Dylan's Reviews

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

The vegetarian dinner was delicious and would recommend it to anyone who like me was skeptical of what vegetarian sashimi could be. The zazen experience was also eye opening if not a little chilly!

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

30 Jan 2020 See More

Drinking the tea and learning the history behind it was particularly interesting.

Exclusive Kabuki Viewing at the Kyoto Minamiza Theatre

Kyoto Shijō Minamiza, said to be the oldest theatre in Japan, began operating as one of the seven theatres certified by the Tokugawa Shogunate in Shijō, which flourished as a town of plays in the early Edo period. To this day, many Kabuki actors continue to put on splendid performances on this stage.

Kyoto
Museums

30 Jan 2020 See More

Truly amazing. The choreography, costumes, set, music etc were fantastic. It was my first time seeing a play like this in Japan and the bar has been set extremely high.

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

29 Jan 2020 See More

I thought the bento that was prepared for us was beautiful and tasted incredible. It was a really unique experience to be able to enjoy such amazing food whilst riding on the boat. I thought the information that the guide was giving us was really interesting but would have been better if it could have been done in English for those who can’t understand Japanese. It was also nice to see black swans which I’ve only seen perhaps once or twice in my home country. Would definitely recommend this tour.

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

29 Jan 2020 See More

A very simple but down to earth unique experience. The rice was delicious and would definitely recommend to anyone who is spending time in Nara and wants to try something a little different. Our guide was very enthusiastic about her job which was extremely refreshing.