Izinto ezingavamile ongazenza e-Kyoto

Nara was Japan's first capital 1300 years ago. Discover old city Nara & real Japan. We visit 3 world heritage sites, Nara park and hidden jem. We meet at Kintetsu Nara station of Kintetsu railway at 9:30 AM. (1)Begin the tour with the statue of Gyoki. (2)Enjoy walking shopping street and explore Nara famous food and Nara souvenir. (3)Enjoy Yomogi-Mochi at famous sweets shop (4) Kohfukuji Temple(world heritage) (5)Nara Park Visit places only locals know. I explain the habit of visiting temples and shrines and how Japanese pray, the difference between temples and shrines. Explore the basis and background they have. (6)Sagiike pond (7)The shrine with the Japanese Shinto deities of love (8)Kasuga Taisha shrine (world heritage) (9)break for lunch at a nice Japanese Udon restaurant. Lunch fee is not included. Cash is required. (10) If time permits, I will do a quick Origami lesson. (11)Todaiji-Temple Great Statue of Buddha (world heritage)　Admission fee is required. (cash only) Tour ends at Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji-Temple. You can walk or take a bus to the station. If you need any questions about how to get back to the station, I can give you the instructions. Notes: There will be a lot of walking on this tour. I recommend you come wearing comfortable walking shoes

"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!

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 different from what other Japanese cities offer with other foodies! - Other things to note Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week before. 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.

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.

" 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 the family, we are very welcome. Under 5years old children might be difficult to have standard corse. In that case, embossing class would be better ( please check another workshop of mine!

On arrival, we'll create our own handmade paper from the raw ingredients, which will be turned into four postcards. Designing the paper with pressed flowers and leaves is the most fun process. While drying the paper, we'll watch a short movie about how Japanese paper is made, enjoy chatting over drinks. When the paper is dried, I'll show you how to use a traditional brush pen to write messages on the cards in Japanese. At the end, I 'll be able to guide you on how to mail your unique cards to your friends or family. Other things to note; Please be sure to bring the mailing addresses of the people you want to send your postcards to.

This 3hr long walking tour involves 6 food stops and a little sightseeing that covers many iconic landmarks and hidden spots along with the history behind them. You will try several kinds of unique food loved by locals in Osaka for decades. You’ll also have 2 types of desserts (one traditional & one contemporary “traditional”) from the most popular confectionaries favored by locals. I will explain the background of each food you’ll try and link it to Osaka or Japan more broadly. Through this culinary experience, you will certainly come to understand the character of Osaka. And I also guarantee that you'll be full before leaving the tour as said in the proverb Kuidaore! *Food Allergies & Restrictions Osaka is known as the kingdom of carb-rich food. All the food provided on this tour contains wheat flour or fish based broth. For those on a gluten-free or vegan diet, this tour is not suitable. Also, please be advised that this tour cannot accommodate anyone with severe food allergies that can cause illness or life threatening situations. This is because dietary issues are not very common in Japan, and many restaurants and food shops are not aware of cross contamination / contact and thus cross contamination CANNOT be avoided. **Daytime version You'll get a Wagyu beef skewer instead of Sushi. Other things to note Osaka is known as the kingdom of carb-rich food, so most local food is made from WHEAT FLOUR. Also, many traditional dishes in Japan use a FISH based broth. BOTH are included on the tour.

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.

My class will be held by request. Please message me in advance if you need to make a reservation. You can experience Japanese Tea Ceremony in our authentic Japanese style local home. We have very authentic tea room for aiming to let to people know our tea culture more deeper in correct way. I teach tea ceremony and ikebana for the locals as well, so my reservation slots are limited. Also many Japanese and students visiting my class . You will learn Japanese tea history, How to participate in the tea ceremony,then you will watch demonstration and learn how to make matcha. I am a licensed teacher from the Omotesenke School Of Tea in Kyoto. I can help you understand the significance of the Way of Tea, and welcome all your questions. *You can not enter my home during the session. *We can introduce kimono rental shop nearby if you needed. *Please let me know if you would like to use the chair in advance. *Please bring your socks,we also have socks in pay(500JPY) * You can take your pictures during the class.(please don’t take video) * The class lasts for about 60 minutes(in 4people). * Only participants for experience are available to enter tea ceremony room. * Please come to our place no later than 5 minutes before the experience. * Please be sure to check the location and time carefully before you come to class.

" Temple Stamp Book ( Gosyuincho ) making @ bookmaking studio 1. Choose one for your book ( enjoy our beautiful collection of vintage kimono textile / cloth textile / varieties of fabrics ) 2. Making the interior page by Washi papers ( temple special style ) learning technic with special blush & glue for the book 3. Listen to the story how the craftsmanship are in Kyoto watching old machine works 4. Measure the book cover, other materials & cut those to the size 5. Highlight : learn how to make the Book-cover with bamboo & paper in traditional way ” Embossing ”　 We offer you the special opportunity to use our special machine & letterpresses, Those are you can’t experience anywhere in the world because the machine was made for the professionals and enough old. Some of them are the last forms in the world actually. Of corse, you need practices to get the point before embossing your own books using golden leaf ( or other colors like silver, red, blue, white ) –finish “Explore ( Let’s go out from studio ! ) “ About 5mins walking up to the shrine to get the first stamp by monks at shrines or temples neighbors. On the way, the road ( so called, Monster Street ) itself is enough historic, meaningful and interesting. The craftsman, Kimono maker and old shops around corner. Experience real Kyoto ! Other things to note It’s better to join the class before visiting some temples & shrines if you collect stumps there. Good matching to family activity !! Great & Only one souvenir with you when you leave local & professional studio.

For years I’ve been hearing that Kyoto doesn’t have a great nightlife so people should stay in Ōsaka if they are looking for excitement & then do day trips from there to Kyoto & Nara. People who actually don’t know Kyoto say these things. Kyoto has a very vibrant & exciting nightlife. Kyoto has become overrun with tourists over the past few years but you can still manage to find places that aren’t crowded with tourists & that’s my goal for your experience with me. We will go to places that are intimidating to enter for people who don’t speak Japanese. The places where most tourists will walk by & wonder what’s served there. First, we will go to a “tachnomi” or “stand up bar” where many people gather after work for drinks & small dishes. After that, we will squeeze into a tiny bar where locals sometimes sing karaoke songs & often strike up a conversation with new faces because everyone is seated together. The owner or “mama” will definitely visit with us & I’ll translate everything. Finally, we will head to another tiny bar that is set off of a narrow alley lined with historic buildings in the heart of Kyoto’s nightlife scene. I can direct you where to go from there as it’s near the nightlife district!

Nara was Japan's first capital 1300 years ago. Discover old city Nara & real Japan. We visit 3 world heritage sites, Nara park and hidden jem. We meet at Kintetsu Nara station of Kintetsu railway at 9:30 AM. (1)Begin the tour with the statue of Gyoki. (2)Enjoy walking shopping street and explore Nara famous food and Nara souvenir. (3)Enjoy Yomogi-Mochi at famous sweets shop (4) Kohfukuji Temple(world heritage) (5)Nara Park Visit places only locals know. I explain the habit of visiting temples and shrines and how Japanese pray, the difference between temples and shrines. Explore the basis and background they have. (6)Sagiike pond (7)The shrine with the Japanese Shinto deities of love (8)Kasuga Taisha shrine (world heritage) (9)break for lunch at a nice Japanese Udon restaurant. Lunch fee is not included. Cash is required. (10) If time permits, I will do a quick Origami lesson. (11)Todaiji-Temple Great Statue of Buddha (world heritage)　Admission fee is required. (cash only) Tour ends at Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji-Temple. You can walk or take a bus to the station. If you need any questions about how to get back to the station, I can give you the instructions. Notes: There will be a lot of walking on this tour. I recommend you come wearing comfortable walking shoes

"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!

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 different from what other Japanese cities offer with other foodies! - Other things to note Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week before. 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.

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.

You will dive right into the most iconic paths of Kyoto’s Gion district. You will discover the local lifestyle of the Geishas district and experience another side of Kyoto, off the beaten tracks. I will tell you more about the history of these back alleys and secrets streets. Find out what everyday life looks like here in Kyoto, and how people live in the traditional "Machiya", the iconic wooden houses of Kyoto. I will also take you to my favorite local craft shops and introduce you to their lovely owners. Other things to note It is a walking tour, please wear confortable shoes.

" 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 the family, we are very welcome. Under 5years old children might be difficult to have standard corse. In that case, embossing class would be better ( please check another workshop of mine!

Our scooter tour allows you to operate your own scooter while our personable and well-informed local guide takes you to some of the most amazing places in this ancient city. You will visit the most beautiful historic landmarks which you normally cannot reach by public transportation such as buses or trains. We will deliver our scooter or scooters to wherever you or you and your travel companions are staying here in the city of Kyoto. Our tour guide will meet you at the time of the delivery and go over some basic, but very important, Japanese traffic laws that drivers need to be fully aware of while also going over some basic operation and safety tips on how to use the scooter. Then, you and your guide will head off into the historic old capital city of Kyoto to explore places in a way that you've probably never experienced before. Of course, remember to stay on the left side of the street! Just keep an eye on your tour guide who will patiently and happily guide you along while taking you along Kamogawa (Duck River) which winds its way through the old capital city. You will be visiting many historic landmarks along the way including one called Tanukidani Fudo. After a nice day visiting some of the lesser-known, but all the same very impressive landmarks, you will return to your hotel and leave your scooter. Other things to note We will deliver our scooter or scooters to wherever you or you and your travel companions are staying here in the city of Kyoto.

【New release at a special price】 Kyoto city is full of tourist spots, it's a kind of amusement park itself. But the transportation is so complicated even for Japanese people. Then tourists may visit 5-6 tourist spots in one day. But through this experience, we will take you to the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto, in one day! You have a chance to take photos of very beautiful scenery though this tour. 【Where to visit】 1. Meet in front of the Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama station at "8:50" 2. Arashiyama: Beautiful bamboo forest and Japanese forested mountain 3. Ride the Randen Tram Line: Cute local small tram 4. Ryoan-ji Temple: The stone garden became famous because Queen Elizabeth visited here and praised it 5. Lunch: Eat at a Sushi-go-round (Sushi, Ramen, Kara-Age, Beer, Mochi too) 6. Kinkakuji Temple: You can't miss this place. The famous "golden temple" 7. Fushimi Inari Shrine: The No.1 sightseeing spot chosen by overseas tourists! The 1,000 red torii gates lining the path are spectacular 8. Sanjusangendo: The sight of 1,000 Buddhist statues lined up is a sight to behold 9. Kiyomizu Temple: The most popular tourist spot for Japanese tourists. The wood stage does not use a single nail 10. Sanneizaka: Souvenir shops lined up this pedestrian road 11. Yasaka Pagoda: A major symbol of Kyoto 12. Gion area: This is the beauty of historical city, Kyoto 13. Gion shopping street

This is a 3-hour 30-minute hiking lead by locals. Lunch included. You will have an opportunity to experience the holy mountain of Fushimi through an alternative route. We provide two slots. 9:00am - 13:00pm / 9:30am - 13:30 pm The latter is for busy season. This experience includes: 1) Sightseeing of the main shrine and thousands of red gates, with an explanation of their history and cultural background. 2) Easy walking through a peaceful bamboo and cedar tree forest path, visiting authentic holy spots (worship stones & waterfall) and a factory. 3) Going up a forest route to the summit shrine (20 min). The summit is 233m high, and I will show you around the shrine. 4) Photo-shooting part. On the way down, I will show you lots of photogenic spots that are usually less crowded. 5) Snack & drink, and the breathtaking panorama view of Kyoto city from the viewpoint. 6) Lunch at the best soba restaurant in Fushimi. Yummy Japanese noodle soba and inari sushi. vegan options are available. Showing local street food stands. Other things to note: Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a hands-free backpack for hiking. The paths are well-organized, but you will go up/down some stairs. The time schedule may differ depending on your walking speed.

A cycling tour through Kyoto city should be more than just a simple ride-around, we take you deep inside. Our tours are focused on experiencing, exploring, and discovering Kyoto’s best-kept secrets, all in a short riding distance from our shop. Tranquil and contemplative Zen gardens, magnificent temples and shrines, we have carefully curated a tour that offers uniquely contrasting environments showcasing Kyoto’s distinctive history, culture, design, and craft. We meet at 8:45 and depart at 9 sharp. Our tour starts and finishes at our shop in north-western Kyoto city. This is a boutique journey, designed for those who seek a more in-depth understanding of Kyoto’s landscape. It features a visit inside the famous Golden Pavilion, but also takes time to stop and relax at other unique meditative Zen Gardens that are off the beaten path. Other things to note Most guests take a taxi to our shop. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes for a fantastic day on the bike. I will cancel and refund tours due to heavy rain, storms, or inclement weather.

3-hour refreshing bike ride and a 1-hour town walk. This tour is perfect for families. Bike Part: You'll ride a lovely bike to explore the hidden gems of Kyoto that are off the beaten path. This efficient tour lets you feel the wind and air of Kyoto while experiencing nature and open sky. We'll begin with a peaceful riverside road, stopping at a hidden shrine to try some pure natural spring water. Then we'll visit the huge Imperial Palace and a famous Zen temple before passing through some university campuses and peaceful residential areas. We'll arrive at Shimo-gamo Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to enjoy its primitive forest and beautiful buildings. Next, we'll ride down to a unique river junction point and follow the scenic and refreshing lighted-up riverside back. Walk Part: After returning the bikes, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful entertainment area of Gion or Pontocho. You'll visit main "Flower Towns" (places of Geisha) and see the amazingly photogenic streets. We'll explain the unique culture and system of Geisha. If you're lucky, you may even spot a beautiful Geisha. Dinner Recommendation: During the walking part, we'll introduce many good restaurants and bars according to your requests. Note Rain or Shine experience. The destinations are one of the examples.

＼Special discount for groups & early birds!／ You've got some time on your arrival or leaving day in Kyoto? If so, my tour is perfect for you! Easy walk from Kyoto sta to Gion main area. You'll discover a lot of charms of Kyoto within 4 hours. Here are 3 things you'll get from my tour: 1. Survival Japanese lesson for traveling! I prepared a handy pocket-size handout, which we'll practice together while we're walking. From the perspective of a professional Japanese teacher, I picked up very useful expressions and phrases for travel conversation. You'll immediately be able to use them and you can enjoy communication with local people during your trip! 2. Explore and feel the local! We'll walk a lot during the tour, please be ready for it;-) I'd like to show you not only historical places but also more hidden places where locals usually go, secret photo spots, and riverside alleys. Also, I'll introduce my favorite Izakaya (Japanese style pub), Kyoto craft beer, coffee shops etc. 3. Traveling tips in Kyoto & Osaka! I'm originally from Osaka and I was giving tours in Osaka before, so you can ask me anything about Osaka. I'll share basic manners and rules in Japan, things you can do/shouldn't do. 【Tour Route】 Kyoto Sta > Kyoto tower Bldg. > Higashi honganji temple > Kamo riverside > walk through local alleys > finish in main area ※The expense for your meal is NOT included.

Regarding the whole Tenjinbashi entertainment area as one large cuisine dining, Enjoy exclusive Japanese food & drink with bar-hopping style. This is the most luxury and efficient way to enjoy Osaka food culture. Begin with Takoyaki (In Osaka must eat food, Octopus dumplings) as an appetizer, then taste Fresh Sushi at Sushi bar counter with Sake as the second, move to freak loved BBQ restaurant to taste juicy Wagyu-meat with local beer. We will end up with the rich taste of chewy Japanese noodle 'Ramen' as the last (probably some you never eat before). In total, we will visit 4 places. Basically, at 1 place, 1 drink(except 1st & 4th) & 1- 2 food, then go next. This is Osaka style and especially suits this area. 'Eat and Die' is a famous word which mentions about Osaka town. Tenjinbashi, The Longest shopping street in Japan has a different face in the night. Especially narrow side street has more interesting. I'll show you around scenic Osaka night town. Without a local navigator, Someplace is difficult even for Japanese people to enter, though Osaka night is very kind for drinking people. So you'll feel very comfortable after like a local. I'll try to direct unforgettable Osaka nightlife​ & food Other to note Maximum number is 4-6, because the Restaurant space are limited. ■For vegetarian people, I can arrange some. ■Non alcohol drinks are available on your request.

Let’s make Vegan Ramen and Gyouza with Japanese cooking teacher,Sakiko ■Schedule Introduction Cooking demonstration and hands on cooking Lunch Time (Itadakimasu, Bon Appetit) ■Menu ・Ramen-Learn how to make Ramen soup from the scratch ・Gyoza We make vegan dashi (broth) and ramen soup using vegan dashi. And make gyoza filling, wrap with gyoza wrapper, and fry. ■Instructor Sakiko-the former Sushi chef at Disney Land in the U.S 【Notice】 The ramen noodle is premade. I use the dried noodle not include egg and any animal product. The gyoza wrapper is also premade. We don't make gyoza wrapper from starch. I will give you the recipe so you can recreate Ramen and Gyoza at your home country! Other things to note Please let me know If you have any allergy or you want to eat only gluten free food. And I take pictures during the lesson so let me know if you do not want to be in pictures.