[Nishijin Tabi Plan B,C,D] Nishijin Cultural Tourism & Teahouse Play Experience

Plan B: Gold leaf workshop visit and experience + Traditional handweaving experience + Teahouse Play (including dinner)
Plan C: Gold leaf workshop visit and experience + Dinner at Nariman + Teahouse Play
Plan D: Traditional handweaving experience + Dinner at Nariman + Teahouse Play

Gold Leaf Workshop Visit and Hands-on Experience
You can have a conversation at the workshop of the globally renowned gold leaf craft artist, Mr. Rakusho Hiroto, and experience gold leaf application under his guidance. After apprenticing under his father, Jisaku Nishiyama, winner of the City of Kyoto Award for Outstanding Technical Contribution to Traditional Handicrafts, Mr. Rakusho was certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Indus­try as a Master of Traditional Handicrafts in 1997. He has worked to expand metal leaf design as an art form, collaborating with artists and students from diverse backgrounds in Japan and abroad. Since 2005, he has held three solo shows, two in Kyoto museums and one in New York.

Traditional Handweaving Experience at Nishijin Textile Center
You can take part in a traditional handweaving workshop at the birthplace of the renowned "Nishijin-ori" brocade, Nishijin district, which played a major part in Kyoto's deep history and flourishing. This method developed hundreds of years ago is still beloved today by connoisseurs who are looking for pieces of the highest quality, notably for special occasions such as wedding kimono and obi. It is a great opportunity to learn more about this complex technique and exquisite designs such as natural sceneries, flowers, and birds that adorn the most luxurious kimono and fabrics.

Special Dinner at Nariman, a "kappo" restaurant in Nishijin district
Enjoy delicate and authentic Kyoto cuisine in a calm atmosphere where you can spend your time leisurely. While tasting the varied and beautifully presented dishes made from seasonal ingredients, relax thanks to the beautiful items that surround you and the thoughtfulness and hospitality of the staff. Delicacies such as "suppon" (Japanese soft-shell turtle) or crab can be specially ordered on request.

Kamishichiken Teahouse Play
Kyoto's oldest “Hanamachi” Geiko district, Kamishichiken, is a district of teahouses that stretches along the eastern approach to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Even today, all teahouses in Kamishichiken do not accept first-time visitors. We will give you access to Kamishichiken’s most prestigious teahouse for private use. Beautiful dances will be performed by Geiko, Maiko and local dancers just for you. This is a unique opportunity to experience the “authentic” Kyoto culture up close. After the dance performance, enjoy playing parlor games with the Maiko!

*If you choose "Plan B", dinner will be served at the teahouse while enjoying the performances and plays with Maiko and Geiko.

・Offered in English
・Meeting and dismissal at your hotel within Kyoto City.

◎ Interpreter-guide (English)
◎ Experience fee
◎ Dinner
✖ Beverages and transportation to the site are not included.

Example: Plan B

14:00 　Start of Nishijin Cultural Tour

・Handweaving Experience at Nishijin Textile Center
You can try your hand at traditional weaving with a handloom at Nishijin Textile Center. At the end of the experience, you can take home your creation with you as a souvenir.

・Gold Leaf Workshop Visit and Experience
You will have a conversation and experience applying gold leaf at the workshop of gold leaf craftsman Mr. Rakusho Hiroto. The gold leaf application experience allows you to feel the thinness and delicacy of the gold leaf. You can write your favorite characters on black-colored paper with adhesive and then apply the gold leaf to it.

・Teahouse Play Experience　
Ask any questions you may have about the Maiko and Geiko while enjoying a specially prepared meal. After appreciating the beautiful dances performed by the Maiko, Geiko, and local dancers, enjoy teahouse games with the Maiko!

20:00　End of the tour

*For Plan C and D, you will have dinner at Nariman before the Teahouse Play experience.
*In Plan C, you will go to Nariman without experiencing weaving.
*In Plan D, you will experience weaving but not visit the gold leaf workshop.

・Please book at least 3 business days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
(Office hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
・The reservation will be confirmed once Sharing Kyoto receives the prepayment made via PayPal.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying.
・Children under 16 years old cannot participate.
・Participation is possible from 1 person.
・The experience may be cancelled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
・The experience may be filmed and posted on social networking sites or used in articles.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and in the media.

・After the reservation is confirmed, a 100% cancellation fee applies.
・Special Cases(Natural disaster, virus, etc.）：Full refund
・Bank transfer fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.