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AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Things to do in Shiga

Book unique activities hosted by local experts on Airbnb.

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Learn the art of Japanese tea ceremony with a master

You’re invited to an immersive lesson in the art of Japanese tea ceremony. As an experienced instructor of 15 years, I’ll guide you through the technique, materials, and principles of this traditional art form. This experience is unique in that you’ll have the opportunity to experience the tea ceremony not from the perspective of a "Guest," but from the perspective of the "Host." • After a brief greeting, I’ll explain what the tea ceremony is and the role of the 'Host' in the tea ceremony, outlining the flow while highlighting the core spiritual principles of the ceremony. • You will select your own tea bowl, matcha, sweets and sweets plate as I share the art of tea selection and nuances of ceremony etiquette. • We’ll complete a full, traditional tea ceremony, during which you’ll purify your tea container, make your own matcha, enjoy what you’ve prepared, and discover the “mind principles” of tea ceremony through wall scrolls. This hands-on experience will help you connect to the true spirit of the ritual, which has a history that spans over 500 years. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of mindfulness and a memorable connection to this unique tradition.

5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Traditional Kyoto doll-making and hinoki fan painting

Explore the history of traditional Kyoto dolls and participate in a hands-on hinoki fan painting experience at one of the city’s renowned doll-making studios with a master Yūsoku Hina doll artisan. • Learn about the history of Kyoto Hina dolls and hinoki fans, their use in seasonal festivals, and the cultural tradition of gifting Hina dolls. • Observe artisans at work in the Ōhashi Ippō studio, making, painting, and dressing the dolls. • Paint your own hinoki fan, a delicate and decorative piece often used in Hina doll displays. Get inspired with seasonal motifs and traditional pine, bamboo, and plum designs. I’ll guide you through the process. You'll leave with a unique, handcrafted memento from this immersive cultural experience.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Macho Sunset Hike

What’s a “macho guide”? A macho guide is someone strong in body, kind in spirit, and always ready to lift your mood — or you. We bring the energy, support, and maybe a few muscles to make your Kyoto adventure unforgettable. ⸻ Before we begin: If you’d like to visit Ginkaku-ji Temple, please do so before the tour starts, as we won’t enter during the experience. The temple closes in the late afternoon. Now, get ready to hike Kyoto’s iconic Mt. Daimonji with your friendly (and well-trained) macho guide. • Meet at Ginkaku-ji and start a scenic hike through peaceful forest trails • Hear local stories, learn how to walk like a macho — strong and proud • At the summit, drink protein shakes while watching the sunset over Kyoto • Stay for the night view, with sparkling city lights below • Tired? I’ve got you — princess-carry service available upon request This is a light adventure with good vibes, great views, and just the right amount of muscle. ⸻ What to wear & bring • Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking • Just bring water — I’ll bring the protein!

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Traditional Japanese fabric painting with an artisan

Get an up-close look at the art of Kyo-yuzen, the traditional method of painting dye directly onto fabric. After watching me create a piece step by step, you’ll put what you’ve learned to work! • I’ll introduce Kyo-yuzen and its history. Learn how the technique originated in Kyoto during the Edo period, toward the end of the 17th century, the materials used, and typical patterns and designs. • Watch me conceptualize a design, apply dyeing techniques, and craft a one-of-a-kind piece. I’ll answer any questions along the way. • Now it’s your turn! Using what you’ve learned, you’ll hand-dye a handkerchief, with my guidance throughout. You’ll leave with a deeply personal connection to this elegant Kyoto art form, as well as a beautiful keepsake.

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4.83 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

Authentic ninja weapon making experience

Our studio is a traditional building has a history over 100 years in Kyoto, which is called Machiya in Japanese. You can experience making real weapons used by real ninjas. We will sharpen weapons and tempering the iron weapon, to make high quality steel weapons. At the end of the experience, you can actually throw the weapon. There are two main types of weapons. 1. Shuriken. 2. Kunai. You can choose the weapon which you would like to make. The processes of our experience are as follows. 1. Choose your favorite weapon to shape it yourself 2. Learn how to use tools 3. Sharpen the weapon 4. Add a pattern to the weapon 5. Temper the weapon at high temperature 6. Try using the weapon Through this experience, you can learn how to make traditional weapons. There are two large gardens inside our studio, where you can take some very nice photos. To be noted, you can bring the weapons with your flight, but only in the checked luggage, not in the carry on luggage. Important Notice: This workshop includes making shuriken and kunai. Please check your country’s import regulations carefully before participating. We cannot offer refunds if you are unable to bring them home due to customs rules.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 1063 reviews

Samurai Training with Modern-day Musashi

You will wear the proper training gear and hold real katana swords to train as the samurai did at a local dojo where 30+ students train regularly. Handling a katana correctly and cutting through objects will change your life. After participating in the training, if you wish to learn more, you can join our regular training or enroll in our online lessons. The content of this activity: 1. Getting dressed in the training gear 2. Learning how to draw, sheath, and swing the katana safely 3. Learning about the culture and history of katana and samurai 4. Cutting rolled tatami mats with a real katana 5. Watching the master's katana performance Why Choose Us: ▶︎An instructor with 20+ years of training Many facilities have undertrained instructors who can only teach tourists. Your instructor here has over 50 students worldwide and over 20+ years of training experience. ▶︎The venue is a REAL DOJO We are NOT a tourist spot but a real dojo where 20+ students train regularly. ▶︎Everything is interpreted in English perfectly FAQ: 1. You can take pictures and videos during the activity 2. You must be 12+ years old to participate 3. One person can join to watch for free per participant *Starting from November 2024, there may be occasions when interpreters/instructors other than Shogo will be responsible for the activities. However, rest assured that they are all trained professionals

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 1313 reviews

Japanese tea ceremony experience in ANKOAN, KYOTO

You can make a reservation to participate in the tea ceremony experience in our studio, enjoy the 60-minute service and immerse yourself in the unique Japanese culture tour. The Tea Ceremony experience in ANKOAN kicks out your fatigue in the journey. While tasting the welcome tea made by Yuka, you can talk about the tea ceremony and whatever. Then move to another layer of matcha tearoom, watching the process of making Matcha tea and tasting Matcha and delicious Wagashi. At this time, you’d better observe the teacher's action for making matcha carefully. Do you know why? Because you will experience to make mathca personally later on. But don't worry, the teacher will be around you to instruct and explain, so that you can fully experience the fun of making Japanese matcha. At the same time, we can share what we see and what we feel, such as "how do Japanese people live?", "how did Japanese culture come into being?” and so on. With the experience of matcha, we, from different cultures, can get closer to each other in the process of communication, which is the highlight of tea ceremony experience in ANKOAN. And then, please get down to tasting the matcha made by yourself, which contains Japan's profound culture, and end this pleasant experience. In addition: you can take pictures indoor freely. Other things to note ＝Business Hours＝ 10:00-18:00 ＝Off Day＝ December 31st to January 3rd ※We will be closed for attending lectures abroad or domestic activities. Sorry for the inconvenience.

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 1289 reviews

Kyoto Foodie Night Tour

We will share a course-meal ranging from modern to traditional Japanese food across 4-6 food stands and restaurants. I have chosen these vendors to talk about quality food and rich food culture that represent Kyoto. Throughout the evening, we will try many kinds of foods that highlight Kyoto's rich culture. Other things to note: - Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week beforehand. I might not be able to fully accommodate restrictions as it is a group experience. - This experience is run by either myself or another trusted local guide. - I update my tour availability by the 3rd week for next month. Even if you don't see availability, please check back later.

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  3. Shiga