À la carte Experiences
Is there anything you would like to take a deep dive into?
What if you have a limited time available?
You can choose à la carte – we will help you get the most of your time in Japan through some very focused activities guided by experts lasting half a day or one day. These are very likely to be the highlights of your trip.
Shojin ryori cooking
‘Tell me what you eat and I will tell you who you are’: can food make us better people? According to Zen, yes. Shojin ryori is a vegetarian meal eaten by Buddhist monks based on subtle flavours and balance. Shojin means ‘zeal in one’s quest for enlightenment’ and the process of cooking itself is meditative: don’t miss the chance of learning how to cook and eat mindfully in the land of Zen.
Zazen meditation
In a world where so many intrusive stimuli vie for our attention, we need some tried and tested methods of attaining inner peace and mastering our subconscious. Through these mindfulness and meditation teachings you can learn about the ways of te Japanese monks, their thought ideologies, and most importantly, how some of it can be implemented in your daily life.
Calligraphy
Calligraphy is the magical combination of shape and meaning, it is an ancient art from filled with harmony and wisdom. Pick up the brush and dip into sumi ink: will you be able to infuse each stroke with your sacred values? What will the characters reveal about your personality? Practice the fluid and spontaneous gestures that will eventually make your text become art.
Kintsugi
How often do we give or are we given second chances? If you think that imperfections often are what makes things beautiful, you should try the Japanese art of Kintsugi – the process of binding cracked ceramics using gold leaf, giving broken objects a second life. For centuries, the Japanese have used this technique in objects that, in many cases, after being repaired are even more fascinating than ever before.
Tea ceremony
Tea is at the heartof Japanese culture, and the tea ceremony is a wholly unique experience: beside the frothy green tea, enjoy the delicate flavor of the seasonal, artistic sweet paired with it, observe the flower arrangement and the scroll selected for the day, enjoy the scent of the incense and th peace of the tearoom.
Sushi
Sushi symbolizes Japan: you can say that you have savored Japan only if you had some proper sushi, or, even better, if you learned how to make it. Join an expert chef for a masterclass in the art of sushi making, illustrating proper carving and filleting techniques and how to cook the perfect rice to make fresh ocean-to-table sushi. To be replicated many times back home, of course!
Manga
Can you sketch the worl around you? How many stories can you come up with? Manga is a distinctly Japanese form of comic book art that has become globally renowned and taken the pop culture world by storm. Join a manga artist in a lesson on the skilled art of manga drawing and create your own comic book page.
Sake
Considered the drink of thee Shinto gods, sake has been integral to Japanese culture and cuisine for centuries. Learn about the history, process, and significance of sake as you walk through an exclusive and well-established sake brewery. Upon reaching the end of the tour, sit down for an in-depth tasting session of this wonderful drink – the drink of thegods indeed!
Japanese traditional sweets wagashi
Wagashi simply are edible pieces of art. Look at them and you will be fascinated by their unique charm, taste them an you will never forget their subtle and light sweetness. Indeed, traditional Japanese confections are known worldwide for their delicate beauty and seasonal motifs. Under the guidance of a master sweets maker, learn some of the techniques to create your sweets – too beautiful to be eaten!
Sumo stable visit
Enter the inner sanctuary where Japan’s most revered athlets train. At this early morning sumo stable visit, you’ll watch the wrestlers practice for the tournaments that happen every other month. Take a seat close to the action and watch the daily training sessions – they are almost ritualistic, with each member knowing exactly what they must do and where they have to be, very few words being uttered as they move around like a well-oiled machine.
Geisha and maiko dinner
Enter the coveted world of geisha. As you walk through the wooden doors of the geisha house, you may hear the hushed footsteps and soft giggles of the performers breaking the silence. You will be guided into a private room and seated around a table, where your dining experience starts with small choko (cups) of sake, before the geisha demonstrate their years of practice in the art of entertaining. Cups will never go empty, the conversation will flow, and alongside your dinner service, they will perform in their distinct styles of dance.
Kimono
Kimono are eaborated multi-layered garments that require skill and technique to be worn properly. With the assistance of a professional dreasser, wear a sesonally appropriate kimono. As you are being wrapped in layers of soft fabric, learn about the history of this garment, the purpose o feach layer, the materials used and the accessories that go with it. Then look at the mirror: do you still recognize yourself?
