Traditional Edo Komon Tote Bag Dyeing Experience at Tomita Somekogei

Discover the beauty of Edo Komon, a traditional dyeing technique recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. This hands-on experience takes place at Tomita Somekogei, a historic dyeing studio founded in 1882.

Dyeing has deep roots in Japanese culture, with strong connections to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa. During this experience, you will create your own custom-dyed tote bag, both a meaningful souvenir and a practical item for everyday use.

Tomita Somekogei is one of Tokyo’s most respected dyeing studios. Its distinguished work includes the official scarf worn by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as the official tie of nearby Waseda University, which was also founded in 1882.

Under the guidance of a master craftsman ranked among the top artisans in Japan, you will be carefully guided through each step of the dyeing process. At the end of the experience, you can take home your one-of-a-kind tote bag on the same day.

Experience a living tradition and create something truly unique.

Traditional Edo Sarasa Silk Stole Dyeing Experience at Tomita Somekogei

Immerse yourself in the elegance of Edo Sarasa, a traditional dyeing style designated as a Traditional Craft of Tokyo. This hands-on experience takes place at Tomita Somekogei, a historic dyeing studio founded in 1882.

Dyeing has deep roots in Japanese culture, with strong connections to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa.. During this experience, you will custom-dye your own silk stole, beautifully suited for everyday wear and a lasting reminder of your time in Japan.

Tomita Somekogei is one of Tokyo’s most respected dyeing studios. Its distinguished work includes the official scarf worn by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as the official tie of nearby Waseda University, which was also founded in 1882.

You will be carefully guided through each stage of the dyeing process by a master craftsman ranked among the top artisans in Japan. Your one-of-a-kind, custom-dyed silk stole will be delivered to your hotel within two days of the experience.

You can also enjoy a guided tour of the historic studio with the traditional craftsman, offering deeper insight into the studio’s history and techniques.

Experience a living tradition and take home a truly elegant piece of Japanese craftsmanship.

Create a Traditional Ukiyo-e (Edo Woodblock Print) at Takahashi Studio

Edo woodblock printing, the technique behind ukiyo-e, has been designated a Traditional Craft of Tokyo. The Echizen washi paper used in these prints is also recognized as a nationally designated traditional craft of Japan.

Ukiyo-e became an iconic symbol of the Edo period, capturing scenes of daily life, landscapes, and famous figures. This art form flourished through the sophisticated woodblock printing process, in which designs by celebrated artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige were carefully carved into wooden blocks and printed onto paper.

At Takahashi Studio, Japan’s oldest surviving ukiyo-e studio, established during the Ansei era (1855–1860), you can experience this historic craft firsthand. In this rare opportunity, you will create your own ukiyo-e print in an authentic studio setting.

The experience is led by Yukiko Takahashi, artisan and CEO of the studio, who has given demonstrations at world-renowned institutions including the British Museum. She will explain how to appreciate ukiyo-e and personally guide you through the creation process.

You will take home your completed ukiyo-e as an original item, such as a decorative fan. The experience also includes one professionally crafted ukiyo-e print (valued at ¥22,000), which you can select from a catalog of approximately 200 designs.

Step into the world of Edo-period artistry and take home a timeless piece of Japanese cultural heritage.

English-Guided Zen Meditation Experience at Tanaka-ji Temple

Experience traditional Zazen (seated Zen meditation) at Tanaka-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple founded in 1628 and named by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Edo shogunate.

This experience offers a rare opportunity to receive Zazen instruction in English, guided by the temple’s deputy chief priest. Using a whiteboard, the priest clearly explains the spirit and principles of Zazen, making the practice easy to understand even for first-time participants.

To ensure accessibility and comfort, “chair Zazen” is available for guests with mobility concerns or those wearing skirts. Wheelchair users are also welcome to participate while remaining in their wheelchairs.

Private Zazen sessions are available for small groups and are especially well suited for beginners and families seeking a peaceful and meaningful cultural experience.

Step away from the bustle of the city and discover a moment of quiet reflection rooted in centuries of Japanese tradition.

Authentic Samurai Experience at Musashi Kuni Mugai-kai Dojo.

Step into the world of the samurai at Musashi Kuni Mugai-kai Dojo, a Mugai-ryu swordsmanship school established in 1693. This immersive experience offers rare insight into authentic samurai culture and traditions passed down for centuries.

Mugai-ryu is one of Japan’s most renowned schools of swordsmanship, often regarded as one of the most powerful classical styles. During the experience, you will learn directly from a 9th-dan master, just one rank below the highest level, who will explain samurai history, philosophy, and etiquette, and demonstrate techniques using real swords.

Participants will have the opportunity to wear traditional attire, including a dogi (martial arts uniform) and hakama (samurai trousers), adding to the authenticity of the experience.

For adults aged 20 and over, there is also chance to try cutting straw targets with a real sword under expert supervision.

Discover the discipline, spirit, and legacy of the samurai in a genuine dojo setting.

Kumihimo Braid-Making Experience at Domyo

Discover the art of kumihimo, traditional Japanese braid-making, at Domyo, a historic studio founded in 1652 and renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship.

In this hands-on experience, you will receive clear English-language instruction from skilled traditional artisans as you create your own kumihimo braided strap. Your finished piece is yours to take home as a unique and meaningful souvenir.

During your visit, explore the on-site Kumihimo Museum, where you can view beautifully restored historic braids and learn about the 1,500-year history of kumihimo in Japan.

Suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers, this relaxed and creative experience offers a deeper appreciation of a timeless Japanese craft.

Private Noh Experience at Yarai Noh Theater

Enjoy an exclusive private Noh experience at Yarai Noh Theater, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and one of the most prestigious Noh theaters in Japan.

Noh is the world’s oldest surviving theatrical art form, with a history spanning approximately 700 years. It is recognized both as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and as a nationally designated Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.

This rare experience allows you to privately rent a Noh theater—one of only five in Japan, and the only one in Tokyo designated as a nationally protected Tangible Cultural Property. In an intimate setting, a professional Noh performer will introduce the history, aesthetics, and spiritual depth of Noh before presenting a traditional performance just for you.

Afterward, you will be invited to step onto the historic stage yourself. With gentle guidance from the performer, you can try performing Noh movements and gestures, gaining a deeper appreciation of this refined art form. You will also have the opportunity to view and try on exquisitely crafted Noh masks.

Step into a living tradition and experience one of Japan’s most profound cultural arts from the stage itself.

Authentic Geisha Banquet at Yukimoto Restaurant (3 Geisha, 2 Hours)

Enjoy an authentic geisha banquet at Yukimoto, a long-established Japanese restaurant founded in 1948 and renowned for its refined, high-quality kaiseki cuisine.

This two-hour dining experience features three geisha performing traditional arts, including dance, singing, shamisen music, and classic geisha games. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to enjoy one-on-one conversation with the geisha, offering personal insight into this unique cultural tradition.

Yukimoto is located on Hyogo Yokocho, a picturesque cobblestone street in the historic Kagurazaka district. Directly across from the restaurant stands Wakana, a traditional Japanese inn where many famous Japanese films and literary works, including the classic film Otoko wa Tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man), were written.

This experience is well suited for groups, couples, and families. Infants and children are also welcome. Drinks are not included, but a customary gratuity for the geisha is included in the plan.

This package includes a private two-hour banquet with three geisha, offering a memorable evening of cuisine, conversation, and traditional entertainment.

Japanese Sweets Workshop and Tea Ceremony at Kagurazaka Baikatei

Join a hands-on wagashi workshop led by artisans from Kagurazaka Baikatei, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1935.

Wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets that express the beauty of the changing seasons, are registered as an Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. Under the guidance of Takeshi Inoue, the fourth-generation head of Baikatei and one of Japan’s leading confectioners actively promoting wagashi culture overseas, you will create two high-quality seasonal sweets.

After the workshop, enjoy your finished confections along with a bowl of matcha in the tea room on the second floor. This experience is well suited for families and couples, and children are also welcome.

Tea Ceremony Experience with English Instruction at Chawa Masudaya

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony guided by an instructor from Chawa Masudaya, a respected tea establishment founded in 1930.

You will learn from an associate professor of the Urasenke school who teaches tea ceremony at universities both in Japan and overseas. During the session, the instructor will carefully explain the history and philosophy of the tea ceremony, its connection to Zen, and the spiritual meaning and etiquette behind each movement.

This experience offers the opportunity to receive direct tea ceremony instruction in English, supported by an English-speaking guide, making it accessible and engaging for first-time participants.

Well suited for families and couples, this cultural experience also welcomes children.

Japanese Cuisine Class with English Instruction at Chawa Masudaya

Join a hands-on Japanese cuisine class led by an instructor from Chawa Masudaya, a respected establishment founded in 1930.

You will learn from a licensed chef in a former traditional Japanese restaurant that offers spacious and comfortable facilities for both cooking and dining. The class covers essential Japanese cooking techniques as well as dining etiquette, helping you gain a deeper understanding of Japanese food culture.

This experience allows you to receive clear, step-by-step instruction in English, making it enjoyable and accessible for participants of all skill levels.

Ideal for families and couples, this culinary experience offers a memorable way to engage with Japanese culture through food.

Handmade Tofu Class with a Tofu Master at Katsuno Tofu

Learn the art of handmade tofu in a special class led by a tofu master from Katsuno Tofu, a renowned tofu shop founded in 1942 and long favored by former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka.

During the experience, you will discover the fundamentals of traditional tofu making and have the opportunity to sample Katsuno Tofu specialties such as ganmodoki and unohana.

With the techniques you learn in this class, you will be able to create delicious handmade tofu at home, deepening your appreciation for this essential element of Japanese cuisine.

This experience is ideal for families and couples, and children are also welcome.

A Guided Stroll Through Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

Discover Kagurazaka, one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric and historic neighborhoods, with roots stretching back approximately 1,300 years to the Ritsuryo period.

Kagurazaka Street was developed in 1636 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Edo shogunate, and the area has since evolved into a fascinating blend of old and new. On this two-hour walking tour, a native English-speaking guide, trained by a local resident who has lived in Kagurazaka for 25 years, will introduce you to the district’s unique character.

As you explore, you will encounter traces of samurai culture, traditional entertainment and geisha districts, shrines and temples, lively shopping streets, quiet residential lanes, French cultural influences, and connections to modern Japanese literature. Kagurazaka is also a popular filming location for films and television dramas.

Often described as a town of serendipity, Kagurazaka reveals unexpected discoveries around every corner. This enjoyable and insightful tour is well suited for families and couples seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese culture in the heart of Tokyo.

Izakaya Hopping in Kagurazaka, One of Japan’s Leading Gourmet Districts

Explore Kagurazaka, one of Japan’s most celebrated gourmet districts, known for its remarkable concentration of restaurants and bars. The area is home to approximately 500 restaurants and 100 bars, offering everything from traditional izakaya to refined dining.

Kagurazaka’s culinary reputation is further enhanced by its exceptional number of Michelin-starred restaurants, with a concentration said to be several times higher than the Tokyo average. This distinction reflects the area’s unique food culture, shaped by more than 200 years of history as an entertainment district and enriched by French influences introduced through the Institute of Franco-Japanese Studies.

Rarely visited by foreign tourists, Kagurazaka offers an authentic and local atmosphere, making this izakaya-hopping experience a must for food lovers seeking to discover a hidden side of Tokyo’s dining scene.