All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

I was able to realize something I had always wanted to do: enjoy riverbed dining in Kyoto. I was so excited to participate, especially with the presence of maiko. It takes about 30 minutes by car from downtown Kyoto. It's a bit far, but my anticipation was building.

When I took my seat, the dishes were already prepared. They were cute and incredibly delicious, and I found myself eating them eagerly. While enjoying the meal, the maiko appeared and performed a couple of dances! It was moving! You can also take photos with the maiko.

During my visit, it was the season for fireflies, so they turned off all the lights for a moment, plunging us into darkness. I was able to see a few fireflies in the distance! Since it was a summer night, there were a few bugs, but that's to be expected. Let's enjoy that as part of nature! Overall, I was truly satisfied! I definitely want to go again.

京都で川床料理、いつかずっとやってみたかったことが実現できました。
しかも舞妓さんもいるなんて。。と期待に旨を膨らませて参加しました。
京都市内から車で30分くらいかかります。ちょっと遠いですが、期待に胸が膨らみます。
座席に着くと既にお料理が用意されていました。かわいくてとても美味しい料理で、夢中で食べてしまいました。お料理を楽しんでいると舞妓さんの登場です。2曲程踊ってくれました！！感動です！舞妓さんと写真撮影もできますよ♪その後は私の行った時はホタルがいる時期だったので一瞬証明を全て落として真っ暗にしてくれます。数匹ですが、遠くの方にホタルを見ることができました！夏の夜なので虫さんは少し多いですが、しょうがないですね。。
それも自然なので楽しみましょう！総じて本当に満足しました！また是非いきたいです。

It was a good experience to meet a maiko but it would have been better if there's an option for an English tour.

It was a really interesting experience and evening. The Maiko performed a wonderful danse and the garden was really pretty. thank you

I wanted to be sure to see a geisha performance while I was in Kyoto, and I was lucky that this one was on while I was in town. It was perfect. There were 6 different short dances. The costumes were beautiful, there was live singing, the location was very convenient, and the venue was good. The tea ceremony was like the "fast food" version, as they needed to get everybody in and out quickly to accommodate an entire theater full of people in the 1 hour before the show. But it was fine. No need to get there an hour early. 15 minutes is probably enough, and you'll still have time for your "fast food" tea ceremony. And they give you the plate as a souvenir. No photography is allowed, so I can't post any pictures.

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！

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

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。

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.

I went with my whole family. This was our first time seeing Maiko. Watching them dance and then taking pictures with the Maiko made for a fantastic Kyoto memory.

<Translated by Veltra.com>

I had a wonderful experience in a charming machiya in Nishijin. However, I would have appreciated a bit more careful kimono dressing and a selection of kimono patterns.

雰囲気のある西陣の町家で、素敵な体験ができました。
ただ、もう少し丁寧な着付けや、着物の柄選びがあればうれしかったです。

I participated in it with my partner (who is not Japanese). It was a course full of Japanese cultural experiences that visitors like, and he and I were very satisfied with it.
A European couple who were attending at the same time course seemed very satisfied too. We had an animated conversation with them, saying that we would be sure to recommend this to others.

Since there was an English guide, I did not need to translate for my partner (which would have been stressful, since there a lot of things that I do not know about Kyoto Culture), and I enjoyed it to the fullest. When I have guests from foreign countries visiting next time, I would like to use your plan.

<Translated by Veltra.com>

I had been wanting to experience a traditional town house in Kyoto, and I happened to find this tour. I participated in the Full Course (Plan A) with my American partner. Since we were the only two participants at that time, it felt like a private tour.

I was born and raised in Kyoto, and it felt like I was being guided through my grandmother's house, which was very enjoyable. My partner was dressed in a simple kimono and was thrilled to pose with a toy sword! The tea ceremony was also a wonderful memory, experienced in a charming town house.

It seems my partner had a great time with the traditional town house experience and has grown even fonder of Japan. The guide, a lovely woman, patiently explained everything in English to my partner's various questions.

Finally, we had a traditional lunch featuring a bento from Tomitaya. Since pickles were the main dish, my partner, who isn't fond of them, left some behind, but they were very happy to have eaten traditional Japanese food in a historic town house. I love pickles, so I enjoyed them very much.

If I have the opportunity to guide someone from overseas again, I would definitely like to participate in this tour once more. Thank you very much.

京都の町家を体験して欲しいと思っていた所、こちらのツアーを偶然知り、アメリカ人のパートナーと一緒に、Full Course (Plan A)に参加させて頂きました。
参加させて頂いた時間帯は偶然私達二人だけだったので、貸し切りみたいでした。
私は京都生まれ、京都育ちですが、自分の祖母の家をガイドして下さっている感じで十分楽しめました。
パートナーは、簡易的な着物ですが着付けてもらい、おもちゃの刀を構えて大喜び！
ティーセレモニーも、風情のある町家で体験出来ていい思い出に。
京都の伝統的な町家もとてもいい経験だったようで、さらに日本が好きになったそうです。
パートナーの色々な質問にも、ガイドの女性の方は丁寧に英語で説明して下さいました。
最後、冨田屋さん伝統のお弁当を昼食に食べました。
京都らしくお漬け物がメインでしたので、ピクルスが苦手なパートナーは残してしまいましたが、日本の伝統食を歴史のある町家で食べる事が出来て、大変喜んでいました。
私はお漬け物が大好きなので、大変美味しく頂きました。
また海外の方を案内する事があれば、その時も是非参加したいと思います。
ありがとうございました。

I participated with my foreign partner.
The course was filled with experiences that foreigners would enjoy, and both he and I were very satisfied.
The Western couple who were in the same course also seemed very pleased, and we got excited saying we definitely want to recommend this to others!

Since they provided guidance in English, my burden was lessened (as I have many questions about Kyoto culture), and I was able to fully enjoy the experience.

I will definitely use this again when foreign guests come next time.

外国人のパートナーとの参加でした。
外国人が喜ぶ日本体験がたっぷりつまったコースで、彼も私も大満足でした。
コースが一緒だった欧米人のご夫妻も大満足のようで、これは絶対他の方たちにお勧めしたいね！と
盛り上がりました。

英語での案内をしてくださるので、私の負担も少なく（京文化に関して分からないことが多いので）、
しっかり楽しむことができました。

次回外国人のお客様がいらっしゃる際も、是非利用させていただきます。

The tour fits the title, as you get to see the Shouzan Garden and watch maiko dance. It is worth the price. The guide kept things going at a good pace, with no wasted time. Additionally, the instructions sent in advance by Veltra were very helpful. I will book from them again.

<Translated by Veltra.com>

It was a unique and once in a lifetime experience. I am glad I did it. The staff are very friendly.

I wanted to have my foreign friend experience Japanese culture in Kyoto, so I applied for it.
We enjoyed choosing beautiful kimonos and wearing them. When taking photos in kimono, they advised us about posing. Townhouse tour was also interesting.
I also tried tea ceremony.
I truly recommend this tour to ladies. Joining this tour will make ladies so excited! You can have amazing experience.

<Translated by VELTRA.com>

I signed up for this package thinking this tour was in English. It was in Japanese. Food was OK. Average food that you would expect from tours. Nothing amazing, but if you never had Kyoto dish this is a good experience for you. Dinner was near Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), not in Gion. Another detail that I had missed. Though it was impressive to see some trees as old as 500 years old in the Jaoanese garden where we had dinner, the garden itself was not so enjoyable. Night view of the Kyoto is lame and not sure if it was worth driving all the way across town for that. Recommended for Maiko experience only.

Where else can one do this? The staff is very accommodating. I speak no Japanese, but one of the girls, Satomi, spoke English very well. She was a dream! There are several colors kimonos to select from as well as obi and hair ornaments. Everyone gets a small locker to store your clothes/purse, etc. The photography session was lots of fun, laughing all the time.

I did have a little trouble finding the street and building, too, once I got on the correct street. A map or better written instructions would have been helpful. Also, maybe I missed it, but I didn't even seen a sign for this business? I wound up asking a local...who just happened to work there.

One other suggestion. The space to change clothes is very, very small. There were other clients in the small space, and the congestion was a bit difficult.

Overall, I'm so glad I did this. I learned a lot about the process & what it takes to be a Maiko. Satomi, you ROCK! Thanks so much for being so kind and helpful.

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. I learned so much about what it takes to be a Maiko. Satomi was the dresser/make-up artist who helped me. She spoke English, which enabled me to learn a lot about the process and what all is involved in becoming a Maiko. I highly recommend! My only critique is that is not so easy to find the location. More detailed maps/instructions would be very helpful.

It is so interesting to observe an old traditional house and learn about the life of a merchant's family! We want to visit again when some seasonal events are held.

It is so interesting to observe an old traditional house and lean the life of a merchant's family ! We want to visit again when some seasonal event are held.

It was a fascinating experience since it's not often that you can enter an actual town house. The explanations in English were given with great effort, but I had hoped for something more detailed and fluent, so I was a bit disappointed. I believe there wouldn't have been any issues if it had been in Japanese. I hope for further improvement in English skills in the future. I didn't experience wearing a kimono, but I'm sure foreign women would enjoy it.

なかなか実際の町屋には入れませんから、興味深くいい体験でした。英語での説明は一生懸命頑張っておられましたが、もっと詳しく、流暢にされるものと思って行ったので、ちょっぴり期待外れ。　日本語でなら、きっと問題はなかったことと思います。今後、更に英語のスキルアップされることを期待いたします。着物体験はしませんでしたが、外人の女性の方なら、きっと楽しまれることと思います。　　

I wanted my foreign friends to experience Japanese culture in Kyoto, so I signed up for this. It started with the fun of choosing a beautiful kimono, and I received advice on dressing, as well as poses for taking photos. The town house tour was also fascinating. I enjoyed matcha as well. I absolutely recommend this for women. There's no doubt it will raise your spirits! It's a truly valuable experience.

外国の友人に日本文化をぜひ京都で体験してほしいと思い、申し込みました。
とても良いお着物を選ぶ楽しさから始まり、着付け、写真を撮るときのポーズまでアドバイスして頂き、町家見学も興味深かったです。
お抹茶も頂きました。
女性には絶対オススメです。テンションあがること間違いなしです☆
とっても貴重な体験ができます。

When you think of Kyoto, the first image that comes to mind is the traditional townhouses, evoking the ancient capital era, which has always intrigued me, so I decided to participate in this experience.

The owner here, who is referred to as the head of the household, is said to be the 13th generation. She is a wonderful person who personally taught me about Kyoto's culture, especially the "traditions" that are still preserved today and their meanings.

In an age where everything has become incredibly convenient and old customs and traditions are often overlooked, I reflected on the wisdom of the past, the reverence for the unseen, and the spirit of gratitude. Listening to the head of the household, Mineko, I felt that these traditions were created and maintained to express these sentiments daily and to harness them as strength for the future.

The meals were incredibly delicate and refined in flavor, and I learned that they are prepared right here. She mentioned that true hospitality is about this kind of care, not just sourcing from a restaurant.

During the townhouse tour, there were storerooms that only the head of the household can enter, and I was very curious about what was inside, but I couldn't ask. The tea room was also quite unique and piqued my interest.

It's a place you want to visit again and again. Although it's a bit far since it's in Nishijin, it's only about a three-minute walk from Ichijo Modoribashi (which is also close to Seimei Shrine) by bus, and you can easily reach it from Kyoto Station by bus as well. I think it's definitely worth seeing a real townhouse at least once.

京都といえば、まず町家の街並が頭に浮かぶぐらいいにしえの古都時代のイメージで、前からすごく興味があったので参加してみました。

ここの女将さんは（当主というそう）、もうなんでも13代目だそうです。とてもすてきな方で、京都の文化、とくにいまでも守っているという「しきたり」とその意味を自ら教えてくれました。

なんでもかんでもありえないぐらい便利になり、昔の習慣やらしきたりやらが軽んじられる時代にあって、昔の人の知恵というか、みえないものへの畏敬の念、そして感謝のこころ。それらを日々表現し、明日への力に活かすために、しきたりというものをつくって、まもってきたのかな、、と、当主の峰子さんのお話を聞いていてしみじみとしました。

お食事もとっても細やかで上品なお味でした、なんとここでつくってらっしゃるそうです。おもてなし、とはそういうことをいうのですよ、とおっしゃっていました。お料理やさんからとっていたのでは、もてなし、じゃないのですね。。

町家見学では、当主しかはいれない蔵もあって、、なかには何があるのかなぁと、とっても気になりましたが、、聞けませんでした笑　お茶室も結構風変わりで興味がもてました。

なんどでもいってみたくなるところでした。西陣なので、ちょっと遠いといえば遠いのですが、バスだと一条戻橋（清明神社も近い）から徒歩３分ぐらい、京都駅からバスでも十分いけます。ぜひ一度は本物の町家をみてみるのもいいと思います。