Authentic Japanese culture doesn’t end at sushi, Mount Fuji, and cherry blossoms. It’s beyond the trending locations, where Japan’s spirit lives.
It seems like every Australian is booking a trip to Japan. Whether it’s for the Insta-worthy food, the breathtaking views, the forward-thinking skincare, or the ski trips. Japan has a lot to offer, and it’s not just the location that matters, but the experiences too.
From traditional culinary delights and historic sites, all the way through to art and entertainment. Over the years, there has been an influx of travellers visiting Japan, and it’s no secret why. Culture seekers crave the experiences of true Japanese people, and the authenticity that comes from enjoying their family-run businesses and bespoke hair and skin treatments.
Eat Like a Local
For many countries, food is the gateway to experiencing their culture, and Japan is no different. There is a reason why Australia is populated with thousands of Japanese-style restaurants, but the real thing is worth the nine-hour flight.
- Kaiseki Ryori at Ginza Ibuki
Kaiseki ryori is a traditional multi-course meal, with each dish prepared with the season’s freshest ingredients. It is composed of a succession of small dishes that are not only pleasurable for their taste but also for their visual arrangement. The craftsmanship that goes into the presentation makes it almost painful to destroy. For the ultimate experience, Ginza Ibuki in Tokyo is the top choice. With a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Tokyo for eight consecutive years, a pleasureable experience is guaranteed.
- Traditional Tea Ceremony at MAIKOYA, Tokyo
A delicious meal is abundantly better with a good drink. Although in a full tea ceremony, it would start with the kaiseki ryori meal, many ceremonies have been adapted to events that simply serve the tea. This doesn’t change the overall intention of the process since it is rooted in Zen Buddhism. The act still focuses on mindfulness and harmony.
Guests are usually required to take off their shoes, wash their hands, and even rinse their mouth before entering. Then, the tea master will begin the ceremony.
- Soba Noodle Workshop at Teuchi Soba Yanaka
This one-of-a-kind experience is hard to beat. Starting with the hotel pick-up and drop-off, guests will be taken to a soba noodle cooking workshop in Yanaka, Tokyo. From there, they will make fresh, handmade soba from organic Hokkaido buckwheat flour. Best of all, the guests can enjoy their creation by eating soba the traditional way, with soba yu.
Serene Sights
There is a reason why Japanese people are known for living long and healthy lives. It doesn’t end at the food they eat; it extends all through their lives, down to their daily movement and social connection.
- Traditional Japanese Garden at Hamarikyu Gardens
Despite the name, these aren’t the same as the usual gardens that most people own. Rooted in their deep history, many Japanese gardens were created for recreational purposes for feudal lords or religious use by monks. The sanctuary of Hamarikyu Gardens is a sweet escape from the bustling life of Tokyo. Once in the garden, the rest of the world fades away as the greenery and calm waters stretch across the landscape, providing a moment of quiet in a fast-paced world.
This Buddhist temple in Kamakura is home to The Great Buddha, and it lives up to its name, standing at around 11.3 metres tall. But the true significance of the statue stems from the beginning of its construction, dating back to 1252. Although the copper statue of Amida-butsu was originally covered in bright cold leaf, its outdoor exposure caused it to change over time into the green-blue patina that is seen today. With slightly over an hour’s travel from central Tokyo, the surrounding nature only adds to the experience. Travellers can spot cherry blossoms in spring, crepe myrtle in summer, and fiery red maple leaves in autumn.
Culture with a Side of Art and Entertainment
- Edo Kiriko at Sokichi
Edo kiriko is a traditional style of hand-cut glassware in which the artist uses a rotating wheel to carve intricate details into glass, creating geometric patterns that reflect light. They commonly take the form of drinking glasses, making it both practical and visually appealing. With no experience necessary, the workshops help travellers create a one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home. Not to mention a lasting memory of their trip. Originating in Tokyo, the city is home to many Edo Kiriko workshops, and for the best experience, visit Sokichi in Taito, Tokyo.
Located in the Ginza district of Tokyo, the theatre is dedicated exclusively to a style of Japanese theatre that features an all-male cast as they sing, dance, act, and mime, otherwise known as ‘Kabuki’. This traditional form of Japanese theatre is an art style that involves expressive makeup, elaborate costumes, unconventional wigs, and an exaggerated acting style. The storyline usually revolves around historical events, legendary folklore, and moral conflicts. It is an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japan that, unlike most traveller experiences, allows the audience to sit back and relax.
For a slower pace, the Tokyo National Museum, located in Taito City, is the way to go. Being the oldest and largest of Japan’s top-level national museums, it’s home to around 120,000 objects, each with its own history. The museum acts as a tether between the past and present. Audiences can even see authentic samurai armour and swords, and the real-time historical shift of Japanese culture.
Beauty
- Hair Treatments at Spa Kuu Omotesando
This high-end experience located in Omotesando, Tokyo, the spa is open to a wide variety of treatments, each tailored to their guest. With treatments ranging from deep cleansing to steam treatments through to prolonged pressure-point massage using natural botanicals, the spa is ideal not only for hair treatment but for a mental cleanse.
- Facial Spa at The Head Spa Tokyo
Despite the name, The Head Spa Tokyo is adored by many for its gentle face spa. With 100-, 130-, and 150-minute courses, the salon provides a range of facial treatments. But true to tradition, all maintain the gentle cleansing, massage, and moisture that Japan is known for. With locations in both Daikanyama and Shibuya, the salon is easily accessible and great to slip into the Tokyo itinerary.
So while the trendy visiting sites in Japan are popular for a reason, it is important not to forget about the traditional and cultural activities that fewer people are chasing. But the ultimate gateway to truly experiencing Japanese culture is to engage with the locals and their language. That is where the true gems are hidden: within the community.
