Experience - NINJA KOTAN

09Oct, 20242024年10月5日

13Aug, 20242024年8月16日

Experience

How to Enjoy Walking Around Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward with a Knowledgeable Guide

By ninjakotan

How to Enjoy Walking Around Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward with a Knowledgeable Guide The Many Facets of Kagurazaka Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward is a mysterious place. People’s impressions of Kagurazaka vary greatly. Some call it the “Gourmet Town,” others the “Festival Town,” some see it as the “Historical Edo Culture Town,” others as the “Geisha Town,” some see it as the “Literary Town,” and others see it as the “French Culture Town.” Indeed, Kagurazaka has many facets, and this multifaceted nature is what attracts people. However, if you cannot understand the complexity of its alleys and the various aspects you encounter there, your enjoyment will be halved. You might get lost and feel stressed. Kagurazaka: A Challenge for Beginners Like how high-class restaurants say “Ichigen-san Okotowari” (no first-time customers), Kagurazaka can be a challenging place for beginners. On the other hand, as pointed out in the blog “Kagurazaka in Shinjuku: A Town of Serendipity,” Kagurazaka is a town of serendipity where you encounter different cultural aspects at every corner. Once you understand the depth of Kagurazaka, it becomes an immensely enjoyable place. How to Enjoy Walking Around Kagurazaka How to enjoy walking around Kagurazaka, a town withread moreHow to Enjoy Walking Around Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward with a Knowledgeable Guide

12Aug, 20242024年8月12日

Experience

Etiquette at Tokyo’s Ryotei “Yukimoto” and Entertainment with Geisha

By ninjakotan

Etiquette at Tokyo’s Ryotei “Yukimoto” and Entertainment with Geisha: A Guide by the Ryotei’s Proprietress A Comprehensive Guide to Geisha Etiquette and Entertainment at Tokyo’s Historic Ryotei “Yukimoto” In this guide, we explain the etiquette and entertainment practices with geisha at the Ryotei “Yukimoto” in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo. Please note that this is the personal perspective of the proprietress of “Yukimoto” and not an official guideline for Kagurazaka or the Japanese geisha world as a whole. However, we recommend that guests and travelers who will be attending a banquet at the historic ryotei “Yukimoto,” which was founded in 1948, read this before their visit. Understanding ryotei etiquette will help ensure an enjoyable experience with geisha and traditional entertainment. Ryotei Etiquette Attire Bare feet and clothing that exposes too much skin are not permitted. Inside the Ryotei Remove your shoes before stepping onto the white stones at the entrance. Shoes will be stored by the staff, so please leave them at the entrance and proceed inside. Wear the provided slippers and move to your room. Remove the slippers before entering the room. Do not wear slippers to the entrance when leaving. Interaction with Geisha Do not touch the geisha’s kimonoread moreEtiquette at Tokyo’s Ryotei “Yukimoto” and Entertainment with Geisha

11Aug, 20242024年8月11日

Experience

Ticket Sales Information for the Major Geisha Event “Kagurazaka Odori 2024”

By ninjakotan

Ticket Sales Information for the Major Geisha Event “Kagurazaka Odori 2024” Ticket Sales Announcement: Don’t Miss the Annual Kagurazaka Odori, a Celebrated Cultural Heritage Event Ticket sales information for the major geisha event “Kagurazaka Odori 2024,” which is held only once a year, has been announced. “Kagurazaka Odori” is a performance event open to the public and was designated as a regional cultural property of Shinjuku Ward in 2011. Preserving Traditional Japanese Performing Arts, such as Geisha Through “Kagurazaka Odori,” traditional Japanese performing arts such as Nihon Buyo (Japanese dance), Kiyomoto, Nagauta, Tokiwazu, and Narimono are preserved, maintained, and promoted, spreading traditional culture from Kagurazaka. Nihon Buyo (Japanese dance) is a classical dance form characterized by graceful movements and traditional costumes. Kiyomoto, Nagauta, and Tokiwazu are styles of narrative music performed with shamisen, each with its own unique rhythm and melody. Narimono refers to the traditional percussion instruments, such as taiko drums and hand drums, that add rhythm and atmosphere to these performances. Together, these elements create the rich and immersive experience of traditional Japanese performing arts, such as geisha. A Historic Gathering of Kagurazaka Geisha at Kagurazaka Odori The Nihon Buyo in Kagurazaka is of the Hanayagi school, andread moreTicket Sales Information for the Major Geisha Event “Kagurazaka Odori 2024”

10Aug, 20242024年8月7日

Experience

Night Walks Are the Best in Summer: Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward

By ninjakotan

Night Walks Are the Best in Summer: Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward Kagurazaka, Known as the Geisha District, Is More Picturesque at Night The days continue to be hot. If you take a walking tour of Kagurazaka during the day, you will end up drenched in sweat. Taking a break to enjoy cold matcha at the long-established tea shop “Rakuzan” is wonderful. However, walking in the scorching heat of the day carries the risk of heat stroke and is an activity best avoided. Instead, we recommend engaging in traditional indoor crafts, such as Ukiyo-e making, Kumihimo braiding, or Dyeing experiences, where you can enjoy the comfort of air conditioning. But walking around at night is a different story. The evenings are relatively cooler compared to the daytime, making it a more pleasant temperature for walking. Kagurazaka, known as a geisha district, is more picturesque at night. With nearly 500 restaurants, Kagurazaka has enough lighting to make nighttime walks completely feasible. At night, you can hear the sound of geisha playing the shamisen from the Ryotei, where they entertain guests. You might also unexpectedly encounter geisha moving between Ryotei or see them seeing off guests at street corners. Such encounters withread moreNight Walks Are the Best in Summer: Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward

08Aug, 20242024年8月6日

Experience

How to Join a Geisha Event for ONLY ¥10,000: A Highly Rare Event by Kagurazaka Geisha in Shinjuku

By ninjakotan

How to Join a Geisha Event for ONLY ¥10,000: A Highly Rare Event by Kagurazaka Geisha in Shinjuku A Very Rare and Special Geisha Event: “Yukata-kai” in Kagurazaka Did you know that you can join a rare Geisha event by Kagurazaka Geisha for only ¥10,000? It is not just any event but a highly rare and special “Yukata-kai” (Yukata Gathering). The way to do this is by becoming a member of the Kagurazaka Geisha fan club, “Kagura Club.” Normally, the cost of enjoying an Ozashiki-Asobi (Geisha entertainment) is more than ¥50,000 per person, so joining the fan club is an extremely affordable way to experience it, don’t you think? I attended the “Yukata-kai” at the Kenban in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku Ward, on July 20, 2024. When I entered the venue for the “Yukata-kai,” I was enveloped in a quiet and calm atmosphere. After a short while, the Geisha in their yukatas entered. Their appearance was different from their usual glamorous kimonos, being simple yet dignified. The special ambiance unique to the Yukata-kai was palpable, and I was drawn into the atmosphere of the place. “Yukata-kai”: A Rare Event Now Open to the Public Starting This Year Until last year, theread moreHow to Join a Geisha Event for ONLY ¥10,000: A Highly Rare Event by Kagurazaka Geisha in Shinjuku

07Aug, 20242024年8月6日

Experience

Bon Odori Festival at Tokyo Daijingu (August 7th and 8th, 2024)

By ninjakotan

Bon Odori Festival at Tokyo Daijingu (August 7th and 8th, 2024) Join the Daijingu Bon Odori Festival 2024: A Free, Family-Friendly Summer Event On August 7th (Wednesday) and 8th (Thursday), the “Daijingu Bon Odori Festival 2024” will be held in the grounds of Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. The local folk song association will give lessons so everyone can enjoy dancing. We invite foreign tourists to join this traditional Japanese summer event, “Bon Odori.” Participation is free, and children are welcome. Discover the Unique Bon Odori Tradition at Tokyo Daijingu: Over 50 Years of History and Festivities This is the only Bon Odori event around Iidabashi, and it has a history of over 50 years. Every year, it attracts many children and local residents. In addition to classic songs like “Tanko Bushi” and “Tokyo Ondo,” new songs have also been added, making the variety of dances a key attraction. The drums are performed live by groups such as Fujimi School’s Fujimi Wanpaku Drummers, Ichijo Drummers, and Akiyama Society. There will also be stalls selling beer and local foods, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of a Japanese festival fully. Bon Odori is a traditional event in Japan where we welcome the spiritsread moreBon Odori Festival at Tokyo Daijingu (August 7th and 8th, 2024)

06Aug, 20242024年8月5日

Experience

Enjoying Traditional Performing Arts in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku: An Evening with Geisha and Hōkan

By ninjakotan

Enjoying Traditional Performing Arts in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku: An Evening with Geisha and Hōkan On July 19, 2024, I attended the “17th Kagura Goyomi (Calendar)” event at the Ryotei “Yukimoto” in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku. This event was dedicated to enjoying the traditional performances of “Hōkan,” also known as male geisha or “Taiko-mochi.” Only six Hōkan are left in Japan today, making this a very rare and valuable experience. At this event, four geisha from Kagurazaka and the Hōkan “Matsunoya Hachiko” collaborated to liven up the evening. The Event Began as Follows The event began with the geisha serving drinks to the guests and engaging in conversation. After the guests had enjoyed some of their meals, the geisha performed traditional dances. As the guests neared the end of their meal, just before the rice course, the Hōkan showcased various performances. The menu for the evening was as follows, and as expected from a high-class Ryotei that has entertained prominent figures from the political and financial worlds, each dish was exquisite and delicious: Appetizer: Clam, spinach Ohitashi, grilled matsutake mushroom Soup: Shrimp fishcake, Kuruma-fu, carrot, asparagus Sashimi: Striped jack, tuna, white squid Stewed Dish: Winter melon, pike eel Fried Dish: Hairtail fish, awabiread moreEnjoying Traditional Performing Arts in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku: An Evening with Geisha and Hōkan

05Aug, 20242024年8月4日

Experience

Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Featured on the New ¥1000 Note: A Tribute to “Japan Blue”

By ninjakotan

Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Featured on the New ¥1000 Note: A Tribute to “Japan Blue” Finally Got My Hands on the New ¥1000 Note Featuring Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” I finally got my hands on the new ¥1000 note issued on July 3. For the first time in history, a ukiyo-e painting is depicted on the reverse side. This ukiyo-e is none other than Katsushika Hokusai’s world-famous “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” The redesign of the banknote is the first in 20 years since 2004. The “Great Wave off Kanagawa” perfectly complements the blue-toned new ¥1000 banknote. Like many others, I love “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” so much that I can’t bring myself to use the new ¥1000 note right away. The design is just that impressive. While multi-colored prints are predominant in ukiyo-e, there are many that are predominantly blue. Hokusai’s “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” which includes “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” features many blue-toned Aizuri-e (prints in blue) in its earlier prints. The vibrant blue skies and seas brought a fresh perspective to landscape representation in ukiyo-e. Following Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige further expanded the expressive possibilities of Aizuri-e. Theread moreKatsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Featured on the New ¥1000 Note: A Tribute to “Japan Blue”