Cultural experiences
Explore Japan’s traditions through Geisha dinners, Taiko drumming, Rakugo storytelling, Kabuki, Ninja experiences, and Onsen visits.
Geisha Dinner Experience in Tokyo
The geisha is a world-famous Japanese symbol that is seldom understood outside of Japan. The geisha arts, a 250-year-old legacy, are fast fading, yet there are still sites in Japan where one may have…
Wadaiko: The Summer Rhythm and Movements of Taiko in Japan
With a multitude of purposes, strong traditions, and dynamic rhythm, wadaiko, or traditional Japanese drums also known internationally as "taiko", is a unique and interesting part of Japanese culture.…
The Enduring Allure of Rakugo: Japanese Storytelling Evolved
Japan boasts a rich variety of traditional performance arts, from the dramatic flair of Kabuki to the simplicity of Noh. Another form of storytelling, Rakugo, adds a comedic twist to this mix. Rakugo…
Bonsai Basics: Beginner's Guide, Top Trees, Tokyo Picks
This page contains affiliate links. Bonsai is perhaps the most well-known and treasured of Japan’s botanical beauty. What you may not realize, however, is that “bonsai” is not the name of the trees th…
Discovering Kabuki: A Guide to Kabuki Theatres, Tickets, and Cultural Insights
So, what is Kabuki theatre, really? To the first timer, it is oftentimes remembered as a jumble of color, fast action and archaic language few can understand. Plots are mysterious and centered largely…
Exploring the Enigmatic World of Japanese Noh Theatre: Ancient Masks to Modern Marvels
Noh is to modern Japanese theatre what Shakespeare is to English theatre, and then some. It is the oldest form of masked theatre (like Kabuki, Noh opts for the “theatre” spelling of the word) in the w…
Tokyo Ninja Experiences: Learn the ways of the Shinobi
This page contains affiliate links. Ninjas (also known as shinobi) have gained international fame over the centuries, both within Japan and abroad. Ironically, the very traits of secrecy and stealth t…
The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan: Who Are Shichifukujin?
This page contains affiliate links. Spirituality in Japan is very unique in its wide acceptance and mixing of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, traditions, and customs. However, there are also some traditi…
10 Best Tokyo Flea Markets for Bargain-Hunting
There are many different ways to experience the culture of a foreign place, but nothing gives quite the same insight into local pop culture. >> What is Mottainai? The Japanese Meanings and Expre…
Onsen Etiquette in Japan: Rules and Manners
Nothing beats the soothing effects and cultural experience of visiting a Japanese hot spring (Onsen). A trip to an onsen in Japan is a highly recommended experience appreciated by visitors and new for…
Experience Old Towns Tokyo: Shitamachi & Japanese Nostalgia
When people think of Japan, especially Tokyo, they usually picture modern and futuristic buildings and some historical temples and shrines. However, there is another type of area that is becoming more…
Great Places for 'Hatsumode' around Tokyo during the Japanese New Year
This page contains affiliate links. On the first day of the Japanese new year, you will see many people heading to shinto shrines and temples for "hatsumode," or the first prayer of the year. On this…
Tokyo for Anime and Manga Fans: Popular Areas, Shops, and Museums
This page contains affiliate links. If you enjoy reading Japanese manga (comics) or watching anime (animation), there is no better city on earth to explore than Tokyo as it has everything to satisfy…
Fireworks (Hanabi) Festival in Tokyo 2025
Experience the magic of summer in Japan with some of the most beautiful fireworks festivals in Tokyo. Every year, large-scale hanabi (fireworks) events light up the night sky across Japan—and Tokyo is home to some of the biggest and most popular shows. Here’s a list of the major fireworks festivals scheduled in the Tokyo area for 2025.
By PLAZA HOMES
