Top Kyoto Prefecture Active & Outdoor Classes - page 2

Step inside a working Zen temple in Kyoto for a private cultural experience rarely available to ordinary visitors. Meet your English-speaking guide and join the resident priest for an authentic zazen meditation session inside a traditional Zen hall. Learn proper posture, breathing, and meditation practice in a quiet setting designed for reflection and mindfulness. After meditation, move to a tatami room overlooking a centuries-old karesansui Zen garden. Enjoy freshly whisked matcha tea and a seasonal Japanese sweet while the priest explains Zen philosophy, temple culture, and the meaning behind the garden’s stone arrangements and rake patterns. Your guide translates throughout the experience, helping you connect naturally with the priest and better understand the traditions of Zen Buddhism. This intimate experience offers a peaceful side of Kyoto that most travelers never see.

Studio Tomi offers basic karate training and exciting performance experiences. Authentic karate uniforms are available for rent at the studio. We begin with basic training by putting on the sleeves of the gi and tightening the obi. After learning about breathing and the spirit of etiquette, a professional trainer will perform a dance. We also have a performance called “Saiwari”. This is done by breaking the board with your bare hands. Since it uses the power of energy to break, even women and children can easily break it. At the end of the experience, we plan to take a commemorative photo wearing the gi. The experience is completely private and limited to one group per lesson, so One of the attractions is that you can participate only with close partners. The trainer who teaches the training has 25 years of experience in karate. He is a talented former kickboxing champion, so participants can enjoy a meaningful karate experience even in a short amount of time.

Why Choose This Experience: ★ This is NOT an activity for tourists but real katana training done for local students ★ Train in an authentic dojo with a master who has over 20 years of experience ★ Witness a powerful two-katana performance by the master—something you won’t see anywhere else

Temples and shrines exude a sacred atmosphere, allowing you to feel as though time has stopped. In such a serene setting, take the opportunity to reset your mind and bring both your body and spirit back to the present moment. and also you can interact with locals chatting about Japanese culture:) I will be sharing Japanese principles during a session!

This is a special activity where you can wear a silk kimono and experience traditional Japanese dance. Choose your favorite from about 800 kimonos; after dressing, simple hair styling and sandals (zori) are provided. Afterward, you can explore Kyoto in your kimono. The rental shop also has two Shiba Inu dogs, popular worldwide, so you can meet these adorable dogs. Once dressed, you'll head to the dance venue to enjoy Japanese green tea and seasonal sweets while learning about Nihon Buyo (Japanese classical dance). Wearing a beautiful kimono, sipping tea, and tasting sweets creates a special moment to experience Japanese culture. After the introduction, you’ll learn basic postures, graceful walking, fan usage, and simple choreography. Songs often reflect Japanese culture, allowing you to connect with tradition while dancing. You can also record videos to capture wonderful memories.

Step into the serene grounds of a Kyoto temple and immerse yourself in a unique yoga experience that blends physical practice with spiritual peace. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, our sessions are thoughtfully designed to accommodate all levels, ensuring a calming and meditative journey for everyone. Experience the calming power of Zazen, the ancient practice of seated meditation. In a serene, guided environment, you'll learn to quiet your mind, focus on the present moment, and deepen your self-awareness.To complete your experience, indulge in a calming tea session with freshly prepared matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets, adding a delightful touch to your visit. Our sessions are intimate and personalized, with groups of up to 10 people, allowing for a peaceful, focused atmosphere where you can fully embrace the serenity of your temple surroundings.

Own a Real Katana from Kyoto, with Expert Guidance! Have you ever dreamed of owning a real katana, a timeless treasure from Kyoto, but felt unsure about authenticity or language barriers? At Yushinkan Kyoto, we are here to help you every step of the way. We will personally assist you in selecting the perfect katana and help with translations throughout the process. Each katana is carefully chosen by a Kyoto dojo sensei who teaches real cutting techniques, ensuring the highest level of quality and tradition. We have also successfully shipped over 50 katana internationally, so you can purchase with confidence no matter where you live. *Katana are expensive items. *Shipping may not be possible depending on your country. *After requesting a reservation, the host will send you a message. Please be sure to reply.Your reservation will be confirmed after consultation.

Discover the fun magic of TAMASUDARE, a playful Japanese art made with bamboo. Anyone can enjoy learning simple moves loved for over 400 years. In Japan, bamboo is a symbol of good luck—so this experience is sure to make your trip a happy one!

Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how the ancient swordsmanship of Samurai developed into Kendo. He will share the heroic stories of ancient Samurai including his great-grandfather, Yoshishige Hayashi. He will also share the controversial influence of Bushido values on this nation and his family into extremism, especially during the period of WW2. He will end his story on how redemption came and led him to the current inner peace and the life of a pacifist. After the lecture, you will wear the full Kendo armor and learn the basic Kendo movements. In the end, you will get to do a Kendo match with each other. Upon completing the workshop, you will receive a beautifully designed “Certificate of Experience”. If the date you want isn't available, please contact us to inquire about availability.

Your kids will have the opportunity to share fun experiences with local kids and learn more about Japanese culture. This is the only place in Kyoto where you can do this. You can enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto while your kids do fun activities with us.