Fun Day in Tokorozawa

Posted by Lior on November 29, 2021 | Featured

Fun day in Tokorozawa

Tokorozawa is a city in Saitama prefecture, about 30 km west of central Tokyo. Proximity to Tokyo and low rental costs make it a popular bedroom community. However, you really should not see Tokorozawa as a boring suburb town. In the past several years the town’s government was trying to develop it a lot. Now you can find here museums and popular art exhibitions like the one made by TeamLab, for example.

Breakfast

Start your day at one of the Tokorozawa stylish cafes. For a cup of coffee and delicious sandwiches head to Mitaru Coffee or to Ichian. Both are located just a short walking distance from Tokorozawa station.

Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park

After a boost of caffeine and carbs, check out the city’s memorial park and aviation museum. This spot will be interesting for both adults and kids.

Lunch

For lunch head to Tokorozawa’s famous ramen shop Kappa House. Their ramen and tsukemen are not only tasty but they will also look good on your Instagram.

Afternoon

In the afternoon take a train and go to the Higashi-Tokorozawa area. If you are still hungry or want to buy some delicious bread for home, stop by BellTeco bakery or try a famous Japanese dessert, shaved ice, at Kakigori Sango. Their menu changes seasonally and everyone can find here a kakigori he or she will like.

Tokorozawa Sakura Town

The rest of the day we recommend spending at Tokorozawa Sakura Town, which features Kadokawa Musashino Museum and Acorn Forest by TeamLab. The museum was designed by a famous Kengo Kuma, the architect who designed a new Tokyo Olympic stadium. The building is interesting from the outside as well as from the inside and features 5 floors. Here you can find a library, exhibitions related to anime, and changing exhibitions from Japan and all around the world. The currently running exhibition Spirit of Japan by Danny Ruso is beautiful and highly recommended. If you want to save a few hundred yens, make sure to buy the tickets online.

After exploring the museum and nearby facilities, head across the street to Acorn Forest. In the evening silvery acorns turn into a light show. Same here, you can save a few yens if you buy a ticket online. But also get a tip from us, the light show is well visible from the outside, so unless you want to touch the acorns, you don’t really have to pay and get inside the forest. Instead, you can buy yourself a hot beverage or a snack from a nearby cafe and enjoy the show at the cafe.

As you can see, Tokorozawa had a major transformation in the past years, and it makes a wonderful day trip from central Tokyo.

If you like to move to Tokorozawa, make sure to check out our Tokorozawa furnished apartments.

Tags: expatlife, museum, park, saitama, teamlab, tokorozawa, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyofoodie, tokyolife, tokyowithkids

Spend a Day in Roppongi

Posted by Lior on November 18, 2021 | Featured

Spend a Day in Roppongi

Here is a mini-guide with ideas on how to spend a day in Roppongi.

Morning:

Bricolage bread & co.

There is no better way to kick off your morning than with Bricolage bread & co. This bakery is famous for serving its bread even at some of the Michelin restaurants in the area. You can try any of its freshly baked bread, pastries, and morning sets, which are served every day (except for Mondays) from 8 AM to 10 AM, and you won’t regret it.

Explore art:

After a good breakfast, you can begin with your cultural binge. There are three main art facilities in Roppongi, known as Roppongi’s Art Triangle. The Mori Art Museum displays big names in modern art and architecture, while The National Art Center, is one of Japan’s largest art venues and presents large-scale and immersive exhibits. The Suntory Museum of Art specializes in Japanese art and offers regular tea ceremony events. Another art highlight includes the design museum 21_21 Design Sight, designed by a famous designer Issey Miyaki and architect Tadao Ando. If you’re after something less touristy, Roppongi also boasts dozens of small art galleries along with a variety of public art.

Lunch

Falafel brothers

This is a good option for anyone who is looking for a cool chill place with delicious healthy vegan food. You can choose between falafel in pita bread or falafel bowl, or order one of their vegan sandwiches or pizzas.

Coffee break

For a coffee break head to one of the many coffee shops in the area. For example, Blue Bottle Coffee Roppongi or Verve Coffee Roasters both offer great specialty coffee and are located in really beautiful spaces.

Shopping:

Roppongi is a paradise for anyone who loves and appreciates good shopping. Here you will find two main mega-shopping complexes. The first one is Roppongi Hills, which is mostly known for the Mori Art Museum but also boasts a cinema, an art gallery, a hotel, an observatory, and many luxury stores of both Japanese and international brands. The second one is Tokyo Midtown, which features several stores that offer Japanese craftsmanship as well as fashion boutiques and concept stores.

Dinner

Jomon Roppongi

Just like for breakfast or lunch, there are way too many dinner options in the area of Roppongi. However, we would like to recommend this izakaya called Jomon. There is a special unique vibe to this place, also the service is great, and of course, the food is astounding.

Let us know what are your recommendations for the Roppongi area.

If you liked the area and you would like to live here for a reasonable price, please check our furnished apartments in Roppongi.

Tags: accommodations, apartments, apartmentsintokyo, expatlife, furnishedapartments, monthlyapartments, roppongi, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyoguide, tokyolife

The best mobile plans and how to join them

Posted by Lior on November 9, 2021 | Featured

The best mobile plans and how to join them

Just 5 years ago it was almost impossible to find a free sim phone and a mobile internet plan that wouldn’t cost at least ¥10,000 per month. Today the situation is completely different. Many phone users do not know, but now there is plenty of providers that offer cheap (some of them are literally free of charge) internet plans. Below you will find some of the companies with the best mobile plans and how to join them.

IIJMIO

IIJMIO is a low-cost mobile provider. Its internet works on a DOCOMO base, which means that it covers the whole country and that the connection is good. There are several plans. Starting from less than ¥1,000 per month. Another good thing is that if you do not use all of your data in one month, it will be transferred to the next month.

Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten is a popular online retailing company. About a year ago they also started to provide mobile internet. The plans are very cheap. Some are even offered for free (for time being). But be noted that the coverage of Rakuten is weaker than DOCOMO, so you might have some difficulties staying connected outside of Tokyo.

OCN mobile

It is another player in the market of cheap mobile providers. For example, one of the current plans offers 10 GB for just ¥1,760.

UQ mobile

UQ provides mobile planes for a good value. They even have special plans for people who do not only use data but also need to make many phone calls. So if you call a lot, definitely check them out.

Aeon mobile

Many might know Aeon as a chain of malls across Japan, but they also have a mobile service. You can choose between buying a phone and a sim or just getting a sim card. The variety of plans is pretty impressive, so you can choose the one that meets your needs exactly. Starting from 500M all the way to 50GB in data plans.

Great deals, aren’t they? And you don’t need to commit to the big companies for years with monthly bills that easily go over ¥10,000 per month. So how do you join these programs? It is very easy. All of them usually have small shops inside Bic Camera or along the shopping streets, or even online.

Tags: expatlife, japan, mobile, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife, travellingjapan, wifi

Helloween Events in Tokyo

Posted by Lior on October 28, 2021 | Featured

Halloween Events in Tokyo 2021

Halloween is really awesome in Japan. There are many events related to this day and also many spooky yummy treats that you can buy. From this post, you will learn about the best Halloween-related events that Tokyo has to offer this year, from buffets to parades.

Halloween Sweet Buffets

You can find all-you-can-eat desserts buffets all-around a year. However, during the month of October, they become just so much cooler with all these Halloween-themed decorations. So definitely check them out:

School of Wizards & Witches by Marble Lounge at Hilton Shinjuku. The buffet is inspired by Harry Potter books and movies.

“Pink & Shadow” Halloween Sweets Buffet at Conrad Tokyo. Enjoy Bewitchingly Beautiful Halloween Sweets presented in Two Worlds.

Dark Fantasy Sweets Buffet at Hotel Metropolitan, Ikebukuro. Plenty of special Halloween treats that look like a Suica card penguin.

Sumida aquarium

Sumida Aquarium, which is located in Tokyo Sky Tree, only for this month turned its kaleidoscope tunnel jellyfish exhibition into the Halloween version. Eight jellyfish aquariums embedded in the wall will be decorated with background panels with patterns such as witches and pumpkins. In addition, each aquarium will introduce one of seven mysteries about the ecology of jellyfish, such as “Jellyfish have no heart” and “Actually, they have a lot of eyes”.

Tokyo Disneyland

Every year and this year is not an exception, Tokyo Disneyland holds Halloween Parade and many other activities related to this day. So get dressed up and come to take a part in the event. While the tourists still cannot enter Japan, you can have the place pretty much for yourself.

National Azabu Costume Contest

Grocery shop National Azabu in Hiroo is having a photo contest. They will set up a photo booth from October 22nd to October 31st. All you need to do is: dress up in your scariest costume and take your best shot in the booth. Then send the picture with the hashtag #nahcc2021.
National Azabu staff will repost the entry photo on Instagram. The photo with the most likes will be a winner. A winner will be announced on November 1st.

Halloween goods

Tokyo started its Halloween preparations already in August. By now you can find Halloween goods literally everywhere. In 100 yen shops, such as Daiso or Can Do, or in grocery shops such as National Azabu. Also, shops such as Muji sell themed goods.

And for the sweet treats head to the closest convenience store, where you will find #pumpkineverything sweets and other yummy stuff.

For more posts like this one check out our blog.

Tags: disneyland, food, halloween, minato, shibuya, shinjuku, tokyo, tokyoexpatlife, tokyoexpats, tokyofood, tokyolife, tokyosweets

Helloween Events in Tokyo

Posted by Lior on October 21, 2021 | Featured

Halloween Events in Tokyo 2021

Halloween Sweet Buffets

School of Wizards & Witches by Marble Lounge at Hilton Shinjuku. The buffet is inspired by Harry Potter books and movies.

“Pink & Shadow” Halloween Sweets Buffet at Conrad Tokyo. Enjoy Bewitchingly Beautiful Halloween Sweets presented in Two Worlds.

Dark Fantasy Sweets Buffet at Hotel Metropolitan, Ikebukuro. Plenty of special Halloween treats that look like a Suica card penguin.

Sumida aquarium

Tokyo Disneyland

National Azabu Costume Contest

Halloween goods

And for the sweet treats head to the closest convenience store, where you will find #pumpkineverything sweets and other yummy stuff.

For more posts like this one check out our blog.

Tags: disneyland, food, halloween, minato, shibuya, shinjuku, tokyo, tokyoexpatlife, tokyoexpats, tokyofood, tokyolife, tokyosweets

Best Beer Gardens in Tokyo Right Now

Posted by Lior on July 29, 2021 | Featured

Best Beer Gardens in Tokyo Right Now

The summer is here, and usually, Tokyo has many beer gardens and rooftop terraces open this time of the year. However, due to the state of emergency, this year many of them closed or do not serve alcohol. In this article, we gathered a list of places that were able to make a proper arrangement and they serve the alcohol despite the restrictions.

Other events you can enjoy in Tokyo this summer:

Sake and Beer Tours.

Best Beaches Around Tokyo Area.

Camping Options (Very) Close to Tokyo.

Wild Beach Shinjuku

This beer garden in Shinjuku is located on the rooftop of Lumine Est. Here you will be able to order alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, and various cocktails. The place is divided into 5 zones: luxury terrace, runway beach, anniversary room, forest garden, and glamping deck. You can choose any area and just chill with friends, or family, or even by yourself. Also, it is open all day long, so great lunch deals and even tea time sets are available too. This is a true spot of relaxation in the busy Shinjuku.

Beer Terrace 1949 Hibiya Saroh

Hibiya Saroh is a garden restaurant founded in 1949. Probably the oldest in Japan. Enjoy nature and a selection of beer and meals on the terrace in Hibiya Park. On the second floor, there is a space which you can rent for a private event or celebration. The place is open all day long and kids are welcome. On the weekends it is recommended to make a reservation.

BBQ Terrace Chaleur Omotesando

Enjoy BBQ right in the center of the most fashionable area in Tokyo. Here you can rent all the equipment for BBQ. As for the food, you can bring your own ingredients or buy them here. Additionally, to a great meal, you will get also a very nice view. But please be noted that during the weekdays the terrace is open only for two hours in the evening and you need to make a reservation.

Matsuya Ginza Beer Garden

After being closed last year due to well-known reasons, this year the beer garden is reopening with a new food menu and drinks. However, in order to keep it safe, the number of seats was reduced by 40% and alcohol won’t be served to groups larger than 2 people. The garden will be open from late afternoon until 8 PM every day, reservations are recommended.

Tenku Lounge Shinjuku

Another beer and BBQ garden in Shinjuku which is open from lunchtime until midnight. You can enjoy a course menu or a la carte, and, of course, the alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, and pretty much anything you wish. Before making a reservation, make sure to check their website, because they have many discounted coupons.

Enjoy your summer in Tokyo with tasty food, refreshing drinks, and good vibes.

All the details in the article are correct at the time of writing it. But is highly advised to contact the venue before visiting it, as some changes might be applied.

Tags: bbq, beer, beergarden, dining, drinking, expatlife, ginza, omotesando, shinjuku, summerfood, summerintokyo, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife

6 tattoo-friendly onsens near Tokyo

Posted by Lior on July 21, 2021 | Featured

6 tattoo-friendly onsens in Tokyo area

It is well known that for various reasons Japan does not welcome tattoos. People with tattoos are banned from entering some of the public facilities, such as gyms, pools, and onsens. However, there are exceptions and places where you can enjoy the Japanese hot spring regardless of your body art. Here is the list of 6 tattoo-friendly onsens near Tokyo.

Yamato no Yu

It is an exquisite hot spring resort in Chiba prefecture that can be reached in less than two hours from Tokyo station. At Yamato no yu, you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor baths. Also, the rooms with private baths are available but require a reservation in advance. Along with the onsen, you can enjoy here the restaurant which serves the dishes made of fresh local ingredients, as well as other facilities such as a gym, pool, and spa. More information here.

Shogai seishun no yu Tsurutsuru Onsen

This beautiful onsen is located in Hinode and it will take you two hours to get there from Shinjuku station. Here you will find several indoor baths and several outdoor baths. Also, if you are hungry, you can find here a nice restaurant serving various Japanese dishes, such as soba, fish, meat. If you rent a room, then private dining in the room is another option. Needless to mention this hot spring facility is also tattoo-friendly. So if you decide to make it your 1-day trip destination, make sure to check their website for the most updated information and for the special campaigns.

Okutama Onsen Moegi no yu

Just one train away from Shinjuku station, this very nice onsen will be waiting for you right next to Okutama station. Indoor and outdoor baths with upstream and downstream waters have different healing effects. Additionally, there is a foot bath, and of course, a restaurant serving noodle dishes, fish, meat, and desserts. Next to the onsen, you will also be able to find an art museum, a fishing spot, and even two campsites. If you come here, a rememberable weekend is promised. For more details, go here (Japanese only).

Hasunuma Onsen

Ota city is one of the Tokyo wards, and it is famous for its baths and onsens. There are over 40 baths just in this area. Some of them are very strict when it comes to the customers with tattoos, and some are more tolerant. Kamata Onsen is one of the popular onsens, which has no regulation policy against tattoos. It is a popular spot with black water coming straight from a natural hot spring. The place is also open until 1 AM, so you can pop up here even after work on a weekday (except for Wednesdays, when it’s closed).

Spadium Japon

“Spadium Japon” is one of the largest SPA resorts in Japan and it can be reached in just about one hour from central Tokyo. There are 15 baths and saunas, including natural hot springs. As for the tattoos, as long you have only one tattoo, which can be easily covered, you can enter the facility. For more details, campaigns, and discounted tickets, remember to check their homepage.

Kagoiwa Onsen Ryokan

Last but not least, Kagoiwa is an onsen located in a popular tourist destination that also permits tattoos if you keep the simple rules of the bathing etiquette. Here you can enjoy the natural hot springs and also the views of Mt. Nantai. The onsen is located in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese hotel, which means you can stay there for a night and enjoy Japanese meals made of local ingredients. For more details and bookings, see their homepage.

As time goes by, more and more places start to accept tattoos. There is still a long way to go, but these 6 hot springs are the beginning. We hope you visit and enjoy them.

Check out our other posts about the fun activities in Tokyo:

Sake and Beer Tours

Best Beaches Around Tokyo Area

Camping Options (Very) Close to Tokyo

Tags: expatlife, hotsprings, nikko, onsen, otaku, summerfood, summerintokyo, tattoo, tattoofriendly, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife

Summer food to fight the NATSUBATE

Posted by Lior on July 15, 2021 | Featured

Summer Food to Fight the NATSUBATE

Like in many countries, people in Japan believe that it is important to eat the food which is in season. When we think about seasonal ingredients, we usually think about fruits and vegetables. However, in Japan, there are also seasonal fish and dishes that are eaten during a specific time of the year. In summer, it’s believed, these dishes should help you fighting what is called in Japanese “natsubate“, the summer fatigue. So what are these dishes and their ingredients?

Unagi (eel):

You can get unagi all year round, but it is especially common to eat it in summer, as unagi is packed with vitamins, especially vitamins B1 and B2, which help to defeat natsubate. A tradition of eating eel during the summer days started back in the Nara period (over 1,300 years ago) when it was food for the poor. It was known that it was healthy, but people back then did not how to cook it, so it would taste good, therefore only poor people used to eat it. Nowadays when it is cooked in a special sauce, it became a beloved dish of many. However, now it is pretty expensive and considered to be a delicatessen. Yet many try to get it at least on special days.

Ume (Japanese plum):

Japanese plum is rarely eaten fresh. It is often pickled and used in various dishes. Pickled plum has antibacterial effects and helps to prevent food poisoning. Many people do not like it as it is very salty and sour, but is very good for the body.

Goya (bitter melon):

Goya has an extremely bitter taste but is also very healthy. There is carotene, potassium, and vitamin C in it. And it is one of the most popular ingredients in Okinawan cuisine, and as we all know, the longevity in Okinawa is one of the longest in the world.

Cold noodles

Japanese types of noodles, such as soba (buckwheat noodles), udon (thick noodles), somen (thin noodles), and even western pasta dishes are often served cold in summer. The noodles are boiled, then cooled, and usually served with mentsuyu, special sauce made of dried tuna flakes, sake, and soy sauce.

Hiyayakko

Hiyayakko is basically chilled tofu served with a soy sauce and some topping such as green onions, bonito flakes, or edamame. This dish is usually served as a side dish, and it is supposed to cool the body on a sweltering day.

Mugicha (barley tea)

Technically it is not food but a drink. In summer, it is served in Japanese traditional restaurants instead of more familiar matcha. That is because it has many health benefits and also can lower the body temperature even when served hot.

Amazake

Another drink on this list, which is made from fermented rice. The drink is rich in vitamin C, amino acids, fiber, and more. All these help to cool the body and help the digestive system to work better.

Anmitsu

Anmitsu is a name of a Japanese dessert made of agar jelly served with fresh fruits and anko (sweet red bean paste) and topped with anmitsu sauce, made from brown sugar and soy sauce. The sauce makes its sweet, and fruits make the dish refreshing. The jelly on its own is almost tasteless.

Warabi mochi

Even though it is called “mochi”, it is not made from rice, rather from starch produced from the bracken root. Warabi mochi is soft and chewy, and usually topped kinako (made of soybean) powder, which gives it a nutty flavor.

Kakigori (shaved ice)

Last but definitely not least, kakigori is a Japanese shaved ice. It was used to be served with simple flavored sweet syrups, sometimes with condensed milk, too. However, in the past 2-3 years, there is a real kakigori boom in Japan. There are many cafes that serve only kakigori and make it more unique by using seasonal ingredients and many seasonal fruits. They also make really crazy toppings, foams, sauces, creams, etc. Sometimes you can even find non-sweet versions topped with fried eggs and noodles.

These are probably the most popular summer dishes and desserts in Japan. If you haven’t tried them yet, you should use your opportunity, because now this food can be easily found and it is most delicious when in season.

Check out our other posts about Japanese food and cafes:

Gluten-Free Cafes and Restaurants in Tokyo that You Should Know

Best spots to buy bread in Tokyo

Best International Supermarkets in Tokyo

Tags: expatlife, food, japanesefood, japanesesweets, roppongi, shibuya, summerfood, summerintokyo, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife

Sake and Beer Breweries – Day-trips from Tokyo

Posted by Lior on July 6, 2021 | Featured

Sake and Beer Tours

Tokyo is full of things to do. Anyone can find here a place to visit which meets their interests. Even if one of your main interests is alcohol, and particularly japanese sake and beer, we got you covered with our suggestion for sake and beer day-trips from Tokyo. We hope that from this blog you will pick up a few ideas for your next weekend adventure.

Ishikawa brewery

The brewery was established in the 19th century and located in western Tokyo, about 50 minutes by train from Shinjuku station. On the site you will be able to take a 1-hour kura (Japanese warehouses) tour, which also includes visiting beer museum and sake tasting. There are also two restaurants, Italian and Japanese, and a souvenir shop where you can buy sake home. Please note that prior reservation for the tour are required. More details you will find on their homepage.

Toshimaya Brewery

Located in Higashimurayama, about 1-hour from the central Shinjuku, it is one of the oldest breweries in Japan. Toshiyama started a sake bar back in 1596. The way of brewing was passed from generation to generation and now we can taste the almost original flavor. For more information, please check their website (Japanese only).

Tamura Brewery

This is a 200 years old family-owned brewery located 40 km from the central Tokyo in a green place among rivers and mountains. They offer free sake tours and of course lots of sake that you can buy home. For more details, please check this page.

Izumibashi Brewery

Izumibashi is another famous establishment. At Izumibashi they believe that the whole process from growing rice to brewing sake should take place in the same appellations, just like it happens with the grapes and wines. You can come here for a sake tour or for a omakase course dining experience with sake pairing as an option. You can book either of these here.

Ozawa Sake Brewery

Ozawa brewery, samous for its brand “Sawanoi”, started back in 1702, what makes it the oldest sake brewery in Tokyo. It takes about 1 hours and a half to get there from a central Tokyo, but it is worth your time. On the site you will find restaurants, you will be able to take a sake tasting tour, and you will totally forget that you are still in Tokyo due to the beautiful greenery and landscapes that you can see and enjoy here. All the additional information, please check on their homepage.

Ide-Jozoten Sake Brewery

Ide-Jozoten has been producing a Japanese sake for more than 180 years always using the fresh water from Mt. Fuji. Book their tour and enjoy delicious sake and beautiful scenery.

Suntory Mushashino Beer Factory

Suntory beer tour makes it a very short trip from Shinjuku station. At the factory you will be able to get an explanation about the beer-crafting process and taste the sample. The tour is free, but you need to make a reservation.

Sapporo Beer Chiba Factory

For tasting this Hokkaido beer, you do not need to make the whole way to the north island, just head to Chiba. The factory will allow you to have a tour in the museum and the factory (tasting included),. And after the tour you can enjoy their beer garden restaurant facing the Tokyo bay. On a sunny day it might be a beautiful day trip. Check the details here.

Kirin Brewery Yokohama Factory

Another beer brewery that is conveniently located in the nearby city of Yokohama. The tour is free but it requires a reservation and it is conducted in Japanese. But who cares when you get to sample three different kind os beer at 11:30 AM. And later just head to a fund day in Yokohama.

Hope you liked the ideas in this article. Due to a current situation, please remember to check the most recent information of each facility before going there.

Tags: beer, beerfactory, brewery, daytour, expatlife, japanesesake, nihonshu, thingstodointokyo, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyogourmet, tokyolife

Bonsai, ikebana, tea… Tokyo is the place to learn about these.

Posted by Lior on July 1, 2021 | Featured

Bonsai, ikebana, tea... Tokyo is the place to learn about these

You probably know that Japan has a very rich culture. There are so many cultural and social aspects in regards to a tea ceremony, or growing bonsai trees, or mastering calligraphy. However, for many, these are just the titles that they heard of but never tried to experience themselves. If you are in Tokyo, know that you have many opportunities to learn more about Japanese culture and even take part in the related classes and courses.

Bonsai

Bonsai is the art of producing and growing small trees that mimic the shapes of real-life trees. It is not about making genetic modifications to a tree, rather than growing small trees from the original seeds. The main purpose is to please the grower and the viewer.

Bonsai experience:

Bonsai school at Shunkaen Bonsai Museum.

Here you will be given a short lecture about bonsai, and then you will get to make your own bonsai. The whole process takes about 1 hour and the classes are held every day except for Mondays. 1 bonsai class will cost you 5,000 yen. For more details visit the class homepage.

Ikebana

Ikebana or Kadou is a Japanese art of flower arrangement. It started during Heian Period, in the late 8th century. At first, ikebana did not have deep meaning and was very simple. Later Ikebana schools and styles started to develop and became much more sophisticated. Today it is considered one of the most important Japanese cultural traditions.

Ikebana experience:

Ohara School.

The school offers affordable Ikebana classes in English. You can participate in a trial class and if you like it, you can sign up for one of the many courses they offer. At the end of the course, you will be granted your own Ikebana certification. You can find the additional information here.

Tea Ceremony

Tea ceremony, “Chadou”, is a cultural activity of preparing a powdered green tea called matcha. The idea and the inspiration come from Zen Buddhism. The ceremony can be formal, in this case it is called “Chaji”, or informal, “Chakai”. The tea ceremony involves many steps and puts great attention to the most minor details, therefore many people find it so fascinating. In Tokyo, there are many places where you can watch the ceremony, and also many classes where you can master the art of the tea ceremony yourself.

Tea Ceremony experience:

Happo-en is a beautiful traditional garden in Takanawa, Minato ward, where you can view some of the oldest bonsai trees and enjoy matcha with the traditional sweets. If you are interested to take a part in the ceremony yourself, you can choose from 3 different options. The time required is about 1 hour and the prices vary from 1,100 yen to 8,800 yen. More details here.

Maikoya in Shinjuku combines wearing a kimono experience and a tea ceremony experience. The experience provided in English and the atmosphere is very friendly. Please check the details here.

Calligraphy

Japanese calligraphy is the artistic writing of Chinese characters and Japanese hiragana and katakana. Japanese calligraphy also takes its inspiration from Zen Buddhism. It means that when you practice calligraphy, you are supposed to clear your mind and let the flow in you come out on the paper. Every stroke you make cannot be corrected, so if you are not at peace it will be shown on the paper.

Calligraphy experience:

Calligraphy with Yunagi, who started practicing calligraphy when she was just 5 years old. Now she has a teaching certificate and many years of experience. In her class, you can choose if you want to try to do calligraphy on paper or on a t-shirt, or even the wind bell. Please make your booking through voyagin.

Calligraphy with Tenshin, who holds the highest rank of “Shihan” and has almost 5 decades of experience in teaching calligraphy. Tenshin will not only teach you calligraphy, but he will also willingly answer all of your questions about it. The cost is 6,000 yen per class, but all the profits go for the NPO, which helps HIV-diagnosed kids in Vietnam. You can book a class with him here.

Koto

The koto is a Japanese plucked half-tube zither instrument and the national instrument of Japan. It is 180 cm long, made of Paulownia tree, and usually has 13 strings.

Koto experience:

You can take a koto class in Shinjuku. For more details check this.

Culinary Classes

Japanese cuisine (Washoku) goes way beyond sushi and offers a variety of dishes using regional and seasonal fresh ingredients. Even people, who do not like cooking western dishes, claim that cooking Japanese food is much nicer because it feels like meditation.

Japanese culinary classes:

If you want to check these claims yourself, there are many English classes where you can learn at least the basics of Japanese food and cuisine.

Tokyo Cooking School is located in Tomigaya but also offers online classes. The class in the studio costs 7,000 yen. In the class, you will learn about the ingredients and then you will cook the dishes yourself. The menu changes with the seasons.

At Cooking School Yuka Mazda Yuka sensei can teach you how to make various Japanese dishes. You can find the menu and all the booking details on her website.

Of course, Japanese cuisine is not only about ramen and sushi. Wagashi, or Japanese sweets, is also an important part of it. Foreigners are usually fascinated by the beauty and delicacy of these little sweets. Now you can learn how to make them yourself at Simply Oishii Wagashi School. They offer courses at the end of which you will get a certificate. Or you can simply attend one-time class.

At the times like these, when we cannot travel as easily as we were used to, it is the best chance to learn something new in Japan and about Japan. Either face to face or even online. Please do not hesitate to try new things and maybe get more connected with the place where you live.

If you need more ideas for fun activities in Tokyo, visits our other posts.

Tags: bonsai, calligraphy, kodo, teaceremony, tokyoexpats, tokyogourmet, tokyolife, wagashi, washoku