Lifestyle and Culture
- Itinerary -
1:00PM
2:30PM
6:00PM
90min
120min
40min
Guided Tour of Yomei Bunko Museum
The Yomei Bunko houses a wide range of materials related to traditional Japanese performing arts, including poetry and music. Among the waka (Japanese classic poetry) related items are the National Treasures Uta-awase (Poetry Contest) and Ruijū Uta-awase (19 scrolls), while in the musical category, there is the National Treasure Kagura Wagon Hifu (Secret Musical Score for the Kagura Wagon).
"Kado" - The traditional Japanese art of floral arrangement
Ikebana: The traditional Japanese art of floral arrangement, transcends simple decoration; it is a spiritual discipline dedicated to bringing the essence of nature into the living space. Unlike Western styles, which often prioritise the abundance of colourful blooms, ikebana emphasises form, line and the elegant use of negative space to capture the fleeting beauty of the seasons. This workshop is led by Senko Ikenobo, the 46th Headmaster Designate of Ikenobo—Japan’s oldest and largest school of Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).
Kōdō - The Way of Incense
Kodo, the 'Way of Incense', is a meditative and highly refined art form in which the practitioner does not simply smell, but learns to 'listen' to the fragrance. Historically, this sophisticated practice was inextricably linked to the elite society of the imperial court. Incense appreciation was a quintessential courtly accomplishment, and the Konoe lineage frequently hosted elaborate gatherings that required participants to identify complex scent profiles while referencing classical poetry. The Shino School of Kōdō is among the very few families that continue to pass on the tradition of Kōdō to the present day. The Shino School was founded in Kyoto, by Shino Soshin (1443–1523), who was close to Shogun in power at the time. The lineage has been passed down for over 500 years.
Kimono - Nishijin Textile
Join this kimono workshop led by Mr. Hosoo of HOSOO, a Kyoto textile house founded in 1688. HOSOO carries forward Nishijin-ori—a traditional weaving art with a 1,200-year history—while introducing innovative textiles to modern global design. The kimono is a masterpiece of Japanese aesthetics, sustainability, and efficiency. Crafted from a single bolt of fabric, its straight-line tailoring ingeniously minimises waste. Its artistic refinement was shaped by Kyoto’s ancient aristocracy, particularly the Fujiwara clan and Konoe family, whose Heian-era patronage established its high-society prestige through intricate seasonal motifs and sophisticated color combinations.
Dinner at Ichiriki-tei
Ichiriki-tei (or Ichiriki-chaya) is one of Kyoto’s most famous and exclusive "Ochaya" (traditional tea house), located in the historic Gion district. With over 300 years of history, it is known for hosting "Geiko" (Performer) and "Maiko" (Apprentices) who entertain elite guests with traditional music, dance, and refined conversation. Ichiriki-tei has long been a gathering place for powerful samurai, politicians, and cultural figures, and is especially famous for its connection to the story of the 47 Ronin—where the leader Ōishi Kuranosuke is said to have stayed while plotting the group's legendary act of revenge. The tea house is highly exclusive, requiring an introduction for entry, and is considered a symbol of Kyoto's refined and discreet hospitality culture. As the teahouse is located in Gion district,the Inoue School geiko and maiko belong in this teahouse. In this event, there will be performances by the current geiko and maiko under the Inoue school.
