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Tag: Zen

CategoriesExperience

Those Who Appreciate the World of Stone Gardens, Zen, and Tea Ceremony Can Fully Enjoy Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

By ninjakotan

Those Who Appreciate the World of Stone Gardens, Zen, and Tea Ceremony Can Fully Enjoy Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s Hidden Gem       Kagurazaka: The Most Recommended District by Shinjuku Residents Kagurazaka is a hidden gem in Tokyo, known among those in the know. However, it ranks as the number one spot that Shinjuku residents recommend to their friends, acquaintances, and foreign tourists visiting Shinjuku. It topped the list in the category of “Festivals & Events” and ranked second in “Nature, Parks & Streetscapes” and “Commercial, Dining & Entertainment Facilities.” Kagurazaka is the only district that ranked in the top five in all six survey categories (Source: Shinjuku Autonomous Creation Research Institute’s “Study of the Charm of Shinjuku’s Towns”). Nevertheless, tourists are not commonly seen in Kagurazaka even today.   Kagurazaka, A Hidden Gem In Tokyo, Lacks Famous Buildings But Offers A World Of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ This hidden gem of Tokyo, “Kagurazaka,” lacks grand castles or national treasure-level shrines and temples. Unlike Asakusa’s Kaminarimon or Sensō-ji, Tokyo Tower, or Skytree, there are no well-known buildings to photograph, which is one reason tourists may stay away. However, those who understand the symbolic Japanese culture of “Wabi-sabi” can thoroughly enjoy the tourism in Kagurazaka.read moreThose Who Appreciate the World of Stone Gardens, Zen, and Tea Ceremony Can Fully Enjoy Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

CategoriesExperience

Discover the Intricate Connection: Kumihimo Braiding and Samurai Spirit in Tokyo

By ninjakotan

Discover the Intricate Connection: Kumihimo Braiding and Samurai Spirit in Tokyo Unveiling the Art of Kumihimo in the Heart of Tokyo In Tokyo, a city where modern advancements intertwine with deep-rooted traditions, the ancient art of Kumihimo braiding stands as a testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage. “Kumihimo Braiding and Samurai Spirit in Tokyo” takes you on a journey to explore how this meticulous craft played a pivotal role in the lives of the Samurai, weaving together threads of history, art, and spirituality. The Essence of Kumihimo: A Cord of Strength and Symbolism Kumihimo, once flourishing during the Edo period, saw its significance magnified as it became integral to Samurai attire. The primary use of these intricately braided cords was as ‘Sageo,’ the binding thread for a Samurai’s sword, meticulously crafted to mirror today’s obijime in dimensions. Serving not only to secure the scabbard and prevent accidental unsheathing, the Sageo also symbolized a Samurai’s intent, a declaration of peace in the absence of action. The Spirituality of Zen in Kumihimo Making Kumihimo making is a repetitive task requiring concentration that empties the mind, embodying the spirituality of Zen. For samurai in the Edo period, it was part of mental training.read moreDiscover the Intricate Connection: Kumihimo Braiding and Samurai Spirit in Tokyo

CategoriesExperience

Do You Feel Lonely Without Conversations with Locals?

By ninjakotan

Do You Feel Lonely Without Conversations with Locals? Your Solution is ‘Communication through Traditional Japanese Crafts’   Discovering ‘Communication through Traditional Japanese Crafts’ Travel is not just about discovering new places; it’s also about seeking connections that leave a lasting impression on our hearts. Yet, language barriers and cultural differences often hold many travelers back from interacting with locals. So, how can we bridge this gap? The answer lies in ‘Communication through Traditional Japanese Crafts.’ Engaging in traditional Japanese crafts allows for a profound connection with local artisans and their culture. These experiences offer more than just learning a skill; they provide insight into the creators’ background, philosophy, and the history of the land. From ukiyo-e painting, zazen (Zen meditation), and Kumihimo braiding to iaido (samurai swordsmanship), dyeing techniques, geisha experiences, and Kigumi (Woodworking Joints), all these provide new forms of communication.     Enhancing Your Travel Experience with Traditional Crafts Through ‘Communication through Traditional Japanese Crafts’, travelers can experience communication beyond words. For example, in a ukiyo-e painting workshop, you not only learn delicate techniques but also, by speaking directly with the artisan, deepen your passion and understanding of Japanese culture. Similarly, a zazen experience allows you to findread moreDo You Feel Lonely Without Conversations with Locals?

Geisha
Categoriesart Experience Sustainable travel

Opened a Sales Site for Traditional Crafts and Culture Experience Tours

By ninjakotan

Opened a Sales Site for Traditional Crafts and Culture Experience Tours We are thrilled to announce the launch of our experience tour sales site, “ninjakotan-travel.com.” Our site offers “Authentic Artisan Experiences in Tokyo,” centered around the Kagurazaka area in Shinjuku. Our mission is to provide foreign travelers with deep, satisfying experiences connecting with Tokyo’s traditional artisans, monks, and geishas, fostering repeat visits, and contributing to preserving and continuing traditional crafts and culture. Furthermore, we aim to encourage foreign travelers who have enjoyed these traditional crafts and cultures to visit other regions of Japan such as Hokkaido, Miyagi, and Kagoshima, thereby promoting local tourism. Our unique experience tours are more than just tourist attractions; they are deep dives into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, guided by the true bearers of its traditions. From Ukiyo-e creation experiences to Zen meditation sessions, each tour offers an authentic journey through the essence of Japanese culture. Kagurazaka, with its 400-year history, provides the backdrop for many of our tours, allowing visitors to experience traditional crafts and cultures that have been preserved for 300-400 years. Once home to samurai residences and temple towns, this area now blends charming “Kagurazaka Geisha,” shopping streets, and French culture, making itread moreOpened a Sales Site for Traditional Crafts and Culture Experience Tours

ouchijuku
CategoriesItinerary Ideas itinerary in Japan Others

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.1

By ninjakotan

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations recommended by JNTO   No.1 The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s wonderful Japanese guidebook “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” does not include “traffic information” for public transportation. In order to make a better itinerary for overseas travelers, we will post traffic information for arriving at the tourist spots listed in “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” from Tokyo Station and Osaka Station by 12:00 noon. For tours that start before noon, we will post an example of traffic information in time for the tour to start. Traffic information, travel time, and fares are based on Google map and Yahoo route information. Please contact us if your desired arrival time is different or if you have traffic information from places other than Tokyo Station and Osaka Station. TRADITION OUTDOORS CUISINE CITIES NATURE ART RELAXATION   Table of contents for TRADITION 1. An enticing evening with authentic geiko awaits (Ishikawa Prefecture) 2. Train with a true mountain mystic in Yamagata (Yamagata Prefecture) 3. Dance like no-one’s watching in historic Tokushima (Tokushima Prefecture) 4. Watch sacred dance and feel yourself whisked away to bygone times (Hiroshima Prefecture) 5. Learn lost arts at the ancestral home of the ninja! (Mie Prefecture) 6. Experience oneread moreCreate an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.1