During your stay in Japan, it can be interesting to immerse yourself in the Japanese culture through various traditional activities. Thus, we propose you a list of workshops available in Tokyo or in Kansai..

There are several options available to you:

  • Simple reservation: you reserve an activity via our reservation form – Workshops. We will confirm the date and time. Once the payment is accepted, we will send you the reservation coupon and instructions on how to get there.
  • Premium booking: unlike the simple booking, a guide will accompany you to the workshop location. This will allow you to go to the site with peace of mind. To do so, you will have to book a guide (1/2 day) which will allow you to visit the city while being accompanied, before or after the activity.
  • Guided tour + workshops: it is possible to include one or more activities during the guided tour (1 day or 2 days). In this case, do not hesitate to contact us via our contact form to agree on dates and times.

JAPANESE FLORAL ART IKEBANA

Ikebana, one of the traditional arts of Japan, has been practiced for over six hundred years. It has its origin in the Buddhist ritual of offering flowers. The word Ikebana (生花) or Ka-dô (the way of flowers – 華道) comes from the Japanese “Ikeru”, to make live, and “Hana”, flower. This term can be translated into French as “flower arrangement”.

Ikebana is a creative expression that follows certain rules of construction. The materials used are living elements: branches, leaves, grasses and inflorescences. The emotion that emerges from an ikebana is the result of a combination of colors and shapes intended by nature and respected as such. Therefore, Ikebana is much more than a simple floral decoration. It is a staging of natural elements intended to deliver a message.

During this workshop, you will be introduced to this art with a professional. You will learn the Japanese flower arrangement step by step with the precious advices of the teacher. The activity will take place as follows:

  1. Presentation of beauty from the Japanese point of view
  2. Explanations and tips for preserving your flowers
  3. Flower arrangement: course + practice

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
2hTOKYO¥7,500/pers
($49.30/pers)
EnglishYes
(from 10 years old)
100% refund if cancelled at least 1 week before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 1 week before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Price includes the purchase of flowers and a drink

*** Prices do not include accompanying

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

THE TEA CEREMONY

“Sadô” also called “Chadô” or “Chanoyu” is the traditional Japanese art of tea ceremony. The Japanese tea ceremony is a codified ritual centered on the preparation, serving and tasting of matcha green tea in bowls. This practice, called “Chadô”, “Chanoyu”, or more simply “O-cha” in the common language, is centuries old.

During this activity, you will learn more about this tradition by participating in the tea ceremony and you will discover the matcha tea making process. This tea ceremony class will take place in a peaceful atmosphere and in the respect of traditions.

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
45 minutesTOKYO
KYOTO
¥10,000/pers
($65.74/pers)
EnglishYes100% refund if cancelled at least 2 days before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 2 days before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed
** Price do not include accompanying
*** Price displayed for a private tea ceremony. Please contact us for the prices of shared sessions.

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

THE WEARING OF THE KIMONO

The kimono is one of the most recognizable symbols of traditional Japanese culture. A standard garment since ancient times, the kimono is now worn to bring formality and elegance to special occasions. You can rent a kimono for a few hours or the whole day and enjoy the temples and parks around to immortalize your day.

This workshop includes:

  1. Choice of kimono with the advice of an expert
  2. The staff will help you get dressed and explain all the steps
  3. Hairstyle: you will choose your hairstyle and accessories
  4. Additional accessories: You will be able to consult the staff that will help you choose the best accessories to accompany your kimono

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
1h ~ all day longTOKYO
KYOTO
¥7,500/pers
¥5,000/child
($49.30/pers) ($32.87/child)
EnglishYes100% refund if cancellation made up to 2 days before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 2 days before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Children’s rate: children under 10 years old and measuring less than 140 cm

** Prices do not include accompanying

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP

Origami is the art of paper folding. One of the most popular origami is the paper crane. The crane is an important animal to Japan because a legend says, “Whoever folds a thousand paper cranes will have their wish granted.”

During this class, you will see how a piece of paper can be transformed into a real work of art. For example, you will be able to create flowers and leaves for all seasons. For your friends, for a loved one’s birthday or to decorate a table, origami will be a perfect object. Children and adults alike will have a great time using their imagination and creativity. At the end of the workshop, you will receive an instruction sheet that will allow you to reproduce the origami at home.

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
1h - 1h30TOKYO¥5,000/pers
¥3,000/child
($32.87/pers) ($19.72/child)
EnglishYes100% refund if cancelled at least 2 days before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 2 days before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Children’s rate: children under 6 years old

*** Prices do not include accompanying

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

DISCOVER JAPANESE TEA

Japan is renowned for the quality of its grand cru teas, which are among the finest and most sought after in the world. It should be noted that 95% of Japanese teas are green teas. However, two main families must be distinguished: the “full sun” teas, such as Sencha, or Genmaicha, and the “shaded teas”, of which Gyokuro tea is a part.

During this workshop, you will be introduced to Japanese tea. You will be greeted with a welcome tea. Afterwards, you will be introduced to the basic Japanese tea making process and the preparation of a cup of green Sencha tea. You will be led to prepare a cup of tea yourself with the precious advice of the instructor.

Other types of Japanese tea, including Houjicha, Genmaicha, Gyokuro, Matcha will be introduced and you will be able to taste them. The instructor will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the tea you have prepared, along with some Japanese pastries.

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
1h30TOKYO¥6,000/pers
($39.44/pers)
EnglishYes
(child over 6 years old)
100% refund if cancelled at least 1 week before the scheduled date, 50% if cancellation made up to 3 days before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 3 days before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Prices do not include accompanying

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

WADAIKO CLASS

Taiko is the Japanese word for drum. However, Japanese drums are very different from those used in the West. In fact, the Japanese use another term “Wadaiko” which refers more specifically to traditional Japanese drums. These drums made of Keyaki wood and buffalo skin were originally used to call the gods to earth during celebrations. Even today, they continue to set the pace of social and religious life in Japan.

During this activity, you can fully appreciate their impressive resonance.

Course sequence:

  1. Warm-up
  2. Group work: learning rhythm and choreography
  3. Final presentation: dressed in traditional clothes, you will perform a composition learned during the lesson
  4. 4. Performance: after all your efforts, your instructor will demonstrate Wadaiko

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
1hTOKYO¥13,000/pers
($85.46/pers)
EnglishYes
(from 6 years old)
100% refund if cancelled at least 3 days before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 3 days before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Prices do not include accompanying

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Japanese calligraphy has a name “Shodô”, which means “the way of writing”. It originated in China, where kanji were born. Shodô” can be compared to Chinese calligraphy, but it differs from it by the use in Japan of two writing systems: kanji and kana, phonograms derived from kanji invented by the Japanese around the 9th century.

Practicing Japanese calligraphy allows you to acquire:

  1. Self-surrender
  2. Breath control
  3. A fusion with nature

During this workshop, you will learn the history of Japanese and Chinese calligraphy as well as the techniques of calligraphy. The teacher will give you precious advice on how to hold the brush in order to make the characters. You will choose a word, an expression or a sentence and write it in Japanese on calligraphy paper. Of course, you can take your work home as a souvenir. For those who have a thorough knowledge of calligraphy, you can learn advanced techniques or do more difficult work.

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
1h-1h30TOKYO
KYOTO
¥8,500/pers
($55.88/pers)
EnglishYes100% refund if cancelled at least 1 month before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 1 month before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Prices do not include accompanying

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

SAMURAI WORKSHOP

Historically, in the 12th century, Japan is faced with chronic civil wars. During these troubles, a caste of warriors was born: the samurai. The word samurai means “one who serves”. He was in the service of a lord and owed him absolute loyalty. You can learn about samurai culture with a descendant of the Ryukyu kingdom.

The workshop will be conducted as follows:

  1. You will change into a traditional kimono. You will be able to choose your kimono among the different types of kimono proposed
  2. You will learn how to walk, bow and perform samurai moves
  3. You will practice drawing the sword, flipping the sword as well as handling it (抜刀術 battoujyutu)
  4. You will cut a carrot with a saber
  5. Finally, you will have the opportunity to take pictures at the end of the workshop

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChldren acceptedCancellation and refund
2hTOKYO¥12,000/pers
¥8,000 /child
($78.88/pers) ($52.59/child)
EnglishYes100% refund if cancelled at least 1 month before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 1 month before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Children’s rate : children less than 12 years old

*** Prices do not include accompanying

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

HAIKU WORKSHOP

Haiku is a short Japanese poem that has a rhythm. This rhythm is 5, 7, and 5 syllables. Usually it is created with a seasonal word called Kigo (季語).

Since it is a very short poem, you can’t say much. However, you can create a Haiku referring to your discoveries and global impressions of Japan: it will be a very good souvenir.

At the end of the workshop, you will receive your Haiku calligraphy painting.

Program:

After a short introduction, you will create your Haiku in your language. After the presentation of your Haiku, your instructor (a professional Haikist) will make the translation into Japanese.

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
1h30TOKYO
KYOTO
¥4,000/pers
($26.29/pers)
French or EnglishYes100% refund if cancelled at least 2 weeks before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 2 weeks before the scheduled date

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

KINTSUGI

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art. This art makes broken objects paradoxically more beautiful, using a lacquer (called “urushi” in Japanese) sprinkled with gold powder.

This technique dates back to the 15th century when a shogun named Ashikaga Yoshimasa broke his tea cup. Wishing to keep it, he asked the local craftsmen to find a solution. They decided to fill the cracks with lacquer sprinkled with gold powder. Kintsugi was born and became a common practice in Japan to repair broken objects, especially ceramics and porcelain.

During this workshop, you will be introduced to this art with a professional.
The instructor will introduce you to the basics of this technique and you will be able to repair a ceramic object using this method.

The activity will take place as follows:

  1. Presentation of Kintsugi
  2. Choice of the object to be repaired
  3. Pratice of kintsugi

* Please note that you will not be able to bring the object back with you at the end of the workshop because it takes several weeks for the resin to harden. If you absolutely want to get your work back, a mailing can be done for a fee.

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
1h30TOKYO¥16,500/pers
($108.47/pers)
EnglishNo100% refund if cancelled at least 1 week before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 1 week before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Prices do not include accompanying

kintsugi

RESERVATION – WORKSHOP

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

KENDO WORKSHOP

Kendo is a Japanese martial art based on ancient sword fighting techniques used by bushi and samurai. The fighters, armed with a bamboo sword and protected by armor, actually fight a duel. The precision of the strike on the opponent’s armor, the coordination between the impact, the placement of the body and the “shout” are key elements for the attack to be considered decisive.

During this workshop, you will practice Kendo with a professional instructor. From basic skills to the use of armor, you will get a varied experience, perfect for a first visit to Japan.

This activity includes:

  1. Presentation of Kendo
  2. Instruction and guidance from a qualified instructor
  3. Demonstration + practice
  4. Final Tournament

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
2hTOKYO¥22,000/pers
¥17,000/child
($144.62/pers) ($111.75/child)
EnglishYes100% refund if cancelled at least 1 week before the scheduled date (unless more than 5 people), 50% refund if cancellation is made 6 to 3 days before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 3 days before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Prices do not include accompanying

*** Children’s rate : children under 10 years old

Kendo

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

KARATE WORKSHOP

Karate is a Japanese martial art based on five principles:

  1. Seek character development
  2. Be faithful and sincere
  3. Be consistent in your efforts
  4. Respecting others
  5. 5. Refuse all violent conduct

Your Japanese instructor (who won first prize at the 2011 Tokyo tournament) will teach you Shotokan style Karate (traditional) from the basics to practice.

During this experience; you will discover the basis of traditional training for individual defense without using force. It is practiced for self-defense and to avoid injuries, so beginners, children and seniors can participate.

Workshop program:

  1. Defense exercises
  2. The basics (punching and kicking)
  3. Kata (Choice of 3 or 4 Kata movements)

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
1h30TOKYO¥6,000/pers
($39.44/pers)
French or EnglishYes100% refund if cancelled at least 2 weeks before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 2 weeks before the scheduled date

* Rate does not include clothing rental. Please bring your own sportswear

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

JAPANESE DISHES

Japanese cuisine is a healthy and simple cuisine that emphasizes the use of good ingredients. Whether it’s rice, fish or pulses, quality and freshness are of utmost importance.

During this workshop, you will learn from A to Z how to cook a typical Japanese dish.

You will find below the list of dishes offered as well as additional information:

DishesDuration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren accepted
RAMEN + GYOZA2h30TOKYO¥15,000/pers
($98.61/pers)
EnglishYes
OKONOMIYAKI2h30TOKYO¥15,000/pers
($98.61/pers)
EnglishYes
WAGYU SUKIYAKI2h30TOKYO¥15,000/pers
($98.61/pers)
EnglishYes
TEMPURA2h30TOKYO¥15,000/pers
($98.61/pers)
EnglishYes
MAKIZUSHI2h30TOKYO¥15,000/pers
($98.61/pers)
EnglishYes
SUSHI / TEMARI ZUSHI2h30TOKYO¥15,000/pers
($98.61/pers)
EnglishYes

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Price including cooking ingredients, spices, rental of the apron and a drink (sake or tea)

*** Full refund if cancellation is made 2 weeks before the scheduled date, 50% between 7 and 13 days before the scheduled date, no refund when the cancellation is made one week before the scheduled date.

**** Prices do not include accompanying

***** Children’s rate (less than 6 years old) : ¥6,000

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

WORKSHOP FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FALSE DISHES

In Japan, almost all restaurants have windows where they display plastic dishes or food. These fake dishes called “食品サンプル/Shokuhin-Sampuru” (which we can translate as display food) provide a quick glimpse of the establishment’s menu from the street and reflect in every way the different meals offered. Both attractive and reassuring, they offer a guarantee to customers.

During the workshop, the instructor will teach you how to mold the resin to create a fake food that will seem so real that you will want to eat it. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, several possibilities of creation will be proposed to you.

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
2hTOKYO¥11,000/pers
($72.31/pers)
EnglishYes
(child over 12 years old)
100% refund if cancelled at least 1 month before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 1 month before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Prices do not include accompanying

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshopss

BONSAI WORKSHOP

The word “bonsai” is a Japanese word that literally means “planted in a pot”. Bonsai trees come from varieties of trees identical to those found in the wild and not a specific species. Their size is the only difference. This ornamental plant is obtained by growing a dwarf or dwarfed tree in a pot using several techniques.

In addition to creating your own bonsai, this workshop will allow you to experience the tranquility and healing power of nature. The instructor will provide you with the materials and teach you the basic skills needed to create a bonsai tree.

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
1hTOKYO¥6,500/pers
($42.73/pers)
EnglishYes100% refund if cancelled at least 2 days before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 2 days before the scheduled date

* Guide available to take you on site if needed

** Additional costs if you wish to take the bonsai home

*** Prices do not include accompanying

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

BIKE RIDE – TOKYO

Cycle through downtown Tokyo along the Kanda River. Through this experience, you will pass through many historical, lively and popular areas but also through relatively quiet and peaceful areas.

The Kanda River starts at Inokashira Park (west of Shinjuku which is one of the most beautiful residential areas of Tokyo) to the Sumida-gawa under the Ryōgoku Bridge. You will be very close to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the symbols of the capital and will be able to enjoy a splendid landscape.

The proposed itinerary:

From Takadanobaba (station on JR Yamanote line) to Ryōgoku (JR Chuo-Sobu line) with several points of interest:

  1. The big wall designed by Tezuka Osamu at Takadanobaba Station
  2. Visit to a Japanese garden in Edogawabashi
  3. Passage under a highway
  4. 4. Passage through historical, lively and popular districts that can be compared to the landscapes of the Edo period

The bike ride will end in Asakusabashi. Afterwards, you could visit the Ryōgoku district, the Edo museum, the Tokyo Skytree or the Asakusa district. Please bring a suitable outfit in case of rain.

Duration of the workshopPriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
3h-3h30¥9,000/pers
($59.16/pers)
French or EnglishOui100% refund if cancelled at least 2 weeks before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 2 weeks before the scheduled date except for safety reasons (bad weather)

* Price including bike rental

** A drink is offered (supplement of ¥ 250 if you wish to drink matcha tea in the Japanese garden)

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops

TEA PLANTATION – UJI

Direction Uji which is a small town located at about ten kilometers south of Kyoto. Nicknamed “the capital of green tea” you will have the privilege to meet a local producer, turned to organic production, natural culture and rehabilitation of abandoned fields.

The activity is divided into two parts:

  1. Visit of the tea fields and explanation of the harvesting process by the producer
  2. Tasting of local teas

Duration of the workshopPlacePriceLanguage usedChildren acceptedCancellation and refund
2hUJI (KYOTO)¥4,000/pers
($26.29/pers)
Japanese (guide required)Yes100% refund if cancelled at least 1 week before the scheduled date, no refund if cancelled less than 1 week before the scheduled date

* Prices do not include accompanying

** Possibility to include this activity in a ½ day or full day visit

RESERVATION – WORKSHOPS

For all reservations, please fill in the reservation form – Workshops