When welcoming guests from overseas, many event planners want to offer an authentically Japanese experience.
But there are plenty of concerns: arranging a venue, preparing equipment, language barriers, and more.
That’s where an on-site Japanese cultural experience, where the instructor comes to your venue, comes in.
In this article, we introduce three experiences that work especially well for hotels and corporate events.
What to Look for in an On-Site Japanese Cultural Experience
- Minimal preparation on your end: The instructor brings all the necessary tools.
- No language worries: English-speaking staff can be added as an option.
- Works even for short sessions: The origami experience can be held in about 30 minutes.
- A keepsake to remember it by: Guests can take home their calligraphy and origami creations.
1. Matcha Experience | Whisk Your Own Authentic Matcha
When people think of Japanese culture, matcha is often the first thing that comes to mind.
After the instructor’s explanation, each guest whisks their own bowl of matcha and enjoys it together with a Japanese sweet.
The instructor brings all the matcha, Japanese sweets, and tea utensils.
The standard plan is conducted seated in chairs, so there is no need to sit in the traditional kneeling position (seiza).
For more details, please see our on-site matcha experience page.
2. Calligraphy Experience | Write Your Name in Kanji and Take It Home
In the calligraphy experience, guests first practice on practice paper (hanshi).
If you wish, guests can take home their best piece.
We prepare model characters in advance, so please let us know the names or words you would like to write.
If you would like a kanji version of a name (phonetic kanji, or “ateji”), we can prepare that for you.
The instructor brings all the calligraphy tools, including brushes, ink, and inkstones.
Details are available on our calligraphy experience page.
3. Origami Experience | Fun for All Ages and Nationalities
In the origami experience, guests try folding the paper crane, a design every Japanese person knows.
Guests choose their favorite color from a variety of colorful origami paper and fold along with the instructor’s guidance.
Instruction is available in English, and guests can take their finished creations home.
With prior consultation, we can also accommodate other designs such as ninja stars (shuriken), samurai helmets (kabuto), and flowers.
For more information, please see our origami experience page.
Pricing Guide
The matcha experience costs a travel fee starting from 38,000 yen + an experience fee of 3,800 yen per person (tax included).
If you would like English-speaking staff, there is an optional fee of 13,000 yen.
The origami experience alone costs a travel fee starting from 38,000 yen + an experience fee of 2,800 yen per person (tax included).
The matcha and origami combination costs a travel fee starting from 38,000 yen + an experience fee of 5,500 yen per person (tax included).
For the latest pricing and options, please check our pricing page.
Summary
Matcha, calligraphy, and origami are all on-site experiences where the instructor brings the tools to you.
