Six traditional Japanese games to enjoy with the family this travel season

Travelling can be a great way to not only sight-see and tour famous destinations, but also to experience and connect with local cultures throughout the world.

We all grow up playing with different toys, and Japan is home to so many unique and special games suited for children all the way to adults.

So, on your next journey, be sure to keep an eye out for these traditional toys and games to play with your family.

Origami

A beloved craft and art form around the world, origami is the traditional practice of delicately folding origami washi paper to create intricate figures such as flowers, animals, and symbols.

Two common origami symbols throughout Japanese culture are the crane, or tsuru, and the helmet, or kabuto. Tsuru is an icon of good luck in Japan, and are folded using origami to provide peace and longevity. Kabuto is a helmet that was worn originally by Japanese samurai. It is now used as a prayer for children’s growth and progression.

Many stores in Japan sell origami paper with a range of colors and designs, as well as origami instruction books showing how to fold various figures.

Shogi (Japanese chess)

Played on a grid-designed board with 81 squares and pieces called koma, shogi is a board game between two players. Similar to chess, the game ends when one player successfully captures their opponent’s king piece.

The game begins with each player having 20 koma; each one having one of eight roles, such as the king, pawn, or rook.

This is a game of strategy and patience, and is a great way to experience a new, challenging game for any lover of chess or board games.

Gacha (capsule toys)

If you’ve visited Japan, there is a very high likelihood you have seen columns and rows of what look like vending machines holding various capsule toys.

There truly is a capsule vending machine for everyone’s interests; whether its food, movies, your favorite anime characters, or even miniature makeup products! Which one will you draw?

Many stores in Japan offer their own few gacha machines, and some areas such as Harajuku and Akihabara in Tokyo having entire stores dedicated to them.

Just a few of the endless gacha toys to choose from

Nihon ningyo

Nihon ningyo are Japanese dolls dressed in traditional kimono with bright and beautiful patterns.

There are many types of Nihon ningyo dolls, most commonly Ichimatsu Ningyo dolls. These dolls were specifically fashioned after the Kabuki actors’ costumes and dress during the Edo period and display the beauty of traditional Japanese dress.

Not only are they a great symbol of culture and history, these Nihon ningyo are also an incredibly unique and beautiful pieces; whether as dress up dolls or decoration.

Beautiful and unique Nihon ningyo dolls

Tako

Kite flying is a common, fun practice within Japanese culture. These Japanese kites are made of bamboo frames and designed using washi tape to create unique and fun figures.

Many fly their tako kites during the new year to as a sign for good fortune and good health, or during festivals. Many also use them as indoor decorations due to their beautiful and special designs.

Koma

Koma are popular spinning toys used mainly by younger children, dating from the Edo period to present day.

The toys are usually bold and bright, and are mostly played with on New Years Day as they are seen as a good omen for the year to come.

Kendama

A fun and symbolic toy within Japan, the kendama toy is a cross-shaped object with two cups on each horizontal end, with a ball attached by string. The goal of the game is to catch the ball in the cups or land it on the top of the spear at the top of the frame.

Not only is it a fun game for both children and adults, it is also a great way to develop focus and hand-eye coordination.

Find the perfect game for you!

The stress of travelling can quickly take away time from the important things, like playing your favorite games.

Let TokudAw Inc. worry about the planning and transport so you can enjoy a safe, relaxing, and fun trip. Inquire about our travel planning and in-house transit services today.