Unique Japanese experiences you may not know about

Japanese culture dates back thousands of years and has made many unique contributions to the world. The best way for visitors to engage with this ancient way of life is to experience it for themselves.

Wajima Lacquerware

Lacquerware is one of Japan’s most recognisable arts, with delicate scenes adorning wooden boxes, plates or tea sets. Wajima on the Noto Peninsula in the Sea of Japan is one of the country’s centre for lacquerware and Wajimaya Zenni is one of the true masters of the art. Visit the workshop, see the artisans at work and gain a true appreciation for the patient process that goes into creating each piece.

Kiuchi Brewery Tour

The Kiuchi family have been brewing sake in rural Naka since 1823. In 1996, the eighth generation turned their attention to beer and began creating the award winning Hitachino Nest brews. Take a tour of the brewery, learn the art of brewing and then create your own original beer. It’s a hands-on experience and visitors will taste samples to ensure the right flavour, measure out the malt and add the hops. The beer is left to ferment, and the finished product will be delivered to your door in four to six weeks.

Sojiin in Koya-san

Spend the night at a 1,200 year old Buddhist temple on Mount Koya in Wakayama. The guesthouse provides a spiritual, meditative escape with traditional rice mat floors, sliding paper doors and the gentle music of the surrounding forest. Join the monks for dawn chanting, eat delicious shojin-ryori vegan meals and swim in the hot spring baths. It is an experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

 

PC: Japan National Tourism Organization