All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

Initially, I had booked the Saturday show but it was unavailable. Veltra was able to let me know and gave me a couple of different options to choose from as an alternative. I was able to change my reservation to the Sunday lunch. I would recommend paying extra for the front row and for the lunch. The lunch was a nice selection of Kyoto cuisine. Also, if you get sake, the Maiko will serve it to you. The Maiko was lovely and charming. Her performances were breathtaking and she was very thorough with her answers to out questions. It was also fun playing games with her. I had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend it if you have a couple of hours to spare.

I participated alone.
It was great because I could get around efficiently!
I hardly remembered anything from when I saw it on a school trip long ago, but the guide's explanations and support were thorough, which made me feel at ease and enjoy myself.
Next time, I want to join with friends.

ひとりで参加しました。
効率よく回れてとても良かったです！
昔、修学旅行で見た記憶はほとんど無かったけど、ガイドさんの説明や対応が丁寧で安心して楽しめました。
次は友人と一緒に参加したいです。

I participated with my mother to celebrate her birthday. It was our first time, and I was worried about whether we could do it well, but the instructor was very kind, and both of us were able to create beautiful glasses. We could take the glasses home, and I think the price is very reasonable. It was a great experience.

母の誕生日お祝いに、母と2人で参加しました。初めてで、うまくできるか不安でしたが、インストラクターの先生がとても親切で、2人ともとても素敵なグラスを作成することができました。グラス、お持ち帰りができ、この価格はコスパ高いと思います。とても良かったです。

Everything went smoothly! Check-in process was efficient and we were warmly greeted and taken to out seats. Smooth sailing, great food and drinks, and very professional staff. I will go again with a bigger group of friends next time. It was awesome! Plus, it was my birthday and the group all sang to me. Thank you!

I participated alone. Everyone else was in pairs, making a total of four groups. The small number of participants allowed for thorough explanations. At the beginning, there was practice time to dig three stars, and then we used our favorite glass for the actual event. For the design, we chose our favorite from the samples on the table. It was difficult to replicate the samples perfectly, but the staff helped cover up any major mistakes. There is an additional charge for colored glasses.

一人で参加しました。私以外はペアで参加していて、全部で4組です。
少人数で説明も丁寧でした。初めに星を3つ掘る練習の時間があって、好きなグラスで本番です。デザインは机上のサンプルから好きなデザインを選びます。なかなか見本のようにできませんが、大きな修正はスタッフの方がごまかしてくれました。
色付きのグラスは追加料金が発生します。

The food was delicious, the ship was clean, and the staff's response was warm, which I thought was great. I requested a cruise for the day we arrived, but we couldn't make it due to traffic. I called several times, and while they provided guidance over the phone, the tone and attitude conveyed through their voice felt very intimidating. It was disappointing, as it felt like they were talking to a friend. Of course, it was our fault for not making it on time... Even though we were told to hurry through the traffic, we barely arrived on time, and when we got there, we were given a second opinion. We paid an additional fee and rescheduled for the next day. The experience was very satisfying, and we had a wonderful time. I would like them to provide larger notices regarding the meeting time. After 4 PM, the traffic becomes unmanageable, so I recommend acting early!

ご飯も美味しく、船内も綺麗で スタッフの方の対応も暖かく、よかったと思います。
到着したその日のクルーズをお願いしたのですが、渋滞で間に合いませんでした。 何度かお電話して頂き、電話での案内をしてくれたのですが、 言葉遣いや態度が声から伝わってきて、すごく怖かったです。 友達と話しているかのような対応で、残念でした。 もちろん時間に間に合わなかったのはこちらの原因ですが…
渋滞の中急げと言われても間に合わず、ギリギリ時間に着いたのですが、 着いた時にセカンドオピニオンを言われました。 プラス料金を払って 次の日にして頂きました。 内容は大満足。 とても楽しい時間を過ごせました。
もう少し大きく、集合時間についての案内を書いて欲しいです。16時を過ぎると渋滞で動かなくなるので、お早めの行動をおすすめします！

A privilege to watch such a beautiful traditional performance. We were given a warm welcome by English speaking hosts and had excellent seats.

The other customers were kind, and it was fun.

The weather was great, which was absolutely wonderful. If I have the opportunity again, I would love to participate through Beltora.

Thank you for your help.

他のお客様も親切で
楽しかったです

お天気が良かったのが、さいこうに良かったですね
また、機会がありましたら、ぜひベルトラさんを通して参加させてくださいね

お世話になりました

If you're going to Tokyo, I recommend trying something you've never done before, like a traditional yakatabune (houseboat). The delicious food and the fun guide, along with the boat staff, made the one-and-a-half-hour cruise fly by.

The view of the Tokyo Skytree from the boat was also great. I was able to take some fantastic photos.

Next time, I want to ride while enjoying the cherry blossoms or fireworks.

東京に行くなら、やった事ない事やってみようって事で、初屋形船です。
美味しいお料理と楽しいガイドさん?船のお姉さんと一緒のクルーズ一時間半あっという間でした。

船からのスカイツリーも良かったです。
写真もバッチリ撮れました。

今度は桜の季節か花火見ながら乗りたいな。

This was a lovely performance by the Gion Geiko and Maiko. Keep in mind this isn't a traditional performing art; in Japan Geisha usually "perform" in private settings for very wealthy individuals. You could book a geisha dinner for several hundred dollars per person, or you could go to one of these shows if you are lucky enough to be in town while one of these performances is going on and get a taste of Geisha art in a theater setting. It was a beautiful performance!

We welcomed customers from Taiwan and had a wonderful experience with Japanese culture. They were very pleased. Thank you very much.

台湾からのお客様をお迎えし楽しい日本文化体験が出来ました。大変喜ばれていました。ありがとうございました。

It started to rain partway through, but I was able to visit many temples. The temple tour was very fulfilling, and the guide's explanations were easy to understand, which was great.

途中から雨になりましたが、たくさんのお寺を巡る事が出来ました。盛りだくさんのお寺巡りで、また、ガイドさんの解説も分かりやすく、良かったです。

Even though I couldn't cut it neatly, the teacher skillfully supported us, and we were able to create a proper piece. The advice was kind and thorough, and they patiently worked with me, despite my clumsiness. My friends, who came from afar to participate, were also very satisfied, and we're all saying we want to do it again together.

きれいに切れなくても先生がうまくフォローしてくださりちゃんとした作品に出来上がりました。アドバイスも親切丁寧、不器用な私にも根気よく付き合ってくださいました。
遠方からわざわざ参加した友人達も大満足で、皆でまたやりたいね、と言っています。

Maiko is cute, and I was happy to have enough time to enjoy a fun time. It's not often that I get the chance to talk with Maiko, so I was really happy to do so while having a meal, especially since she poured me some drinks. However, I arrived more than 30 minutes early and waited outside, but since there was no line, I ended up getting the last seat in section A. I recommend that those who arrive early line up in front of the stairs.

マイコさんはかわいいし　時間も十分あって楽しい時を過ごす事が出来て幸せでした。
なかなか、マイコさんとお話しする機会もないですし、それを食事しながら　しかもお酒も注いでもらえてハッピーでした。
しかし、30分以上早く行って外で待っていたが並んでなかったためA席のラストでした。早く行った方は階段前で並ぶ事をオススメします。

This event was all in all a great insight in traditional Japanese Geiko and Maiko art. Singers, dancers and artists were awesome and let to some moments of getting goose pimples ;-)
Unfortunately the previous tea ceremony was a bit disappointing as the room was quite small and not everybody could observe the women preparing tea. Additionally you had to rush as the next group of people was already waiting outside.

What a nice experience in Tokyo. The hosts did not speak a lot of English, but this did not take away from the dinner at all. We felt welcome during the cruise, and all of the guests were friendly.

Easily exceeded our expectations!

The performance was very authentic and a wonderful experience. Exchanging Veltra voucher for tickets was incredibly easy. Highly recommend.

Very friendly and helpful instructors, easy to learn activity.
This was my first time and I loved it

I feel it goes without saying that this was a truly magical experience. I feel privileged to have been visiting Kyoto at the time of the Gion Odori and thank VELTRA for making the experience of organising tickets pain-free.

When in Kyoto, tourists walk the streets of Gion, in the hope of spotting Maiko and Geisha. Some will try and take photos inconspicuously of them as they walk by, while others will pay over $200 for a dinner in order to see a Maiko perform 1 dance. This experience which is only available each year for about 10 days in November, will give you everything you need when it comes to seeing true geisha. It’s affordable, you get to see many geisha and maiko and they perform 10 acts during the 1 hour show. You can even take a photo with 2 maiko for a small donation.
There is also a tea ceremony you can be apart of if you turn up at 1pm. It’s a rush job and really confusing because of the language barrier, but basically you sit down, put the pink ticket on the table in front of you and they give you something to eat (little glutenous bun with red bean paste inside) and some matcha tea. You also get to keep the little pink plate the treat is served on. According to the kids (who were trying to be funny), you get to keep the plate because it saves on washing. It was a bit of a production line so we just folded up our treat to go, sipped our tea quickly and left to make room for the next groups of people waiting.
Thanks to Veltra, getting our tickets was super easy and our 7 seats were in the front row. Initially we were worried we might be too close but the seats were great.

My friends from abroad and their fiancé came to Japan, and since they had just gotten engaged, I thought it would be a nice memory to gift them this plan. The staff at the store spoke English, so there was no need for interpretation each time, and the location was convenient, being close to Senso-ji Temple. Both of them were able to wear a kimono for the first time, and they said it was a wonderful experience and a great memory. I believe it would also be a good memory for Japanese people, but this time I felt I was able to provide a wonderful hospitality, and I'm glad I chose this option.

外国から友人とそのフィアンセが来日し、婚約したばかりだったので、その記念にと思い、このプランをプレゼントしました。お店の方々は英語もできたのでその都度通訳をする必要も無く、またお店の位置も雷門から近く便利でした。二人とも初めて着物を着ることができ、すごく良い経験、そして良い記念になったと言って喜んでいました。日本人でも良い思い出になるかと思いますが、今回は素敵なおもてなしができ、選んで良かったなと思いました。

Nos encantó esta actividad aprendimos mucho sobre la
Cultura Japonesa, las personas muy amables y respondieron a todas nuestras preguntas. Aprendimos cómo preparar el famoso té japonés, sobre caligrafía japonesa, disfrutamos de un lindo baile con una bailarina profesional, nos vestimos todos con kimonos y nos enseñaron origami! Muy divertido se los recomiendo

I was very happy to find a facility where I could interact closely with maiko, who usually feel like they belong to a distant world. I believe it's because of the moderate number of participants. The flow of activities, including food, dance, talk (Q&A time), games, and photos, kept everyone engaged. Most of the guests were foreigners, but I think anyone, regardless of age, who has even a slight interest in maiko would be satisfied.

普段遠い世界の舞妓さんと、このような形で身近に触れ合える施設があるのはとても嬉しく感じました。程良い人数の参加者だからこそではないでしょうか。
料理、踊り、トーク(質問タイム)、遊び、写真が飽きない流れで展開し、ほとんどの客は外国人でしたが、舞妓さんにちょっとだけ興味のある人なら年齢問わず誰でも満足出来るのではと思います。

Seeing a maiko dance live was always one of my lifehood dreams. This dream came true that night with a magnificent performance! Accompanied by a traditional Japanese dinner of high quality, it was a pleasure having been able to attend this evening. The garden walk and the mountain view were stunning as well!

The geisha was so amateur, she was shaking while dancing. Nobody explained the way we should eat the traditional food.
On the way back, the tour leader was just speaking Japanese and didn’t care about foreigners attendants. She was speaking Japanese all the way back, and sometimes they were laughing or clapping and we as foreigners just waiting for some explanations but nothing.
In my idea it was a dishonor to non-Japanese guest. The tour provider company should provide the same Facilities for all guests. In General it was an expensive activity with poor facilities!

Choosing the bus tour was definitely the right decision. It covered attractions that are far from the center of Nara, and the guide was organized and thorough, providing satisfaction beyond the cost. The beautiful Buddha statues and treasures were explained using photo materials on the bus beforehand, making it easier to understand and leaving a lasting impression. The guide's personality was also great—refreshing and friendly. They even helped us get goshuin (temple stamps) and took commemorative photos with my companions, providing excellent service. I have participated in various bus tours before, but if you're sightseeing in Nara, I highly recommend this tour. Meals are available for an additional fee (around 1000 yen) if requested in advance. There were a few places to eat during lunch time. The walking distance is quite considerable, and the schedule is tight, so it might be tough for those with mobility issues or lacking physical stamina to handle a full-day tour.

バスツアーにして大正解でした。奈良の中心部から離れている見所を網羅して、計画的、かつ丁寧にガイドしてくださり、金額以上の満足感です。美しい仏像や宝物について、事前にバス中で写真付の資料を使って解説されていたので、より分かりやすく印象に残りました。ガイドさんの人柄も良く、さわやかで気さく。御朱印もかわりにもらっていただけたり、連れとの記念写真を取ってくださったりと、至れり尽くせり。これまで、色々なバスツアーに参加してきましたが、奈良で観光するならこのツアーはおすすめです。食事は別料金（1000円位）で事前にお願い出来ます。昼食時間に各自で食べるお店は多少ありました。歩く距離はさすがに結構ありますし、スケジュールがタイトなので、足の悪い方や体力に自信のない方は１日ツアーは辛いかも。

I made a reservation for dinner on the last day of a 3-night, 4-day trip with my mother and daughter. It was raining on and off that day, so I had given up on seeing the sunset, but I was able to catch glimpses of it through the clouds a couple of times, which was nice.

For the meal, we chose the best steak course, but honestly, it was just "average," and I was a bit disappointed. Also, many of the servers were foreigners, and while they were very dedicated in their service, there was one person with a strong perfume. I think it would be better if they were educated to tone it down in dining situations, even though it might be common in their culture.

母・娘で3泊4日の旅の最終日のディナーで予約しました。
当日は雨が降ったり止んだりだったのでサンセットはあきらめていましたが、2.3度雲の隙間から見ることが出来たので良かったです。
お食事は一番良いステーキのコースにしましたが、正直「普通」で少しがっかり。あと、サーブしてくれるのが外国の方が多かったのですが、サービス自体は一生懸命されていて良かったけれど、香水がキツイ方がいて、（外国では当たり前なのかもしれませんが）食事の場では控える様に教育された方がいいのではと思いました。

There is a little time for practice. However, if you extend the practice time, the actual performance will just be shorter.

During practice,
- Aim to create a straight and deep line.
- Without fear, slowly and firmly press the rotary file against the glass.
- Ensure the grooves are beautifully shaped like a V.

Once you grasp these tips, it's better to quickly move on to the actual draft and carving. If the V-shaped grooves are not deeply carved, they won't cast shadows, resulting in a flat finish that lacks the beauty of Edo Kiriko.

Although I booked this tour to earn points, I was able to take home a finished product that I can use, making it a fun experience that was worth more than the price. If I make it again, I’m sure I can do it even better... I think...

練習時間は少しあります。ただ、練習時間を延ばすと本番が短くなるだけです。
練習では、
・まっすぐに深めの線を作る。
・怖がらずにゆっくり強めに回転ヤスリをグラスに押し当てる。
・溝がキレイなV字型に。
なるように心がけて、少しコツを掴んだらすぐに本番の下書きと削りに入った方がよいです。
溝のV字型が深く彫れていないと、影ができずにのっぺりとした仕上がりになり江戸切子の美しさが出ません。
ポイント消化のためと予約したツアーでしたが、成果品も持ち帰れて使っていけますし、お値段以上の楽しいツアーでした。
もう一度作ればきっともっと上手にできる…と…思います…。

On the last night of our 3-night, 4-day trip, we made a schedule. The best part was the wonderful weather, and we were able to see a stunning sunset, which made for a truly amazing time. There was also a fun guitar performance concert, and the food was delicious, creating a lively atmosphere. Among the people on the boat, there was a child celebrating their birthday, and I believe it became a memorable birthday for them as we all celebrated together. I thought it would also be great for anniversary events.

3泊4日の最後の夜にスケジュールを組みました。
お天気に恵まれたことが一番大きかったですが、みごとに夕日を見ることができ、本当に素晴らしい時間でした。
ギター弾き語りのコンサートもあって楽しく、お料理もおいしく、盛り上がりました。
同船している人の中に、子供が誕生日の方がいたのですが、みんなでお祝いしながら、きっとその子にとっては思い出に残る誕生日になったと思います。
記念日のイベントにもとてもいいかと思いました。

When I visited Nara for the first time, I wanted to see everything, but it's not easy to tour efficiently on your own. I participated on a hot day, and traveling by bus was fantastic. Especially, enjoying matcha while looking at the beautiful garden at Jiko-in brought me peace of mind. I would love to join again in a different season if I have the chance.

初めて奈良に行きあれもこれも見たいと思っても個人では効率よく観光はできません。暑い日に参加しましたがバスでの移動は最高でした。特に慈光院での綺麗なお庭を眺めながらの抹茶をのみ、心が落ち着きました。また、きかいがあったら違う季節に参加したいと思います。