Tourist Information

Info on shops & cultural classrooms of nearby areas, nationwide volunteer tour guides referrals

1st Floor: Souvenir Shop "Kawaii"

Nippori area where Yanesen is located is in the midway between Narita Airport and downtown Tokyo. There are various cultural spots in the surrounding areas.

2nd Floor: Japanese Language Classroom

Japanese Cooking Class： Learn certain table greetings which have their roots in Buddhism e.g. ‘Itadakimasu’, or ‘Gochisousama’. Also, get a feel for both Japanese aesthetic values, and what people consider to be important in normal everyday life.

Tea Ceremony ( Sado ): Tea Ceremony represents the true essence of Japanese hospitality.

India Ink Painting (Suiboku-ga): Capture the soul of your subject with subtle nuances expressed through variations in brush techniques.

Calligraphy (Shodo): In Shodo, ‘’the way of writing’’, you will learn the art of writing beautiful Kanji characters.

Flower Arrangement (Ikebana): Learn from qualified teachers how to make beautiful arrangements for every season.

Koudo Japanese Incense Ceremony: Koudo which remains little known in the West, is the Japanese art of appreciating incense. It is said to have ten physical and psychological/spiritual benefits or virtues. Fragrances are divided into 5 types; sweet, bitter, spicy hot, sour, and salty.

Tougei Pottery: Choice of making 2 ceramics; tea bowl, tea cup, vase, ornament, etc. Both handbuilding (sculpture) and potters wheel available depending on experience.

Kabuki: Kabuki is a traditional form of theatre, dating back 400 years. Enjoy wearing authentic traditional Kabuki costume and make-up.

Wadaiko Taiko Drumming: Learn the typical ‘jo-ha-kyu’ structure which is designed so that the performance culminates in a powerful and speedy grand finale.

Iai do Japanese Swordsmanship: Iaido’s emphasis is on precise, controlled, fluid motion, and is sometimes referred to as ‘moving Zen’.The more expensive of the two classes available goes further by allowing the student to practise actual cutting techniques on certain objects like bamboo or straw shaped human forms.

Rakugo: Rakugo is a traditional form of ‘sit-down’ comedy depicting the angry, sorrowful, and pleasurable emotions of common peoples lives.

Haiku Poetry: Dating back to the 8th century, Haiku is rooted in nature and the world of our senses through pinpoint observation of moments and movements.

Zazen: Zazen, meaning ‘seated meditation’ is a meditative discipline traditionally practiced by monks.

Shiatsu Massage: Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage therapy which heals the body by applying gentle pressure to ‘Tsubo’ (pressure points).

Soba-uchi Soba Noodle Making: Soba, made from buckwheat flour, is eaten casually or on special occasions. Learn how to make Soba noodles at a nearby restaurant.

Kimono, Yukata Wearing: Both Kimono and Yukata are beautiful, traditional Japanese garments, with the Yukata worn especially in summer. After fitting, if you like, you can stroll around the streets of old Tokyo.

Shamisen Instrument: Shamisen is a three-stringed instrument played solo or in ensemble, with singing such as Nagauta, drama accompaniment i.e. Kabuki and Bunraku.

Koto Instrument: The 13-stringed Koto expresses the subtleties of Japanese nature and mind with beautifully rich resonated tones.

Biwa Instrument: Biwa is a 7th century old Japanese short-necked lute often used to accompany narrative storytelling.

Shakuhachi Instrument: This richly-toned versatile instrument made of bamboo is used by monks of Zen Buddhism in the practice of ‘suizen’(blowing meditation) and in various other forms of music.