Top 10 Cultural Experiences in Japan

A rich tapestry of timeless traditions and centuries-old customs, modern innovations, a suite of societal rules and a hard to decipher language, Japan is one of the most unique countries in the world that boasts a heritage and culture like no other. From samurai workshops and sushi making classes, here are ten of our favourite cultural experiences in Japan.

Explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage

The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, known locally as sadō (‘the way of tea’), is a cultural practice rooted in Zen Buddhism. Centred around the ritual of preparing and serving matcha, powdered green tea, it emphasises the principles of harmony, respect, tranquillity and purity. Attending a tea ceremony is an integral part of experiencing Japanese culture and is highly recommended on any Japan itinerary. Held in a traditional tearoom, the ceremony offers a meditative, immersive experience where every element, from the ceramics and utensils to gestures and costume, is intentional and symbolic. Kyoto, known for its temples, gardens and teahouses, is one of our favourite places to experience this tradition.

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony

Located in Nagano in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Zenkoji is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples that was founded over 1,400 years ago. Here it is possible to stay overnight in a shukubo, a temple lodging, where guests can also experience several traditional ceremonies. Participate in a Buddhist meditation session, known as zazen, which will focus on posture, breathing and mindfulness following the instruction of a monk. Guests will also join a ‘Goma Prayer’ fire ceremony where a wooden prayer stick is burned in a consecrated flame. It is believed to give spirituality and cleanse participants by removing negative energies and helping the journey to enlightenment.

Stay at Zenkoji during our Highlights of Japan itinerary

The samurai were Japan’s warrior class, known for their martial skill, loyalty, and strict code of honour, known as bushidō. Rising to power in the 12th century, they served feudal lords and became the ruling elite under the shogunate system. During the peaceful Edo period however, their role shifted to civil service and then their status was ended by the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, but to this day their legacy remains central to Japanese culture, values, and identity. There are several experiences that can be incorporated into a tailor-made Japan holiday including a samurai swordsmanship lesson in Yamagata where you will learn the art of drawing and wielding a Japanese sword or take a tour of Kanazawa’s beautifully preserved samurai district that is home to restored houses, museums and an impressive katana sword collection.

Include a samurai experience in your Japan holiday

Japanese food is one of the most popular and sought-after cuisines in the world that offers an abundance of gastronomical delights and local delicacies from street food to multi-course kaiseki meals. During a tailor-made holiday to Japan, we would recommend including at least one culinary experience such as a sushi making class in Kyoto, a food tour of Osaka’s famous Dotonbori district or sake tasting in Takayama. Other memorable foodie activities include a soba noodle workshop in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market where you will prepare and eat these famous Japanese noodles, character bento making with an expert or an unforgettable kaiseki dinner followed by a geisha performance.

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A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers guests a more cultural and immersive experience compared to larger or Western-style hotels. Found throughout the country, ryokans vary greatly in quality and style, but all will have a strong focus on omotenashi, Japanese hospitality with tatami mat floors, futon beds, sliding shoji doors, low wooden tables, traditional cuisine such as multi-course kaiseki dinners and hot spring onsen baths. Ranging from humble countryside inns located in the Japanese Alps to more luxurious retreats in destinations such as Hakone or Kyoto, it is highly recommended to include a stay in a ryokan on your Japan holiday.

Experience a ryokan stay

Beautiful and mysterious, geisha culture is a highly refined part of traditional Japanese society. Translating as ‘person of the arts’, geisha are professional cultural performers trained in arts such as dance, music, tea ceremony and conservation and they represent the height of etiquette and refinement. Kyoto’s Gion district is one of the best places in Japan to witness the elusive geisha; stroll down Hanamikoji Street in the early evening to possibly see geisha or the maiko (apprentices) heading to their engagements at the local ochaya (teahouses). Alternatively, we can arrange a geisha experience which includes dinner and a traditional performance.

See geishas in Japan

Cherry blossom season, or sakura, is one of Japan’s most celebrated times of the year that has a profound symbolic significance in Japanese life and culture. This beautiful spectacle of pastel blossoming flowers across the country typically occurs from late March to mid-April, however, can begin as early as February in the southern island of Okinawa and often extends into May in northern Hokkaido. Some of our favourite places to witness this phenomenon include the ancient streets and temples of Kyoto, Nakameguro in Tokyo where the beautiful pink and white blossom trees line the Meguro River or in Yoshino where an incredible 30,000 cherry trees cover the picturesque mountain slopes.

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Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport with roots dating back over 1,500 years. The ancient practice of sumo is steeped in Shinto tradition and is an integral part of Japanese culture and history. Whilst there are only six major sumo tournaments held each year across the country, there are several sumo experiences available if your holiday dates don’t coincide with these. Attend a sumo training experience at an authentic sumo stable, the building where the wrestlers live, train, eat and sleep and observe the athlete’s daily training rituals, or spend an evening watching a real sumo match and learning about techniques whilst enjoying a traditional meal.

Add a sumo experience to your Japan holiday

Traditional Japanese arts embody the nation’s deep-rooted cultural values, emphasising harmony, simplicity and a connection to nature. Arts unique to Japan include ikebana (flower arranging), shodō (calligraphy), origami and sumie (ink painting), all which reflect Zen principles and mindfulness and can be incorporated during a tailor-made holiday to Japan. Other experiences of interest include a hands-on craft tour of Tokyo where guests will spend time at two traditional art workshops: Edo Kiriko glass cutting and Kintsugi gold repair, or for something more modern enjoy a manga experience in the capital’s anime area, Akihabara.

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Established in the early 1600s, kabuki is one of Japan’s most famous classical performing arts that has only been performed by men for centuries. Male actors play both male and female roles. Those playing female characters are called onnagata, and aim to embody traditional femininity with graceful movement, delicate expressions and precise posture. Kabuki itself is known for its exaggerated acting where movements are bold and symbolic, elaborate costumes which are often colourful and dramatic, kumadori makeup and traditional music and narration that enhance the story. Visitors can experience a kabuki performance in major cities such as Tokyo or Kyoto.

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