All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

We enjoyed the show and the experience. But being winter, we didnt quite enjoy the meal preared because it was 80% cold.

It was my first time to visit japan and ride the cruise for dinner. The staffs are fun, friendly, entertain and international. Don't be afraid if you cannot speak japanese coz they can speak english. The food are really good and delicious.

I had visited Nara for school trips and the Shosoin Exhibition, but in recent years, thanks to a friend living in Nara, I started participating in various events and exploring historical sites, which made me more captivated by Nara's charm.

Since I had been learning tea ceremony, I wanted to experience the grand tea ceremony at Daidaiji, but I hadn't had the opportunity until last year when I visited the temple.

This time, I received an invitation to the "Nara Delicious Winter Tour," and I participated with my daughter. We listened to a monk's easy-to-understand talk about Nara's history, the prestigious Daidaiji, and the secret Buddha Aizen Myo-o, and it was a meaningful and enjoyable time as we also got to experience the grand tea ceremony. My friend arranged for my daughter to join, and I was pleasantly surprised to see her so moved by the experience.

Thank you very much.

　奈良には修学旅行や正倉院展には出かけていましたが、近年奈良在住のお友達のお陰で名所旧跡めぐりや色々な行事に参加するようになり、奈良の魅力に惹かれるようになりました。
　お茶を習っていたので、西大寺の大茶盛りを体験したいと思いますがなかなか機会がなく、昨年お寺だけでもと訪れました。
　今回「奈良うまし冬めぐり」のお話を頂き、娘と参加させて頂きました。僧侶の奈良の歴史、由緒ある西大寺、秘仏愛染明王の分かりやすいお話を拝聴し、また大茶盛りの体験ができて有意義で楽しいひと時でした。友人の計らいで娘を同行しましたが意外と感動していて嬉しく思いました。
　ありがとうございました。

Plenty of beautiful kimonos to choose. Lady-in-charged is nice and friendly. Highly recommended.

I usually just pass by Nishi Daiji Station, but I finally had the opportunity to visit for the first time. The head priest's talk was very easy to understand, and I learned a lot about the long history of Nishi Daiji, from its prosperity during the Heijokyo period to its decline and then revival. While waiting to receive my goshuin, I was also taught about the history, such as why the capital was moved to Heian. The other event, the Ochasori, featured a large tea bowl as I imagined, and it was tricky to drink from, but naturally, the person next to me helped out, creating a pleasant atmosphere that made it enjoyable. The utensils were also large! (I apologize for the unclear size in the photo.)

西大寺は駅をいつも通るだけで、この機会にと初めて行かせていただきました。ご住職のお話は、とてもわかりやすく、平城京での繁栄から衰退、それから再興と長い歴史の中で今の西大寺があることがよくわかりました。御朱印をいただくのを待っている時も、なぜ平安遷都が起きたなどの歴史について教えていただきました。もう一つのイベントである大茶盛は、想像通り大きなお茶碗で、飲む加減が難しかったのですが、自然と隣の方が手伝ってくれたり、和やかな雰囲気で楽しかったです。皆具も大きい！（大きさがわかりづらい写真ですみません）

The sunset, no matter how many times I see it, excites me! The view from the boat is something special. Perhaps because it's close to Naha Airport, planes also fly across the sunset, which is romantic. Mr. Matsumoto's singing inside the boat, mixed with Okinawan songs, is wonderful. The staff were also friendly and made it enjoyable, so I never got bored. If you're wondering where to have dinner in Okinawa, I definitely recommend this cruise. I'll participate again!

サンセット、何度みても男なにんに興奮！！
船からみる光景は一味違います。
那覇空港に近いせいか飛行機もサンセットを横切り飛んでてロマンチックです。
船内のマツモトさんの歌声も沖縄の歌をとりまぜ素晴らしいです。
スタッフの皆様も気軽に声をかけてくれ退屈しず楽しかったです。
沖縄で夕食をどこで食べようか悩んでたら是非このクルーズをお勧めします。
また参加しますね。

I made a reservation for a special experience because my mother and grandmother were visiting my daughter (me) for the first time from Kyushu.

I hadn't told my grandmother where we were going, so when we arrived at the studio, she almost tried to run away, and I apologize for the trouble. However, the staff kindly helped her change while complimenting her, and she was able to change clothes safely.

The four of us, three generations plus the main character, got to wear kimonos, and we also requested the optional photography on-site (4,000 yen for one photo per group).

Since it's not often that people in their 60s and 90s wear bright patterns, it seemed to be a refreshing experience for them, and both were very happy, looking at the photos at home.

When we come to Tokyo again, we would love to visit again. Thank you for your kindness!

九州から娘（私）の元に母と祖母が初めて遊びに来るということで特別な体験をと思い予約しました。

祖母へはどこに連れて来られるかも告げていなかったのでスタジオについたときは最初逃げ出しそうになりご迷惑おかけしましたが、スタッフの皆様が褒めながら着せてくださり無事に着替えることができました。

3世代＋主人公の4人で着物を着せてもらい、オプションの撮影も現地でお願いしました★
(＋4000円で1枚/1グループ）

なかなか60代90代になると明るい柄を着ることもないので新鮮だったようで2人ともとても喜んでおり家でもずっと写真を眺めています。

また東京に来る際は是非宜しくお願いします。
親切にしていただきありがとうございました！

On January 2nd, my family of four participated in an experience. Due to the New Year holidays, we were informed in advance that host families could not be found, so the event was held at "Hatoba Station" in Motobu. The content was also irregular. The sanshin class was taught by the president of the local tourism association. We arrived early and were first given a tour of the town center of Motobu and had the chance to scoop up the local fish, gurukun, with a net. For lunch, we enjoyed the live gurukun sashimi, butter-grilled gurukun, and fish soup. The conversation with the sanshin instructor was very enjoyable, and we had a truly meaningful time. Although I have visited Okinawa many times, this was the first time I had such a long conversation with local people, and it was very healing. I would like to participate in this program again during my next visit to Okinawa. I also want to use the "Uminomai" menu from the "Umi Seikatsu" program that helped us this time. Thank you very much.

１月２日に家族４人で体験してきました。正月休みのため、受け入れ家庭が見つからないとのことで、本部町にある’波止場の駅’内での開催となり、内容もイレギュラーになると事前に連絡があった上で参加しました。三線教室については地元の観光協会の会長さんに指導していただきました。早めに到着しましたが、最初に本部町の中心街の町案内をしていただいたり、生簀のグルクンをタモですくったりしました。昼食はそのグルクンの活造り、バター焼き、あら汁を出していただきました。三線講師のかたとのゆんたくもとても楽しく、とても有意義な時間を過ごせました。何度も沖縄は来ていますが、初めてと思うくらい地元の方と長時間話をさせていただき、とても癒されました。次回来沖時は本プログラムのほうでも参加したいと思います。また、今回お世話になった【海生活】の海人メニューも利用したいと思います。ありがとうございました。

My wife and I did this experience together. The dressing studio is small and bustling, and being able to experience the art of formal kimono dressing was something we will never forget. Although we were the only foreigners there, suggesting this place does a robust local business, the English-speaking assistant was very accommodating. We were given a variety of beautiful kimonos to choose from, and ended up adding on a photo shoot package at the last minute, which they were great about. I have already recommended this experience to a friend who is traveling to Tokyo in a couple weeks.

I was nervous during the experience, but they taught me carefully, and I was able to create my own Edo Kiriko. I felt like the teacher's words were a bit cold, though.

体験で緊張しましたが、丁寧に教えてくださり自分の江戸切り子ができました。ちょっと先生の言葉が冷たいような気がしましたが。

I had a relaxing bus trip. The guide was very kind, and I highly recommend this bus tour. A good tour leaves a positive impression of the region, which is important.

ゆったりとバス旅行が出来ました。ガイドさんもすごくご親切で、とてもお勧めのバス旅行です。ツアーが良いとその県の印象まで良いものとして残るので大事ですね。

We made ramen and it was a lot of fun. Our instructor was very friendly and conversational, spoke good English too. We learned a lot and wowed a lot of friends back at home.

I participated three times and encountered the sunset twice. Is it a privilege of attending alone? I was able to enjoy my meal at a two-person table by the window and had a beautiful view. The staff on board were also very approachable, which made any worries disappear. Matsumoto's singing and performance were amazing!!! It's a shame that I couldn't fully immerse myself in the music because of the meal! I bought the CD without hesitation. Every time I listen to the CD, I think of the sunset in Okinawa, the Moby ship, the staff, and Matsumoto. Next time I participate, I will bring my wife along to share the experience together!

3回参加し２回サンセットに遭遇しました。
ひとり参加の特権？窓際のふたり掛けテーブルで食事が出来きれいに見ることが出来ました。
船内のスタッフの皆様も気軽に声を掛けて下さるので不安なんて吹っ飛んじゃいました。
マツモトさんの歌、演奏最高！！！食事さえなければじっくり聴き入ることが出来るのに残念！
迷わずＣＤ買いました。
ＣＤを聴くたびに沖縄のサンセット、モビー号、スタッフの皆様、マツモトさんを思い浮かべます。
今度参加する時は妻も参加させ一緒に感動します！

I was nervous, but thanks to the cool teacher, we all had a fun experience together. There were moments of hesitation that led to mistakes, and indeed, there were many failures, but that was also a great part of the experience! Thank you very much.

緊張もしましたが、クールな先生のおかげでみんなで楽しく体験ができました。
一瞬の気の迷いで失敗をしてしまうという緊張もありました。実際失敗もたくさんありましたが、それも体験のいいところでしたｗ
ありがとうございました。

We booked the evening not being so sure of what would be the evening since i think the description of the product is not good, you cannot be sure if it a party or dinner.
We spent a wonderful evening with our Maiko in a tea house which in Japan means a private club house.
Dinner was the high Kaseiki Kyoto cuisine, sake was pouring freely.
Our Maiko was delightful, she entertained us and was cute, funny and her dancing was exquisite.
I booked the translation services in order for us to fully appreciate the evening and it was worth every penny, since we could communicate with our Maiko and Peter was very knowledgeable of the Japanese culture.
Great value for money evening, away from the crowed evenings.

海外から来た親戚連れてきました, サンプル作り教えてくれる方々がとても優しかったです, 言葉の壁があっても一生懸命に教えてくれました とても楽しかった また行きます

I brought my family to Asakusa, solely to participate in this activity. At first, they were very apphrehensive, but after donning the kimonos with the help and reassurances of the staff, my parents enjoyed this as much as I, a young adult, did!
If you're looking for a fun family activity, or an activity that allows you to dress up and admire the beauty of Japan's reach history, then this is the one for you! The staff are super duper helpful, and assisted us in finding the best places to photograph our outing! The staff also pointed us to Kaminarimon, a Japanese gate whose shopping street leads you directly to Senso-ji, Asakusa's most famous temple!
My only regret is that the selection of kimonos mostly consists of flower themed fabric; there were little to none featuring animals such as skylarks, koi, or even just trees and branches. But other than that, this experience was well worth it!

Una actuación que recomendaría no perderse a cualquiera que visite Kyoto. Son bailes tradicionales japoneses y es posible que no a todo el mundo le guste pero creo que es algo que hay que conocer. La reserva de los asientos estuvo bien, lo malo que no puedes elegir asiento.

It was my first experience, but the staff were kind, polite, and provided accurate advice, so it was very good. Every time I see the glass, it makes me happy, and I will handle it carefully to avoid breaking it.

初体験でしたがスタッフの方が優しく、丁寧、的確にアドバイスしてもらえたので
とても良かったです。
グラスを見るたびに嬉しくなり、割らないように大切に扱います。

This is traditional japanese thing you definitely want to see.
I personally love it.
You can watch it only here and only 10 days in a year, SO JUST DO IT.
On the other hand, tea ceremony is not the thing you want spend money on. It's not even ceremony: you just get matcha tea and small sweets.

The opportunity to see the Gion Odori was such a lovely and unique pleasure. The dance was beautiful, and the costumes and sets were spectacular. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to see into the traditional and exquisite world of Geiko and Maiko.

We enjoyed every moment of this tour. It was well organized. The Kaiseki dinner was delicious. It gave us a taste of various kinds of Japanese traditional food. The Maiko dance was beautiful and captivating. After the dance, we had a short stroll at the very beautiful Japanese garden which was very enjoyable! The last brief stop of the tour was going to the top of a mountain to see the night view of Kyoto which ended the evening perfectly. We just found we hadn't had enough of all of it!

It's great that Veltra offered this service which allowed me to buy the ticket in advance. The tickets of this performance were actually only sold at the theater
As I bought it in advance via Veltra, I just collected my ticket at the entrance without worrying about the queue and out of tickets. The show was actually full house when I arrived there! So I highly recommended to buy ticket online in advance.
Before the show, there was a brief tea session in a big room with Maiko performing tea ceremony. The dance performance was like going back in time and totally immersed into Japanese culture!

I had only been there once during high school, so I went in almost as a first-timer. I was worried about whether I would understand, but thanks to the explanation provided by the modernized stage arrangement before it started, I was able to enjoy it very much. I want to go again!

高校生の頃に行ったことがあるだけだったので、ほぼ初めての状態で行きました。
理解ができるか不安でしたが、始まる前に、現代的にアレンジした舞台による解説のおかげでとても楽しむことができました。また行きたいと思います！

The show was perfect, but my seat had a partial view of it! I was disappointed because I paid the same amount as other people but couldn't enjoy 100% of the show.

This is the meaning of it all, this is what the Geiko & Maiko are trained for. And this might be one of the very few opportunities that a tourist can see a Geiko perform. Not to be missed if you are in Kyoto during this period.

We had no idea what to expect for this experience but we were pleasantly surprised. We each made a plastic parfait and it was so much fun. Our teacher was super friendly and encouraging, and he spoke English well. It's a little bit out of the way from the centre of Tokyo, but worth the trip. Definitely give this a go if you have some spare time and want something unique.

It was a really good experience, definitely worth doing. We had really good seats right at the front, and thoroughly enjoyed each performance. One of the highlights whilst staying in Kyoto.

Beautiful show of gheishas dancing singing and displaying beautiful kimonos and other costumes

We went to the tea ceremony and geisha performance in Kyoto and thought both weee wonderful. The geisha doing the tea was stunningly graceful- beautiful to watch. Re the performance, the Kabuki in Tokyo had finished the October sessions and the place in Kyoto was still not open after renovations but this performance was fabulous alternative. Beautiful costumes, live musicians, well designed sets etc made for a dramatic performance- not just beautiful girls moving around to recorded music.