Under preparation
Private Cultural Experiences and Bespoke Guided Tours
Machiya Imazushi is a Taisho-era (1912-1926) merchant’s townhouse in Nara, built in the traditional style that once served as both residence and place of business. Because of its refined design, use of fine materials, and meticulous craftsmanship, it has been designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Here, tradition is not merely observed but lived. We invite you to take part in privately reserved cultural experiences, thoughtfully prepared to cultivate a genuine connection with Japanese heritage.
Your time with us may also be enriched by a guided tour led by a licensed expert. Through careful communication, we tailor each itinerary to your interests and entrust it to an experienced guide, ensuring both cultural immersion and a deeper understanding of the region.
We warmly encourage you to combine a tour with your cultural experience, for a visit that lingers with quiet beauty and meaning.
Experience Traditional Culture
We offer private cultural programs led by distinguished masters, including tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and the rare opportunity to enjoy an Ozashiki experience with Nara’s only geiko.
Most other cultural programs offered elsewhere last around 45 minutes and are shared with other participants. While this format is convenient for a quick introduction, it often falls short for those seeking a deeper connection.
Our experiences are designed differently: fully private, by reservation only, and with ample time to explore at a relaxed pace. In a serene setting, you will have time not only to learn but also to engage in meaningful dialogue with your instructor, allowing a deeper connection with Japanese culture.
Each program can be tailored to your preferences, ensuring a truly personal and memorable encounter with Japan’s cultural heritage.
Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony is more than simply preparing and drinking tea. It is often described as a comprehensive art that unites calligraphy, flowers, utensils, and many aspects of Japanese tradition. At its heart lie Zen-inspired principles such as Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku—harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility—and Ichigo Ichie, the awareness that each encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The practice is also seen as a quiet discipline for self-reflection and personal cultivation.
We offer the Urasenke tradition, one of the three main tea schools. Its graceful, flowing movements embody these values. With a bowl of fine matcha, we invite you to experience the spirit of Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku and Ichigo Ichie.
Flower Arrangement (Ikebana)
Ikebana traces its origin to the Buddhist flower offerings introduced to Nara in the 6th century. Over time, it developed into a refined art of flowers, emphasizing harmony with nature and a deep sense of spirituality. By making use of space and silence, it reflects a uniquely Japanese aesthetic—finding beauty in simplicity and in fleeting natural moments.
We mainly present the Yamato-Mishō school, a tradition rooted in Nara, the birthplace of ikebana. Its style values quietness and modesty, shaped by Nara’s landscape, history, and Buddhist spirit. Within its restrained simplicity lies a deep reverence for nature. When schedules align, you may receive direct instruction from Headmaster Suyama, the hereditary head of the school.
Through arranging flowers with humility and grace, we hope you will feel a sense of inner peace and a renewed connection with nature.
Ozashiki Experience
Geiko are not merely entertainers, but bearers of Japan’s living traditions. Trained in classical music, dance, and the art of refined conversation, they embody centuries of cultural heritage. Their graceful performances draw on the roots of kabuki, noh, and kyōgen, portraying seasonal scenes and timeless stories through elegant movement. The kimono and accessories used in these dances are themselves fine works of traditional craftsmanship, reflecting Japan’s aesthetics and sense of season.
In Nara, geiko and maiko once flourished in Ganri-in district, where many traditional teahouses welcomed guests. Today, however, only one teahouse remains—Tsuruya, home to the only one geisha of Nara. At our ozashiki, you can experience this rare tradition by witnessing their dance.
More than entertainment, it is a cultural treasure—an art form that conveys the spirit of Japanese performing arts to the present day.
Beyond the activities mentioned above, we can also arrange traditional experiences such as Japanese calligraphy. Should you have a particular request, we will make every effort to accommodate it—please do not hesitate to let us know.
Combine with a Private Tour
Our cultural experiences are further enriched when combined with private tours led by experienced, licensed guides. With a profound understanding of the region’s history and traditions, we design itineraries tailored to your preferences and incorporating our cultural experiences. Seasonal and climatic considerations are also taken into account—for instance, in the height of summer, you might explore renowned sites in the cooler early morning hours before the crowds, followed by cultural experiences in the comfort of our home during the warmer part of the day.
We would also be pleased to arrange tours that include visits to traditional crafts such as those outlined below, and we warmly invite you to consider these options.
Discover the Artisans’ Craftsmanship
Japan’s traditional crafts have been passed down through generations. We invite you to experience their spirit firsthand.
- The World of Japanese Swords: Visit the workshop of a master swordsmith and witness the skillful control of fire and steel. For those interested in purchasing a sword, we provide full support from selection to export procedures.
- Traditional Crafts Supporting Calligraphy: Nearby workshops of Nara’s ink and brush artisans offer the opportunity to observe the production process, enjoy the rich scent of ink, and even try making a brush by hand.