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What kinds of hobbies can you take up when you come to Japan? Let's take a look at some interesting options!


What kinds of hobbies can foreigners take up to learn about Japanese culture and experience the ‘wa’ (harmony) of Japan? Japan's unique culture, which does not exist in other countries, is very interesting to foreigners. From a foreigner's perspective, Japanese culture has a calming charm within its dignified beauty. While Japanese culture is abundant, for us who have grown up as Japanese, it may seem like a part of daily life. However, for foreigners, it may be a strong aspect of Japanese culture. In this article, we will introduce eight Japanese cultural activities that foreigners find interesting. We hope you will take this opportunity to rediscover the charm of Japanese culture that only Japanese people can truly understand, and consider these activities as recommendations for foreigners.

Japanese traditional arts are seen as exotic and highly captivating by foreigners, and they attract a great deal of interest. One reason for this is the concept of ‘diligence,’ which is evident in various gestures and movements that reflect a careful and mindful spirit. Many Japanese traditional arts cultivate “diligence” and allow one to appreciate ‘beauty.’ For us who have grown up as Japanese, ‘diligence’ is something that comes naturally. As a result, the perception that Japanese people are meticulous in all aspects of life has spread overseas. Given this aspect of Japanese culture, those aspiring to become Japanese language teachers can gain a competitive edge by thoroughly understanding traditional Japanese arts.

By engaging in traditional Japanese arts or acquiring knowledge about them, one can concretely introduce the charm of Japanese culture to foreigners. Below, we introduce traditional Japanese arts that symbolise Japanese culture.

1. Tea Ceremony
In tea ceremonies, the expression ‘making tea’ is not used; instead, it is referred to as ‘preparing tea.’ In a tea ceremony, matcha powder is mixed with hot water and stirred with a bamboo whisk to create the tea. Tea ceremony involves a series of rituals for preparing the tea, and each school has its own unique style.

2. Ikebana
Ikebana is a traditional Japanese art form that involves arranging seasonal flowers and plants. It has been passed down through generations with established etiquette. Ikebana also has different schools, each with its own philosophy and theory of flower arrangement. Notable schools include the ‘Sansenke’ school, which was popularised by the grandson of Sen no Rikyu.

3. Kimono Dressing
Kimono dressing refers to the art of beautifully dressing others in traditional Japanese clothing such as kimonos and yukatas. Kimonos, which are a traditional part of Japanese culture, have specific rules regarding undergarments and obi sashes, and by wearing them properly, one can achieve the beauty of Japanese aesthetics.


There are so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming... What do you think?

I hope this has given you some ideas for new hobbies or activities to try.

Please take the time to discover something you love in Japan!


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