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10 cultural tours and experiences that are uniquely Japanese
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The number of foreign tourists in Japan has increased to an astonishing degree in recent years!
We are very happy to see this increase.
We would like to introduce “10 cultural tours and experiences" that are unique to Japan” to help foreign tourists and foreigners living in Japan learn more about the good things about Japan.
(1) Idol live performance
As the Japanese idol group “Babymetal” has become a big hit in the U.S., Japanese idol culture is attracting a lot of attention from foreigners. Many foreign tourists visit Akihabara, a mecca for idol culture, and incorporating Japanese culture such as idols, anime, and manga into inbound tourism events can be expected to attract visitors.
(2) Kabuki
Kabuki is one of Japan's proudest cultural traditions. Seeing a live Kabuki performance at a Kabuki-za theater is a memorable experience, as you can feel the power of the performance and the unique atmosphere of the seats in the audience. Takarazuka, a rare theater company in the world with an all-female cast, is also a good choice for theater viewing.
(3) Touring Castles
There are many castles in Japan. The castle keep, tiled roofs, and other structures that are different in atmosphere from those in other countries are a source of surprise and excitement for foreigners. Many of the castles can be toured inside, allowing visitors to see every corner of the castle. Among castles, only 12 castles in Japan still have their former tenshukaku (castle tower), and only two castles in particular still have their five-story towers: Matsumoto Castle and Himeji Castle. If the architectural value as well as the history of the castle is conveyed, foreign visitors to Japan will be more interested in the castle and enjoy their visit.
(4) Visiting Temples and Shrines
Like castles, temples and shrines are cultural landmarks of Japan. Each temple and shrine has its own unique characteristics and history. If you go to Kamakura or Kyoto, for example, there are many temples and shrines within a short distance, so foreign tourists will be able to enjoy the rich individuality of these shrines and temples. It is also a good idea to have foreign tourists experience omikuji (fortune telling) and omamori (charm) as well.
(5) Japanese dance
Japanese dance is one of the most popular Japanese performing arts that have been enjoyed since ancient times. The sight of a beautiful dancer in a kimono is a breathtaking experience even for Japanese people. In Nihon buyo, the movements are expressed in a way that has been considered beautiful by the Japanese since ancient times. The standing posture and leisurely movements of the dancers can be expected to appeal to foreigners as “uniquely Japanese beauty. There are also Nihon Buyo (traditional Japanese dance) classes where you can actually experience Nihon Buyo (traditional Japanese dance). By experiencing Japanese dance, you will be able to feel not only Japanese culture, but also the ancient Japanese way of thinking and art.
(6) Fireworks Display
Fireworks festivals are one of the most popular summer events in Japan. The sight of people dressed in yukata or jinbei and the rows of food stalls will give you a sense of “Japaneseness. Some fireworks festivals add music and light to the fireworks display to create a more impressive and moving effect. For foreign inbound tourists, this will be an experience that allows them to feel Japanese culture.
(7) Traditional Events
There are many traditional Japanese events beginning with New Year's in January, Setsubun, Valentine's Day, Hinamatsuri, Tango no Sekku, Tanabata, Jugoya, Shichigosan, and so on. The enjoyment of the four seasons is one of the characteristics of Japan, and many traditional events related to the four seasons can be considered part of Japanese culture. In addition, each region has its own festivals and festivals, and some have been held as inbound tourism events. Traditional events reflect the history of the region and the Japanese people's values, religious beliefs, and view of nature, and allow visitors to feel the uniqueness of Japan. Experiencing a traditional event can be a good opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture.
(8) Ryokan Tour
While hotels can be found all over the world, ryokan are accommodations where you can experience Japanese culture. For example, the innkeepers and staff in kimonos, tatami rooms, hot springs, table tennis, etc., offer many experiences that allow visitors to experience the culture that is uniquely Japanese. When planning an inbound tourism event to visit ryokans, it is important to consider the needs of foreign tourists and create a plan that allows them to stay at ryokans that offer a variety of experiences.
(9) Factory tours
Japan is a country that has made great economic progress through manufacturing, and factory tours can be a great way to experience Japanese culture. Examples include beer factories and food manufacturing plants. In addition to tasting and sampling, workshops can be incorporated into inbound tourism to create a special experience for foreign visitors, such as the experience of making original cup noodles at the Cupnoodles Museum. Also, places where traditional Japanese manufacturing is conducted, such as a brewery or a workshop for making hina dolls, are also recommended as tours where visitors can experience Japanese culture.
(10) Zoo and aquarium tours
Zoos and aquariums can also be a special Japanese experience for foreign visitors. For example, the Sumida Aquarium, located at the foot of the Tokyo Skytree, has one of the largest goldfish zones in Japan called the “Edorium. Visiting zoos and aquariums that incorporate Japanese culture will give foreign visitors a sense of Japaneseness.
Have you found your favorite spot somewhere?
We hope that you will enjoy your summer vacation by discussing your favorite places with your friends and discovering new ways to enjoy Japan.
Have a wonderful summer vacation!
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