Culture – Japan Awaits https://staging.japanawaits.com Travel & Events in Japan Sun, 27 Aug 2023 15:11:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.6 https://staging.japanawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-logo-32x32.png Culture – Japan Awaits https://staging.japanawaits.com 32 32 Kawasaki Hidden Gems Tour with Kanamara Festival https://staging.japanawaits.com/experiences/kawasaki-kanamara-festival/ Sat, 25 Mar 2023 09:16:51 +0000 https://www.japanawaits.com/?page_id=6543 Enjoy this join-in 5 hour exclusive tour of Kanamara Festival and discover the hidden gems of Kawasaki

The post Kawasaki Hidden Gems Tour with Kanamara Festival appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]>

Kawasaki Hidden Gems Tour with Kanamara Festival

Loading...

24,000

An exclusive 5-hour adventure that will help you discover the best-kept secrets of Kawasaki during the popular Kanamara Festival that happens just once-in-a-year with the help of an English-speaking tour guide.

Just once a year, Kawasaki City hosts its popular Kanamara Festival on the first Sunday of April. The festival is visited by an estimated 90,000 visitors each year and centers around the Kanayama Shrine where patrons can pray for easy childbirth, marital harmony, amongst other good fortunes. 

In this immersive tour, not only will you be able to experience the Kanamara Festival on the shrine grounds, but you’ll be able to get to discover the hidden charms and gems of Kawasaki City with an English-speaking tour guide and exclusive access that is available through Japan Awaits only.

At the start of this small-group tour, meet with your tour guide by Kawasaki Station (only 20 minutes from Tokyo Station by train) where you will head to Kanayama Shrine. Japan Awaits will have exclusive access to the shrine grounds that will allow guests to get an up-close and personal view of this special occasion that happens only once a year. Here, you’ll learn about the history of Kanayama Shrine and its significance to the area.

After that, visit the historic Tokaido Road, which was the most important route that connected Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and get to see the world’s shortest escalator to showcase another quirky side to this fascinating city.

Next, you’ll visit the Kawasaki Daishi Temple where you will have VIP access to pray with the priests inside of the temple (exclusive access for Japan Awaits’ guests and not available to general visitors). The gomakitou ritual (rite of burning) practiced by the temple priests is to pray for the achievement of one’s wishes, including greater purification, peace to the household, prosperity to the business, health and longevity. You’ll be able to experience this special ritual and pray with the priests exclusively. You’ll then get the chance to walk along the 150-meter long nakamise street where you can shop or try traditional snacks. 

Join our Kawasaki Kanamara Festival and Hidden Gems Tour and experience the beauty and excitement of this unique city!

Availability: First Sunday in April annually

Price: ¥24,000 per person

Included:

  • Public transportation costs
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Small handicraft souvenir
  • VIP access to Kanayama Shrine grounds
  • VIP access to Gomakitou ritual (rite of burning) with priests

Excluded:

  • Meals, food and drinks
  • Optional Activities
  • Other fees not included in the tour

Booking Request

Questions?

[contact-form-7]

Additional Information

Attire

The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

This tour is for ages 18 and up only.

Wheelchair Accessible

Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible as some historical establishments only have stairs.

Cancellation Policy

Standard Cancellation Policy:

  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 5 days or less before event
  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before event
  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 10 days or less before event

Reviews

Q&A

What is the “Kanamara Festival”?

The Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the “Festival of the Steel Phallus,” is a Shinto festival held annually on the first Sunday of April in Kawasaki, Japan. The festival is centered around a giant wooden phallus, and it is believed to bring good luck, fertility, and protection from sexually transmitted diseases. The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, and there are parades, food stalls, and other festivities that celebrate fertility and sexuality. The festival has a long history dating back to the Edo period, and it is still widely celebrated in modern-day Japan.

How far in advance should I book?

Preparing a customized tour requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. For Custom Tour bookings that are requested with less than 7 days before the travel date, we may not be able to arrange your custom tour in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip?

Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be very challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and your answers from the Custom Tour form, we will begin putting together your Itinerary Sheet and will start arranging your tour guide, buying tickets, making reservations at venues for your tour, etc. If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary Sheet, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable

 
 

Other Experiences

 

The post Kawasaki Hidden Gems Tour with Kanamara Festival appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]> Here is your chance to graduate with a Ninja Studies Degree https://staging.japanawaits.com/chance-to-graduate-with-a-ninja-studies-degree/ Thu, 02 Jul 2020 08:51:33 +0000 https://www.japanawaits.com/?p=6189 Are you tired of classes at school and want a degree in something interesting and "stealthy"? Now's your chance to get a Master's Degree in Ninja Studies! In the age of the samurai (the Edo Period, from 1603 to 1867), ...

The post Here is your chance to graduate with a Ninja Studies Degree appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]>

Are you tired of classes at school and want a degree in something interesting and “stealthy”? Now’s your chance to get a Master’s Degree in Ninja Studies!

In the age of the samurai (the Edo Period, from 1603 to 1867), ninja were deployed as warriors in unconventional warfare such as infiltration, sabotage and assassination. Also known as “shinobi” (meaning “those who act in stealth”), ninja were trained to employ a range of stealth-like tactics to take opponents out by surprise.

While ninja are no longer employed to “take out a rival”, you can now learn the art of being a ninja by earning a Ninja Studies Degree at an accredited Japanese university. The best part is that you only have one competitor vying for “ninja duties” in the future!

This was all made possible by Genichi Mitsuhashi, a 45-year-old who has become the first student ever to graduate from a Japanese university with a master’s degree in ninja studies. Mie University has been offering historical classes and courses on ninja skills to its students, but Mitsuhashi took it to another level by earning a degree in the art of being a ninja and studying everything that has to do with ninja.

After spending two years studying history, traditions, and martial arts skills of ninjas, Mitsuhashi completed the master’s course at the university. While pursuing his degree, he moved to the mountainous area of Iga to grow his own rice and vegetables and to also run his own inn. He said, “I read that ninjas worked as farmers in the morning and trained in martial arts in the afternoon. With this combination, I thought I could learn about the real ninja.”

Yuji Yamada, a professor of Japanese history at the university that oversaw the ninja center, was really surprised with Mitsuhashi’s dedication to the studies. “He literally devotes his life to ninja. We provide historical classes and courses on ninja skills, but I didn’t expect him to engage to this extent,” he added. Mitsuhashi finished the course in March of this year and is now working toward his Ph.D.

According to Yamada, there are about three students enrolling in ninja courses every year. To enroll, students must take an exam on Japanese history and pass a reading test on historical ninja documents. Many inquiries are sent from overseas, as there has been an increased interest in Japanese culture and history with pop culture and media. However, many students only choose to take some courses in ninja studies and do not choose to receive a degree. Mie University has mentioned that this course is to learn about ninja and not to necessarily train to become a ninja.

The post Here is your chance to graduate with a Ninja Studies Degree appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]> Japan’s 47 Prefectures have secret firework displays for the end of COVID-19 https://staging.japanawaits.com/japans-47-prefectures-have-secret-firework-displays-for-the-end-of-covid-19/ Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:44:14 +0000 https://www.japanawaits.com/?p=6168 Japan is known for its summer “hanabi” (花火) firework festivals. Hanabi firework displays have had a long history in Japan, with hundreds of fireworks shows all across the country, usually in the summer between July and August. It is a ...

The post Japan’s 47 Prefectures have secret firework displays for the end of COVID-19 appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]>

Japan is known for its summer “hanabi” (花火) firework festivals. Hanabi firework displays have had a long history in Japan, with hundreds of fireworks shows all across the country, usually in the summer between July and August. It is a fun and enjoyable time for people to relax in a festival atmosphere, dress in yukata and having a few bites along the streets filled with food stalls.


However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, many of Japan’s summer firework festivals have been cancelled. Since many people were disappointed in the sudden cancellations, several of the country’s pyrotechnicians came together to organize a surprising fireworks project called “Cheer Up! Hanabi” that would have all 47 Prefectures in Japan participating in the project. The project’s aim was to avoid having large crowds gather, as is typical of normal hanabi fireworks events. Therefore, the organizers originally announced that each prefecture would keep the date and time of its hanabi event secret and the fireworks would only be displayed for five minutes each.


To everyone’s surprise, the plans later changed and on June 1, 2020 at precisely 8:00 PM, Japan's sky lit up with bursts of fireworks in all 47 Prefectures. In total, there were over 160 companies that voluntarily participated in this project, contributing to the simultaneous launch of hanabi fireworks displays in all 47 Prefectures throughout Japan. It was a spectacular sight to behold for those who were able to catch a glimpse of the displays. As the name implies, ‘Cheer Up! Hanabi’, was an event that would ideally provide hope to the people for the end of the COVID-19

The post Japan’s 47 Prefectures have secret firework displays for the end of COVID-19 appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]> How to Book Geisha in Japan https://staging.japanawaits.com/how-to-book-geisha-in-japan/ Wed, 17 Aug 2016 04:03:36 +0000 http://japanawaits.com/?p=121 Geisha, also known as geiko, are iconic to Japan. Although they have been around since the Edo period, some 400 years ago, geisha are still as mysterious and alluring to locals and foreigners alike to this day.

The post How to Book Geisha in Japan appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]> Geisha, also known as geiko, are iconic to Japan. Although they have been around since the Edo period, some 400 years ago, geisha are still as mysterious and alluring to locals and foreigners alike to this day. That’s because of the complex referral system that the geisha operates in; unless the person interested in booking geisha is referred by an existing customer or establishment, it is virtually impossible to book geisha.

Traditionally, geisha are reserved for the most wealthy and powerful clients, as geisha often accompany political members or prominent businessmen. However, there are still a few ways visitors and tourists can meet geisha.

Here are a few opportunities to see or book geisha.

Join a Group Tour or Event

Booking geisha is quite expensive and difficult unless you know someone or a place that hosts geisha. At Japan Awaits, we work exclusively with local hanamachi, or geisha quarters, to book group dinners, tours or events for visitors to learn more about geisha and experience the true culture of Japan. Group events are generally a cheaper and more affordable option to see geisha.

  1. The Geisha Experience is a dinner that takes place at least once a week that features some of the most popular and well-known geisha in their area. At least two to three geisha attend the dinner to host 12 or more guests from around the world. The Geisha Experience is perfect for people who are profoundly interested in traditional Japanese culture, as the setting will be in a traditional Japanese restaurant with Japanese fine-dining. The event will also introduce geisha, their history and the importance of preserving the geisha culture in Japan.
  2. Special Geisha Events include geisha that are invited to special occasions or gatherings. For an exquisite and different New Year’s Eve experience or to celebrate a major Japanese holiday with geisha, see what Japan Awaits has to offer in our special events calendar!
  3. Tea Ceremony events are a traditional tea pouring ceremony performed by geisha at traditional Japanese venues. Groups of more than 12 people can book a tea ceremony in the afternoon, based on geisha availability.

Book a Private Event with Geisha

Interested in seeing geisha on your own? Book geisha for a special private event at a time that’s most convenient for you. The Private Events booked through Japan Awaits is a great deal! For 6 people for a private dinner, the cost is less than attending a group Geisha Experience dinner and you get alone time to ask all the questions you want (with one geisha)!

For questions regarding any geisha bookings, contact Japan Awaits at info@japanawaits.com

Share this Post

The post How to Book Geisha in Japan appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]> Kimono Rental & Photo Experience https://staging.japanawaits.com/kimono-rental-photo-experience/ Wed, 17 Aug 2016 03:17:42 +0000 http://japanawaits.com/?p=99 The kimono (きもの) is a traditional garment that literally means the “thing to wear” in Japanese. Kimono are worn by women, men and children, sometimes daily or on special occasions.

The post Kimono Rental & Photo Experience appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]> KIMONO

The kimono (きもの) is a traditional garment that literally means the “thing to wear” in Japanese. Kimono are worn by women, men and children, sometimes daily or on special occasions. Geisha are also commonly associated with kimono, collecting hundreds of these garments in their lifetime.

UCHIKAKE

Uchikake was a popular kimono style worn by aristocratic women living in castles during the feudal era (established over 400 years ago). It is considered the most elegant and high-quality of kimono as it is made using one roll of textile that is sewn together to form a continuous design. By doing this, an entire image from the sleeves to the back of the garment is formed on the kimono, which many consider to be a work of art.

Because these luxurious and elegant kimonos are considered the highest quality and generally costs more than 1,500,000 JPY each (ranging up to 15,000,000 JPY), this style is usually only worn by brides on their wedding day. Our studio offers this style of kimono for rental and for photoshoots.

The attire that’s equivalent to Uchikake and appropriate for men to wear is called Montsuki-hakama, which is also available at our studio.

KIMONO Rental

For all Geisha Experience events with Japan Awaits, simple kimono/ yukata rental (different from Uchikake-style kimonos) is included in the package price. For all other events, Uchikake kimono rental may be available (please inquire for more details). Uchikake kimono rental available for women (montsuki-hakama is available for men and furisode is available for children).

Price
25,000 JPY per person (tax included)

Availability
4-hour rental (any-time between 10 AM to 6 PM with reservation) except holidays

Location
Meguro (our studio is by JR Meguro Station), Tokyo

Included

  • Kimono dressing experience (learn how to dress in a kimono from our experts)
  • One kimono from our outdoor selection
  • All accessories, including inner kimono (juban), kimono collar (han-eri), belt (obi), sash (obiage), decorative obi string (obijime), kimono socks (tabi), kimono bag (kinchaku), kimono sandals (zori)
  • Hair setting (up-do style with Japanese hair ornaments) for women and girls with 40 styles to choose from
  • Hair setting (up-do style with Japanese hair ornaments) for women and girls with 40 styles to choose from

KIMONO PHOTO EXPERIENCE (Uchikake-style)

Kimono photo experience available for women, men and children, couples and groups. Uchikake kimono rental is available for women, montsuki-hakama is available for men and furisode rental is available for children.

Price
25,000 JPY per person, Couple price (2 people): 40,000 JPY (tax included)

Availability
10 AM to 6 PM any day except holidays (reservation required)

Duration
1.5 hours

Location
Meguro (our studio is by JR Meguro Station), Tokyo

Included

  • Kimono dressing experience (learn how to dress in a kimono from our experts)
  • One kimono from our luxury selection
  • Hair setting (up-do style with Japanese hair ornaments) for women and girls with 40 styles to choose from*
  • All accessories, including inner kimono (juban), kimono collar (han-eri), belt (obi), sash (obiage), decorative obi string (obijime), kimono socks (tabi), kimono bag (kinchaku), kimono sandals (zori)
  • Props, including fan, umbrella, sword, flowers, bag, etc.
  • 40 cuts in multiple poses
  • 1 printed image in high resolution on 13x18cm (5″x7″) size Japanese paper matting
  • Burned CDR with all cuts (available immediately after photo experience)

※Portrait sitting does not include make-up (however, eye, eyebrow, and lip cosmetics are available for you to touch-up before your sitting). Professional make-up is available for booking and requires additional cost.

PREMIUM KIMONO PHOTO EXPERIENCE (Uchikake-style)

Premium kimono photo experience available for women, men and children, couples and groups. Uchikake kimono rental is available for women, montsuki-hakama is available for men and furisode rental is available for children.

Price
45,000 JPY per person, Couple price (2 people): 72,000 JPY (tax included)

Availability
10 AM to 6 PM any day except holidays (reservation required)

Duration
2.5 hours

Location
Meguro (our studio is by JR Meguro Station), Tokyo

Included

  • Kimono dressing experience (learn how to dress in a kimono from our experts)
  • Professional make-up and hair-setting (about 45 minutes) for women and girls with 40 styles of hair accessories to choose from
    Two kimonos from our luxury selection
  • All accessories, including inner kimono (juban), kimono collar (han-eri), belt (obi), sash (obiage), decorative obi string (obijime), kimono socks (tabi), kimono bag (kinchaku), kimono sandals (zori)
  • Props, including fan, umbrella, sword, flowers, bag, etc.
  • 80 cuts in multiple poses
  • 2 printed images in high resolution on 13x18cm (5″x7″) size Japanese paper matting
  • Burned CDR with all cuts (available immediately after photo experience)
[envira-gallery id=”118″]

KIMONO Sale (Uchikake-style or Montsuki-hakama)

Kimono sale is available in Meguro, Tokyo (prices begin at 1,500,000 JPY). Uchikake kimono are normally purchased for collection or for special events, such as weddings and anniversaries. Montsuki-hakama is available for men. The kimono sale will require fitting and may take up to 3 to 6 months for fit and custom-tailoring.

Share this Post

The post Kimono Rental & Photo Experience appeared first on Japan Awaits.

]]>