Meet "real Japan" in Kansai - an exclusive experience.
Kansai Region hosted a capital city in ancient times and has served as the nation’s hub. It has produced many types of culture, which are handed down to this day. Touring the Kansai Area allows you to trace back the source of Japanese culture. The guide by the Japanese-culture-and-arts expert and the exclusive space are woven together into this acclaimed video. Enjoy a simulated cultural experience in the space usually closed off from the public.
Osaka
Feel the essence of Nogaku in the sublime main shrine
Watch Noh on stage in Osaka Tenman-gu Shrine with 1300-years of history.
The Noh artists are Tomoyoshi Ueno and Tomohiko Ueno, both important intangible cultural properties.
Kyoto
In the tea room usually closed off from the public, see the origin of the tea ceremony
A samurai tea master, Furuta Oribe, started Oribe School Fuso Sect. Now the 4th-generation master, Behyaku Ozaki, will perform a special tea ceremony at Shobikan Hall at Heian Jingu Shrine, which is usually closed off from the public.
Fukui
Watch upclose the masterful skill of making Echizen Japanese paper
Let’s tour around the workshop of the living national treasure, Echizen Japanese paper maker, the 9th-generation Ichibei Iwano. See how Echizen Japanese paper is made, which is beloved by world’s artists and many others.
Hyogo
Watch Takigi Noh performed on the sky-high stage
You get to see Noh at Kitano Tenman Shrine that stands on a hill looking down on Kobe's citylights. After the sunset, torches are lit and in the dreamy ambiance, Noh performer, Yoshiteru Ueda, will share the Noh that is related to this area.
Mie
Meet the ”Traveling Lion,” Ise Daikagura
Ise Daikagura is the national important intangible folk cultural asset. Watch in private one of the heads of the school, Kandayu Yamamoto performing Daikagura at Hinjitsukan Hall, a national important cultural property.
Shiga
Experience Zazen at a private national treasure temple
Miidera Temple has 1300 years of history. Experience Zazen meditation at the Kangakuin guest hall, a national treasure closed off from the public. Spend a day to experience the ancient temple in detail.
Tokushima
Enjoy Joruri puppet theater handed down by local residents in a small mountain village
Awa Joruri Puppet Theater is a national important intangible folk cultural asset. You can watch the performance outdoors at the Inukai Village theater. The storyteller, Tomowaka Takemoto, is an important intangible cultural asset. The storyteller, shamisen player and puppet handlers work together in the rare puppet show in the world.
Tottori
Get to know the artistic world of light and shade - white porcelain
Akihiro Maeda, a living national treasure potter, guides you through the world of white porcelain at the Ishitani Residence, an important cultural property.
Nara
Nemoto Dojo teaches mountain religion and asceticism. A priest from Kinpusenji Temple serves as a guide
Kinpusenji Temple, standing halfway up Mt. Yoshino, has Nemoto Dojo, a training place in Mountain Worship. A priest who trains here offers a tour about traditional Japanese spiritual culture and prayer.
Wakayama
At The Land of Rebirth, Kumano, experience traditional Japanese view on death and life
At the center of Kumano Sanzan, a place of worship since ancient days, stands Kumano Hongu Taisha. The priests will guide us through the place including the non-public area.
Summary
How did you enjoy them? The experts in each field must have helped you experience part of the quintessence in Japanese culture and art in each special setting. if you are interested in more detail, please check out this site.
