Every year, Japan receives millions of tourists from around the globe and that number has continued to increase. It’s hardly surprising seeing as how Japan has one of the richest and most interesting cultures in the world. Many of their ancient practices are still intact to this day. While most foreigners are prone to conjure up thoughts of sushi, samurai and anime when it comes to Japanese culture (and they’re not wrong), these notions barely scratch the surface of Japanese people and their multifaceted culture.
With this in mind, we invite you to take the path less traveled by tourists and really immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, explore hidden gems outside of the city, and learn about traditions that have been passed down from generations before. At the very least, you’ll be able to see Japan from a different perspective. Here are 10 cultural experiences that left a lasting impression on us:
Ine no Funaya, Kyoto
When one thinks of Kyoto, you’d likely think of majestic imperial palaces, shrines, temples, and scenic gardens. Prior to this, we didn’t know much about “Kyoto by the Sea”. Best known for being a fisherman’s village, this little sea town of Ine no Funaya is one of Japan’s hidden gems.
Funaya – which means boat shed – are the two storey houses that store boats and fishing gear. The first floor is a boat garage while the second floor is typically reserved for accommodations and storage for daily goods. There are approximately 230 Funaya houses in Ine where a handful of them continue to be active fishermen.
Aside from Funaya, visitors can also opt for Sightseeing Ferry or boat tour (while feeding seagulls), kayaking, explore the Urashima Shrine (15 minutes from the Funaya area), or take a short walk at Ineura Park. There is also potential for hiking activities and island hopping.
The appeal of Ine no Funaya is its simplicity and calming serenity. People are retiring before the light disappears, and you’ll find the vicinity incredibly quiet and peaceful. Before breakfast, you can take a refreshing stroll around the neighbourhood and see the morning sunrise.
The Funaya along the bay area offers a rustic charm to Ine’s fishing village scenery. After experiencing the historical, traditional, and cultural landscape of this place, it’s no wonder people call Ine no Funaya the “Venice of Japan”.
- Address: 545 Hirata, Ine, Yosa District, Kyoto Prefecture, 626-0423, Japan
- Contact: +81-772-32-0280
- Website: https://www.ine-kankou.jp/en/inns
- Nearest train station: Amanohashidate (天橋立)
Where to stay:
Ine no Funaya Miyabi Villa
There are various types of accommodation inns available here. Some come with a panoramic seaside view, while others offer an open-air onsen bath. Spaces here are limited so those intending to put up a night or two here are advised to make reservations 2-3 months in advance.
What to eat:
Sushi Kappo Wadatsumi
There are no convenient stores in Ine and Wadatsumi is one of the few restaurants that are open at night. One of the most popular orders on its menu is the IOMI course (6600 yen), which comes with an appetizer, sashimi, grilled fish, fresh shells, sushi platter, steamed egg custard, and dessert.
- Address: 593-1 Hirata Funayabiyori, Ine-cho, Yosa-gun 626-0423 Kyoto Prefecture
- Contact: +81 772-32-1700
Nagisa Restaurant
Nagisa serves the best dried abalone porridge in town. It comes with slices of dried sea cucumber that require 3 months to dry and 48 hours to boil. That’s why the soup for the porridge is delicious down to the last drop. Managed by Alex Takahashi and his wife, Nagisa also caters to vegetarians (e.g.: soybean hamburger, vegetarian curry).
P/s: Alex is able to speak in English and Spanish and a little bit of Chinese. He’ll be more than happy to offer some helpful advice and travel tips around Ine.
- Address: 126 Hirata, Ine-Town Kyoto
- Contact: +81-772-32-0022
- Social media: https://www.facebook.com/Ine.Nagisa
Japanese sword-making at Nippon Genshosha
The Japanese have been making swords for over a thousand years. The Katana, for instance, is one of the most popular samurai swords and weapons in the world. Although there are many replicas, making an authentic Japanese sword is not only time consuming but it’s also a labor-intensive process.
Enter Nippon Genshosha: a sword-making workshop located in Tango, Kyoto. The establishment is owned and managed by 3 swordsmiths Tomoki Kuromoto, 37, Kosuke Yamazoe, 33, and Tomoyuki Miyagi, 33 – all of whom have been taught under Yoshito Yoshihara (who is among Japan’s leading swordsmith masters).
After completing 4-5 years of training courses from their swordsmith master and gaining their professional license from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the trio decided to form their own sword-making business in hopes to uphold this traditional craft. Hence, Nippon Genshosha was born. For those who are curious to learn about the history of Japanese swords (how the styles evolved throughout the eras) and the sword-making process, visitors can not only watch the trio of swordsmiths at work but also participate in the hammering process as well.
Sword enthusiasts will be able to find hand forged pieces (such as swords, daggers, knives, jewelry) for sale at their private shop. There are 5 sword-making techniques and Nippon Genshosha specialises in producing Bizen mixed with Soshuden-style swords.
- Address: 314 Miyake, Tangocho, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Contact: 0772-66-3606
- Email: genshousya@gmail.com
Getting there: Take the limited express train from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station (2 hours). Change to Kyoto Tango Railway for Mineyama Station (25 minutes). A cab ride to Nippon Genshosha will take roughly 20 minutes.
Takeno Sake Brewery
About 7km away from Nippon Genshosha is a family-run operation that specializes in sake called Takeno Sake Brewery. As the eldest of 3 sons, Yoshiki Yukimachi (aka Toji-san) studied sake production in Kaga City and made the natural progression into the family business. As a sake master, Toji-san has been putting his own spin into sake brewery (everything from rice production, bottling, and even labeling). Takeno Sake Brewery produces a range of sake, including the ultra-premium sake (Junmai Daiginjo Yamahai). Visitors who are spoilt for choice are often encouraged to drink 3 types of different sake to determine their preference before purchasing.
- Address: 3622-1 Mizotani, Yasaka-cho, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Contact: (+81)772-65-2021
- Website: https://yasakaturu.co.jp/en/
Dojou-sukui Traditional Folk Dance
Dance has a long history and it takes on many forms. One of them is the Dojou-sukui – a traditional folk dance about digging for loaches. “Dojou” refers to loaches, a kind of small freshwater fish while “sukui” refers to the act of scooping it up with a basket.
Inspired by the people in Yasugi, Dojou-sukui is performed in a comical manner where the fisherman gets distracted by mud splashing in his face, getting bitten by leeches, or when his loaches are getting away. The basic elements and storyline are quite consistent, but the way of delivery (movement of the hip) and face expression will vary from one performer to another.
Adachi Museum of Art
Adachi Museum of Art (足立美術館) stands out not only because of its accolades – it’s been ranked best garden in Japan for 2 decades and is listed as a 3-star site by Michelin Green Guide Japan – but this attraction uniquely combines Aesthetic gardens with Japanese art.
Founded by local businessman Adachi Zenko in 1970, at the age of 71, he had a dream of combining his passion for Japanese art and garden design, and bringing them to live. The Japanese gardens are divided into 5 sections that can be enjoyed regardless of any seasons throughout the year:
- The White Gravel and Pine Garden: Inspired by Yokoyama Taikan’s masterpiece to highlight the contrast between the white gravel and the surrounding greenery.
- The Moss Garden: Designed in the Kyoto style to express simple aesthetics.
- The Pond Garden: A picturesque view of a tea house and koi fishes swimming in the pond.
- Living Canvas: Inspired by Rinpa style of painting of folding screens.
- The Kikaku Waterfall: An artificial 15-meter waterfall created on Mt. Kikaku that can be seen over the garden.
Adachi Museum of Art also houses approximately 2000 paintings that are displayed on rotation in each exhibition room, in accordance with the 4 changing seasons and themes, while also taking into account the seasonal garden views. You’ll find plenty of stunning artwork with their own captivating stories in the Main Exhibition room, Annex Special Exhibition, Rosanjin Hall, and the children’s artwork display corner.
- Address: 320, Furukawa-cho, Yasugi City, Shimane
- Contact: 0854-28-7111
- Website: https://www.adachi-museum.or.jp/en/
- Nearby station: JR Yasugi Station (free shuttle bus service provided)
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
While walking by foot can be tiring and traveling by vehicle might not provide sufficient time to explore an area thoroughly, cruising around the city on a boat gives you ample time to admire the surroundings in a relaxing mode.
The Horikawa Sightseeing Boat takes passengers on a 3.7km cruise through Matsue’s waterways and castle moat for approximately 50 minutes. The boatman will guide you along the moats through the historical Japanesescape of Matsue Castle, key buildings related to Lafcadio Hearn, samurai residence, tea houses, plus tourists are likely to come across different species of birds and aquatic creatures during the journey.
- Address: 507-1 Kurodacho, Matsue, Shimane 690-0876, Japan
- Contact: +81 852-27-0417
- Opening hours: 9am – 5pm
- Website: http://www.izumooyashiro.or.jp/
- Nearby station: JR Matsue Station
Matsue Castle
As one of the 12 remaining original castle tower in Japan, Matsue Castle (松江城, Matsuejō) is the second-largest and third tallest tower. It managed to escape the destruction at the start of the Meiji era and was designated a national treasure in July 2015. The castle tower’s inner structure consists of five stories and a basement, featuring stories of past feudal lords, historical materials (e.g.: armors, swords, and helmets) that belonged to the samurais during the war. On the top floor is the watchtower with a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. You can experience the same extensive view of the city as the samurais did 400 years ago.
It’s mandatory for visitors to remove your shoes (don’t worry, plastics are provided). This is to help preserve the wood of the castle. Matsue Castle is exceptionally beautiful when cherry blossoms bloom between March to April. Autumn coloured leaves are just as beautiful to enjoy in late November.
- Address: 1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue, Shimane 690-0887, Japan
- Contact: +81 852-21-4030
- Nearby station: JR Matsue Station
Yushien Garden
Less than 30 minutes from Matsue Castle is Yushien Garden (由志園, or Yuushien) – a large garden spanning 40,000 square meter grounds. Although this traditional garden has various elements including a central pond, waterfalls, streams, stone lanterns, a rock garden and plenty of seasonal flowers, its pièce de résistance is essentially peony flowers.
During spring (April – May), Yushien Garden is at its best when 250 types of peony flowers reach their full bloom. Visitors tend to flock here during its annual Peony Festival to admire a mixture of pink, red, white, and/or yellow flowerbeds. Outside of spring, visitors can still witness summer’s water lilies and hydrangeas, autumn’s maple leaves, and winter peonies.
Fun fact: During the 1970s, Yushien Garden was originally a private property. The Kadowaki family (who owned the garden) used to practice omotenashi, Japanese hospitality. Today when you visit this stunning location, you might notice that the entrance door (genkan) resembles the wooden architecture of the bath house as seen in Miyazaki’s animation “Spirited Away”.
In addition to the cafe, ginseng museum, and souvenir shop, there is also a 600-seats restaurant that offers a traditional Japanese menu – kaiseki – where you can slowly enjoy while overlooking the stunning beauty of Yushien Garden.
- Address: 1260-2 Yatsukacho Hanyu, Matsue, Shimane 690-1404, Japan
- Contact: +81 852-76-2255
- Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
- Admission: 800-1200 yen depending on the season (700-1100 yen for foreign tourists)
Izumo Taisha Shrine
One can’t help but feel a sense of reverence when entering the Izumo Taisha (出雲大社). As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, this ancient shrine in Shimane is said to be already in existence in the early 700s. According to legends, it was deity Okuninushi no Okami who created Japan and ruled Izumo. As a deity of romance, marriage and relationship, Japanese people and international folks come here to pray for a suitable partner. They would consequently clap their hands 4 times during their prayers (2 for themselves and 2 for “the one”.)
As per the folklore, the myriad of gods around Japan will gather at Izumo Taisha from the 10th to the 17th day of the 10th lunar month (typically in November). The shrine will be especially crowded during the Kamiari Festival where people would visit here in hopes to gain favour and good fortune from the gods during this auspicious period.
- Address: 195 Kitsukihigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken 699-0701
- Contact: 0853-53-3100
- Opening hours: 6am – 8pm
- Website: http://www.izumooyashiro.or.jp/
- Nearby stations: Izumoshi Station (25-30 minutes bus ride), Ichibata Railways Izumo Taisha Mae station (5-7 minutes walk)
Kurashiki Denim Street
When it comes to Japanese fashion, there’s nothing more iconic than the kimono. Instead of the usual kimono or yukata dress-up, the denim kimono trend has been on the rise in recent years. By adopting a East meets West concept, this eclectic style combines Japanese with an American twist.
As the birthplace of Japanese jeans, Kurashiki has since evolved into a popular mecca of fashion lurking in the townscape filled with retrospective history of the Edo and Meiji period. At Kurashiki Denim Street, you can rent a denim kimono and explore the area in traditional Japanese footwear (geta or zori) while snapping plenty of Instagramable shots for your socials.
Besides shopping for Japanese denim and accessories, there are also “Denim-like” gourmet like ”Denim-man” (deep-blue steamed bun), and ”Denim ice cream” (Blueberry & Ramune candy flavour), plus workshops where you can delve more into the world of denim.
- Nearby station: 12-15 minutes walk from Kurashiki Station
Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum
Engage all five senses when you visit Japan’s only pear museum! At Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum, you can become a pear expert by learning about its history and agriculture via a model tree, a 10–minute video of how the Nijisseiki pear to Tottori and other panels (art gallery, study room, children’s playground, etc).
When you enter the exhibit, you’ll immediately notice the giant Nijisseiki pear tree with branches 20m long spread over the museum. There’s also an impressive roundtable display of 70 realistic pears replicas from all over the world. You can also check out the Pear World Map, which details the production of pears in each country.
Do drop by the Pear Kitchen Gallery to sample three types of pears all year long. If you can’t get enough of the juicy pears, you can head up to the Pear Garden and pick your very own pear for a fee. Additionally, the adjacent parlour offers the refreshing Asian pear soft serve ice cream while the museum shop beside it sells pear products and Tottori souvenirs.
- Address: 682-0816, In Kurayoshi Park Square, 198-4 Dakyoji-cho, Kurayoshi City, Tottori
- Contact: 0858-23-1174
- Website: http://1174.sanin.jp/en/
- Nearby station: JR Kurayoshi Station
