All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

This was my second experience with Kyogen, and thanks to this Kyogen lounge, my perspective on it changed dramatically.

I had always viewed it as a traditional performing art with a long history and a high level of formality, but this event really lowered those barriers.

The lounge made excellent use of the short space from the entrance to the Noh theater, allowing us to relax with a drink before the performance. Just when I thought it was time for the show to start, the performers provided a warm and friendly explanation of the Kyogen, which helped us feel very relaxed as the performance began.

The play "Soron" had a relatively easy-to-understand storyline, making it even more enjoyable to watch. After the performance, the lively talk with the performers kept the fun going until the end.

I could watch this kind of Kyogen over and over again.

I definitely want to repeat this experience.

Additionally, the backstage tour was a valuable service worth seeing.

Overall, it was an event full of value, and I had a very satisfying day.

狂言はこれで2度目の体験だったのですが、この狂言ラウンジのおかげで一気に狂言に対する見方が変わりました。

古い歴史を持つ伝統芸能のひとつであり、格式の高い世界という認識だったのですが、その敷居をグッと下げて見せてくれる、そんなイベントでした。

エントランスから能楽堂の入り口までの短い空間を上手く生かしたラウンジで、開演前のひと時を酒を片手に寛ぎながら過ごした後、いざ開演かと思いきや、演者による和やかな雰囲気での狂言の解説があり、とてもリラックスして開演を迎えることが出来ました。

演目の宗論は比較的わかりやすい内容でしたので、なおさら楽しく観劇出来ましたし、演目を終えたあとも演者たちによるトークで盛り上がり、最後まで楽しく過ごすことが出来ました。

こんな狂言なら何度でも見れそうです。

またリピートしたいと思います。

なお、バックヤードツアーも見る価値のあるサービスでした。

総じてお得感満載のイベントで、とても満足した1日でした。

This was my first experience with the traditional Japanese theater, Kyogen. I was a bit anxious about whether I would understand it since it’s not in modern Japanese, but before it started, they explained the story and the basics of Kyogen in a way that was easy to grasp, so I really enjoyed it! The atmosphere was not as stiff as I had imagined; there were drinks served in a lounge format and various explanations provided. There were many young people, some dressed in dresses and kimonos, creating a vibrant and extraordinary ambiance.

I also had the special opportunity to participate in a backstage tour, which was thrilling as I got to see the backstage area that is usually off-limits. I felt that a lot of thought has gone into preserving the kimono and props for future generations to continue this tradition that has lasted for 600 years.

After the performance, the actor Motoharu Okura took photos with us, and I could sense his enthusiasm for wanting the younger generation to learn more about Kyogen. This experience has inspired me to explore other aspects of Japanese culture, such as Kabuki and Noh.

今回生まれて初めて日本の伝統文化の狂言を体験しました。
現代の日本語ではないため、理解できるか不安に思いながら参加しましたが、
開始前に初体験の私でも分かりやすいよう、ストーリーや狂言の基本を説明いただいたので、とても楽しめました！
雰囲気もイメージしていた堅苦しいものではなく、ラウンジ形式でのドリンクの提供や、解説など様々な仕掛けがされていました。若い方も多く、ドレスや着物などを着ている方もいて、非日常的な華やかな空気を味わえました。

今回は特別にバックヤードツアーにも参加させていただきましたが、普段絶対入ることができない裏の楽屋を見れてドキドキしました。600年間もの長い間、伝統を続けていくために着物や小道具などを後の世代にこれからも残せるよう、考え抜かれているなぁと感じました。

公演終了後は役者の大藏基誠さんが写真撮影に応じてくれたり、若い世代にもどんどん狂言を知って欲しいという意気込みが感じられました。これを機会に他の歌舞伎や能などの日本文化に触れてみたいと思いました。

What is Kyogen? I didn't really understand the differences between Gagaku, Noh, and Kabuki, but I was invited, so I decided to go.

I was running late with work and managed to arrive about five minutes before the show started! The underground space at Cerulean Tower is very beautiful!

When I arrived, it felt like a party in a stylish atmosphere! I had a drink included, but since I couldn't drink in the theater, I quickly downed my favorite white wine.

First, they explained what Kyogen is in a way that's easy for beginners to understand, including the meaning of the pine tree and the structure of the theater. Of course, since I didn't know anything, I was continuously surprised.

Once it actually started, I honestly couldn't fully understand it due to my lack of imagination, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere! There were efforts everywhere to help people understand Japan's traditional performing arts, and I was never bored!

I also thought this would be a good opportunity to study Japan's history and culture. After the performance, I got to tour the backstage! It seems that only those who reserved through Veltra can enter! Since you can't usually see backstage, if you're interested, I highly recommend it!

狂言って何？雅楽、能、歌舞伎との違いもわかってない私ですが、誘われたので行ってみることにしました。
仕事がなかなか終わらず、ダッシュでなんとか開演5分前くらいに到着！
セルリアンタワーの地下でとても綺麗な空間がひろがってます！
到着するとパーティーのような感じでなんともおしゃな空間が！！
ワンドリンクがついていたのですが、劇場では飲めないので大好きな白ワインを一気飲みしましたw
まずは初心者でもわかりやすいように、狂言がどういうものか説明してもらえます。松の意味や劇場の仕組み等々。。
もちろん何も知らないので、驚きの連続でした。
実際始まると想像力のない私は正直ちゃんとは理解できませんでしたが、雰囲気はとっても楽しめました٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و
日本の伝統芸能を知ってほしいという工夫がいたるところにされていて、全く飽きなかったです！
私もこれを機会に日本の歴史や文化を勉強したいなって思いました。
公演終了後は舞台裏も見学させてもらいました！
これはベルトラで予約した人だけが入れるようですよ(　ﾟдﾟ)ﾝﾏｯ!
舞台裏なんて到底見れないので興味のある方は是非是非！

I saw Kyogen live for the first time. I had thought it might be interesting after seeing Arashi perform "Mosquito Sumo" on TV, but I never had the opportunity. I assumed it would feel quite formal even though it was described as a fun party atmosphere, but in reality, I was able to enjoy drinks (one drink is included) and snacks (additional charge, a bit pricey) before the performance, and there was a modern and easy-to-understand introduction after we took our seats, which made it very enjoyable. I felt a bit nervous when the performers came on stage, but as the story progressed, it became more like a comedy, and by the end, I was laughing out loud (laughs).

Since I participated with backstage access, I also got to see the behind-the-scenes area, and I think it was a truly valuable experience to see the entrance where the performers come in from the back!

Just two things for those who will make reservations in the future. I thought I could enjoy drinks while watching Kyogen, but food and drinks were only allowed in the space before entering the venue (which makes sense, as it's a sacred event). Also, taking photos is allowed before the performance starts, but not once it begins.

I have made several reservations through Veltra, but this is truly one of the recommended tours! I hope they continue to offer more experiences like this! ^^

初めて狂言を生で見ました。テレビで嵐が「蚊相撲」の蚊を演じているのを見て、おもしろいかもとは思っていましたが、なかなか機会がありませんでした。パーティー感覚で楽しめると言っても結構お堅い感じだろうなと思ったのですが、実際は狂言の前にお酒（1ドリンクは含まれています）やおつまみ（別料金、やや高め）を楽しめて、席についてからもわかりやすく現代的な前説があったりと、とても楽しめました。演者の方が舞台に入ってきたときは少し緊張しましたが、だんだん話がコントっぽくなっていって、最後の方は爆笑でした（笑）

バックヤード付きで参加したので裏側の見学もしましたが、演者の方が舞台に入る入口を裏から見られてほんとうに貴重な体験だったと思います！

2つだけ、今後予約する方のために。狂言を見ながらお酒を楽しめるのかと思っていましたが、飲食できるのは会場に入る手前のスペースでした（そりゃそうですよね、神事ですものね）。あと、狂言が始まる前は写真OKですが、始まってからはNGです。

今までベルトラからいくつか予約していますが、これは本当にオススメなツアーの1つです♪こういうのどんどん取り扱ってほしいです^^

I think it was when I was in elementary or middle school that I saw Kabuki at the Kabukiza Theatre, and I have a memory of not really getting it at all. I was quite anxious about whether I would enjoy it, but my preconceived notions were pleasantly overturned, and I am happy to say that I can finally appreciate a bit of Japan's traditional performing arts.

I probably only understood about half of the dialogue, but before the performance, the actors themselves provided a humorous explanation of the content, which allowed me to enjoy it until the end. I believe such thoughtful efforts will lead to an increase in future fans.

The backstage tour after the performance takes you through both the dressing rooms and behind the stage. Here too, the explanations were entertaining and thorough, making it a very enjoyable experience.

小学生か中学生の頃だったかと思います、歌舞伎座で歌舞伎を見た時は全くピンと来なかった思い出があり、楽しめるかどうか不安が大きかったですが、良い意味で先入観が覆され、ようやく私も少しは日本の伝統芸能を楽しめるようになったかと、嬉しい気持ちです。

セリフの意味は恐らく半分くらいしか理解できませんでしたが、公演前に役者みずからが、演目の内容を面白おかしく解説してくださるので、最後まで楽しむことができました。こういう優しい工夫が、今後のファンを増やしていくことに繋がるのではないかと思います。

公演後のバックステージツアーは、楽屋、舞台裏の両方を周ります。ここでも丁寧な解説を面白おかしくしてくださるので、とても楽しめました。

I had an interest in traditional Japanese performing arts, but I never had the courage to step in because it seemed so highbrow. With a bit of anxiety, I made my way to the "Noh Theatre" located in the Shibuya Cerulean Tower...

After checking in and entering, I found a lovely lounge with a standing bar and dishes from a long-established restaurant (for a fee). A DJ in a kimono created a stylish atmosphere, and I enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine, feeling pleasantly tipsy as I soaked in the adult ambiance of the place.

After that, I entered the Noh Theatre. With my heart racing, I took my seat, and the curtain finally rose... The performance was "Shuron," which sounded quite difficult, but the talk show (?) by the performers during the pre-show and the direction were structured so well that even first-timers could understand the story. It was truly fascinating! The highbrow image I had of "Kyogen" was completely dispelled!

After the performance, I joined a backstage tour. I was shown the dressing rooms and behind-the-scenes areas that are actually used, which was a very valuable experience. Thank you very much!

Since it happens every two months, I guess the next one will be in December? Next time, I’d like to wear a kimono and fully immerse myself in the stylish atmosphere. (laughs)

日本の伝統芸能に興味はあったものの、敷居が高く今まで足を踏み入れる勇気がありませんでした。少し不安を抱えたまま、渋谷セルリアンタワー内にある会場「能楽堂」へ…。
受付済ませ中へ入ると、そこにはスタンディングバーや老舗料亭のお料理(有料)が並ぶ素敵なラウンジが。着物姿のDJさんがなんとも粋な雰囲気を演出している中、スパークリングワインを頂き、ほろ酔い気分でその場の大人な空間を楽しみました。

その後、能楽堂内へ。
ドキドキしながら席につきいよいよ幕開け…。
演目は「宗論 Shuron」という難しそうなものでしたが
前座での出演者の方のトークショー(?)や演出、
初めてでもストーリーがわかるように上手く構成されていて
本当に面白かったです！
敷居が高かった「狂言」のイメージが払拭されました！

終演後はバックヤードツアーへ。
実際に使われている楽屋や舞台裏を案内していただき
大変貴重な体験となりました。ありがとうございました！

2ヶ月に1度ということなので、次は12月ですかね？
次回は着物なんか着ちゃって粋な雰囲気にどっぷり浸かってみたいです。笑

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 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！

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%.

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 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.

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.

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 !

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.

Boat trip was fascinating. All atendees were just Japanese people so we enjoyed really traditional trip. Food was very original and tasty.

We booked the sundae workshop, and after completing it we realised we should of booked a full day and done all of them!
I booked this (female) for my partner and I to do, he wasnt looking forward to it but ending up having alot of fun.
The guy we had was fantastic, we took lots of photos, he explained everything perfectly.
It was alittle tricky to find, we did follow the directions but went too far - the place is part of a house, and there is a little sliding door where you need to go. So if you end up at a t-intersection after it says it is on the left hand side you have gone too far.

Forgot to ask for our teacher's name. But he was really awesome! Though he was not fluent in English, he really tried his very best to share his knowledge on the samples. I was very impressed with his enthusiasm and professionalism in his work. Keep up the great work! I'll definitely attend the workshop again if I'm visiting Japan. I'll also introduce my friends to attend! :)