All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

I never thought I could make cut glass myself, so I had a lot of fun feeling like a craftsman. The instructor was very thorough in teaching and even helped with adjustments, making it a memorable cup!

It was truly a great experience!

切子なんて自分で出来るなんて、思っていなかったので、職人になった気分で楽しくできました。
先生も丁寧に教えてくださり、手直しもしていただいたりで、記念のコップになりました！

本当に良い体験でした！

The instructor was a younger man. He spoke mechanically about the necessary things, and I didn't feel any desire to entertain the participants or help them create good works. His teaching style was bland and unkind, making it feel like I was just trying to figure things out on my own. Additionally, I wondered if the instructor lacked skills, as he didn't tailor his teaching to each individual and was just there.

講師の方は若めの男性でした。必要なことを機械的に話すだけで、体験者を楽しませようとかいい作品を作ってもらおうという気持ちは感じられませんでした。教え方も淡白で不親切なため、やり方がよくわからない中で作り上げた感じです。
また講師自身は技術がないのか？、一人一人に合わせて教えることもなく、ただいるだけでした。

I participated because I wanted to celebrate his birthday. Since I was there, I chose a colored glass that I liked; I picked one for 900 yen, and he chose one for 1600 yen. The more expensive glasses started at 300 yen, and there were also free options (colorless). There were many designs to reference, and even though I didn't prepare anything in advance, I felt at ease during the experience because the instructor kindly answered even the smallest questions. The finished piece is a bit crooked since I'm an amateur, but I have grown attached to it and it has become one of my favorites. I definitely want to participate again!

彼の誕生日記念にしたいと思い参加しました。
せっかくなので色付きの気に入ったグラスを選び、私は900円、かれは1600円のものを選びました。
お値段のかかるグラスは300円〜で、無料のもの(無色)もありました。
デザインも参考となるものが沢山あり、特に何も予習せず参加しましたが、先生に質問すると小さなことでも親切に答えてくださるので安心して体験できました(*^_^*)
出来上がった作品は、素人ですので線も歪ですが、愛着が湧いてお気に入りです。
また是非参加したいです！

You can create your own Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft! I was excited to participate.
On the day of the experience, there were six of us, including myself.
The instructor explained the cutting techniques and the machine in a clear and thorough manner.
First, we practiced with a practice glass. At first, I was a bit nervous, thinking that if I applied too much pressure or cut too much, it might break. However, as I got used to it, I became bolder in my cutting.
Then came the real thing! I drew the pattern I wanted to carve on the glass in the shape and color I chose, and started cutting. Before I knew it, I felt like a true craftsman.
I concentrated so hard that I wondered when was the last time I focused this much.
The finished glass became a one-of-a-kind piece of traditional craft.

伝統工芸である江戸切子を自ら作ることができる！　ワクワクして参加しました。
当日は私たちを含め６人で体験スタート。
削り方や機械の説明を分かりやすく丁寧に教えてくださりました。
まずは練習用のグラスで体験。あまり力を入れすぎたり削りすぎたりしたら割れてしまうのでは…と、最初はおっかなビックリでしたが、慣れてくると大胆に削ることができるようになりました。
そして本番！自分の選んだ形、色のグラスに削りたい柄を描き込み、削り始めました。いつの間にかすっかり職人気分になっていました。
こんなに集中したのは何年ぶりだろうかと感じるくらい全力で集中しました。
出来上がったグラスはオンリーワンの伝統工芸作品となりました。

I participated for the first time with my girlfriend. There were two other participants besides us, making a total of four people in the experience. Including the instructor, everyone was wearing masks.

On the table, there were examples of works displayed, and we chose the color and shape of our cups. The blue and red glass cups had an additional fee of about 1,000 to 2,000 yen. I wanted to choose a colored cup without the extra charge, but it seemed a bit expensive, and I was told that the difficulty of carving would increase slightly, so I opted for a transparent cup available at the basic fee this time.

There was a stain on the cup that couldn't be removed, but when I mentioned it to the instructor, they gave me a new cup. I noticed the stain after I started carving, but they offered to let me keep the stained cup as well, and we ended up making three cups together.

Carving neatly is quite a challenge, and the quality of the cups was clearly amateurish, but it was a good experience.

彼女と2人で初めて参加しました。
私たち以外の参加者が2人いらっしゃって計4人での体験でした。先生1人も含め、皆マスク着用してました。

机の上に作品例が並べてあり、コップの色や形などを選びます。
青や赤のガラスコップは追加料金が1-2千円ほどかかります。
追加料金がなければ色の付いているコップにしたかったですが、若干高く思えたのと、削る難易度が少し上がるということだったので、今回は基本料金で選べる透明なコップにしました。

コップにとれない汚れが付いていたのですが、先生に言ったら新しいコップをくれました。
削り始めてから汚れに気付いたのですが、汚れたコップもプレゼントします、と言っていただき、2人で3つのコップを作成しました。

綺麗に削るのは至難の業で、コップの出来栄えは明らかに素人のものでしたが、良い体験でした。

Amid the atmosphere of travel restrictions, I participated with the hope of creating some family memories. The classroom had measures in place for infection control, and since each person worked individually at their machines, I felt that we wouldn't be too close to each other.

It was my first experience with Edo Kiriko, and the teacher's explanations were clear and enjoyable, making the time fly by. While choosing the glass and selecting existing designs, I added a little twist to create something original, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind Edo Kiriko glass.

I've already started using it at home as my personal glass. Every time I use it, memories come flooding back, and I enjoy the shared conversation about the Edo Kiriko experience.

旅行も自粛ムードが漂う中、せめて何か家族の思い出が作れたらという思いで参加しました。
教室は感染症対策が施されていましたし、一人一人機械に向かって作業をするので、受講者同士がそんなに密になることもないと思います。

初めての江戸切子体験でしたが、先生の説明もわかりやすく、楽しく、時間があっという間に過ぎました。グラス選び、既存のデザインを選びつつ少しアレンジしてオリジナリティーを出しているので、本当に世界でひとつの江戸切子グラスが完成しました。

早速家でマイグラスとして使っています。
グラスを使う度に思い出が巡り、江戸切子体験という共通の会話も楽しんでいます。

I have been interested in Edo Kiriko for a long time, and I finally got to experience it. The staff provided careful guidance, which made me feel at ease. The drinks I had in the glass I made myself tasted exceptionally good. ♬

ずっと前から興味があった江戸切子ですが、やっと体験できました。
スタッフさんが丁寧に指導してくださるので安心です。
自分で作ったグラスで飲む飲み物は格別に美味しく感じます♬

I finally tried my hand at Edo Kiriko, which I had been interested in for a long time. I had planned to participate with a friend, but due to health reasons during this pandemic, they couldn't join me. I decided to go alone. The instructor was young and had a clean appearance. They explained everything calmly, and the two-hour class flew by. The glasses are an additional charge (ranging from 300 yen to several thousand yen). At first, I wasn't sure how much pressure to apply, and I ended up going outside the lines... but as I continued to carve, I started to get the hang of it. The lines that went too far out were properly corrected by the instructor, who quickly and beautifully fixed them. Impressive! It was like magic. I wonder how they did that? One important thing: I forgot my glasses, and since it was detailed work, they were essential. Please be careful, everyone. This Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft from the Edo period, allows us to experience the joy of focusing on one thing for two hours. I plan to cherish my creation moving forward. Overall, despite the pandemic, it was a lot of fun!

前々から興味があった江戸切子に初挑戦。２人で参加する予定が、このコロナ禍の折り、友人は体調が理由で不参加。一人でしたが、参加することにしました。先生は若くて、清潔感のある方。淡々と説明してくださり、２時間の講習はあっと言う間に過ぎました。グラスは別料金です。（３００円から数千円まで）最初は力の入れ具合がわからなかったり、線がはみ出してしまったり、、、ですが、刻んでいくうちにコツがわかってきました。あまりにもはみ出してしまった線は、先生がちゃんと修正してくれました。チャチャっと素早く綺麗に修復。流石！まるで魔法みたい。どういう風にやったんだろ〜？大切な事。眼鏡を忘れてしまい、細かい作業でしたので、必需品でした。皆さんも気をつけてください。江戸時代の伝統工芸を今に伝えるこの江戸切子。２時間の間、一つの事に集中することの楽しさをまた実感しました。自分の作品はこれからも大切に保持していこうと思っています。とにかく、このコロナ禍の折りではありましたが、楽しかった！です。

It's not that my hands are shaking, but the straight lines that seemed easy became shaky, and I was nervous that the glass might break if I carved too deeply. It ended so quickly. The teacher was kind and good at giving compliments, so I was able to enjoyably complete it, even though I wasn't very skilled. I recommend it even for those who are clumsy!

手が震えているわけではないのですか簡単に見えた直線がガクガクになったり、深く彫るとガラスが割れてしまうのではとドキドキしたり、あっというまに終わってしまいました
先生が優しく褒め上手なので下手ながらに楽しく完成させる事が出来ました
不器用な方にもオススメです！

At first, I thought, "There's no way I can carve glass!" and "What if I mess up and can't fix it?" I hesitated, but I'm glad I decided to go for it.

There was an explanation and practice at the beginning, and even if things didn't go perfectly during the actual session, the instructor helped to some extent, and in the end, I was able to create something!

Achieving symmetry or carving the same pattern to the same size can be quite challenging, so sticking to a simpler design might actually work better!

It's a unique experience that you can't have just anywhere, so I highly recommend it. The classroom is located above a shop, so you can not only create but also purchase authentic Edo Kiriko glassware. Just browsing the store is a treat for the eyes!

The glasses are neatly packed in a box and placed in a paper bag, making them easy to take home! I think they would make great souvenirs for foreigners, and I encourage Japanese people to try it at least once! Highly recommended! (*^^*)

初めは「ガラスを削るなんて無理！」「失敗したら取り返しがつかないのではないか！」と思って躊躇していましたが、思いきって申込んで良かったです。
最初に説明と練習があり、また本番で上手くいかなくても、先生がある程度は修正してくださり、最終的にはなんとか形にすることができました！
左右対称とか同じ模様を同じ大きさに削っていくとかはかなり難しいかもしれないので、無難な柄にしておくと意外とイケるかも！！
専門の場所でないとできない体験なのでオススメです。教室の下階はお店になっているので、作るだけでなく本物の江戸切子を購入することもできます。お店を見るだけでも目の保養になります！
グラスはきちんと箱に入れて手提げの紙袋に入れてくれるので、持ち帰りにも便利です！外国人の方はお土産にしてもよいと思いますし、日本人の方でもぜひ一度は味わってみるとよいと思います！オススメです(*^^*)

Edo Kiriko dates back to 1836 and was recognized as a traditional Tokyo craft in 1985.

Using clear or colored glass, artisans sketch a design and use a grinder to cut intricate patterns (including flowers, leaves, bamboo woven baskets, and more modern interpretations).

In this one-hour workshop at Sokichi in Asakusa, you’ll have the chance to learn how Edo Kiriko is created. You start with practicing on a sample glass, then choose and sketch your design and cut your design.

At the end, you’ll have a chance to photograph your finished masterpiece.

Instruction and guidance was given in English and Japanese.

Outstanding opportunity to experience a traditional craft and a unique souvenir of your time in Japan, highly recommended!!

The operator of this class was amazing. The class wasn’t long so it kept my day more open than others, that let me fit in more activities on the day. I learned a bit about the history of Samples and got to make a souvenir that ‘ thanks to the instructors help ‘ came out perfect. Also this was a great place to get souvenirs for everyone back home. Not many souvenirs say Japan better than a plastic sushi key chain.

Looking at the finished products you will have no idea how this process is performed. The instructor explained everything clearly and helped me create a one of a kind souvenir. I have a new appreciation for the symmetry of Kiriko glass work after participating in this class and learning how skilled the craftsmen are.

This was my first time on a Yakatabune and it was a unique and amazing experience. We travelled down the river to see views of the Rainbow Bridge, Skytree and Tokyo Tower. The Yakatabune stopped twice to let us go outside onto the roof to take photos. The night view of Tokyo was amazing.

We had a really nice table inside, with delicious Japanese food like sashimi and tempura. There was more than enough food and unlimited drinks.

I'd highly reccomend this for couples or a family.

My child had been wanting to experience making food samples for a while, so we signed up here. We registered for the 11 o'clock session, but the voucher stated that the meeting time was 10 o'clock, so we arrived an hour early. When I explained the situation, they kindly welcomed us in, saying they were ready, which was a relief.

At first, my child seemed a bit nervous, but the staff were very kind and explained everything in detail, and my child appeared to be enjoying it. I was just observing, but I was able to listen to the explanations about the food samples and how to make them, which made me feel like I was participating as well, and it was a lot of fun! They also said we could take photos freely, which made for wonderful memories. Both my child and I were very satisfied!

子供が前々から食品サンプル体験をしたいと言っていたので、こちらで申し込みました。
11時からの回に申し込みましたが、バウチャーで集合時間が10時になっていて、1時間も早く到着してしまいた。事情を説明したところ、準備ができてるので、どうぞと快く迎えてくださりホッとしました。
子供は最初、緊張気味でしたが、とても親切、丁寧に説明して頂き、楽しんでる様子でした。
私は見学でしたが、一緒に食品サンプルについての説明や、作り方の説明も聞けて自分も参加してる気分になり、とても楽しかったです！写真もご自由にどうぞとの事で、とてもいい思い出になりました。
子供も私も大満足でした！

Very good experience, unlimited food and drinks plus theres karaoke after dinner. Good with big groups though, the more people the more fun. Arigato for the nice experience!

We had such a great time making fake food! It was so fun.

We had such a great time making fake food! It was so fun.

The pier was easy to find, and there were several boats lined up and we were so excited and tried to ride each one, there was a man at the pier who finally told us which one was our boat.

It was funny watching everyone coming down the earlier boats because they all looked tipsy!

When we got on board, the tables were already set with appetizers, and each table was assigned to a group. It was very interesting to see what each of the appetizers were, then we noticed a pot that had sukiyaki ready to cook!!! We tried the peach plum cocktail (all you can drink!)

We got served yummy shrimp, fish, veg tempura, then the candle under the sukiyaki pot was lit, as the boat sailed towards Odaiba. There was a stop at at Odaiba for a chance at amazing cityscape photos. By the time the candle burned out the sukiyaki was done - and it was very good and tasted clean and fresh.

Then there was a fun lion dance performed by one of the waiters - which was funny and quite entertaining.

All in all a fun first time experience for a Yakatabune cruise - would recommend you try it if you've never done one before.

It was my first experience on a yakatabune (traditional Japanese houseboat). There was singing and dancing, providing enjoyment beyond just the food and scenery, and I was very satisfied. When we boarded, there were just under 40 guests, with about 90% being Japanese. The food was very delicious and the portions were ample. The sashimi and meat were tasty, but the highlight was the freshly fried tempura. They served us hot anago (conger eel), squid, and shrimp. The drinks included a variety of options such as beer, chuhai, wine, and umeshu (plum wine).

From the yakatabune, we could see the Tokyo Skytree and Odaiba. It was especially great to get close to the waterborne Olympic monument set up in Odaiba and take photos. The boat trip lasted about two and a half hours, and it was a lot of fun. I’m considering taking a ride again during cherry blossom season or fireworks season.

初めての屋形船でした。歌あり、踊りありという感じで食事や景色以外の楽しみもあり、非常に満足でした。
私たちが乗船した時は４０名弱のお客さんとの乗り合いで、日本人が９割という感じでした。食べ物はとても美味しく、また、ボリュームも十分でした。お刺身やお肉も美味しかったですが、一番は揚げたての天ぷらでした。アナゴやイカ、エビなどを揚げたてのものを運んでいただく形です。飲み物はビールや酎ハイ、ワインに梅酒と一通りの飲み物は揃っていました。
屋形船からの景色はスカイツリーやお台場を眺めることができました。特にお台場に設置された水上の五輪モニュメントは船で接近して写真を撮ることができて非常によかったです。
およそ２時間半の船旅でしたが、とても楽しかったです。また花見の季節や花火の季節での乗船を検討しようと思います。

I used your services on January 3rd this year. The kimono selection, dressing, and hair styling were all handled very well, and my Thai wife was very happy.

今年の正月３日にご利用させていただきました。
着物選び〜着付け〜髪セットと大変お手際良く、タイ人の嫁もとても喜んでました。

The overal experience with this activity is marvelous. The staff is very friendly and patience in introducing the activity, as well as some history of the Food Sample Culture in Japan, which is a bonus point. You can tell he is very enthusiastic and enjoying this experience. Just an extra note, we communicated without any issue in English.

You get to choose your five pieces of colourful assorted accessories for your sundae. The cup of the sundae and the colourful jam at the bottom will be provided. You have to first fill up the base of the sundae cup, then the twirling cream at the top and place your assortments as you wish. The staff carefully checked every steps of the process, also fix any errors professionally. You will be guarenteed a outstanding food sample even for your first try.

As for the advice for future participants, since it takes a while for the food sample to dry off, it is better you plan your activites accordingly. Although, the staff did carefully stabilised the food samples in a provided paper box (in a very meticulous way, props to that) and bag so it was not an issue for us.

The overal experience with this activity is marvelous. The staff is very friendly and patience in introducing the activity, as well as some history of the Food Sample Culture in Japan, which is a bonus point. You can tell he is very enthusiastic and enjoying this experience. Just an extra note, we communicated without any issue in English.

You get to choose your five pieces of colourful assorted accessories for your tart and squeeze the "cream" of the tart. The tart base and the accessories are provided. You will be informed for every tiny details to produce a perfect looking tart. I am sure you will be amazed how meticulous it can be for such a simple-looking task.

As for the advice for future participants, since it takes a while for the food sample to dry off, it is better you plan your activites accordingly. Although, the staff did carefully stabilised the food samples in a provided paper box and bag so it was not an issue for us.

Overall, it was Fantastic!!
-the staff was great
-food was outstanding
-views were wonderful

As an first time person coming to Japan, this was great to view the city over a delicious Japanese meal! We loved every minute.

I gradually got used to it and enjoyed getting better at it. Even though I participated alone, when I immersed myself in the creation process, I didn't mind the other groups.

自分でもだんだん慣れてきて上手くなるのが楽しめました。ひとり参加ですが、製作に没頭すると他のグループの方等気になりません。

I had my first experience making Edo Kiriko, and I was taught very carefully, allowing even beginners to enjoy the process. Thank you very much.
I signed up alone, but I appreciated that I received advice for each individual glass design, making it enjoyable whether participating alone or with friends and family.
Before signing up, I read reviews on Veltra and saw many comments mentioning that there wasn't enough time for the actual work if you spent too much time practicing, which made me a bit worried. However, after experiencing it, I realized that practice is necessary to create something good, and I received very careful advice during practice, which helped me work on my final glass. I think practice is important.
For those considering participating, rather than practicing until you feel satisfied, I believe it's better to check in with the instructor each time you reduce practice time to receive accurate advice before the final work.
I had such a fun experience that I want to recommend it to friends visiting Tokyo, and I also want to participate again to make a pair glass in a different color from the one I made this time.

初めて江戸切子制作体験をしましたが、とても丁寧に教えて頂けて、初心者でも楽しく作ることができました。ありがとうございました。
私は1人で申し込みましたが、個々のグラスの絵柄毎にアドバイスを頂けるので、1人参加でも友人や家族単位でも楽しく参加できるところが良いです。
申込前にベルトラのレビューを見て、練習する時間を多く取ると本番が足りないとのコメントが多かったので少し心配でしたが、実際に体験してみると、ちゃんと良いものを作るためには練習が必要だし、練習の線でも凄く丁寧にアドバイスを頂けて本番の自分のグラスに取り組めたので練習は大事かなと思いました。
これから参加するかたが時間を考えるのなら、自分が納得するまで練習するというより、練習の線を削る都度に先生に確認してもらって的確なアドバイスを頂いて本番に臨むのが良いと思います。
自分が体験してとても楽しかったので、東京観光に来る友人に勧めたいと思いますし、私もまた参加して今回作ったのと色違いのペアグラスを作りたいなと思いました。

I visited the Kyogen Lounge for the first time in a year. The laughter is always stable, and I believe it's a skill that comes from a traditional performing art passed down through the ages. After watching it again after a year, I felt that the performers have scaled up even more, which encouraged me to keep pushing myself (though that might be an exaggeration). Also, the light-hearted talks among the performers after the show were entertaining, and their camaraderie really came through, making me feel warm inside. As a place where you can casually enjoy high-quality traditional performing arts and an extraordinary atmosphere, the Kyogen Lounge is a very precious existence, and I hope it continues for a long time to come.

1年ぶりに狂言ラウンジにお邪魔しました。いつ見ても安定の笑い、時代を超えて受け継がれる伝統芸能のなせる技だと思います。1年ぶりに観させていただき、狂言方のみなさまがさらにスケールアップしており、自分もまだまだ頑張ろうと勇気づけられたりもしました。（大袈裟ですが）。また、演目終了後の、演者さん達のほのぼのトークが面白く、仲良しな感じが伝わってきて気持ちがほっこりしました。質の高い伝統芸能と非日常空間を気軽に楽しめる場として、狂言ラウンジはとても貴重な存在、今後も末永く続いてほしいと思います。

We Food Sample workshop was amazing. My kids loved it so much. The instructor was so nice and funny. He gave the instructions in English, so communication is not a problem. My kids made Ramen and Fried Rice. They both wanted to do it again. Highly recommended!

I visited with a foreign friend who was in Japan for travel. I made the simplest food sample of sushi since I would be interpreting myself, but the assistant provided a thorough explanation, and my friend was very pleased. I would like to use this service again in a similar situation.

旅行で日本に来ていた外国人の友達を連れての訪問でした。
自分で通訳をするので一番簡単そうな寿司のフードサンプルを作りましたが、アシスタントの方がしっかり説明して下さりとても喜んでもらえました。
また同じような場面で利用したいと思います。

The boat staff provided great service, and the food and drinks were delicious! During the cruise, there were a couple times when we were allowed up on top of the boat, to look at the Tokyo Skytree and also near the Yokohama Marina area. And there was also a traditional Japanese "lion dance", the first of which I had ever seen in person. It was a unique opportunity to bring the boat guests and crew together.
My wife and I were celebrating our 6-month anniversary, and so during the last part of the cruise, the MC came up to our table to invite us in front of everyone to announce why we were celebrating, and everyone cheered for us. It was a lovely memory for us, and I appreciated the opportunity so much.