Tea ceremony
The tea ceremony is one part of Japanese culture inspired by Zen and Buddhist teachings.
Combining elements of Japan's arts and crafts customs, it represents a condensed slice of Japanese culture.
Having long been at the center of the tea ceremony, Kyoto is home to many tea ceremony -related shops, craftsmen's workshops, and museum facilities where visitors can experience and learn about the tea ceremony.
Uji City in Kyoto Prefecture is famous for being the birthplace of tea.
Flower arrangement
Literally "the way of the flower" in Japanese, flower arranging is a Japanese art with more than 500 years of history.
Kyoto has many masters of Japanese flower arrangement, which allows observers to experience the charm of Japan through an activity that is a different experience from Western flower arrangement.
Zazen
Zazen is connected with Buddhism and involves sitting with correct posture while meditating.
There are many temples in Kyoto that have existed for ages and that allow visitors to experience zazen. In addition to temples that allow visitors to experience zazen, there are temples that provide lodging and those that provide guidance in English, providing experiences that fit everyone's needs.
Kimono and yukata
Kimono and yukata are forms of Japanese traditional attire, and there are numerous shops in Kyoto that rent them out. Along with the kimono and yukata, you can also rent the accessories normally worn with them and have someone help you put it all on. There are also temples, shrines, and stores that will give a discount or provide other benefits if you go in wearing a kimono or yukata.
Traditional arts and crafts
It is said that Kyoto is home to more than 70 types of traditional handicrafts, including everything from Nishijin brocade to Kyoto braided bands, Kyoto dolls, Kyoto fabric dyeing, Kyoto black crest dyeing, Kyoto lacquerware, Kyoto ceramics / Kiyomizu ware, bamboo handicrafts, Kyoto folding fans, and Kyoto Buddhist altars. Many of the workshops where these things are made allow visitors to watch or try their own hand.
Cultural experiences easy for international students to participate in
Many workshops around Kyoto allow visitors to observe or get hands-on.
»Kyoto Tourism Official Sight, Kyoto Tourism Navi [workshop/hands on facilities]
Kyo-machiya through VR
Kyo-machiya, a traditional-style old house in Kyoto, is a symbol of a classic Kyoto-like townscape and lifestyle. Let's take a look at what's it like inside the Kyo-machiya through VR!
Refer to STUDYKYOTO MAGAZINEs as well!
Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Guide
To learn more about tourism opportunities in Kyoto, have a look at the Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Guide.
