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For centuries Japanese traditions have been passed down through generations, ranging from kimono making and tea ceremonies right through to cultivating bonsai trees.
Now, in the modern world, Japanese culture continues to grow, spanning to manga, anime and even maid cafes!
These forms of Japanese culture are known throughout the world, but right now it's hard to experience it first hand, so we've put together a series of videos so you can experience them from the comfort of your own home.
These are a great way to take your first step into Japanese culture and start preparing for the day when you can visit in person!
Kimono: Authentic Kimono in Asakusa - Tokyo’s Most Traditional Neighborhood!
The kimono is one of the most beautiful and fascinating traditional garments in not only Japan, but the world. You may have admired them, but have you ever considered wearing one? I recently had the chance to try on an authentic Japanese kimono, with the help kimono rental shop Birei!
Japanese Swords: Japanese Sword Heaven in the Heart of Tokyo
Specializing in Japanese swords, including katana, Seiyudo is quite simply a place with some of the most impressive items you might see during a journey to Japan.
When a visitor arrives at the store, they will be gently welcomed by a purification basin, reminding them that they are about to enter a world of secular traditions. Let me introduce you a place fascinating both for people already interested in Japanese swords, and for those who discover them for the first time!
Tea Ceremony: A Glimpse into the World of Sado
The tea ceremony undoubtedly is one of the most famous Japanese traditional arts. I already had a chance to participate in one, a few years ago. But, quite frankly, this was at another level.
Bonsai: Experiencing the Art of Bonsai in Japan
The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum is one of the most pleasant places that I have had the chance to visit in Tokyo. After a 15-minute bus ride from the Mizue Station, it is an oasis of nature around a beautiful traditional Japanese house. More than a thousand bonsai can now be seen in the museum, including 500 worth more than 10 million yen.
Origami: Paper Folding Master Shows Us How It's Done!
For origami fans in the Tokyo area, there is one spot that simply cannot be missed: Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan, also known as the International Origami Center. Not just a place to view countless works or origami, visitors also have the chance to participate in workshops, shop for origami-related goods, and even see traditional Japanese paper being made right before their eyes! This is not only the first origami center in Japan, but the first in the world. I visited Origami Kaikan to learn more about Japan’s famous paper-folding art form.
Japanese Drums: Experience the Beats with TAIKO-LAB
Have you always wanted to learn a traditional Japanese instrument? How about one that makes you exercise in the process? If the deep sound and rhythms of the traditional Japanese taiko drums have always spoken to you, why not try your hand at taiko drumming with a dynamic class? As I learned at TAIKO-LAB in Aoyama, taiko is more than just making sound; it’s about feeling the rhythm through your entire being!
Japanese Sword Drawing: Experiencing Battō for the First Time
It is a rare opportunity to be able to use a real katana in Tokyo without several months of prior training. The workshop held at Hisui allows to learn more about battō in an entertaining way, a rather disregarded art compared to kendo. Since I moved to Japan, I always wanted to try Japanese martial arts, in particular those linked to Japanese swordsmanship. However, mainly due to a lack of time but also to the fact that I wouldn’t be able to commit to a weekly practice, I always pushed back any opportunity. The trial at Hisui therefore came as a real chance.
Taking the Tokyo Asakusa Rickshaw Tour: Guide and First-Hand Experience!
Although I have spent quite a bit of time in the area, there were still some boxes left to tick on my list of “Things to Experience in Asakusa” - one of those being, a ride in a rickshaw. In Asakusa, rickshaws are ubiquitous; just outside of the station, you’ll find streets lined with man-powered carts.
I had seen tourists, both domestic and international, touring Asakusa via rickshaw. It seemed like fun, but what was it really like?
Japanese Shamisen: Fall in Love With Japanese Music
There’s a new way to experience Japanese tradition first-hand, and we’re here to tell you all about it. TOKYO SHAMI is one of those experiences you just cannot miss if you’re in Tokyo, where old really meets new. From building your own take-home traditional shamisen, to playing classic songs from the days of yore, there’s so much just waiting for you.
It is in the very heart of Tokyo that you can embark on this traditional musical journey. So much more than typical historical exhibits, this is an interactive learning experience that you can take home literally and metaphorically. So, let’s take a peek into this musical world.
Japan Maid Cafes: Everything to Know Before You Go to a Maid Cafe in Japan!
Going to a place you know nothing about can offer an exciting sense of mystery. The same is true for Japan’s maid cafes, which often pique interest from foreign tourists.
What kind of place is a maid cafe? What should you talk about with the maid? So many questions! So, at this time, we’d like to show you how to enjoy a basic maid cafe.
We visited Akihabara's popular @Home Cafe and legendary maid Hitomi, who attracts attention from around the world, who also shared how to enjoy maid cafes in Japan. We’ll tell you all about it from start to finish!
Cosplay: Achieve Your Cosplay Dreams at Cosplay Studio Crown!
Anyone from pros, to amateurs, to people who've never cosplayed before can jump into Studio Crown in Akihabara to experience a professional level of cosplay that's both easy and affordable! Recently LIVE JAPAN took the opportunity to check them out!
Make a Hokusai-Inspired Bento!: 3 Points on How to Make Japanese Bento Lunches
Bento boxes have become almost as famous as sushi and ramen, gaining a reputation as a healthy lunch on the go that is packed with nutrients, properly balanced, and colorful to look at. The task of making your very own bento may seem daunting at first – they look so great, it surely takes a lot of time and effort! However, that doesn’t have to be the case. Everyone can make their very own bento creation by following a few basic guidelines that turn your on-the-go lunch into a bento box!
Via Live Japan
