LaurierTiernan's Reviews

GRAND NIKKO AWAJI Tea ceremony workshop

Awaji Yumebutai is a cultural resort complex surrounded by the ocean and abundant nature. At one corner of the complex is a tearoom designed by world class architect Tadao Ando where you can experience the world of the tea ceremony. How would you like to experience authentic tea ceremony practices while learning about the history of the art?

Hyogo
Hotels

17 Feb 2020 See More

I liked the explanations by the older silver-haired gentleman whose name I forgot. I also enjoyed the explanation of the different teas and different sweets.

Azalee Hot Spring Experience

Takedao Onsen is easily accessible by car or train from the city centers of Osaka and Kobe. Koyokan Bettei Azalee is the only lodging facility in the hot springs area. Enjoy the healing, traditional Japanese experience of relaxing in a rich natural environment surrounded by mountains and fascinating scenery that changes with the seasons.

Hyogo
Inns

17 Feb 2020 See More

The dinner was lovely, the rotemburo was great, I really enjoyed the stone bath in our private rooms. Also, the beds was cozy, as was your tatami room.

Nishinomiya Noh (Nogaku) Theatre

Nishinomiya Noh Gakudo Theater stands in "Hyogo prefecture, Nishinomiya city, Naruo" a place also appearing in the Noh play "Takasago". The antique Noh stage made of Japanese Cypress is located inside a modern concrete construction completed in 2017. You can watch the performance from the audience seats, or get onto the stage to feel the profound spirit and world of Noh.

Hyogo
Museums

17 Feb 2020 See More

I really enjoyed the hands-on experience with the masks and drums, being told to go slowly, and being told not to touch the face of the masks; in order to preserve them.

Thatch Roof Fuki-kae Experience

The thatch roofs of Miyama are characterized by soft rounded curves and a beautiful and even configuration that extends to the edge. It is necessary to do a "fuki-kae" to replace the "kaya" of the roof once every 20 years. Experience the Satoyama lifestyle through the "fuki-kae" process that is filled with the wisdom and sense of beauty of people's lives.

Kyoto
Experiences Facilities

16 Feb 2020 See More

The sushi workshop was wonderful, sleeping in an antique Japanese house was great (there are too many houses with man-made materials - like plastic - in Japan) and I really liked having access to the local beers in single-serving brown glass bottles.

Japanese Lady Trial Class

Founded in 1786 in Itami, a region known as the origin of refined sake, 'Syubukan' is a sacred place for the naginata that is famous in Japan. Based on the instructions by the 17th head of the old Tendo style house, master Kyoko Kimura, there are approximately 50 students training in the way of naginata.

Hyogo
Experiences Facilities

16 Feb 2020 See More

I really liked the fact that it was all older women teachers for a martial art. It was refreshingly matriarchal.

Private Charter Flight at Kobe

Emperor Nintoku's Mausoleum, which includes the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group of tombs, was registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in July 2019. Flying is the only means by which you can fully enjoy and appreciate the charm of this location, which also turns enjoying famous, symbolic Osaka sites into a special, new sightseeing experience. It also includes a convenient transportation service!

Kobe
Experiences Facilities

15 Feb 2020 See More

Seeing the famous burial mounds from the air was fantastic! Also, it was nice to be in a private jet for the first time.

A Deep Dive into Japanese Culture at Enman-in Monzeki Temple

Enman-in Temple in Otsu, Shiga is a Monzeki Buddhist temple with over 1,000 years of history. Monzeki refers to temples of high standing that have been connected to the Imperial family since ancient times, and these are only 17 of these precious locations in the whole country. How would you like to experience various aspects of Japanese culture in a graceful space at a historic Buddhist temple?

Shiga
Shrines & Temples

30 Jan 2020 See More

Meditating with the head (?) monk was an honor and a dream come true. The dinner and breakfast were fantastic too.

Hearth-Steamed Rice

Our Japanese rice cooking experience is offered at Kamado, located within the sightseeing complex, Shika no Fune in Nara City. Our food is made with local ingredients from Nara and all of our rice is cooked inside of our kamado hearth so that you can enjoy the most authentic Japanese home cooked meal.

Nara
Japanese Cuisine

30 Jan 2020 See More

I liked building the fire, and stoking the fire, and then being taught how to make the onigiri by hand.

Sanken-Cha Tea Experience

In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi became the first warlord to achieve unification of the entire country. There is a famous tale of a time that Ishida Mitsunari, known as a loyal retainer of Hideyoshi, met him and presented him with three cups of tea. This was called 'Sanken-Cha' tea. Come and experience the hospitality of Mitsunari's that impressed Hideyoshi so much at this tea store, founded in 1756.

Shiga
Experiences Facilities

29 Jan 2020 See More

I appreciated the mix of Mr.Ogura’s imperfect English with his young assistant’s more polished English. It gave the activity a charmingly engaging quality.

Hikone-jo Yakatabune

Construction began on Hikone Castle in 1604 and more than 400 years have passed since it was completed. It incorporated structures and stone walls from castles in the surrounding area that fell during wartime, and as such is known as a "recycled castle." You can take a private sightseeing tour around the castle moat in a reconstructed boat once reserved for use by daimyo!

Shiga
Experiences Facilities

28 Jan 2020 See More

I liked being on a traditional Japanese boat, on a moat, eating a Japanese obento.