Japanese Culture Experience(Tea Ceremony, Ikebana Flower Arrangement/Kado), modern tech experience and museums

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Kanto(Tokyo Area)   Tea Ceremony   Ikebana Flower Arrangement   Kansai(Osaka, Kyoto, Nara)

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.
Also, check a variety of cultural hands-on experience provided in Tokyo area.
Kanto(Tokyo Area)
     open Open Hours, closed Closed, address Address, contact Contact, fee Admission Fee, url URL, Admission Fee Free
Matcha Tea Tea Ceremony

A Tea Ceremony is the most popular way to experience Japanese culture. Observe the steeped in tradition process of tea making with an accompanying English explanation in a 'tatami'(mat) or chair room.
Happo-en (Muan)International Chado Culture Foundation
open11:00-16:00, Obon Period: (Aug. 14-17) 11:00-13:00
closedYear-end and New Years Holidays
address1-1-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
contact03-3443-3775 (reservation required)
feeTea ceremony: 2,100 yen (30 min.) Just tea and sweets served: 840 yen (15 min.)
open1st and 3nd Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat.: 14:00-17:00. On Mon. and Wed.: 18:00-21:00 also available.
address1-4, Kora-cho, Ichigaya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
contact03-5225-0787, Fax:03-5225-0782 (reservation required)
fee5,000 yen (90 min.) * including hands-on tea experience
Hotel Okura Tokyo (Chosho-an)Hotel New Otani (Seisei-an)
open11:00-16:00
closedSun., National Holidays
addressMain Bldg. 7F, 2-10-4, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
contact03-3582-0111 (reservation required)
fee1,050 yen (30 min.)
open11:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00 (Thu., Fri. and Sat.)
addressHotel New Otani Tower, 7F, 4-1, Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
contact03-3265-1111 (reservation required for a group of 7 or more)
fee1,050 yen (15-20 min.)
Chado Bunka Shinkoukai 
open14:00 on Tue., Wed. and Thur.
closedMon., Fri., Sat., Sun. and National Holidays
addressChado Kaikan, 3-39-17, Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
contact03-3361-2446 (reservation required)
fee2,000 yen (1 hr.)
Ikebana Ikebana Flower Arrangement

'Kado'(flower arrangement) also known as 'Ikebana' is also popular Japanese culture. Schools teach according to a variety of history and style. Try and learn a unique style of flower-arranging techniques.
Ohara SchoolSogetsu School
open10:00-12:00 (Wed. and Thur.), 13:30-15:30 (Thur.)
address5-7-17, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
contact03-5774-5097 (reservation required)
fee4,000 yen (one lesson). observation is available for 800 yen
urlwww.ohararyu.or.jp/english/index_e.html
open10:00-12:00 (Every Mon. except on the 5th Mon.)
closedAug. 1 - Aug. 31 (Summer Holidays)
address7-2-21, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
contact03-3408-1209 (reservation required)
fee3,800 yen (international class)
urlwww.sogetsu.or.jp/english/n_class/index3.html
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)MEGA WEB 
MirikanThis 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'. Mega Web 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.
open10:00-17:00(last admission 16:30)
closedTues., Dec. 28-Jan.1
address2-41 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
contact03-3570-9151
feeAdult: 500 yen, 18 years old and under: 200 yen
urlwww.miraikan.jst.go.jp/index_e.html
open11:00- (closing time varies depending on showcase) see website
addressAomi 1-chome, Koto-ku Tokyo
contact03-3599-0808
feeFree
urlwww.megaweb.gr.jp/English/
Museum of Broadcasting Sony ExploraScience
Museum of Broadcasting 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 ExploraScience 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!
open9:30-16:30
closedMon. unless it is a National Holiday and Dec.28th-Jan.3rd
address2-1-1, Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo
contact03-5400-6900
feeFree
urlwww.nhk.or.jp/museum/index-e.html
open11:00-19:00 (last admission 18:30)
address1-7-1 Diaba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
contact03-5531-2186
feeAdult: 500 yen, Child (3-15 yrs old): 300 yen
urlwww.sonyexplorascience.jp/english/index.html
Edo-Tokyo MuseumSumo Museum 
Edo-Tokyo Museum 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 Museum '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.
open9:30-17:30 (until 19:30 on Sat., last admission 30 min. before closing time)
closedMon., except Feb.12
address1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
contact03-3626-9974
feeAdult: 600 yen, Student: 300 yen - 480 yen, Senior: 300 yen
urlwww.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/
open10:00-16:30
closedSat., Sun., National Holidays. also on a regular basis in order to change exhibits.
address1-3-28 Yoko-ami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
contact03-5531-2186
feeFree (ticket purchases required during Grand Sumo tournament)
urlwww.sumo.or.jp/museum/index.html
Panasonic Center TokyoSanrio Puroland
Panasonic Center Tokyo 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'. Sanrio Puroland 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.
open10:00-18:00
closedMon. and during the year-end and New Years Holidays
address2-5-18 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
contact03-3599-2600
feeonly for Risupia (3F): 500 yen
urlhttp://panasonic.co.jp/center/tokyo/
open10:00-17:00 (Mon.-Fri.), 10:00-20:00 (Sat., Sun., and National Holidays) see website
address1-31 Ochiai, Tama City, Tokyo
feeAdult (18 years and over): 4,400 yen, Youth (12-17 years): 4,000 yen, Junior (4-11 years): 3,300 yen
urlwww.puroland.co.jp/
Tokyo Anime CenterHakuhinkan Toy Park 
Tokyo Anime Center 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 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.
open11:00-19:00
addressAkihabara Crossfield/Akihabara UDX 4F 4-14-1 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
contact03-5298-1188
feevoice recording Pokemon (1,800 yen), Evangelion (1,000 yen)
urlhttp://www.animecenter.jp/eng/index.html
open11:00-20:00
address8-8-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
contact03-3571-8008
feeFree
urlwww.hakuhinkan.co.jp/
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Kansai(Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe) Area
Panasonic Center Osaka SANYO Museum 
Panasonic Center Osaka 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! SANYO Museum 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.
open10:00-18:00
closedWednesdays (except for holidays), Obon Holidays,Year-end and New Years Holidays
address2-1-61 Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
contact06-6949-2111
feeFree
urlhttp://panasonic.co.jp/center/osaka/en/
open10:00-17:00 (Entrance closes at 16:30)
closedSat., Sun. and National Holidays and other times
address2-5-5 Keihan-Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka
contact06-6994-8095
feeFree
urlwww.sanyo.co.jp/museum/e/index.html
Osaka Castle MuseumYAMAMOTO Roketsu dyeing Experience
Osaka Castle Museum 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. YAMAMOTO Roketsu dyeing Experience '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.
open9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
closedAround year-end
address1-1 OsakaJo,Chuo-ku, Osaka
contact06-6941-3044
fee600 yen, junior high school students & under: Free of charge
urlwww.tourism.city.osaka.jp/en/castle/jozetu/tasai.htm
open10:00-18:00
closedWednesday
address73 Umazuka-cho, Nishikyogoku, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
contact(075) 313-1871
fee1,500 yen-
urlwww.roketsu.com/
Kampo MuseumJapan Mint 
Kampo Museum 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 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.
open10:00-16:00
closedBetween the exhibitions and during New Years Holidays
address35 Minamigosho-machi, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
contact075-771-7130
feeAdult: 600 yen, Child: 400 yen
urlwww.kampo.co.jp/
openMon.-Fri. (9:00, 10:00, 10:30, 13:00, 13:30 and 14:30)
closedNational Holidays
address1-79, Temma 1-chome, kita-ku, Osaka
contact06-6351-6150 (reservation required)
feeFree
urlwww.mint.go.jp/
SHARP Memorial & Technology Hall The Kyocera Museum of Fine Ceramics 
SHARP Memorial & Technology Hall 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. The Kyocera Museum of Fine Ceramics 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.
open9:00-17:00
closedSat., Sun., National Holidays, and Sharp Holidays
address2613-1 Ichinomoto-cho, Tenri-shi, Nara
contact0743-65-0011 (reservation required for group visitors)
feeFree
urlhttp://sharp-world.com/corporate/info/gallery/tenri/index.html
open10:00-17:00
closedSaturdays, Sundays, Holidays and Kyocera's non-business days
address6 Takeda, Tobadono-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
contact075-604-3500 (No reservation required. Only groups of 10 or more poeple will require advanced reservations.)
feeFree
urlglobal.kyocera.com/company/csr/others/fine_ceramic/
Marumasu Nishimuraya (Yuzen dyeing)Tasaki Pearl Plaza
Marumasu Nishimuraya (Yuzen dyeing) '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. Tasaki Pearl Plaza 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.
open9:00-17:00
closedJan.1-Jan.3
addressOgawa St. Oike-Minami Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
contact075-211-3273 (reservatrion required)
fee1,260 yen- (varies depending on the type of craft)
urlwww.kyo-komachi.com/koubou/english.html
open9:00-18:00
closedaround middle of Aug. and from year-end to new year
address1F 6-3-2, Minatojima Naka-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
contact078-303-7660 (better to make a reservation)
feeFree
urlwww.tasaki.co.jp/english/aboutus/a_pearl.html
Nishijin TondayaWAK Japan ('Koto')
Nishijin Tondaya 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. WAK Japan ('Koto') 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.
open9:00-17:00
closedMondays and the year-end and New Years Holidays
addressIchijo-agaru Omiya, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
contact075-432-6701(reservation required)
fee7,350 yen-
urlwww.tondaya.co.jp/
open9:30-18:30 Sun. (possible to open for course by advanced reservation)
address#506-412 Iseya-cho, Kawaramachi Marutamachi sagaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
contact075-212-9993(reservation required)
fee3,500 yen- (casual), 8,500 yen- (home visit) cost varies depending on no. of attending people
urlwww.wakjapan.com/
WAK Japan ('Nihon Buyo')Ceramic Art of Kyoto Fujihira Pottery
WAK Japan ('Nihon Buyo') 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. Ceramic Art of Kyoto Fujihira Pottery 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.
open9:30-18:30 Sun. (possible to open for course by advanced reservation)
address#506-412 Iseya-cho, Kawaramachi Marutamachi sagaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
contact075-212-9993 (reservation required)
fee8,500 yen- (cost varies depending on no. of attending people)
urlwww.wakjapan.com/
openMon.-Sat. 10:00-16:00
closedNational Holidays, mid-summer Holidays, New Years Holidays
address151 Takemura-cho, Rokuhara, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
contact075-561-3979 (reservation required)
fee2,200 yen (tea cup decorating), 2,700 yen (macha cup decorating)
*takes 2-3 days to receive
Nishijin Textile CenterKyoto Handicraft Center
Nishijin Textile 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. Kyoto Handicraft Center 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.
open9:00-17:00
closedDec.29-Jan.3
addressHorikawa-Imadegawa Minami-iru Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
contact075-451-9231(reservation required)
feeHand-weaving (1,800 yen ), Kimono (3,600 yen)
urlwww.nishijin.or.jp
open10:00-18:00
closedJan.1-Jan.3
address21, Shougoin Entomicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
contact075-761-0142 (reservation required)
fee1,890 yen- (varies depending on the type of craft)
urlwww.khc-kyoto.jp/
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Toei Movie Land)Gion Corner - Kyoto Traditional Musical Theatre -
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Toei Movie Land) 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. Gion Corner 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.
open9:00-17:00 (Mar. to Nov.), 9:30-16:00 (Dec. to Feb.)
closedDec.25 to Dec.31
address10 Uzumasa-higashi-hachiokacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
contact075-864-7716 (Japanese Only)
feeAdult: 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
urlwww.eigamura30.com/english/english.pdf
open19:00- & 20:00- (2 performances a day), Regular performance (Mar. - Nov.) Special performance (Dec.-Feb.) See their website.
addressYasaka Hall, Gion, Hanamikoji Shijo-sagaru, Kyoto
contact075-561-1119 (reservation required)
fee2,800 yen
urlhttp://kyoto-gion-corner.info
Daikakuji Temple
Panasonic Center Osaka '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.
open9:00-16:30 (last admission: 3.30 p.m.)
address4, Saga-Osawa-cho, Ukyo-ku Kyoto
contact075-871-0071 (only Japanese)
feeAdults: 500 yen, Junior/Senior students: 300 yen, Shakyo sheet: 1000 yen
urlwww.daikakuji.or.jp/english/about/index.html
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