Culture Programmes

Kyoto offers the unique opportunity to learn about Japanese culture in the birthplace of many traditions. Culture workshops onsite at your convention, as a spouse programme, or as part of your incentive package allow guests to learn more about Kyoto and add a highly enjoyable element to your event. The following is a concise selection of opportunities in Kyoto. Contact KCB for further details and to discuss ideas.



Wearing Kimono

kimono
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Kyoto fabrics, such as the Nishijin style of weaving, are renowned throughout Japan. The art of kimono making is therefore at its most refined in Kyoto. Visit a kimono dealer and observe the process of making kimono by hand, followed by an opportunity to try on a Kyoto masterpiece. You might also offer your guests the opportunity to bear the weight of a twelve-layer formal kimono as worn by imperial court ladies 1000 years ago.



Tea Ceremony

Tea Ceremony
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Tea brought from China was first planted in Kyoto. Kyoto temples developed the highly stylised Tea Ceremony to entertain, relax and appreciate tea. Taking part in a ceremony is the ideal break between seminars in Kyoto.



Zen Meditation

Zen Meditation
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Kyoto is home to more than a thousand Buddhist temples and thereby a vast array of opportunities to relax through Zen meditation. This is a popular activity between meetings and an added feature to temple visits.



Flower Arrangement

Flower Arrangement
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Let the enthusiasm of experts give you a gentle introduction to the fundamentals of balance and beauty in nature. A workshop onsite is an excellent way of decorating your meeting venue in a truly Japanese way. The added touch of putting the finished works on display is certain to bring further inspiration to the talks.



Origami & Paper Crafts

Origami
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Origami paper folding is more than just an intricate art form in modern Japan. It is enjoyed by all to make toys or decorations, and just for the sake of doing it. Kyoto washi paper is the envy of the nation and delegates from overseas thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to make their own souvenirs in these workshops.



Calligraphy

Calligraphy
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If you are inspired to write about your discoveries in Kyoto, why not practise traditional sweeping strokes with a brush and charcoal ink? You can learn how to write your name in Japanese characters and perhaps choose a kanji that sums up your experience in Kyoto.



Geisha Dance

maiko
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Few people are lucky enough to catch a fleeting glimpse as the geisha flit between appointments. Therefore what better way to see these graceful women dance than to invite them to perform at a reception or banquet? Kyoto is the home of geisha arts, and only Kyoto geisha are referred to by the special terms Maiko – an apprentice – and Geiko – a fully qualified artist.



Taiko
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Taiko (Japanese Drum) Performance

The sheer power of these pounding drums never fails to capture attention. A taiko performance is an excellent, lively way to begin any reception or gala dinner.



Noh Theatre

Noh
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Noh is a classical performance that combines dance, drama, music and poetry. The present aesthetic form dates back to the 14th and 15th Centuries. Stunning costumes and incredible masks are used to convey the characters of: gods, warriors, beautiful women, and supernatural beings. Kyoto is the home of this theatre that is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.



Kyogen
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Kyogen

Kyogen is a light comical interlude in a Noh play that is now performed alone as well. Kyogen is highly accessible due to its pantomime qualities that overcome language barriers and bridge cultures.



Gagaku

gagaku
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Gagaku is music from the Imperial Court that sat in Kyoto for more than a thousand years. It is a serene combination of music, dance and chorus. Performers impress with their Court costume that dates back to the Eighth Century.



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