What do you imagine when you think of Kyoto?
Maiko, Japanese sweets, shrines, etc... Kyoto has many traditional cultures, but if you go to the trouble of visiting Kyoto, we recommend that you actually experience them for yourself. Many people have heard of or seen the names and methods of these traditional arts, but have never actually had the chance to experience them! I am sure there are many people who have heard or seen the name and the way it is done, but have never actually touched it!
This time, we would like to introduce some of the traditional culture you can experience in Kyoto. If you find something that interests you, please try to incorporate it into your travel plans.
Table of Contents
- 1. Kimono
- 2. tea ceremony
- 3. fresh flowers
- 4. Making Japanese sweets
- 5. Calligraphy
- 6. Ceramic art
- 7. Washi light
- 8. koto
- 9. sword dance
- 10. zazen
- 11. Ninja Experience
- 12. soba noodle making
- summary
1. Kimono
How about changing into a kimono first when you come to Kyoto?
There are many kimono rental stores in Kyoto that offer kimono experiences, so you can transform yourself into a coordinated outfit that is sure to be Instagram-worthy.
Kimonos give a more Kyoto-like atmosphere than touring shrines and temples in everyday clothes.
2. tea ceremony
It is no exaggeration to say that the "tea ceremony" is the first thing that comes to mind as a traditional Japanese culture.
It is a ceremony in which tea is prepared and served to guests while keeping a peaceful mind.
In Kyoto, where hospitality is valued, you can actually experience the manners and rituals of this tea ceremony.
If you like matcha or want to learn feminine etiquette, you should definitely try this experience.
In Kyoto, check out the many stores and other places where you can enjoy Uji matcha green tea and Kyoto's wagashi sweets.
3. flower arrangement
Ikebana is a Japanese art form that combines seasonal plants into compositions for appreciation.
As it attracts attention from overseas visitors, there are places where visitors can experience ikebana flower arrangement using materials unique to Kyoto.
If you would like to experience the seasons and culture with flowers in Kyoto, this is the place for you.
4. Making Japanese sweets
Kyoto is famous for various kinds of sweets using green tea, from parfaits and ice cream to Japanese sweets such as warabimochi (rice cakes).
There is also a place where visitors can actually make kyo-gashi, confections used for courtly entertainment and gifts.
There are many elegant and lovely designs of gorgeous kyogashi that color the four seasons, and you can make such aesthetically pleasing kyogashi in an authentic way, making it a memorable experience for you.
Experience making a variety of sweets from wagashi to sweet treats in Kyoto.
5. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is a plastic art that expresses beauty by writing letters.
You can express your feelings, the words you want to convey, and many other things through calligraphy.
If you want to learn the heart of Japan, it is also a great way to experience it through writing.
6. Ceramic art
Ceramics is the art of making ceramics by shaping clay and firing it at high temperatures, also known as pottery, and kneading clay can be a peaceful and refreshing experience.
Some ceramic art experiences allow you to make tea bowls and teacups, and send the fired pieces to you at a later date, so you can keep them as mementos of your trip.
7. Washi light
Visitors can experience handcrafting originally designed lighting using washi paper, as seen in Kyoto stores and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns).
The warm atmosphere of Japanese paper lighting will surely soothe your soul.
8. koto
There are also ways to experience traditional Japanese culture in the form of music.
In Kyoto, there are also some facilities that offer an okin experience, where you can learn how to play the harp and play "Sakura Sakura" together.
I would love to enjoy the sound of the koto in a quiet Japanese-style room in Kyoto.
9. sword dance
As the name suggests, the "sword dance" is danced with a sword.
The dancing with weapons is a traditional Japanese art form that has been performed for purposes such as evil spirits and festivals.
The culture and spirit of the samurai will be expressed through dance, and you will feel like a samurai.
I want to express Japan through dance.
I want to be a cool samurai like actors in musicals and period dramas.
If you are looking for a sword dance experience, you are in the right place.
10. zazen
If you want to concentrate your mind and face yourself, I recommend zazen, a Buddhist training method.
Some zazen experiences include vegetarian food and matcha (powdered green tea), allowing you to unify your mind while taking in the scenery of Kyoto.
11. Ninja Experience
Many foreigners have an image of "ninja" when they think of Japan and Kyoto.
In Kyoto, there are actually stores that offer a wide variety of goods such as shurikens, kunai, ninja swords, and other items at tourist spots. There are also places where you can have a ninja experience using such items.
If you want to experience authentic ninja experiences such as blowguns, shuriken, and swords in a dojo, you should definitely consider it.
12. soba noodle making
Soba noodles are processed and made from buckwheat flour, which is made from buckwheat seeds, a grain.
There are many soba noodle shops in Kyoto, and you can experience making your own soba by yourself.
The taste of soba made by yourself is also exceptional. If you would like to try your hand at making soba or if you enjoy cooking, please give it a try.
summary
How was it?
You may want to try your hand at making Japanese sweets, tea ceremony, or Zen meditation in Kyoto, where much Japanese culture has been preserved.
Ceramics, calligraphy, and other forms of art that you can take home with you as a memento of your trip to Kyoto are also good.
We hope you will leave with memories that you can't get just by visiting tourist attractions.
