Introducing Kyoto's recommended cultural experiences to visit !
KuromaruWhere you can experience Japanese culture the most in Japan
It is no exaggeration to say that Kyoto is the best place in Japan to experience Japanese culture.
In this column, we will introduce what kind of cultural experiences you can have in such a city of Kyoto, along with recommended spots.
Ninja training
Ninja have a variety of jobs, including assassination, information gathering, and sabotage.
One of the most important of these is to enter enemy camps and spy on them.
Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion
At the Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion, visitors can dress up in ninja costumes and experience three ninja weapon trainings: shuriken, blowgun, and sword.
If you get tired after the ninja experience, you can enjoy a ninja curry with a ninja-inspired drink in hand, making this a spot where you can become a ninja.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!”, visit there.
Ninja experience Cafe Official Website
Learning “Omotenashi” through Japanese tea ceremony
The tea ceremony is a traditional culture that symbolizes Japanese hospitality, "Omotenashi".
It is a popular activity because it is not only about drinking tea, but also about the spirit of hospitality and wabi-sabi, the beautiful Japanese spirit.
For more information, read our Ninja Blog article on Invitation to Tea Ceremony - A journey of surprise and inspiration
Bikouen
Located at Nishi-Honganji temple, Bikouen offers a traditional samurai tea ceremony experience.
The proprietress is fluent in English and chinese, so even if you are not confident in your japanese, you can feel at ease and learn about Japanese culture through the tea ceremony experience.
Become a geisha and take pictures in Kyoto
A geisha is a woman whose job is to entertain at banquets by dancing and singing.
There are spots where you can take pictures pretending to be a geisha.
In Kyoto, geisha are called maiko or geiko.
Maiko and geiko are often confused with each other because they wear similar makeup and clothes, but they are not the same thing at all.
A maiko is a woman who is training to become a geiko.
In other words, when a maiko completes her training, she is called a geiko.
If you want to know more about geishas, have a look at our Ninja Blog article on Secrets of "Geisha" - How to enjoy a night in Kyoto
Maiko Experience Kyoto Gion Aya
Maiko Experience Kyoto Gion Aya is a spot where you can have your picture taken on the streets of Kyoto wearing maiko-like makeup and a beautiful kimono.
You can choose from a variety of traditional silk kimonos, and you will be taught the gestures and poses of a maiko.
Of course, you can go to the store empty-handed.
Maiko Experience Kyoto Gion Aya official web site
Wear a kimono and blend in with the city of Kyoto
It is no exaggeration to say that Kyoto is the most kimono-friendly city in Japan, with historical buildings remaining everywhere.
Let's wear a kimono in Kyoto and blend in with the history of Japan.
If you want to know more about kimono, read our Ninja Blog article on A trip to Kyoto and Tokyo Asakusa to discover the charm of Kimono
Rika Kimono
Rika Kimono offers a wide range of kimonos, from traditional kimonos to kimonos made with today's lace, and provides careful support from kimono selection to dressing.
For women, the service even includes a hair set to match the kimono.
Enjoy the historic temple with a view
When it comes to sightseeing in Kyoto, visiting temples is probably the first thing that comes to mind.
It is estimated that there are 3,065 temples in Kyoto.
Since it is not possible to visit all temples at once, we recommend that you research temples in Kyoto in advance and pick up temples that interest you.
For more information, read our Ninja Blog article on 10 Must-Visit Temples in Kyoto
Kiyomizu temple
Kiyomizu temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto.
The temple is located so high off the ground that there is a saying, "Jump off the stage at Kiyomizu."
Therefore, on a fine day, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
Kiyomizu temple official web site
Toji temple
Toji temple, registered as a world heritage site, is famous for its five-storied pagoda.
When the pagoda is illuminated in autumn, you can enjoy the beautiful harmony of the five-storied pagoda and the autumn leaves.
Touring castles with beautiful gardens
In addition to temples, Kyoto is also home to many castles.
Castles were often built as military bases to defend against enemy invasions, but they were also often used as shogun's home.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle was built as an inn for Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Therefore, even though Nijo Castle is a castle, it also has a beautiful garden.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful and delicate garden with Japanese historical greenery.
We have a Ninja Blog entirely on Nijo Castle! Nijo Castle: A beautiful World Heritage with history and culture
Experience Japanese hospitality at a ryokan
If you have come all the way to Kyoto, stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn), not a regular hotel, to experience the heartwarming "hospitality" of Japan.
Shoen-so Hozugawa-tei
Shoen-so Hozugawa-tei offers a luxurious escape from everyday life in a quiet and peaceful setting.
The guest rooms are calm and relaxing, with the warmth of wood conveying a uniquely Japanese atmosphere.
You can also enjoy Japanese cuisine made with the finest ingredients.
Shoen-so Hozugawatei official web site
Summary
In this column, we have introduced recommended cultural experiences in Kyoto and recommended spots for each.
Kyoto is a city where you can experience Japanese culture to the fullest. There are so many cultural experience spots that no matter how much time you have, you will never have enough.
Please use this column to find a spot that interests you and make your trip to Kyoto a memorable one.
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