんも温かい方で奈良交通のスタッフさん最高でした。

I was in the back seat, but I was very satisfied to be able to play with the maiko! I asked the staff to take a video of us while we were playing. I don't think there are many opportunities like this, so it was a very valuable experience. Thank you very much!

後ろの席でしたが舞妓さんとお座敷遊びできて大満足です！スタッフの方にお願いして、お座敷遊びしているところを動画を撮ってもらいました。こんな機会中々ないと思うので、とても貴重な体験をさせていただきました。本当にありがとうざいました！

The instruction was very easy to understand. Even when I made mistakes, the teacher covered for me, and I was able to produce a very good piece of work.

とてもわかりやすく教えてくださいました。ミスしても先生がカバーしてくださり、とてもよい作品が仕上がりました。

We used it for our marriage registration date and my husband's birthday, and it became a wonderful memory! I think the food that can be served on a boat is limited, but everything was delicious, and the view was amazing! I would love to use it again.

入籍日＆夫の誕生日に利用させて頂きましたが大変良い思い出になりました！
船上で出せる料理って限られると思うんですがどれも美味しかったですし景色も最高でした！
また利用させて頂きたいです。

I only learned of Edo Kiriko Art a few days before arriving in Japan. I was very excited to see a workshop to make your own glass.the workshop was in English and we were able to practice before making our own creations. They also have a little photo studio set up to take nice photos of your glass afterwards. Overall a very fun experience and have something unique to take home.

Since it was still early in the season and there were no autumn leaves yet, we were able to enjoy a nearly private experience on the houseboat on the river! Despite the early morning, a water convenience store came by, and since we hadn't prepared any food, we were able to enjoy a moment of luxury. The person who rowed the boat was also entertaining, and it felt like they were talking the whole time. It was an experience I would recommend to my friends.

時期的にまだ紅葉がなく、朝イチだったのもあり、川をほぼ貸し切りの状態で屋形船に乗れました！朝早かったにもかかわらず水上コンビニも来てくれて、食べ物をなにも用意してなかったのでひと時の贅沢な時間を過ごせました。
船を漕いでくれた方のトークもおもしろくずっと喋っていた気がします。友人に勧めたい体験でした。

I thought it would be nice to wear a yukata in a hot spring town, so I made a reservation since I could experience it here. The photos turned out great, and wearing a yukata really matched the atmosphere of Shuzenji, making it a wonderful memory!

The staff were very friendly and easy to talk to, and they helped me choose a yukata. Thank you very much. When I visit Shuzenji again, I would like to experience the dressing again.

浴衣で温泉街いいなぁ〜と思っていたら、
こちらで体験出来るということで予約しました。
写真も、浴衣なので修善寺の街にあってて、とても素敵な思い出になりました！

お店の方も、とても気さくで話しやすく浴衣選びなどを一緒に行っていただきました。
ありがとうございました。
修善寺に行った際には、また着付け体験したいと思います。

I had a very enjoyable two and a half hours at the tea house, eating delicious kaiseki cuisine while chatting with the maiko and watching a dance performance. I might have made the proprietress a bit flustered because I got so caught up in the fun conversation that I ate slowly. I'm not sure what the typical maiko experience at a regular tea house is like, but being told that it was a special opportunity to enjoy a maiko performance, which is something you usually wouldn't get to see in a lifetime, was a rare and valuable experience.

お茶屋さんて美味しい懐石料理をたべながら舞妓さんと色々とお話をして、舞を一曲見たとても楽しい2時間半でした。
楽しい話に気を取られて食べるのが遅くなりちょっと女将さんを慌てさせてしまったかもしれません。
普通のお茶屋での舞妓遊びはどういうものなのかは知らないですが一言さんお断りと言われ、通常では一生垣間見る事のない舞妓遊びがアクティビティとして堪能出来たのはまたとない貴重な体験でした。

I had a great time. I wondered how the locations for watching the maiko performances are decided. The two participants were closer, while those with three or four people were at the ends, which felt a bit awkward.

とても楽しかったです。舞妓さんの舞を観れる場所が、どうやって決まるのか❓と❓思いました。二人参加の方が近くて，3人4人の人達は、端の場所でしたので、少し違和感を感じました。

The teacher was very kind and taught us thoroughly. I participated with a friend. I had more fun than I imagined and was very satisfied. On the way back, we even talked about coming again together.

先生はとても丁寧に教えてくれました。友達と参加しました。想像以上に楽しめて満足でした。
帰りに友達とまた来ようねって話しまでしました。