Reviewed by: Eric Canoy
Second to the last day of our Japan trip, we had booked a rental at Sakura Photo Studio in Asakusa. Being.that we had a large group, of seven participants, we wanted to go in early to get ahead of the crowd.
We arrived via Ginza line, and in a few short blocks we were at the studio. It was located in 4 story building on the corner of two streets. Signs were posted on thier windows to show where they were located. The elevator is small, so you'll have to go in small groups of 3 or 4 at a time.
As we got there most of the employees of Sakura Photo Studio were just getting in, but we're ready to help us get into our kimonos. They were really quick and patient in helping us choose our kimonos. One of the employees spoke FOUR LANGUAGES: Japanese, Korean, Chinese ( Mandarin), and English! That was really helpful especially when other groups started to enter the studio,including that the studio is very small for changing into the kimonos.
The staff was able to get us into.our kimonos within the hour and let us know how long we had the rentals for the day. They also had some discounts on Rik Shaw rides through Asakusa. You'll look extra traditional with your kimonos.
Overall, the service was great, the quality of the kimonos were great and diverse, and the staff was very helpful. Will do again if I come back to Asakusa.
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Packages: | Standard Kimono Plan and Free Walking |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/04/21 |
Activity Date: | 2018/04/17 |
Reviewed by: Lou
This isn't a touristy group of people doing taiko, it is a proper studio doing lessons for locals and alike. The main group was made up of OAP's who totally rocked when it came to the drumming. I was put in the hands of one of the instructors who did not have a word of English but in all fairness who needs words when actions will do! Luckily enough there was someone who had grear English and Japenese so he could tell me more about what was going on...he himself was just visiting whilst on holiday from Australia where he is learning taiko.
I really wish I had longer here as I'd be at the studio as much as possible. Thanks to this experience I'm going to go and find somewhere to drum in the uk.
If you want a local class with non tourists then this is the one for you plus it is so much cheaper than the other touristy groups.
Thank you for your review.
If you come to Japan again please come to the lesson.
Thank you.
Hougaku Academy
INAGAKI
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Packages: | Taiko Drumming Lesson - Kamata School |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2018/04/20 |
Activity Date: | 2018/04/16 |
Reviewed by: Alex & Daria
Amazing work from a very funny and talented team. Thank you guys!
Dear Alex & Daria,
Thank you very much for coming, we had very much fun, too :) We hope the photos become a wonderful commemoration of Japan!
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Packages: | Couple Plan for Adults |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/04/09 |
Activity Date: | 2018/04/04 |
Reviewed by: SweetSakura
Such a great experience!! I really enjoyed walking around the city dressed up!! A must do when in Japan. Planning on doing it again as a family!!
Thank you for such a great compliment and your message. We are so much looking forward to having you over our shop once again!
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Packages: | Standard Kimono Plan and Free Walking |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2018/04/09 |
Activity Date: | 2018/04/04 |
Reviewed by: Trio
Great introduction into the world of geisha! I really enjoyed it. My mother wanted more performances from the ladies, but overall she was happy. Highly recommend!
Dear Trio,
Thank you very much for your warm message. We are very glad that you enjoyed the show very much. The costume of geisha will be different in summer season, so please come again in near future. best regards,
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Packages: | Standard Plan |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/04/02 |
Activity Date: | 2018/02/17 |
Reviewed by: Nay
It’s was an awsome experience would definitely do it again
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Packages: | Karate and Calligraphy Course |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2018/02/24 |
Activity Date: | 2018/02/02 |
Reviewed by: Alka Mall
It was a class conducted by a fun loving master who gave ample encouragement and feedback to us. Our peers were happy to see us and showed curiosity towards us and wanted to know us better. We could catch the rhythm and towards the end of the session, we were blended with the main group.
I would love to go back for more classes.
We could not locate the building of the school. We were asked to wait at a spot and a pupil came to fetch us. That was most helpful.
Master helped us to click pictures and even allowed us to play the large drum which was a dream come true.
Exercise your arms a few days before. Else, it can feel strenuous and cause pain later.
Wear loose comfy clothing. You will remove your shoes outside.
Have fun.
Thank you for your review.
I hope that the circle of taiko will spread in your review.
Please come back to drum.
Thank you!
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Packages: | Taiko Drumming Lesson - Kamata School |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/02/23 |
Activity Date: | 2018/02/17 |
Reviewed by: Hayley Buckley
We had a wonderful time. The ladies looked after us so well.
There were so many kimonos to choose from. We came away with some amazing memories and photos from our day.
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Packages: | Adult Couple Plan |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/02/07 |
Activity Date: | 2018/02/05 |
Reviewed by: Granger
Sumi-e is much more than a painting activity, it's a glimpse into another world...another way of seeing... This 2 hour-ish experience only scratches the surface, so if you don't have 2-3 years to explore Sumi-e it is probably a great alternative! Yuta was a fun, encouragingly positive instructor with a good heart. The studio is an absolutely gorgeous workspace. You are surrounded by a master's work for inspiration.
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Packages: | Sumie Painting Lesson |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/01/29 |
Activity Date: | 2018/01/27 |
Reviewed by: うめこ
狂言の基礎知識やストーリーの説明があって、とても良かったと思います。
また別の演目も見てみたいです。
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Packages: | 12/14 (木)「文相撲」Fu-Zumou チケット+舞台裏ツアー |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/01/07 |
Activity Date: | 2017/12/14 |
Reviewed by: りりー
友達と三人で参加。海外から来た方がおおいような気がしましたが・・・
全体的にみんなまんべんなくゲームも出来て、楽しかったです。
この度はご参加誠に有難うございました。お座敷遊びをお楽しみいただけましたようで、嬉しく存じます。ゲームの勝敗はいかがでございましたでしょうか。お座敷遊び体験 Time to Geishya は、普段は芸者衆になじみのない日本のお客さまはもちろん、海外からのご観光の皆様にも、気軽に参加できる文化体験としてご好評を頂いております。二度、三度お越しくださる方もいらっしゃいますので、ぜひまたご友人お誘いあわせの上、お越しくださいませ。心よりお待ち申し上げております。
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Packages: | 2018.4.7までのご予約 |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2017/12/11 |
Activity Date: | 2017/01/14 |
Reviewed by: Shelli
Had such a fun time! The geisha were so lovely to watch and so nice! The games were super fun. Great even if you are a solo traveler.
Dear Shelli,
Thank you so much for your warm message. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed our program. As you mentioned, playing games make people get along with, and Geishas are specialists in hospitality. Please come again in another time, and try fitting KIMONO for the next time. Best regards,
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Packages: | Standard Plan |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/12/11 |
Activity Date: | 2017/11/18 |
Reviewed by: swiss girl
it was a great Tea Ceremony at Warakuan Teahouse. The Teamaster give us a lot of interesting Information.
we were just 2 People and it was amazing.
we realy enjoy it.
Thank you for enjoying the Tea ceremony and please visit again.
Sorei Maeda, Komaba Warakuan
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Packages: | Introductory Tea Ceremony |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/12/01 |
Activity Date: | 2017/11/27 |
Reviewed by: robert
Special geisha performance and games in the heart of Tokyo. Very interesting.
Thank you very much for your message. We are very glad that you enjoyed Time to Geisha.
As you mentioned, our Time to Geisha is not only viewing but also joining games as well, and it is held in a very convenient location for travellers.
We hope you to visit again in near future.
Best regards,
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Packages: | Standard Plan |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2017/11/27 |
Activity Date: | 2017/11/04 |
Reviewed by: Seattle mom
I took my kids (age 7.5 and 10) to a 2 hour ninja training class. We all had a blast!! Everyone was super nice and they really tailored the class lessons to the kid's ages. We all found it interesting and learned a lot. Our son particularly loved getting to use the throwing stars and blowdart gun! Their minds were blown! It was a great way to spend a morning! One of the highlights of our trip!
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Packages: | Ninja Master Course: 5 Ninja Techniques |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/11/16 |
Activity Date: | 2017/11/08 |
Reviewed by: Tip
A great introduction to geisha experience. We got to see them dance, played games with them, taking photos with them for a really cheap price. Good deal!
Thank you very much for your message. We are very glad that you enjoyed our program. Time to Geisha is a short time travel to old Tokyo called Edo. We hope to welcome you again soon. Best regards,
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Packages: | Standard Plan |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/11/13 |
Activity Date: | 2017/11/04 |
Reviewed by: Margarita
It was incredible! Its a family owned business, where everyone is super caring and loyal to their craft! They are very serious during training, making sure we learn. We were provided the ninja costume and access to some weapons. We were greeted and well explained what to do by the owner.
It was interesting to learn the history, watch training process and see all weapons. By the way, all weapons handmade. thank you again for making this happen!
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Packages: | Ninja Master Course: 5 Ninja Techniques |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/11/07 |
Activity Date: | 2017/11/05 |
Reviewed by: buda
オーストラリアからのお客様をお連れしました。
椅子を用意いただいたので、彼らもゆっくり座って楽しめたようです。
ネイテイブの方からも英語で説明もあり、外国人にも楽しめる内容でした。
ゲーム性のあるお遊びも、とても分かりやすく楽しく、やや緊張気味だった雰囲気もすぐ和みました。
大変に清潔感あるお部屋で、日本の伝統文化に触れることができ、日本人の私たちも大いに楽しめました。
是非体験されることをおススメいたします。
この度はご参加を頂き、また、温かいメッセージを誠に有難うございます。
オーストラリアからのお客様にもお楽しみいただけましたようで、とても嬉しく存じます。
地下鉄の駅から直結したショッピングモールの中とは思えない本格的な和の空間で、ひと時、江戸時代の空気をお感じ頂けましたら幸いでございます。
同じ橋楽亭にて開催しております、きものレンタル着付けも、気軽に楽しめる日本文化としてご好評を頂いておりますので、ぜひそちらもご利用くださいませ。
またのご参加を心よりお待ち申し上げております。
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Packages: | 2018.4.7までのご予約 |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2017/10/26 |
Activity Date: | 2017/10/07 |
Reviewed by: Solo Sam Takes Japan
Having signed up for the session two days before, I had no idea what to expect. I was running 20 minutes late for my appointment but the instructors were very flexible. With a full class of 7-10 local veterans, I was quickly brought to speed on the side with my own complimentary routine and my own personal instructor. He didn't speak much English and I didn't speak much Japanese, but we got a long perfectly and for the next hour and half I learned all the basics on how to strike a Taiko drum. This is definitely a class I'd recommend to anyone looking for a unique experience and a fun workout! Yes, I said workout, so make sure you bring the right clothes, don't wear jeans like I did whoops!
Thank you for your review.
We strive to make many people know Taiko.
I am sorry that I can not speak English.
Also please come if you have the opportunity.
Thank you.
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Packages: | Taiko Drumming Lesson - Kamata School |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/10/20 |
Activity Date: | 2017/09/15 |
Reviewed by: Fiona
Thanks it was really good. I enjoyed learning about the ceremony and tradition. Now I'm home i can make it properly.
Thank you very much for joining us. We are very glad that you have an interest in Tea Ceremony. Please have a relaxing and refreshing tea time with your own green tea set, and also try a more traditional tear ceremony in Japanese tea room at your next visit. Best regards, Shinnichiya
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/10/19 |
Activity Date: | 2017/10/12 |
Reviewed by: Ellen
The tour was easily organised and provided a unique opportunity to witness the training stables. I was unable to attend a tournament, but feel this was better, due to being so close to the wrestlers and witnessing the intensity, which may not be obaerved from a distance.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2017/10/13 |
Activity Date: | 2017/10/11 |
Reviewed by: McKenzie family
Yuta was an engaging and insightful teacher, who speaks English very well. Very good with our kids and with a great motto that there are no mistakes in Sumie art, just personal expression. Thank you for this fun activity and lessons. We have already bought brushes, ink, a cloth and paper to continue learning more.
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Packages: | Sumie Painting Lesson |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2017/10/10 |
Activity Date: | 2017/10/07 |
Reviewed by: Cate
Our 5 year old son really enjoyed this Taiko drum lesson!
Thank you for your review.
I am glad that your son enjoyed the lesson.
I am waiting for the next visit.
Thank you.
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Packages: | Children's Taiko Lesson - Kamata School |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2017/10/04 |
Activity Date: | 2017/09/30 |
Reviewed by: Ms. Little-Bradley
The place was easy to locate. The Kimono was Beautiful and treasonably priced. I enjoyed the experience and took lots of pictures.
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Packages: | Afternoon Value Plan (From 14:00) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/09/26 |
Activity Date: | 2017/09/24 |
Reviewed by: Cana
It was really nice! We enjoyed to watch dancing. After they teach us some games and we did games. It was difficult but super fun!
If you have tim better to go, it is such an amazing experience!
Dear Cana,
Thank you very much for your message. We are very glad that you enjoyed Time to Geisha.
As you mentioned, our Time to Geisha is not only viewing but also to do games, and you will feel the air of old Tokyo "EDO".
We hope you to visit again soon.
Best regards,
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Packages: | 2018.4.7までのご予約 |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2017/09/21 |
Activity Date: | 2017/09/16 |
Reviewed by: William
I would highly recommend taking this class. I love sumi-e ink paintings from before, for their graphic powerful qualities. Back home I had painted a bit from before, making myself familiar with the medium and some techniques - but - this was exactly the sort of introduction I was hoping for.
The teacher was super friendly, helpful and fun. He thought me different techniques to use, stories about how sumi-e came to Japan, and the philosophy behind the art form. Our talks were super inspiring and I know I will take up painting once I'm back home again later this year. There, all my washi papers will await me, bought in Tokyo at a great art store I got directions to after the class.
Really, thank you!
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Packages: | Sumie Painting Lesson |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/09/17 |
Activity Date: | 2017/08/31 |
Reviewed by: タイスキ
外国の友人にサプライズでプレゼントしましたがとてもよろこんでいました。
場所も分かりやすく着物の種類も豊富でおすすめです。
ご来店誠にありがとうございます。お友達にも喜んでいただけて大変私たちも嬉しく思います。
ぜひまたのご来店お待ちいたしております。
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Packages: | ベーシックプラン(浴衣 or 着物) |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2017/09/12 |
Activity Date: | 2017/09/09 |
Reviewed by: Anka
I had such a great time in the company of lovely people and learnt so much in just one lesson. Doing Taiko Drumming is also great workout ! I strongly recommend it to whoever is interested in more hands-on experiences of Japanese culture!
Review update!
After the first lesson I attended 3 more workshops. I would have signed up for more but unfortunately my stay in Japan was coming to an end. A big big Thank you to everyone!
Thank you for your review!
I am happy that you enjoyed it.
Taiko should spread to more people!
Hougaku Academy
Inagaki
Thank you for coming to the trial lesson.
If you come to Japan again, please come to the trial lesson.
Thank you.
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Packages: | Taiko Drumming Lesson - Kamata School |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/09/04 |
Activity Date: | 2017/08/21 |
Reviewed by: Anka
I strongly recommend this workshop to whoever is interested in more hands-on experiences of Japanese culture! It's definitely suitable for all ages and abilities. The instructor is such a friendly and communicative person. The workshop was, as we expected, very hands-on as we did a lot of painting using different traditional techniques. Moreover, we learnt so much about the sumie painting and its role in the Japanese culture. A big thank you for this enriching cultural experience!
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Packages: | Sumie Painting Lesson |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2017/09/01 |
Activity Date: | 2017/08/26 |
Reviewed by: Coville's
My son and I enjoyed the Formal Instruction by a Certified Tea Ceremony Expert and his wife speaking in Japanese and their older daughter translating for us. We were greeted at their gate, led to their front business door and switched from our street shoes to their special sandals and directed into an informal Japanese meeting room with a tatami mat and small floor table where we put on their special one-toed white socks and then their sandals. We then went over several sheets of their English/Japanese explanations of each of the steps of the tea ceremony explaining words that are spoken and responses that are given. There is a lot of symbolism and purpose for each movement throughout the ceremony; specific movement and placement of the handheld fans, preparation with tea scoop and whipping utensils, and finally the making of the teas themselves. The ancient tea bowls used are passed down in the family through generations. The Tea Master picks a theme for each ceremony and chooses three items to depict that theme in a special section of the room (rooms can vary in size and roof height--commonly low ceilings required scooting into the room on your knees on the tatami mats and scooting around to the themed wall) and then you scoot to your tea position lifting yourself with the flat part of your fisted hand and then sitting with your lower legs under you bottom. The tea is brewed over a small pot of special wood in the corner of the room. When completed we exited and reviewed the ceremony back in the community room we started in and they answered our questions as best as they could with their daughter's translation. It was a very personal experience.
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Packages: | Introductory Tea Ceremony |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/08/27 |
Activity Date: | 2017/08/02 |
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Thank you so much for coming our studio, and having our service. We are so much honored and happy to have you over such a great group of people. We are so much looking forward to having you over our shop once again sometime!!