"Ikebana" is the art of Japanese flower arranging. It originated thousands of years ago and was initially tied to Shintoism. Ikebana is distinct from other flower arranging styles, favoring simplicity and minimalism. It takes a long time to understand what every flower means within ikebana, but even the tourists have a chance to experience the basic understanding by attending a class for beginners. Ikebana and Kado are similar, but Kado emphasizes more on etiquette and spiritual cultivation.

The tea ceremony is known as "Chanoyu", or "Sado", in Japanese, and the art of preparing and serving matcha [powdered green tea] is called "otemae". "Chakai" is a public gathering held to appreciate the tea ceremony, and "Chaji" is the more private and formal ceremony. "Senchado" is a ceremony using tea leaves instead of matcha is an alternative but less common ceremony.
The tea ceremony sees the simple task of preparing a drink for a guest elevated to a form of art, an intricate series of movements performed in strict order, being appreciated by the recipient.
“Sado" [The tea ceremony / literally "the way of tea"] is in many ways a microcosm of the Japanese traditional sense of "omotenashi", is the act of looking after the guests wholeheartedly.

Japan is home to a wide range of traditional crafts. Local artisans often specialize in a particular artform, passing down the knowledge from generation to generation, and taking pride in perfecting the skills continuously. There are many opportunities to learn and even make one of the traditional crafts while in Japan. Take the time to learn directly from the master of the craftsmanship or the professional artisans and get acquainted with traditional values deeply rooted in the Japanese culture and society.

For more than 1000 years, there have been many famous gardens throughout Japan, that utilize space, water, and sound among other items. Walk around the grounds with a guide and learn more about the meaning of the garden and history, for a more satisfying experience.

Kimono is one of the traditional crafts of Japan and is worn in special occasions of coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings even today. Although many people are attracted by how fabulous Kimonos are but sometimes surprised when putting them on. When putting on a Kimono, a towel may be wrapped around the body for perfect shape for Kimono, and strings are tied to prevent from falling apart. Many types of accessories are also required and not many Japanese are able to put on a kimono by self. Recently, numbers of kimono rental stores with English-speaking services have been increasing in the tourist spots, so, choose the favorite kimono and have a professional dress you. While putting on the kimono, learn for tips on walking in the kimono and using the restroom.

"Zazen" is a form of seated meditation in Buddhism, to correct posture, breathing, and concentrate on mind. It is used in the Rinzai and Soto sects of Buddhism, with distinct manners for each. Relax by sitting in the lotus cross-legged position with a straight back and eliminating distractions while taking deep abdominal breaths. There are temples starting “zazen” experience in English, give it a try in interested. To learn more about Buddhism in Japan, the lodging experience at the “Shukubo” is also a recommendation, staying overnight at a temple accommodation facility and having the same meals and practices as the monks.
*Keep in mind that the monks are working on the daily training.

During the Sengoku Period, Ninja was employed by the feudal lords and others to gather information on enemies and sabotage them and the unique tools and techniques called "Ninjutsu" were used to accomplish the missions. Two of the most known tools are the “Shuriken” which are the small hand blades to defend oneself by throwing at the enemies and the “Makibishi” which are dried plants or other objects with pointed ends to be scattered on the ground to fend off pursuit by the opponents. Ninja existed throughout Japan and the most famous two are the Koga Ninja from Shiga Prefecture and the Iga Ninja of Mie Prefecture, both have the Ninja residence and memorial museums to enjoy the Ninja experience. Dressing up as a Ninja and learning “Ninjutsu” would be an unforgettable experience!