What comes to mind when you think about “traditional Japanese culture”?
Japanese food, Japanese clothing, architecture, performing arts, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, etc… There are so many things that come to mind. Japan is a country filled with all types of cultural experiences but it may be difficult to start out: Where to go? What to do? for instance.
Here’s where we come in! At Kanda Myoujin, Tokyo is a place where you can experience the essence of Japanese culture all at once! We introduce “EDOCCO STUDIO”, a cultural exchange facility that is overflowing with cultural experiences.
- EDOCCO Chaya
- Kanda Myoujin Shrine Tour
- 座 (THE) SHOW Theatre Restaurant
- Rakugo Performance by Hanashika
“Kanda Myoujin & EDOCCO STUDIO” Where Traditional Culture and Subculture Meet
Kanda Myojin is a historic shrine built in 730 AD. At the same time, its close proximity to the otaku town of Akihabara makes it a sacred place for subcultures to gather, appearing as the setting for various anime and actively organising collaborative events.
The Kanda Myojin Cultural Exchange Center, built on the shrine’s premises, is a place where Japan’s diverse cultures are presented under the concept of "Tradition X Innovation".
EDOCCO STUDIO offers various Japanese cultural activities such as matcha experience, Japanese dance appreciation, calligraphy, origami, and kimono dress up experience. They also have “Shrine Trial Experience Tour” where you are guided by Shinto priests and shrine maidens, a Japanese theatre restaurant experience called “Za・SHOW”, and other interesting traditional Japanese cultural activities to enjoy.
Writer's Pick
EDOCCO Chaya
A place to enjoy and experience the true essence of traditional Japanese culture. Enjoy the taste of matcha (powdered green tea) made with your own hands and watch a traditional Japanese dance show that reflects the seasons.
Other fun activities include folding origami, writing calligraphy, and taking commemorative photos whilst dressed up in beautiful elegant kimonos.
- Price: 4500 yen (as of November, 2022)
- Time Required: 45~75 minutes
- Language: English supported
- Opening Hours: Tuesday / Friday (subject to change without notice)
- https://edocco-studio.com/edoccochaya/
Kanda Myoujin Shrine Trial Experience Tour
Guided by real shrine priests and shrine maidens, this is an original designed tour where you can learn about the history of Kanda Myoujin and proper shrine visit etiquette. After the tour, explore the shrine and get familiar with classic shrine items such as ema (絵馬; votive tablet) and omikuji (おみくじ; fortune slips), which can grant your wishes.
- Price: 5000 yen (as of November, 2022)
- Time Required: 60 minutes
- Language: English supported
- Opening Hours: Check the official website for dates.
- https://edocco-studio.com/worship-2/
座 (THE) SHOW
A performance that weaves the story of Taira no Masakado (平将門), who is associated with Kanda Myoujin, accompanied with traditional Japanese music, dance, and visuals. Performed in a theatre-restaurant, enjoy the live theatrical performance while enjoying a meal.
Taira no Masakado was a samurai warrior during the Jouhei and Tenkei periods. He led political reforms in the Kanto regions, and risked his life to protect the people. [...] His head is enshrined in Shomonzuka (Designated Tokyo Cultural Property) at Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. - -
- Extract from Kanda Myoujin Official Website
- Price: 3800 yen (for show) / (food and drinks separate charged, minimum 1 drink order)
- Time Required: 60 minutes (meals still available after performance)
- Opening Hours: Wednesday / Thursday / Friday (subject to change without notice)
- https://edocco-studio.com/theshow-3/
Rakugo Performance by Hanashika
Weekly performances of rakugo (落語; traditional Japanese comic storytelling) by young professional rakugo storytellers (噺家 hanashika). A quick 1 hour show, it is easily enjoyed by beginners to rakugo as well. Performance is in Japanese only.
- Price: 800 yen (advance purchase) / 1000 yen (same day) / 3000 yen (meal & souvenir included, advance purchase only)
- Time Required: 60 minutes
- Opening Hours: Monday (subject to change without notice)
- https://edocco-studio.com/rakugo/
We have covered quite a lot but there is still a whole load of other activities available. There is a cafe and souvenir shop on the ground floor of the facility which is a perfect spot for a short break. If you’re planning on visiting Akihabara, we recommend dropping by to try Japan cultural activities here.
For detailed schedules, prices and booking methods, please check the official website.
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