A group of people dressed in traditional Japanese festival clothing, gathered around a float decorated with lanterns and ornate details, during a cultural event outdoors on a clear day.

Itineraries & Activities

Cultural Experiences

Experience what makes Japan unique: Japan’s Treasures.

Experience centuries old knowledge and businesses

Share stories, create memories, and a deeper connection to the heart of Japan as you engage in craft experiences, cultural immersion. We call them Treasure Sessions™., and for good reason. There’s actual scientific evidence that cultural experiences boost happiness, read about the evidence on our blog.

We believe within culture there’s practical lessons, not just photo ops

Grey image line art iconography of a Japanese cloud.

Inquire with us for more information about all of our Treasure Session offerings or browse a few sample experiences below.

A child and older adult work together to sift paper pulp mixed with flower petals. w

TREASURE SESSION ONE

Washi Paper: The power of purpose and connection

Paper making is of Japan’s oldest crafts, practiced for more than 1,000 years. Japanese paper is known for it’s strength. This experience explores the science of the Japanese paper materials, and the history of creating documentation with purpose. Groups will be guided by a master artisan and TokudAw guide, as they create their own artwork to document something of meaning.

Purple and blue braided rope sit atop a wooden weaving fixture.

TREASURE SESSION TWO

Kumihimo: The power of We

The threads of the Samurai’s armor were stronger and lighter than any other armor at the time. The secret was the material of their armor: kumihimo, a braided weave. This session explores the ancient art of Japanese braiding and the science of togetherness. Participants will also discover the mechanical engineering and physics behind stronger bonds while creating their very own braided masterpiece to take home.

Person holding a cup of green matcha latte or tea, wearing a dark blue kimono with white floral patterns and a pink inner lining.

TREASURE SESSION THREE

Tea Ceremony: Meditative Chemistry

Become an apprentice and discover the powerful teachings of the tea ceremony. You’ll discover how everything has meaning, from the decor, the sweets, the utensils, the seating, the gestures, and even the guests and they all come together to create a “once-in-a-life-time” encounter known as “ichi-go ichi-e” in Japanese. With a TokudAw guide, you’ll also learn the science behind the ceremony, how molecular science and the weather all play important roles in the experience.

Read our guide to the Japanese Tea Ceremony
Find places for a Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
Read our guide to Japanese Matcha

Additional cultural adventures

Experience Ninja culture at a castle
Attending a Sumo tournament
More traditional crafts

What we offer

Experience more,
dive into the practical science of culture

Custom itinerary

Iconic experiences with infused with lesser known gems, and collaborations with local artisans tailored to your family or organization's needs.

Expert-led experiences

All cultural experiences are curated by Dr. Wanping Aw, whose background as a sciencetist and business professional, gives every experience genuine depth, context and practical application.

Interactive sessions

Learning isn't about listening, it is about doing. Each session focuses on creating a memory, something each person actively particpated in.

Inclusive support

Wheelchair-compatible and age-appropriate sessions an recommendations are available, because culture isn't just for some it is for everyone.

Session photographer

Photos and documentation is important. We'll make sure to capture the moments you'd otherwise miss — and keep the focus on the experience not the photo op.

Studio visits

While visiting authentic, working locaitons of local is our prioroty, some sessions can be arranged on-site at a different location upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Children as young as two years old have participated in our Washi paper experience! We also recommend Daruma doll painting and origami experiences for young children. Tea ceremonies can also be a great experience for young children. All of our Treasure Sessions can be tailored to your group’s special needs. Please inquire for more information.
We offer cultural experiences that are food-based and physical-based too, such as learning about the culture of Sumo wrestlers through the food they eat, experiencing the 5th flavor, Umami, or partaking in a forest bath hike or a collective taiko drumming session. Please consult with us so that we can make the best recommendaiton for your group.
One of TokudAw’s specialties is creating educational experiences. Meaning we take care to ensure each of our experiences is not something for the ‘Gram’ or social media, but something that goes deeper. We not only collaborate with the locals and artists to create authentic experiences, but we also craft a curriculum behind every experience so that there are real take-aways from the interaction. You’ll learn science and artistic principles and a bit of history throughout the sessions. For businesses, these take-aways are further tailored to corporate or organizational goals and needs based on an inital consultation.

People making and decorating bamboo lanterns with illuminated designs.

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Let's design your cultural immersion of Japan