Traditional Culture & Festivals
Traditional Culture
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 Architecture Various styles of Japanese architecture reflecting traditional and modern usage.
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 Gardens Simple, unspoiled beauty of Japanese gardens, and comparisons to Western gardens.
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 Castles Elaborately designed fortresses built predominantly in the 15th and 16th Centuries.
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 Shinto Shrines Shinto shrines that embody the intricate symbolism of Japan's indigenous religion, Shintoism.
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 Buddhist Temples Classic Buddhist architecture originating from India but with a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.
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 Tea Ceremony Tea ceremony based on the principles of Zen, incorporating graceful performance and profound simplicity.
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 Jizo & Dosojin Outdoor and roadside stone sculptures that continue to be an important part of Japanese folk belief.
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 Floral Art Refined floral art dating back to the 16th Century.
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 Bonsai Miniature trees or plants with an aesthetic sense that reflects nature.
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 Pottery Distinctive styles of pottery reflecting different periods and regions.
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 Lacquerware Japanese Lacquerware is the name for beautifully decorated utensils and objects of art coated with lacquer.
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 Calligraphy Unique art of the East using gradations of ink and varying brushstrokes.
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 Folk Art Crafts Folk objects and curios that used to be commonplace, now considered objects of art.
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 Ukiyo-e Wood block prints from the 17th to the 19th Century featuring dramatic insights into Edo era life.
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 Dolls Ancient dolls used in religious observances, festivals and burial rites.
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 Musical Instruments Several styles of ancient and traditional Japanese music, each with its unique sound.
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 Traditional Costumes Traditional, elegant, and formal dress still used for special occasions.
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 Footwear Much loved traditional slippers that are still seen in modern day Japan.
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 Crests A black and white family crest possessed by every family.
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 Colors & Patterns Traditional material pattern designs used on Kimonos and other articles.
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 Classic Dancing Classic dances originally developed based on incantations such as invocations of spirits of the dead.
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 Tanka & Haiku Short unique poetry with specific line lengths found only in Japan.
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 Zen & Zazen Originating in India, a form of mental and spiritual training similar to Yoga.
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 Kabuki Original stage art that has its roots in the 17th Century.
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 Noh & Kyogen A comprehensive theatrical art form embodying music, dance, literature and other artistic mediums
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 Bunraku Traditional puppet theater in which puppets act out narratives.
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 Variety Theater Traditional variety theater used for storytelling, narration, conjuring and recital.
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Festivals & Talismans
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Special holidays, events, festivals and other celebrations that are held throughout the year within Japan.
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 Festivals An introduction to some of the festivals that revolve around the traditional agricultural calendar.
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Religious festivals and fairs held at shrines and temples, with bustling street stalls outside.
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Festival folk dances during the summer that celebrate ancestral spirits.
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 Juni-shi Twelve signs of the oriental zodiac, related to time and place.
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 Shichifukujin The six gods and one goddess that make the Seven Deities of good fortune.
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 Good Luck Talismans Good luck talismans that can be found in shrine shops all over Japan.
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 Storytelling & Fables Animals with human qualities that appear in Japanese fables and stories.
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 Janken The first game Japanese children learn, which is played anytime by young and old.
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Japanese Inn Information
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 What are Ryokans? A traditional style of Japanese accommodation that is popular among tourists.
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Ryokan transport services, checking in, and other arrival information.
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 Guest Rooms Essential information about Ryokan guest rooms and Ryokan etiquette.
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 Communal Baths Bathing customs and common rules of Ryokan communal baths.
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 Dining Experiences A wide variety of small, traditional dishes, often served in the Ryokan guest rooms.
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 Ryokan Facilities An introduction to various amusement facilities often found in Ryokans.
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Sleeping on futons, bathing before breakfast, and eating a traditional breakfast in your room are all part of the Ryokan experience.
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 Checking Out Checking out, paying the bill, and other information for leaving a Ryokan.
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Traditional dress and atmosphere are the highlights of many Ryokans.
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