OKOKUZITHOKOZISA KWE-AIRBNB
Izinto ezingavamile ongazenza e-Kansai
Bhukha izinto ezenziwayo ezingenakulibaleka ezibungazwa abantu bendawo ku-Airbnb.
Okwenziwayo okusezingeni eliphezulu
Off The Beaten Path Local Craft Sake Bar Crawl
Top rated Osaka night life here where even close enough from Kyoto !
Please read detailed guest review to get to know more about my tour!
"Let's get away from TOURIST TRAP like Doutonbori/Namba area and dive in to deep local side !
Point 1.
Experience of this bar crawl will walk around deep side of Osaka, If you’re looking for "off the beaten path" munchies experience beyond Namba or Doutonbori area in Osaka, HERE is for YOU who wanna glimpse what a real local night life is.
Point 2.
Let me take you to three SPECIAL standing bar which most of them are originally opened as "liquor store" turned out to be a "Tapas Bar". Great things that we will have quality food/drinks as very reasonable price!
Point 3.
You will encounter a bunch of flavorful food/drinks surrounded by full of local. You will be fit in well to local life without language barrier. I'll order your favorite taste which something "adventurous" and sure fire food like seasonal sashimi or variety of meat and veggies.
If you find your favorite sake, you can buy a bottle in order to have your souvenir!
Let's enjoy the night out together like a local. besides, I would like to talk about culture differences!
I’m music, movies and nature lover.
Other things to note
Food and drinks are NOT included in the tour fee.
Average cost is about 6000 Yen in TOTAL 3 restaurant.
Vegetarian friendly! LGBTQ friendly!
Eat and drink like a local in Osaka
Experience what it feels like to be a local! This 3-hour experience focuses on standing izakayas in Kyobashi, a neighborhood filled with small, local favorite restaurants and bars. Eat and drink like a local in these hidden gems while interacting with friendly Osaka locals!
With me as your local host, you will be encouraged to try old-school izakaya foods and interact with locals in a way that you otherwise wouldn't. We will go to 2-3 standing izakayas in Kyobashi for you to try various Japanese and Osaka local foods. The places I will take you to have no English signs or menus, but not to worry, I will translate them for you! By the end of the tour, you'll be able to order your own next round of food and drinks! Come with me to eat and drink like locals, with locals.
**PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE BOOKING**
FOOD/DRINKS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE. Please know that the experience will be taken place in STANDING izakayas and they are SMOKING-FRIENDLY. This experience is NOT for those who have many food restrictions or are very specific about the dishes they want.
Osaka Shinsekai/Dotombori Walking Tour
We meet in Shinsekai area, an old neighborhood of Osaka, walk around the area then head toward the Minami area, Osaka's southern city center, including world-famous "Dotonbori". Osaka is well known as the food capital of Japan, or kitchen of Japan, and you will see why once you get here. There are so many restaurants all over the city, and all kinds! I'll show you not only the variety of foods Osaka can offer but also the history of the area, Japanese culture, tradition and everyday life of local people.
I'd recommend you to take my walking tour at your earliest convenience once you arrive Osaka, since I'll talk a lot about what you can do and eat here, as well as restaurant recommendations. This will be an excellent activity for you to familiarize yourself to this amazing city, and also Japan over all. I'll try my best to let you have a good time while you're in my beloved city, Osaka!!
I'm looking forward to showing you the best of my Osaka!!
(Please note that this is not food tour, meaning no food is included in my tour. But Osaka being as a food capital of Japan, I talk a lot about food in my tour, which might make you hungry :-) Therefore try not to come join my Experience with empty stomach).
Handmade Udon Noodles
You can experience how to make Handmade Udon in the authentic Udon restaurant and enjoy the Udon you made after the class.
You can also bring it back to your home if you want.
Handmade udon made by ourselves is chewier and softer than udon sold in stores.
Anybody who doesn’t have any skill for cooking can easily experience.
Both kids and adults can enjoy the udon.
We would like people from other countries to know one of the traditional Japanese food and share the joy of making it together.
Our restaurant is in the Michelin guide.
So after your class, our Udon chief will make Udon dish for you which tastes amazing!
-Other things to note-
•Please wear clothes you don't mind getting messy!
•You need to be on time! (We will also operate regular customers for restaurant after your class.)
•We shall not be responsible for any troubles.
•We are not opened the class for one person (minimum from 2ppl). Please contact us before booking if you wish to join our class alone. We can advise another session that already booked.
•There is possibility to you have another group in the same session. Please be aware and enjoy the company!
Nara Cycling along River into DeerPark
It's beautiful & fresh cycling along the river, which no tourists visit, and we go through local Japanese neighborhood districts, which are beautiful, cozy, and quiet.
Especially hidden gems in Nara, cycling along the Saho river, which only local people visit :)
With fewer tourists, no cars, and no stress, you'll get a relaxed feeling from a busy Osaka/Kyoto stay.
And in Nara park, beside the crowded and busy Todaiji-big Buddha (600yen entrance fee), few people go up to Nigatsudo hall on the hill. This is because the view from the Nigatsu-do hall is just breathtakingly beautiful. But you've got to ride your bicycle up there. So it's a little bit of exercise.
We can feed the deer in Nara park while we go cycling around. I'll get the deer crackers for you :)
And I'll take some lovely group photos of you while cycling. I'm an excellent selfie photographer!
From Nigatsudo hall to the station, it's all the way downhill. But it's an easy way back!
We'll get our raincoats and walk around the park if it rains hard. (We ride buses between the station and the park.)
There is a sake brewery in town, and we can try Sake tasting if you want. (500yen Extra charge)
Other things to note
Please make sure that you can ride bicycles very well.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for cycling.
Please bring your cap or hat to prevent health problems caused by heat strokes.
Inesilinganiso esiphakeme ngenxa yokwehluka
Akahada-yaki Pottery with local rare clay in Nara
First I explain a little about what is special about “Akahada-yaki”. Then I hand over the raw clay to guests for appreciation and touching.Imagine this clay will be given life and become a work in your daily life! Have in your mind a image of your own design. Eg. If you participate with your partner, making same teacups for each other might be a memorable experience! I will also advise for your design from easiness of making or solidity in use. When design is finished, then we start building and shaping by wheel throwing. (See my demonstration!) It’s really a fun to turn a wheel! You can either concentrate in your work, or get more inspiration watching at my works in the gallery.
Final step is to scrape and write your name at the bottom of your work.
That’s how it works! And let’s have a tea break and Japanese sweet over imagining the finished condition of your work. I will dry and bake your work, then duly pack it , which takes max. 4 months in total till dispatching for shipment. (International shipment cost should be additionally paid at the class. For some countries shipment may not be possible,or put on hold due to changing pandemic situation,etc. please ask.)
About the cost or acceptability of international shipment of your completed pottery to your country, please check with us beforehand.(For some countries we reccommed to use more costly FEdex service for safety.)
Traditional Kyoto-style Bookmaking
" Book Binding Workshop"
1. select book cover
( you can choose from our collection of old kimono textile / old cloth textile / varieties of fabrics )
2. stitch the interior pages of the book by hand
3. cut the edge of the book to size
4. measure the book cover & other materials
5. set and arrange all paper and make book cover
6. assemble the interior of the book and book cover
7. press by hot iron with candle
8. use pressing tools to press book
9. glue on the cover of the book
-finish-
Other things to note:
- If you are book lovers, we are happy to offer another class FOR BOOK LOVERS, class including FULL experience like Embossing ( please check another workshop of tsutomu !
- If you'd try Japanese Original book style , we reommend STAMPBOOK class. ( please check another workshop of tsutomu !
- If you are the family, we are very welcome. Under 5years old children might be difficult to have standard corse. In that case, KIMONO SKETCHBOOK class would be better ( please check another workshop of me, yoko !
Learn Kawaii wagashi making over matcha near Nara deer park
I invite you to enter my atelier normally not accessible. A local fluent translator will help me in explaining details about wagashi ingredients, motifs, and technique! First you will learn about basic ingredients, materials and tools for making wagashi using visual chart, and I will demonstrate the basic skills step by step for you to follow and do the same way by modelling, moulding, and shaping your own Japanese sweet. You can learn not only the basic skills of making, but also the beauty of Japanese traditional colours used and how I express seasons in the design of the "sweets". Don't worry, you can take your time at your own pace, and focus on getting inspiration and enjoying the making! When some difficult techniques needed, of course I will help you. :-) Also, you can ask me to take photos of your making as you have to keep your hands clean! Making will be about 40 minutes, and when finished, you will have a matcha tea time to taste your own wagashi. We can pack the remaining wagashi to go,of course! Ingredients are red beans(azuki), white kidney beans, sugar, yam potato, agar, and edible colors from vegetables and plants. Sometimes I may use egg yolk or rice powder, which I can avoid if you ask me in advance. (More than 15minutes late arrival may be treated as cancelled or subject to additional charges.)
Sharpen Japanese Knives in Osaka
【About booking】
※If there isn't opened date/time you want, please ask me
※To experience sharpening knives, I need to confirm to the factory, and might ask you to reschedule in case the factory can't have us.
※We need to order your knives in advance (knife type / engravings), so please answer to the message you get after booking from me ASAP.
※We can't change knife types or engravings after we order.
【In this tour】
Go to the knife museum to learn about histories of Japanese knives and see how Japanese kitchen knives are made. You'll be surprised by the number of knives there. Move to a knife shop to learn how to sharpen a knife and sharpen your knife. Also forge handles by yourself after learn from a professional. At the end of the tour, you get your own kitchen knife with your name on it. You'll get excited sharpening knives! If you sharpen knives regularly and correctly, you can use them for over 10 years.
【Choose one from below】
#1. Santoku knife(all-purpose)
#2. Petit knife(fruits knife)
#3. Deba knife(for dressing a fish)
#4. Yanagiba knife(for sashimi and sushi)
【Other cautions】
※ Lefthand users pay ¥5,000 extra for knife #3 and #4 to the factory on site to make a left-handed knife
Other things to note
If there is no opened date and time which you want to join, please ask me
Kyoto Samurai Experience
This is an excellent chance for visitors to get a firsthand look into the world of the samurai. Get a glimpse into the philosophies of bushido, the way of the warrior, and try your hand at wielding a real katana. Afterwards, practice some inward reflection with Zen meditation, used by the samurai to calm their minds during battle.
-Form Practice-
Before being given a real blade it is important to master the basics. We will begin our training using wooden practice swords and instruct you on the proper grip, posture, and form.
-A Real Katana (Japanese sword)-
After learning the basics, the next step is to wield a real katana, and use it to cut though a goza mat. We will place this target on a special stand and you can put your sword skills to the test.
-Zen (meditation)-
The course wraps up with an experience of Zen meditation.
Through this deep meditation, you will be able to dissipate some of the excitement from practicing with the sword, and also learn ways in which Zen meditation can assist you in your daily life.
-Other things to note-
* You are allowed to take photos and videos anytime anywhere during the experience.
* We do offer private bookings, please contact us through our website.
Kunesilinganiso esithi kwenzeka kanye kuphela ekuphileni
For Book Lovers! Kyoto Craft Workshop
Session 1 " Book Binding Workshop"
1. select book cover ( you can choose from our collection of old kimono textile / old cloth textile / varieties of fabrics )
2. stitch the interior pages of the book by hand
3. cut the edge of the book to size
4. measure the book cover & other materials
5. set and arrange all paper and make book cover
6. assemble the interior of the book and book cover
7. press by hot iron with candle
8. use pressing tools to press book
9. glue on the cover of the book
Session 2 ” Embossing ”
1. choose one or two words from Name/ Date/ Kyoto.
Or, one line of your expression like poem or philosophy.
2. choose letter style from letter presses ( Western or Japanese/ Kanji -old Chinese characters )
3. design to set letter press on the back page of your book cover
4. practice the technic of embossing several times
5. try to emboss with golden leaf ( silver / other colors ) please check photos for each process. -finish
Other things to note
This course is best suited for adults and families with kids over 13 yrs. old. If you’d like to enjoy a more family oriented class please choose our other course Traditional Kyoto Style Bookmaking.
Study woodworking with a carpenter
Japanese woodworking is known for its precision, delicacy, and beauty. My dream is to make Japanese woodworking more accessible to foreign people. I personally find great enjoyment working with wood, and I would love to share the experience, the knowledge, and the skills with the world.
In this experience, you will learn how to use Japanese woodworking tools. I will explain the purpose of the tools and show you how to use them.
With the new knowledge in hand, I will take you to a local store where craftsmen buy their tools. You can learn more at the store—and, if you wish, you can buy tools there.
Then we'll return to my workshop to practice with your new tools—or simply borrow mine—to gain a basic understanding of how to set, sharpen, and maintain them.
we will discuss about Japanese architecture, design, and answer any questions you may have.
Other things to note
If you have specific woodworking tools you want to know about, please tell me in advance.
Please arrange for your own transportation to and from the workshop.
Experience Kendo in Kyoto
"Experience KENDO" offers authentic BUSHIDO ("WAY OF SAMURAI") learning experience through the lecture and basic motions of the traditional martial arts, KENDO ("WAY OF SWORD"). Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how the ancient swordsmanship of SAMURAI later developed into KENDO. He will share ancient SAMURAIS' heroic stories, including his great-grandfather, Yoshishige Hayashi. He will also share the controversial influence of BUSHIDO values on this nation and his family into extremism, especially during the period of WW2. He will end his story on how redemption came and led him to the current inner peace and the life of a pacifist.
After the lecture, you will wear all the KENDO armors and will learn the basic KENDO movements. In the end, you will get to do the KENDO match with each other. Upon completing the workshop, you will receive a beautifully designed “Certificate of Experience”. Tomoyoshi will teach you everything in English. Q&A is always welcomed. Photo-taking is freely allowed. His wife, Tomoko, who also has rich Kendo experience will assist ladies and children in any necessary way. It is a very safe activity but exciting enough to meet your adventurous expectation. We are confident that this is one of the best workshops you can find of this kind!
Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto
You can learn deeply about "SAMURAI" through this experience. Learn about kendo and swords. Wear proper training gear and wield a real sword like a samurai. The experience of handling a sword correctly and cutting things will be an unforgettable experience for the rest of your life.
This experience includes:
1. Learn the basics of kendo
2. Practice kendo techniques with tools
3. 1 minute kendo battle
4. Learn to use a sword
5. Cutting rolled tatami mats with a real sword
Our client's teacher, Kengo is a skilled Kendo player who started Kendo at the age of 3 and won 3rd place in the Japan tournament. I am very confident in my Kendo skills and knowledge. You can learn about the culture of the Samurai through this experience. The main event of the experience is cutting tatami mats using a Japanese sword. Please rest assured that Kengo will provide careful guidance. We will also be happy to help with video and photo shoots. If you have any questions about the experience, please feel free to contact us.
Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to use real swords in this experience.
お寿司を作って抹茶も楽しみましょう
Don't you think that it would be wonderful to make sushi at home? At first, Yumiko showes and explains all Japanese seasonings. Next you will make tamagoyaki or Japanese omelette. And then you make two different popular styles of sushi: nigirizushi and makizushi. You can learn some useful skills as well as sushi history. I bet you enjoy two different ways of making sushi. I think you can hold a happy sushi party when you go back home. ( We have vegetarian and vegan friendly menus. We try to meet your needs as much as we can. Feel free to make your request. )
In the end of this course, Yumiko will serve a bowl of matcha or powdered green tea with Japanese sweet. If you have enough time, you can make a bowl of match by yourself :-)
Why don’t you try it?!
Note: if you are allergic to some foods, please let me know.
Konke okwenziwayo eduze ne-Kansai
Osaka Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl
Bar hopping tour at Dotonbori & Uranamba area.
"Uranamba" is the area many local Osaka people enjoy drinking.
We will take you to real local bar and izakaya, difficult to find for foreigners.
Also take you to some deep & hidden places you never know.
This experience is not just for local foods and drinks, give you the opportunity to connect with local people.
Cannot wait to show you guys around my city!!
We will eat during the tour, so you don't need to eat before the tour.
Let's enjoy food and drink like local!
If you have special request related to place, food, date and so on, we can organize the tour up to your requests.
<What's included>
○ 3 hours with a local guide
○ Admission fee is free
✖️ Alcoholic Beverages
✖️ Dinner
※We split the total amount, and 99 yen or less will be rounded up to make accounting smoother.
Off The Beaten Path Local Craft Sake Bar Crawl
Top rated Osaka night life here where even close enough from Kyoto !
Please read detailed guest review to get to know more about my tour!
"Let's get away from TOURIST TRAP like Doutonbori/Namba area and dive in to deep local side !
Point 1.
Experience of this bar crawl will walk around deep side of Osaka, If you’re looking for "off the beaten path" munchies experience beyond Namba or Doutonbori area in Osaka, HERE is for YOU who wanna glimpse what a real local night life is.
Point 2.
Let me take you to three SPECIAL standing bar which most of them are originally opened as "liquor store" turned out to be a "Tapas Bar". Great things that we will have quality food/drinks as very reasonable price!
Point 3.
You will encounter a bunch of flavorful food/drinks surrounded by full of local. You will be fit in well to local life without language barrier. I'll order your favorite taste which something "adventurous" and sure fire food like seasonal sashimi or variety of meat and veggies.
If you find your favorite sake, you can buy a bottle in order to have your souvenir!
Let's enjoy the night out together like a local. besides, I would like to talk about culture differences!
I’m music, movies and nature lover.
Other things to note
Food and drinks are NOT included in the tour fee.
Average cost is about 6000 Yen in TOTAL 3 restaurant.
Vegetarian friendly! LGBTQ friendly!
Comparing Wagyu, Sashimi, and Sake atTeppanyaki restaurant
Enjoy the freshly caught sashimi platter and Japan's only "Wagyu" tasting course with a wide variety of carefully selected sake in Osaka's high-class restaurant district.
Learn from a seasoned Japanese chef with easy-to-understand explanations on how to properly select fresh fish for sashimi, how to tell apart each cut of Wagyu beef and how to pair them with a variety of amazing sake.
Fresh seasonal vegetables, fried rice and Japanese pickled vegetables are included.
Located in Osaka’s premiere restaurant and night life district, enjoy a night on the town at Teppanyaki Toyota.
While on my tour, I will carefully explain and walk you through each dish and give you a better understanding of each cut’s characteristics and my creative thought process when designing these dishes.
How to select sake and pair them with a Wagyu beef and fishes is essential to the overall enjoyment.
So that I will explain the points of "Sake"choice.
It is generally said that sake goes well with meals,
and I would like you to experience a more compatible marriage on this tour.
Hidden Osaka - Yukaku Red
Light Tour & Culinary Adventure
Tired of touristy stuff? Experience the underground side of Osaka like a local!
What's unique about this tour:
- Journey through the Tobita Entertainment District and learn about why its the last of its kind in all of Japan.
- Delve into the retro charm and bustling energy of Shinsekai, an old theme park turned local hangout spot.
- Savor the authentic flavors of Osaka with our hand-picked selection of dishes paired with the perfect drink to compliment. (Izakaya hopping food tour in 2 stops)
Please Note:
Our food offerings are curated for the bold and adventurous. You'll be eating things you've never tried so dive in with an open heart, and let Osaka's culinary wonders amaze you!
Why book with us!
Japan has so much to offer, but only a small amount is accessible to tourists. Our mission is to help adventurous travellers discover the real Japan. We are a group of passionate Japanese, fluent in multiple languages, offering insights and stories that only a native local can provide.
Join us for a truly immersive Japanese experience that will leave you with memories and stories unlike any other!
Other Notes:
※Food & drinks bill will be split among the guests
※It is 50% a food tour so please don't eat before coming
※Average spending for Izakaya is ¥3000
※Please book a private tour if you want the tour to be conducted in Spanish/French (If not it will be in English)
Eat and drink like a local in Osaka
Experience what it feels like to be a local! This 3-hour experience focuses on standing izakayas in Kyobashi, a neighborhood filled with small, local favorite restaurants and bars. Eat and drink like a local in these hidden gems while interacting with friendly Osaka locals!
With me as your local host, you will be encouraged to try old-school izakaya foods and interact with locals in a way that you otherwise wouldn't. We will go to 2-3 standing izakayas in Kyobashi for you to try various Japanese and Osaka local foods. The places I will take you to have no English signs or menus, but not to worry, I will translate them for you! By the end of the tour, you'll be able to order your own next round of food and drinks! Come with me to eat and drink like locals, with locals.
**PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE BOOKING**
FOOD/DRINKS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE. Please know that the experience will be taken place in STANDING izakayas and they are SMOKING-FRIENDLY. This experience is NOT for those who have many food restrictions or are very specific about the dishes they want.
Osaka Shinsekai/Dotombori Walking Tour
We meet in Shinsekai area, an old neighborhood of Osaka, walk around the area then head toward the Minami area, Osaka's southern city center, including world-famous "Dotonbori". Osaka is well known as the food capital of Japan, or kitchen of Japan, and you will see why once you get here. There are so many restaurants all over the city, and all kinds! I'll show you not only the variety of foods Osaka can offer but also the history of the area, Japanese culture, tradition and everyday life of local people.
I'd recommend you to take my walking tour at your earliest convenience once you arrive Osaka, since I'll talk a lot about what you can do and eat here, as well as restaurant recommendations. This will be an excellent activity for you to familiarize yourself to this amazing city, and also Japan over all. I'll try my best to let you have a good time while you're in my beloved city, Osaka!!
I'm looking forward to showing you the best of my Osaka!!
(Please note that this is not food tour, meaning no food is included in my tour. But Osaka being as a food capital of Japan, I talk a lot about food in my tour, which might make you hungry :-) Therefore try not to come join my Experience with empty stomach).
Handmade Udon Noodles
You can experience how to make Handmade Udon in the authentic Udon restaurant and enjoy the Udon you made after the class.
You can also bring it back to your home if you want.
Handmade udon made by ourselves is chewier and softer than udon sold in stores.
Anybody who doesn’t have any skill for cooking can easily experience.
Both kids and adults can enjoy the udon.
We would like people from other countries to know one of the traditional Japanese food and share the joy of making it together.
Our restaurant is in the Michelin guide.
So after your class, our Udon chief will make Udon dish for you which tastes amazing!
-Other things to note-
•Please wear clothes you don't mind getting messy!
•You need to be on time! (We will also operate regular customers for restaurant after your class.)
•We shall not be responsible for any troubles.
•We are not opened the class for one person (minimum from 2ppl). Please contact us before booking if you wish to join our class alone. We can advise another session that already booked.
•There is possibility to you have another group in the same session. Please be aware and enjoy the company!
Nara Cycling along River into DeerPark
It's beautiful & fresh cycling along the river, which no tourists visit, and we go through local Japanese neighborhood districts, which are beautiful, cozy, and quiet.
Especially hidden gems in Nara, cycling along the Saho river, which only local people visit :)
With fewer tourists, no cars, and no stress, you'll get a relaxed feeling from a busy Osaka/Kyoto stay.
And in Nara park, beside the crowded and busy Todaiji-big Buddha (600yen entrance fee), few people go up to Nigatsudo hall on the hill. This is because the view from the Nigatsu-do hall is just breathtakingly beautiful. But you've got to ride your bicycle up there. So it's a little bit of exercise.
We can feed the deer in Nara park while we go cycling around. I'll get the deer crackers for you :)
And I'll take some lovely group photos of you while cycling. I'm an excellent selfie photographer!
From Nigatsudo hall to the station, it's all the way downhill. But it's an easy way back!
We'll get our raincoats and walk around the park if it rains hard. (We ride buses between the station and the park.)
There is a sake brewery in town, and we can try Sake tasting if you want. (500yen Extra charge)
Other things to note
Please make sure that you can ride bicycles very well.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for cycling.
Please bring your cap or hat to prevent health problems caused by heat strokes.
Tea ceremony by qualified tea master
Information
Osaka honmachi class Dec 2 th .
Kyoto (Temple) Request if you wish.
Many customers have made reservations for dec 2023.
Prices tend to be high in the world, but the Japan price of our classroom has not changed from the past.
Upon prior request & confirmation, it is also possible to experience the tea ceremony at other classrooms in Osaka or famous temples in Kyoto. (advance request)
The tea ceremony masters in our classroom are tea masters with very difficult tea ceremony qualifications.
In this experience .
(1)A lecture by a highly qualified tea master.
(2)Tea ceremony
There is an additional charge for the kimono experience.(Advance request system.)
If Kyobashi Classroom (near Osaka Castle) is unavailable, you may be asked to use another classroom. Both are tea rooms.
The Kyobashi classroom cannot be used on the following dates.
Dec 1,2,4,9,11,12,16,18,19,23,25,26,29,30,31 th.
Classrooms other than the Kyobashi classroom are available on the following dates.
Dec 1,2,4,9,11,12,16,18,19,23,25,26,29,30,31th is the Hirakata classroom.
Dec 28 th is the Shitennoji classroom.
Dec 1,2,4,9,11,12,16,18,19,23,25,26,29,30,31 th is the Honmachi classroom.
Dec 1,28th at 4 pm Kyoto classroom.
The organizer will not be held responsible for any trouble or injury that may occur during the experience.
Kyoto Foodie Night Tour
We will share a course-meal ranging from modern to traditional Japanese food across 4-6 food stands and restaurants. I have chosen these vendors to talk about quality food and rich food culture that represent Kyoto. Throughout the evening, we will try many kinds of foods that highlight Kyoto's rich culture.
Other things to note:
- Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week beforehand. I might not be able to fully accommodate restrictions as it is a group experience.
- This experience is run by either myself or another trusted local guide.
- I update my tour availability by the 3rd week for next month. Even if you don't see availability, please check back later.
Making Soba Noodles at Temple in Osaka
You can experience traditional Japanese soba making at a historic temple and sample the soba you made yourself. And, You can also visit the main hall of the temple and the Buddha statue. We run this classroom in a small team and strive to provide a special experience and a calm time. You can feel the warm and private time when you return to your parents' house.
Other notes
Please note that buckwheat is made from buckwheat flour and some people may not be able to eat it due to allergies.
*If there is no opened date and time which you want to join, please contact me.
Akahada-yaki Pottery with local rare clay in Nara
First I explain a little about what is special about “Akahada-yaki”. Then I hand over the raw clay to guests for appreciation and touching.Imagine this clay will be given life and become a work in your daily life! Have in your mind a image of your own design. Eg. If you participate with your partner, making same teacups for each other might be a memorable experience! I will also advise for your design from easiness of making or solidity in use. When design is finished, then we start building and shaping by wheel throwing. (See my demonstration!) It’s really a fun to turn a wheel! You can either concentrate in your work, or get more inspiration watching at my works in the gallery.
Final step is to scrape and write your name at the bottom of your work.
That’s how it works! And let’s have a tea break and Japanese sweet over imagining the finished condition of your work. I will dry and bake your work, then duly pack it , which takes max. 4 months in total till dispatching for shipment. (International shipment cost should be additionally paid at the class. For some countries shipment may not be possible,or put on hold due to changing pandemic situation,etc. please ask.)
About the cost or acceptability of international shipment of your completed pottery to your country, please check with us beforehand.(For some countries we reccommed to use more costly FEdex service for safety.)
Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy & Kimono
You will experience the Japanese art of tea ceremony (sado), Japanese calligraphy (shodo), wearing kimono in a real Japanese family home.
This is a very relaxed activity for those interested in Japanese art, family life, meditation or simply if you want to avoid bad weather outside. You will also get to learn about family life in Japan. We are a bilingual family (English-Japanese), so you don't need to worry about having any language problems.
Our house is quite large, so there is plenty of space for you to relax and enjoy the following activities:
(1) Enjoy tea ceremony (sado) in a Japanese tatami room, where you sit on the floor. It is a form of meditation, immersing yourself in the act of preparing, serving & drinking matcha green tea (with a sweet) in an authentic environment.
(2) Try out a kimono from a selection or colours and patterns. We will help you put on the kimono. You will feel how tight and how uncomfortable, yet beautiful it is to wear one.
(3) Then try Japanese calligraphy (shodo), which is another form of art & mediation. You can write Chinese characters, Japanese hiragana, idioms, haiku and much more to exercise your fingers.
Other things to note
Ask for availability on other time/date or larger group?
Our local station is 18 mins from Osaka Station by JR Train (260yen/free for JR Pass) and 23 mins (30 mins local train) from Kyoto Station (460yen/free for JR Pass). Our house is a short walk to the station.
Osaka Mountain Hike and Trout Fishing
★★★This tour will resume in December ★★★
Do you want to experience Japanese nature deeply?
How about hiking a holly and historical mountain, Mt. Kongo in Osaka?
We take bus for 30 minutes from the meeting point.
In the beginning, you feel nature by tasting fresh mountain water.
Also, you can stop by a genuine tofu shop.
There are several popular courses, but I lead you to a secret one.
On the course, you hike up for 2 hours and experience various things like
・Walking along a beautiful creek,
・Climbing rocks (Don't worry. It is just few steps),
・Being impressed by 3 waterfalls,
・Going up a creek by hopping stones, and more!
On the peak, you will enjoy the spectacular scenery.
I also show you a temple (at the summit!) and a miracle elder couple cedar.
On the way down, we take the main course for 1 hour and greet other hikers.
At last, you enjoy fishing for rainbow trout at a fishing ground.
Surprisingly, you eat caught fresh fish in two delicious ways (grilled and fried) for lunch at an on-site restaurant.
※A light meal and lunch are NOT included.
Please expect 1500 to 2000 yen each person for lunch.
※We meet up at Kawachinagano station at 8:45 am.
※Depending on the situation such as bad weather and your condition, the course is subject to be altered.
※This is available in winter. It would be snowy from mid of December to February. Crampons are provided.
Explore Deep Backstreet Osaka with Local Delicious Dinner
We will explore the non touristic areas of Shinsekai & Nishinari where you'll lift the veil of "perfect Japan" and get a real, honest & deep understanding of how Osaka really functions!!
NOTE: I would NOT recommend this tour to all.....If you ARE intrepid, well travelled & seeking an unfiltered side of Osaka, this is for you:)
First we'll get a taste of retro Osaka. Be transported back in time to a Japan barely recognizable: jump into retro video game palors, old fashioned markets & more.
After, you'll see how the locals entertain & get entertained by night: From unique only in Japan games, to crazy fishing restaurants to a peek at Osakan theatre. Here eat at 1 or 2 stalls, trying 2 local delicious side dishes/snacks.
This area is home to some of the most amazing back alleys you will ever see. There you'll breath & interact with local gatherings feeling the energy & history that is profound.
You'll discover an area with untouched, abandoned properties and a Taisho Era redlight district. A surreal ambiance!
NOTE: This tour exposes taboo topics such as: Yakuza, sexism, illegal gambling, prostitution, illcit businesses, homelessness, welfare system etc...we'll tell you the history, making it ALL relevant!
Finally, when the tour has finished. You can choose to join us at an Izakaya restaurant free of charge. 4 dishes & desserts included. Buy your own drinks.