All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

I was invited by an acquaintance and went to the Kyogen Lounge. At first, I wondered, "Kyogen?" but I was surprised after actually experiencing it! While preserving the beauty of Japan's traditional culture, it was structured in a way that was easy to understand and adapted to modern times.

The atmosphere before the show was different, and I enjoyed drinks elegantly among industry-like people. Once it started, there were plenty of engaging elements to entertain the audience right from the opening remarks! Even though I couldn't understand the words being said, I was moved by how the story was conveyed, and I was able to enjoy it until the end.

Afterward, I participated in a backstage tour, which was a fantastic experience as I got to peek into areas like the backstage and dressing rooms that are usually not visible. The location is also easy to access, so I would love to go again if I have the chance.

知り合いに誘われたのをきっかけに、狂言ラウンジへ行って来ました。
狂言？と最初は思ってましたが、実際に体験してみてビックリ！日本の伝統文化の良さを残しながらも、分かりやすいように現代に合わせた構成にされていました。

開始前のラウンジの雰囲気から違い、業界っぽい人達の中で上品にお酒を楽しめ、開始後は前説から観客を楽しませる仕掛けが盛り沢山！実際に言っている言葉は分からなくても、ストーリーが分かるようになっているのに感動し、最後まで楽しんで見ることが出来ました。

終わった後はバックヤードツアーに参加しましたが、普段では見られない舞台裏や楽屋まで覗けたのは非常に良い経験でした。場所も行きやすいところにあるので、機会があればまた行ってみたいと思います。

It might be rude to the performers, but the understanding rate of the lines in the 2015 King of Conte is about 50%, since it's using old language, haha! Also, I can drink alcohol!

演者には失礼かもしらへんけど、2015年キングオブコント！セリフ理解率は5割かな、古い言葉やしw！あとお酒飲めます！

A German and a Swiss couple who are friends of mine are coming to Tokyo, and I thought a typical bus tour would be boring, so I arranged this kimono experience through an online search. I kept it a secret from my friends until we entered the shop, which made it a surprise, and they were super excited as soon as we walked in. The staff were very proficient in English and Korean, and they were efficient and kind, helping with the kimono dressing and styling the women's hair, which made my friends very happy. After getting dressed in the kimono, we quickly headed to Senso-ji and Nakamise, where we were approached by various other foreign and Japanese tourists, making us feel like little stars, which brought even more joy. We took lots of commemorative photos with Senso-ji in the background, and my friends said it became an unforgettable memory. This is definitely the best "omotenashi" for guiding friends from abroad in Tokyo, and I highly recommend Sakura Photo Studio.

友人のドイツ人とスイス人のカップルが東京に来るというので、月並みなはとバスツアーなどの観光ではつまらないと思い、ネット検索でこの着物体験をアレンジ。
友人たちには、お店に入るまで内緒にしていたので、サプライズサプライズとなり、お店に入った途端に超興奮。
お店の方が英語、韓国語など、外国語がすごく堪能で、手際もよく、親切に着物のきつけ、女性の髪形のセットもしてくださり、友人たちは大喜び。着物の着付けが終わって、早速、浅草寺、仲見世に繰り出したところ、いろんな他の外国人や日本人の観光客の人達に声をかけられ、ちょっとしたスター気分に、またまた、おお喜び。
浅草寺をバックにたくさんの記念写真をとって、「忘れられない思い出になった」と友人たちはとても喜んでくれました。
外国からの友人を東京案内するには、最高の「おもてなし」になること間違いなし、おすすめのサクラフォトスタジオです。

We decided spontaneously to join a boat trip, and we didn't regret it at all. The atmosphere was extremely friendly, the staff was kind and very attentive.
It is worth to try the trip even with kids, as we did with 7 and 10 years old.
We had lots of fun on the boat, even though we were the only foreigners there and we didn't really understand all the food and cultural presentation that was provided for the guests.

I have traveled to Okinawa many times, but this was my first experience with a sunset cruise. I found it online and was determined to try it, so I finally achieved my wish. The shuttle service was reassuring. I chose the most affordable meal course, and I was completely full. Not only did we see the sunset, but we also saw the moon. When I informed them in advance about my birthday during the shamisen live performance, they surprised me with a birthday song, a drink with fireworks, and a photo gift. Thank you very much! I highly recommend this for anyone celebrating a birthday. Thank you for a wonderful time. I returned home safely today. P.S. After the typhoon, the moon was sometimes visible and sometimes not, but it was the day after the supermoon.

沖縄旅行は何度も経験していましたが、サンセットクルーズは初体験で、ネットで見つけて是非乗ってみたいと思い念願達成しました。送迎もついてて安心。食事は一番お値打ちなコースを選びましたがお腹も満腹で夕日だけでなくお月様も見え、船内での三味線ライブのときにバースデイのことを事前に伝えたらお祝いソングと花火のついたドリンクと写真をプレゼントいただきありがとうございました。　バースディのかたには是非オススメしたいです。楽しいひと時をありがとうございました。今日無事に我が家に帰宅しました。追伸、、、台風の後で月が見えたり見えなかったりでしたが、スーパームーンの翌日です。

I am a 26-year-old company employee.
I experienced kyogen for the first time at the Kyogen Lounge.
It was a lot of fun and very different from the stiff image I had!
The traditional arts, crafts, music, and food all reflect a spirit of hospitality in every detail, creating a chic and sophisticated atmosphere that can be enjoyed casually. Additionally, the kindness in explaining enjoyable ways to appreciate it and the history, even for beginners, was impressive. I am very satisfied!
I would like to visit again next time!

２６歳会社員です。
狂言ラウンジで初めて、狂言に触れました。
堅苦しいイメージとは違い、大笑いしました！
伝統芸能、伝統工芸、音楽、食など細部までおもてなしの心が込められていて、粋で色気のある大人の空間をカジュアルに体験できる空間。また初心者でもわかる楽しみ方や歴史についても解説してくれる親切さ。大満足です！
次回も足を運びたいと思います！

It wasn't the sunset in Okinawa that I expected for the sunset cruise! I chose the Cattleya course, but the steak wasn't good. However, it was nice to have a place to go outside during the cruise, to celebrate everyone's birthday warmly, and the live performance by the musicians was great!

サンセットクルーズなのに期待通りの沖縄の夕日では、ありませんでした！
カトレアコースにしましたが、ステーキが美味しくなかったです。
クルーズ中外に出れる所、誕生日を皆んなで温かくお祝いする所、ミュージシャンの生演奏が良かったです！

Wowowoow.. It was an amazing experience. We are late cause we got lost but when we got there they were super friendly. it was the highlight of our trip! We love every bit of it.

I loved this experience!!!!!!!
We learned how to put on the Yukata (It is not easy) and make green tea (Delicious).

Teachers are very friendly and explain you everything you want to know.

It was rewarding having known this important aspect of the Japanese culture.

You can not leave Japan without this experience!!
I recommend it to 100%.

The weather was unstable with many clouds and occasional rain. There wasn't much wind, so I don't think the boat rocked too much. I wasn't disappointed with the food since I had read the reviews, but it was still a bit disappointing. The service for the food was slow, and I wondered if they were trying to fill us up with the buffet's salad, soup, and French fries. The children's lunch wasn't warm, and the fried chicken was very hard, so I think more than half was left uneaten. There was someone singing and celebrating, which created a very nice atmosphere. There were many families and children, so it felt quite noisy, and I don't think it's suitable for those who want to enjoy a quiet and intimate dinner. Unfortunately, we couldn't see the sunset, but that's just how the weather is.

雲が多く、雨がパラついたりと、不安定な天候でした。
風はあまり無く、船はそんなに揺れなかったと思います。
料理はレビューを読んでいたので、がっかりはしませんでしたが、残念な感じです。
料理のサーブが遅く、ビュッフェのサラダとスープ、フライドポテトでお腹を満たさせようとしているのかと思いました。
子供用のお子様ランチは暖かくないし、唐揚げなどがとても硬く、半分以上残していたと思います。
歌を歌ってくれる人がいて、お祝いしてくれたり、雰囲気はとても良かったです。
家族連れや子供も多く、ガヤガヤとうるさい感じなので、静かにしっとりとディナーを食べたい方には向いていないと思います。
肝心の夕焼けは見れずしまいでした。
こればかりは天候次第なので仕方ないですね。

I heard from an acquaintance that there was a new style of kyogen, so I decided to check it out. For me, the image of Noh and kyogen has always felt heavy, which made it hard for me to attend, but this time it pleasantly exceeded my expectations.

First, I checked in and chose a complimentary drink (I went for wine) in the lounge. While enjoying some delicious food (which was paid), I soaked in the atmosphere standing up.

What surprised me here was... the customers were just so stylish. I thought most attendees would be in their 50s and 60s since it was kyogen, but there were actually quite a few fashionable and wonderful people in their 20s to 40s. Even the older attendees were all charming in their own way.

Then we entered the Noh theater. The opening act featured actors who energized the atmosphere, and they humorously and clearly explained and performed "kyogen," interacting with Motoharu Okura. I was able to hear some trivia as well. The performance length was just right—not too short and not too long.

I am truly grateful that the Okura school, which uniquely conveys the essence of sarugaku, has created such an innovative and casual production. I would like to invite another friend to join me next time.

知人に新しいスタイルの狂言があると聞き、足を運んできました。
私にとって能や狂言のイメージは重く足を運べなかったのですが、今回良い意味で期待を裏切ってくれました。

まずは受付し、ラウンジで一杯の無料ドリンク(私はワイン)をチョイス。
美味しそうな料理(これは有料)を摘んだりしながら、スタンディングで雰囲気を楽しみます。

ここで驚いたのが、、、とにかくお客さんがイケてるのです。
狂言だから50代60代の方がほとんどかと思ってたのですが
20代~40代のオシャレで素敵な雰囲気の方々がかなり多い印象です。
年配の方でもどことなく素敵な方々ばかり。

そして能楽堂内へ。
前座では役者が場を盛り上げ、大藏基誠氏とも絡みながら「狂言」を面白おかしく、
そして解りやすく説明し、演出してくれます。
いくつかのトリビアも聞くことが出来ました。
公演の時間も短すぎず長すぎず調度よい感じです。

猿楽本流の狂言を唯一伝える大藏流が、
こんなに斬新でフランクな演出を創造してくれたことに本当に感謝です。
次回は別の友人を誘って参加してみたいと思います。

This cruise really made our trip! The food was excellent, the service was phenomenal, and we even got personal attention by an English-speaking guide (as we were the only English-speaking on the boat). We saw so many great sights and had so many awesome photo opportunities.

You are seated at your own individual table and it is a very nice "date-night" setting. The group all together was in great cheer and intermingled between meals and during the rooftop sightseeing.

The weather was fair and it rained a little but this did not affect the spirits of the crew, the passengers, or any of the amazing sights we saw!

This boat ride is a MUST for your next trip to Tokyo!!!

I participated alone the other day. I was able to learn deeply about the townhouses, history, and traditional Japanese events. Foreign tourists were also experiencing the tea room, which was very interesting. When I suddenly requested matcha, they kindly provided it. The traditional bento was truly beautiful in appearance and taste, and I became hooked on the white miso soup. Thank you very much!

先日1人で参加しました。町家の案内、歴史や日本の伝統行事の説明など、とても深く知ることができました。外国人観光客の方々が、お茶室体験もされていて、とても興味深く、私も急きょ抹茶をおねがいしたら、快く提供して頂きました。伝統弁当が本当に見た目も味も美しく、白味噌のお味噌汁にはまりました。ありがとうございました！

I am very impressed with service and Kimono dressed up experience in Asakusa last year so this year I returning with my two brothers. Both of them get an attention from tourist some tourist asked them if they can take their photos. I wear my own Yukata this year but the service my brother received was great with professional and attention. They dressed up in about 15 minutes after chosen the Kimono. I would recommended Kimonos dressed up experience if anyone plan to come to Asakusa.

This night went beyond our expectations. We had a great time with all the people on board,who were mainly Japanese. The MC/hostess was bilingual and such a lovely woman,friendly and hard-working. Entertainment was a bonus and the food was really fresh and authentic. It was a perfect evening for us and we were expecting a mediocre night because of the rain. Luckily it stopped just as we got into Odaiba and we could take in the amazing view. I can`t believe I haven`t done this before. Highly recommended and worth the cost.

Shozan Garden is on beautiful grounds. Kaiseki was interesting. Maiko danced during our dinner. Good first hand experience with Maiko.

It might be good if you're looking to enjoy the atmosphere, but the food wasn't as good as I had hoped. The staff quickly came to clear away empty plates, which gave me the impression of being rushed.

雰囲気を味わうなら良いかもしれませんが、料理は期待したほどではなかった。スタッフの人達が空いたお皿をすぐに下げに来て、急かされるような印象を受けました。

We're very glad to make food sample here. It's quite special to experience Janpanese culture like this. And we all love it.

Absolutely the best Yakatabune experience! The crew and staff from Harumiya were top notch. Harumiya staff was personable and very professional. The dinner, entertainment, sights, tour and especially the Hostess were the best. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND Harumiya!!!

It was expectacular , love it !! Thanks you guys you were asome!

Making lettuce and shrimp tempura was quite interesting process, our boys and I really enjoyed putting our hands in the water, witnessing how drops of candle change to the leafs of lettuce in our hands.

Excellent choice of activities, it was easy enough I had 13 and 9 years with me, they did excellent job, I can't wait to take them back to USA and trick my friends offering Tempura at our house!...lol

well organised....good experience of japanese 9 course meal....sashimi , sushi , tempura...served hot...unlimited drinks...and japanese dessert...with great views of tokyo bay for 2 hours...worth for money..

This cruise is great, I would highly recommend! It was mostly Japanese with a couple of Westerners, however they made us feel very welcome, giving all commentaries/instructions in Japanese and (good) English and just generally the staff were very friendly.

The food is good and plentiful and drink just keeps flowing with a good selection. A lot of the food was fish (no meat) so it may be difficult if you're a vegetarian, unless you can request. Nothing was too odd though (I dont like eating random things!) and I ate and loved it all!

The staff explain the various sites you go past and even though it was pouring with rain we still got a good overview and some great photos. They stop a couple of times so you can have a look and go onto the top of the boat

The people around us were friendly and we just felt like even though we were in the minority we were very welcome!

It was one of the highlights of our trip and I would say go for it, there are not many cruises like it as far as I can tell and it feels very authentic.

After the explanation of the annual events, we were able to view the house. I found the kamidana (Shinto altar), butsudan (Buddhist altar), the beautiful garden, the storehouse, and the stairs leading to the employees' rooms very interesting. The tea room is a historic place named by the Musakōji family, so it was a bit disappointing that we could only observe and experience the tea ceremony in a separate room with standing etiquette. The meal was very delicious.

　一年の行事の説明後、お家を拝見させていただきます。
神棚、仏壇、立派なお庭や蔵、お茶室、従業員のお部屋に通じる階段など、大変興味深かったです。
　お茶室は、武者小路の家元が名づけた由緒のあるところなので、見学だけで、別室での立礼での茶道体験です、少し、残念でした。
　お食事は大変美味しかったです。

This is the only place we found offer Kimono, not simple summer clothing in Tokyo. The selection is very broad in all kinds of colors. The dressing service and over experience is wonderful. The photographer is nice too. It is important to keep in mind that the photography fee is depending on number of people in the group. So since we have 3 people, we need to pay 15,000 JPN Yen for hiring the photographer.

We actually ended up arriving to the kimono studio on the wrong day but they were so accommodating and allowed us to get the kimono dressing done that day even though they were busy. They have a heap of kimonos to choose from, lots of hair accessories, and the hair lady does wonderful braids. For location, it was easy to find, just remember it is down the street where starbucks is !

The three-hour experience course at a long-established shop in Nishijin, which still conveys the traditional seasonal events and lifestyle that are likely rare even in Kyoto, became a unique and flavorful experience. I would like to visit again during different seasons.

恐らく京都でもたくさんは残っていない昔ながらの季節季節の行事や暮らしを今でも伝える西陣の老舗での3時間体験コースは、他に類を見ない味わいある経験になりました。また季節季節に訪れてみたいと思います。

Walking into the Shozan Garden your receive an immediate feeling of both awe and Zen at its mere beauty. We were then greeted by several staff members who seated and served us during our meal. The meal was a traditional Japanese meal that gave you an intro into Japanese cuisine; if you are not already familiar. Towards the middle of our meal, the beautiful maiko was introduced and began her performance which was the definition of grace, beauty and eludes to the work and craft of the full Geisha. Later that evening walking thorough the Shozan Garden you feel at peace, as though this is the place in which you could live out your existence. This experience should be a #1 on your list of things to do in Kyoto.

Easy instruction and good service, worth checking out

STAFF- Very accommodating, kind and they will really make you feel good with their service by making sure you will feel comfortable and look pretty in your photos in kimono. Kimono rental plus hair and make-up for approx $50- great deal!
KIMONO- lots of designs to choose from. Everything was pretty, even the accessories.