"Taiken"
That is the Japanese word that translates to 'Hands-on experience' and it has become a leading buzzword for tourism in Japan over the past several years. A great way to get a deeper understanding of the culture is to dive head-first into a cultural activity and make some great memories along the way. It is fair to say that these 'experiences' started with kimono rental and although that remains as popular as ever, the industry has expanded to include some truly unique offerings that in all likelihood will become the highlight of your trip.
Index:
Tea Ceremony | Akahada Pottery | Temple Tile Making | Kyudo | Bekko Jewellery | Kimono | Tea Whisk Making | UNESCO Buggy Experience | Aizome Indigo Dyeing | Sake Brewery Tour
Tea Ceremony
The Tea Ceremony embodies the essence of Japanese culture. Known as "sado" or "chanoyu," the tea ceremony is more than just the preparation and consumption of matcha, or powdered green tea. It is a choreographed art form that emphasizes aesthetics, harmony, and the mindful appreciation of the moment. The roots of this practice trace back to the Nara period (710-794), when tea was first introduced to Japan from China. Over centuries, it evolved from a medicinal beverage consumed by monks and noblemen into a sophisticated cultural ritual, deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism. The tea ceremony represents a blend of spirituality, hospitality, and artistry, making it a profound experience for both the host and the guests.
The ceremony fosters a sense of tranquillity and mindfulness, encouraging participants to focus on the here and now. Moreover, it provides a deeper understanding of Japanese aesthetics and philosophy, particularly the concepts of "wabi-sabi" (the beauty of imperfection) and "ichigo ichie" (the idea that each encounter is unique and should be treasured). Through this immersive experience, visitors to Nara can gain insight into the soul of Japanese culture, making the tea ceremony a must-do for those seeking to explore the rich heritage of this ancient capital.
Here at NARA Visitor Center & Inn we have an authentic tea room for our visitors to get a full taste of the tea ceremony. Sessions are held every Wednesday afternoon in English by a decorated tea master. Private sessions are available upon request.
Click here for more details and the booking form.
Access:
Location: 3 Ikenocho, Nara, 630-8361
Schedule: Every Wednesday. 3:00PM & 4:15PM and by reservation
Fee: ¥2,000
Akahada Pottery Experience
Akahada ware, known in Japanese as Akahada-yaki, is a distinguished form of pottery that hails from Nara Prefecture. Originating in the late 16th century Akahada ware has a lineage deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Japan's tea ceremony traditions.
Characterized by its creamy white clay, often tinged with a subtle red hue, and adorned with a clear glaze, Akahada ware is celebrated for its Nara-e motifs—delicate paintings under the glaze that depict scenes from fairy tales and classical literature.
Today, Akahada ware continues to be crafted by a handful of dedicated kilns in Nara, each preserving the traditional methods while also embracing contemporary designs, ensuring that this artisanal legacy endures as both a functional art form and a cherished cultural emblem.
You can experience making Akahada for yourself at Pottery Studio Akahada-yaki Masashi, just a few minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. Masashi-sensei will walk you through the process of making something the size of a tea bowl from the rare clay of Mt. Akahada, leaving you with a quality, one-off project that you will be able to enjoy for years to come.
Here's our finished bowl
Book your session here.
Access:
Location: 38-7 Takama-cho, Nara, 630-8241
Schedule: Tuesday - Sunday
Fee: ¥5,500 plus world-wide shipping
Temple Tile Making Experience
According to the "Nihon Shoki," roof tiles were introduced to Japan 1,400 years ago. Several roof tile experts came from Baekje (modern day Korea) to impart their knowledge and helped complete the construction of Asuka-dera Temple, the first temple in Japan to have a tiled roof. The beginning of Japan's unique tile culture was heralded by the completion of Horyu-ji Temple in 607 using domestically produced tiles by local tile makers.
By the early Edo period (1603-1868) the use of roof tiles became more commonplace at the best of the Tokugawa shogunate for their fire prevention properties. It was during this time that Gado was established, and they have been manufacturing tiles in this area ever since, passing on traditional techniques while also developing tiles for the new era.
Onigawara are traditional Japanese roof ornamentations depicting Oni (a type of ogre) or the Karajishi (lion)—in fired clay. These figures are not merely decorative; they are believed to ward off evil spirits, safeguarding the structures they adorn, be it a house, temple, or shrine.
The creation of these unique tiles is entrusted to a master craftsman known as an Oni-shi, a title that few bear in contemporary times.
The art of crafting Onigawara is as unique as the tiles themselves. There are no blueprints or templates. Each tile springs from the imagination of the Oni-shi, making every Onigawara distinctly unique. Historically, during the Nara period, roof tiles featured a variety of motifs. However, as time progressed, the designs evolved to predominantly feature the more ominous ogre-like figures.
Gado have been manufacturing tiles in this area since the1650s, passing on traditional techniques while also developing tiles for the new era.
The workshop is short, simple and fun. You have the choice of making your own mini Onigawara roof tile from either Todai-ji, Horyu-ji, or Yakushi-ji Temples. The process is quite straightforward. First you need to prepare the clay before pressing it firmly into the mold. This requires a little strength and patience but it is essential to knead the clay into every nook and cranny to eliminate any air bubbles. The entire workshop lasts about an hour and is available for individuals and large groups.
Although not mandatory, attending the event with a bilingual guide will greatly enhance your experience. Here's a link to Nara Prefecture Licensed Guides and a selection of paid and volunteer guide services can be found here
Once that is complete, you can customize the backside to your taste then wait for the final product to be delivered to your door.
On the day, you will be informed of any postage costs (domestic or international) or pickup times.
Here's our finished tile
Access:
Location: 997 Nakanokawa-cho, Nara, 630-8201
Schedule: Between 9:00 - 17:00 by appointment only
Fee: ¥2,750 (plus postage & packaging)
Kyudo Japanese Archery
The Nara Kyudo experience is a full immersion into the Spirit of Bushido, Japan's ancient martial arts. Enter into a traditional dojo where, after being greeted with a bow ‘n bow, you’ll be dressed and kitted out in full traditional costume. Nothing fancy, but elegant, comfortable, and reassuring. You’ll learn some basic kyudo principles and then start on the road to becoming a great shot. But don’t sweat it, kyudo is not so much about hitting the target. It’s more the spirit of shin-zen-bi - truth, goodness, and beauty - and merging into the space of ‘no thought’ and ‘no desire’ or munen muso.
Once you’ve had all the time you need to find your comfort zone, you’ll enter the grand dojo hall. It’s actually a kind of indoor pavilion stage and you shoot your arrows out the front towards the targets outside.
The Kyudo Experience won a special sports tourism at the end of 2023. We are very proud to have been part of it. Click here for more details and the booking form.
Access:
Location: Rhoto Nara Martial Arts Field, 4 Chome-5-1 Horensahoyama, Nara, 630-8108
Schedule: Monday or Friday from 1PM for 1-3 people | Wednesday 9AM for 2-6 people
Fee: ¥10,000
Bekko Turtle Shell Jewelery
Bekko is the traditional Japanese craft of turtle shell work, using the shell of the hawksbill turtle to create elegant accessories and decorative items. This craft, which dates back over 1,300 years, involves a meticulous process of heating, molding, carving, and polishing to highlight the shell's natural beauty and bring out its natural translucence and unique patterning. Bekko artistry is highly valued for its aesthetic qualities, showcasing a deep, warm color palette and a distinctive marbled effect. This ancient craft is recognized for its elegance and craftsmanship which embodies the Japanese appreciation for natural beauty and sustainable art.
The Uenomiya site in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, is a significant archaeological site that has yielded some of Japan's oldest processed turtle shell artifacts. These findings indicate the presence of sophisticated craftsmanship dating back over 1,300 years, linking the site to the ancient tradition of turtle shell craftwork, which is also represented among the treasures of the Shoso-in Repository. The Ikeda Workshop, coincidently located in the same area, has been preserving these traditional techniques for over forty years, demonstrating a deep connection to this historical craft
Ikeda Workshop is known for its skilled traditional craftsmanship, particularly for its intricate openwork carving designs on the delicate natural material of turtle shell. In recent years, the workshop has been applying these techniques to various items, and collaborating with artisans from other industries to create new works that build upon traditional techniques.
WORKSHOP: Bekko Turtle Shell Craft Experience
Create a one-of-a-kind original accessory using the offcuts from crafting.
You will be able to make a petite pendant.
*By reservation only.
The experience is limited to 4 people per session. Date and time are subject to consultation.
The cost starts from ¥5,500 (may vary depending on the material price).
*To participate, you will need to have someone with you that can speak Japanese to act as an interpreter. This is a non-negotiable condition of accepting overseas tourists to the workshop. If you would like assistance to sourcing an interpreter (paid or volunteer), please feel free to contact us: info@sarusawa.nara.jp
*IMPORTANT NOTICE
Hawksbill turtles are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which means taking anything made from bekko out of Japan is prohibited.
If you plan to take what you make out of Japan, alternative material will be provided so that you do not break international or Japanese laws.
Access:
Location: 168 Chihara, Sakurai, Nara 633-0073
Schedule: By consultation
Fee: ¥5,500
Kimono・Yukata Rental
Perhaps the most popular cultural experience in Japan is dressing up in a traditional kimono, or yukata in the summer and touring some of the sites. Coupled with a professional photographer to document your experience, you'll end up with some beautiful memories to last a lifetime. With places like Ukimido Gazebo, Tobihino and hundreds of cute deer just around the corner, Nara is the perfect place to get that once-in-a-lifetime-shot.
There are several great places to hire a kimono in Nara. Here is a list with links to relevant websites:
Waplus Nara
Location: Nara Park Bus Terminal West Wing 2F, 76 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8213
Basic Fee: ¥3,000〜
YUUSA
Location: 29-6 Nishimikado-cho, Nara, 630-8225
Basic Fee: ¥2,750〜
Fuji Kimono
Location: Kosei Building 2F, 5 Tarui-machi, Nara City, 630-8218
Basic Fee: ¥2,200〜
ENISHIYA
Location: 13 Yakushido-cho, Nara, 630-8321
Basic Fee: ¥4,290〜
Sakura Kimono Kyoto in Nara
Location: 2F(#201) 26-3 Hashimoto-cho, Nara-shi, 630-8217
Basic Fee: ¥4,000〜
Bamboo Tea Whisk Making
When in Japan and immersing yourself in all things cultural, you may come across something unique that piques your curiosity. And with the recent popularity of Japanese tea you might find yourself at a tea ceremony wondering about all the “tools of the trade” and where they all come from.
One item that stands out is the "chasen" or tea whisk. Meticulously carved from a piece of bamboo and as beautiful as it is functional, it’s used to mix the “macha” green tea powder with hot water, leaving it with a slight froth. Simultaneously admiring both the detail and the simplicity you can’t help but wonder, “Where does this come from?” Or “How on earth is this made?”
Chikurin-en
You can find the answer to these questions in the Takayama district of Ikoma City, affectionately
referred to as "Chasen no Sato" or "The Land of Bamboo Tea Whisks." Takayama is a small town surrounded by hills and fields along with preserved traditional wood buildings. Approximately 90% of the nation's bamboo tea whisks are handmade here by dedicated artisans representing the latest generation of their lineage of master craftsmen.
A beautiful facility called Chikurin-en: Takayama Bamboo Garden and Museum was established to preserve, disseminate and celebrate all that encompasses the tea ceremony and more specifically, the production of the bamboo utensils needed to cary it out. They also boast a gorgeous bamboo garden with 50 types of bamboo, including rare specimens such as Kinmeitake, Tortoiseshell bamboo, and Rakkyoyatake.
Access:
Location: 3340 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0101
Schedule: 9:00 - 17:00
Matcha Making Experience: 10:00 - 16:00
Fee: Matcha making experience ¥500 for tea only | ¥600 with confectionary
Tanimura Tango
Tango Tanimura is the head of the 20th generation of the Tanimura family, a lineage that has been producing tea whisks in Takayama for almost 500 years. The Tanimura’s are one of the only three remaining families today of the 13 tea whisk making families that were granted surnames by the Tokugawa government during the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Programs:
Demonstration only
Demonstration and tea ceremony
Tea whisk workshop with thread weaving experience
Each program includes green tea (matcha) and a small Japanese sweet.
Bookings are from 3 to 20 people per visit.
