Thoughts of Japan might conjure up the image of a gracious woman wearing a lovely 'Kimono', or partaking in an elegant 'Sado' (tea ceremony). Perhaps 'Ikebana'(flower arrangement), ancient 'Kabuki' theatre, even exciting and powerful 'Sumo' wrestling may spring to mind. In Japan, an eclectic variety of culture, performing arts and crafts have flowed
down through generations, some with a thousand years of tradition. For most, 'Nippon' is well-known for state-of-theart technology for cars and digital appliances such as computer games.
Now, for your benefit and enjoyment, "infomapJAPAN" introduce various facilities and museums where visitors can experience hands-on activities and also learn about updated cutting-edge technology. While visiting Japan, experience and discover so much more besides sightseeing!
* All the information listed here are brief and subject to change at anytime, please check each facility's website (if indicated) for more details.
11:00-16:00, Obon Period: (Aug. 14-17) 11:00-13:00 Year-end and New Years Holidays 1-1-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-3443-3775 (reservation required) Tea ceremony: 2,100 yen (30 min.) Just tea and sweets served: 840 yen (15 min.)
1st and 3nd Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat.: 14:00-17:00. On Mon. and Wed.: 18:00-21:00 also available. 1-4, Kora-cho, Ichigaya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 03-5225-0787, Fax:03-5225-0782 (reservation required) 5,000 yen (90 min.) * including hands-on tea experience
Hotel Okura Tokyo (Chosho-an)
Hotel New Otani (Seisei-an)
11:00-16:00 Sun., National Holidays Main Bldg. 7F, 2-10-4, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-3582-0111 (reservation required) 1,050 yen (30 min.)
11:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00 (Thu., Fri. and Sat.) Hotel New Otani Tower, 7F, 4-1, Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 03-3265-1111 (reservation required for a group of 7 or more) 1,050 yen (15-20 min.)
Chado Bunka Shinkoukai
14:00 on Tue., Wed. and Thur. Mon., Fri., Sat., Sun. and National Holidays Chado Kaikan, 3-39-17, Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 03-3361-2446 (reservation required) 2,000 yen (1 hr.)
10:00-12:00 (Wed. and Thur.), 13:30-15:30 (Thur.) 5-7-17, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-5774-5097 (reservation required) 4,000 yen (one lesson). observation is available for 800 yen www.ohararyu.or.jp/english/index_e.html
10:00-12:00 (Every Mon. except on the 5th Mon.) Aug. 1 - Aug. 31 (Summer Holidays) 7-2-21, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-3408-1209 (reservation required) 3,800 yen (international class) www.sogetsu.or.jp/english/n_class/index3.html
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)
MEGA WEB
This innovative science technology
museum focuses on 4 major exhibits:
"The Earth Environment and Frontiers",
"Innovation and the Future", "Information
Science and Technology for Society",
and "Life Science". Participate in handson
interactive exhibits and meet the
famous humanoid robot 'ASIMO'.
Run by Toyota Motor Corporation, this
car theme park for adults and children
showcases about 150 vehicles. Enjoy
new Toyota models on display and testdriving
modern cars - discover nextgeneration
hybrid and electric vehicles.
10:00-17:00(last admission 16:30) Tues., Dec. 28-Jan.1 2-41 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 03-3570-9151 Adult: 500 yen, 18 years old and under: 200 yen www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/index_e.html
11:00- (closing time varies depending on showcase) see website Aomi 1-chome, Koto-ku Tokyo 03-3599-0808 Free www.megaweb.gr.jp/English/
Museum of Broadcasting
Sony ExploraScience
Hailed as 'The birthplace of Japanese
Broadcasting', The NHK Museum of
Broadcast opened in 1925. Since then,
broadcasting has progressed from radio
to television, to satellite broadcasting, to
High-Vision (HDTV), and digital broadcasting. Visit and enjoy
various exhibits on Japanese broadcasting history.
Sony Science Museum offers two exciting
venues. In 'Digital Dream Lab' visitors
are issued photo ID cards that allows for
interactive experience with Sony's digital
technology. Vital scientific principles are
brought to light in 'Science Wonder' via
attractions such as Planetarium, Shadow Box and more!
9:30-16:30 Mon. unless it is a National Holiday and Dec.28th-Jan.3rd 2-1-1, Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-5400-6900 Free www.nhk.or.jp/museum/index-e.html
Founded in 1993, the Edo-Tokyo Museum
was created to proudly preserve the 400
years of historical heritage of Edo-Tokyo.
Beside permanent displays, visitors can
appreciate selected exhibits on subjects
related to Tokyo's history and culture in
the special exhibition gallery.
'Sumo', (Japanese wrestling) is a unique
sport with a long, popular history. 'Sumo'
stadiums also contain museums where
artifacts and souvenirs are displayed,
from woodblock prints and 'banzuke'
(official listings of rank) to the ceremonial aprons worn by the
great 'rikishi' (masters) of the past.
9:30-17:30 (until 19:30 on Sat., last admission 30 min. before closing time) Mon., except Feb.12 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 03-3626-9974 Adult: 600 yen, Student: 300 yen - 480 yen, Senior: 300 yen www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/
10:00-16:30 Sat., Sun., National Holidays. also on a regular basis in order to change exhibits. 1-3-28 Yoko-ami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 03-5531-2186 Free (ticket purchases required during Grand Sumo tournament) www.sumo.or.jp/museum/index.html
Panasonic Center Tokyo
Sanrio Puroland
A variety of attractions are offered to
visitors in this interactive environment
and technology museum. A futuristic
town is created by 'Network Showcase'
offering a variety of ways to connect on
different information network platforms.
Panasonic's major milestones in environmental protection
endeavours are highlighted in 'Environmental Showcase'.
Operated by the Sanrio Company, this
indoor theme park attracts many
Japanese visitors as well as from
overseas. Visitors enjoy various
musicals, attractions and theme rides
featuring popular Sanrio characters such
as Hello Kitty, Melody, Keroppi, and others. Young and old
delight in this fun-filling theme park.
10:00-18:00 Mon. and during the year-end and New Years Holidays 2-5-18 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 03-3599-2600 only for Risupia (3F): 500 yen http://panasonic.co.jp/center/tokyo/
10:00-17:00 (Mon.-Fri.), 10:00-20:00 (Sat., Sun., and National Holidays) see website 1-31 Ochiai, Tama City, Tokyo Adult (18 years and over): 4,400 yen, Youth (12-17 years): 4,000 yen, Junior (4-11 years): 3,300 yen www.puroland.co.jp/
Tokyo Anime Center
Hakuhinkan Toy Park
Located in Akihabara, this place is great
fun for 'anime' freaks and cartoon lovers.
At Recording Studio, you can participate in
the voice-over recording of either
'Pokemon' or 'Evangelion'. Visitors get a
DVD (one per group) of their own personal
recording. Enjoy the event gallery and 3-D movie theater.
Hakuhinkan Toy Park is one of the largest
toy stores in Japan. The toy shop offers
countless toys from stuffed animals to
video games. The Licca-chan Club67 is a
floor entirely dedicated to Licca-chan
dolls, Jenny dolls and their accessories.
Panasonic Center Osaka invites visitors
to a first-hand experience in cuttingedge
technologies and new ideas to
realize future dreams. Three showcases;
ubiquitous network, environment and
universal design demonstrates how technologies will be applied
in our future life. Come and imagine these dreams of the future!
At this museum the visitor can walk in
the footprints of Sanyo's creative genius
including the history of Japan's electric
lifestyle. From the Solar Hybrid Car to
Ultrasonic Bath (human washing
machine), this museum displays numerous
exhibits covering all aspects of SANYO Electric.
10:00-18:00 Wednesdays (except for holidays), Obon Holidays,Year-end and New Years Holidays 2-1-61 Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 06-6949-2111 Free http://panasonic.co.jp/center/osaka/en/
10:00-17:00 (Entrance closes at 16:30) Sat., Sun. and National Holidays and other times 2-5-5 Keihan-Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka 06-6994-8095 Free www.sanyo.co.jp/museum/e/index.html
Osaka Castle Museum
YAMAMOTO Roketsu dyeing Experience
The Main Tower serves as a History
Museum for Osaka Castle housing
valuable historical artifacts enabling
visitors to enjoy learning about the
significance of the exhibits. Visit each
floor and discover the magnitude of
Osaka's grand symbol and its famed past.
'Roketsu' dyeing is a unique, traditional
method of dyeing cloth using wax to
block dyes in areas finely drawn in by
hand. Yamamoto 'Roketsu' dyeing studio
is the only place in Japan visitors can
view and experience the entire 'Roketsu' process.
Named after Kampo Harada, Japan's greatest
calligrapher of the 20th Century, this museum
displays many of his masterpieces. View the
Kampo collection and calligraphy from around
the world. Calligraphy workshop is available by
appointment. Try Japanese calligraphy art.
Japan Mint has supplied counterfeitresistance
coins with uniformity in
standard and quality since its creation in
1871. Join a comprehensive tour and
discover Japan Mint and its pivotal role in
the rise of modern Japanese industry and culture.
10:00-16:00 Between the exhibitions and during New Years Holidays 35 Minamigosho-machi, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 075-771-7130 Adult: 600 yen, Child: 400 yen www.kampo.co.jp/
Mon.-Fri. (9:00, 10:00, 10:30, 13:00, 13:30 and 14:30) National Holidays 1-79, Temma 1-chome, kita-ku, Osaka 06-6351-6150 (reservation required) Free www.mint.go.jp/
SHARP Memorial & Technology Hall
The Kyocera Museum of Fine Ceramics
This facility traces the highlights in
Sharp's history such as the company
name origin. The latest technologies are
also on display, including LCDs, solar
cells and technology for protecting the
environment. Covering the past and
future this facility is a must-see for the Sharp fan.
This museum showcases the growth of
Kyocera's fine ceramic techniques since
the company's founding and is designed
to provide a comprehensive understanding
of ceramics for all ages. Learn about
the history of Kyocera's business and
their latest products in a wide range of fields.
10:00-17:00 Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and Kyocera's non-business days 6 Takeda, Tobadono-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 075-604-3500 (No reservation required. Only groups of 10 or more poeple will require advanced reservations.) Free global.kyocera.com/company/csr/others/fine_ceramic/
Marumasu Nishimuraya (Yuzen dyeing)
Tasaki Pearl Plaza
'Yuzen' dyeing method is one of Japan's
traditional craft skills. This workshop
offers you a great experience 'stencildyeing'
using a traditional Japanese
method. Visitors can personally produce
goods such as T-shirts or handkerchiefs. Creating a 'custommade'
souvenir product will stamp your visit as truly memorable.
Ever since 1954 Tasaki Corporation has
been a world leading pearl jewelry
company. Tasaki's Head Office displays a
permanent exhibition space with items
modeled in gorgeous pearls and
sparkling gems. The beauty and delicate skills required to
create superb pearl jewelry will amaze visitors.
9:00-17:00 Jan.1-Jan.3 Ogawa St. Oike-Minami Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 075-211-3273 (reservatrion required) 1,260 yen- (varies depending on the type of craft) www.kyo-komachi.com/koubou/english.html
9:00-18:00 around middle of Aug. and from year-end to new year 1F 6-3-2, Minatojima Naka-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 078-303-7660 (better to make a reservation) Free www.tasaki.co.jp/english/aboutus/a_pearl.html
Nishijin Tondaya
WAK Japan ('Koto')
Built 120 years ago as a kimono fabrics
draper wholesale store and registered as
a National Cultural Asset, Tondaya
remains 'Machiya' (merchant's) of
traditional culture. Two different tours
allow visitors to delight in old Kyoto culture. Enjoy wearing a
kimono made of famous Nishijin-brocade textile, 'Machiya'
townhouse tour and tea ceremony.
Enjoy the fascinating sound of 'Koto', the
traditional Japanese harp. Learn to play
some Japanese popular songs such as
world favorite 'Sakura' (Cherry Blossoms).
Choose from two styles of experience; a
home visit or attend a casual course at WAK Japan.
9:00-17:00 Mondays and the year-end and New Years Holidays Ichijo-agaru Omiya, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 075-432-6701(reservation required) 7,350 yen- www.tondaya.co.jp/
9:30-18:30 Sun. (possible to open for course by advanced reservation) #506-412 Iseya-cho, Kawaramachi Marutamachi sagaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 075-212-9993(reservation required) 3,500 yen- (casual), 8,500 yen- (home visit) cost varies depending on no. of attending people www.wakjapan.com/
WAK Japan ('Nihon Buyo')
Ceramic Art of Kyoto Fujihira Pottery
Experience Japanese dance wearing a
light cotton kimono at a private Japanese
dance studio. Kimonos will be provided
by the studio for you to better enjoy the
elegant movements of traditional dance
in authentic attire.
Fujihira Pottery has been seeking new
elements in the tradition to keep creating
sophisticated beauty in their pottery.
Visitors can see the process of making
'Kiyomizuyaki' pottery, its beautiful
products and invaluable historical objects such as a climbing kiln.
Make your own tea cup by designing and decorating it personally.
9:30-18:30 Sun. (possible to open for course by advanced reservation) #506-412 Iseya-cho, Kawaramachi Marutamachi sagaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 075-212-9993 (reservation required) 8,500 yen- (cost varies depending on no. of attending people) www.wakjapan.com/
Mon.-Sat. 10:00-16:00 National Holidays, mid-summer Holidays, New Years Holidays 151 Takemura-cho, Rokuhara, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 075-561-3979 (reservation required) 2,200 yen (tea cup decorating), 2,700 yen (macha cup decorating)
*takes 2-3 days to receive
Nishijin Textile Center
Kyoto Handicraft Center
The beautiful 'Nishijin' textile is
symbolic of Kyoto with its 1,500 year
old history. Try on a Kimono and walk
around a town for a day. Visitors also
can weave a small mat for a table by
traditional methods, using a mini-loom.
Visitors can watch the process of making
damascene, woodblock printing and
'kimekomi', a traditional Japanese wooden
doll. Varied hands-on experiences in making
beautiful Kyoto's traditional crafts such as
Japanese fan, cloisonne accessory or other
traditional crafts are also available.
10:00-18:00 Jan.1-Jan.3 21, Shougoin Entomicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 075-761-0142 (reservation required) 1,890 yen- (varies depending on the type of craft) www.khc-kyoto.jp/
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Toei Movie Land)
Gion Corner - Kyoto Traditional Musical Theatre -
Toei Movie Land is a film set and theme park
displaying accurate replicas of traditional
Japanese buildings previously used as
settings for historical films and television
dramas. Witness current shooting scenes
and have the fun of attiring yourself in more than 30 authentic
looking costumes. Be photographed, acting as you please, perhaps
as a tough samurai, a gorgeous geisha or a deadly ninja.
Popular among tourists, Gion Corner
offers an overview of seven Japanese
traditional arts and entertainment in a
single setting. Admire Kyoto-style Dance,
Flower Arrangement, Tea Ceremony,
Japanese Harp, Comic Play, Court Music and Puppet Play. Relax
and enjoy this superb selection of Japanese traditional culture.
9:00-17:00 (Mar. to Nov.), 9:30-16:00 (Dec. to Feb.) Dec.25 to Dec.31 10 Uzumasa-higashi-hachiokacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 075-864-7716 (Japanese Only) Adult: 2,200 yen, Senior and Junior high school student: 1,300 yen, Child: 1,100 yen
* Costume trying costs additional charge of 8,500 yen or more www.eigamura30.com/english/english.pdf
19:00- & 20:00- (2 performances a day), Regular performance (Mar. - Nov.) Special
performance (Dec.-Feb.) See their website. Yasaka Hall, Gion, Hanamikoji Shijo-sagaru, Kyoto 075-561-1119 (reservation required) 2,800 yen http://kyoto-gion-corner.info
Daikakuji Temple
'Shakyo' is regarded as training in Buddhism
that is similar to that of Zen. Known as the
place where Emperor Saga performed
'Shakyo' of Hannya-Shingyo, ancient
Daikakuji, an Esoteric Buddhism Temple
holds 'Shakyo' classes daily. Visitors are welcome to participate.