ARTICLES
TRADITION
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EXPLORE THE FASCINATING WORLD OF JAPANESE ANTIQUES
In recent years, Japan has seen a growing interest among foreign visitors in Japanese swords and armor, perhaps owing to successful streaming series such as Shogun.In response to the rising popularity of samurai culture, even the British Museum is planning a samurai-themed exhibition next spring. In the Tokyo neighborhoods of Kyobashi and Nihombashi, antique shops —dealing not only in swords but also in a wide range of treasures created over thousands of years of Japanese history, from ancient artifacts to items from the modern era — are already waiting to welcome collectors from overseas.
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Discover the secretive world of kodo, the Japanese Way of Incense.
Discover the secretive world of kodo, the Japanese Way of Incense. As a new grand master inherits the 21st-generation of the Shino-ryu kodo school in spring 2025, this meditative art of sniffing agarwood is growing overseas.
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SAVOR THE JAPANESE WASHOKU DINING SCENE
With a tantalizing choice of dining options from healthy soba noodles to elaborate multicourse kaiseki meals, Tokyo is unrivaled as a culinary destination.
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DISCOVERING THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF JAPAN AT TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM
Japan's long history and rich culture comes alive by gaining a deeper understanding of it. With a bespoke tour around one of Tokyo's exquisite museums led by an expert licensed guide, you'll gain an appreciation of the country that deepens your passion to explore it.
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A 10 KM/H RICKSHAW TOUR OF TOKYO'S HISTORICAL CORE
Embark on a rickshaw revival tour of Tokyo's oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods, from the sophisticated business district of Marunouchi to the luxury brands of Ginza, to the nightlife entertainment of Yurakucho. Everything from the historical core of Japan's capital to the cutting edge of global fashion lies within a 1.5 km radius around Tokyo Station: discover 400 years of history at 10 km/h.
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UNCOVER JAPAN THROUGH THE ARTS OF UKIYO-E
Explore and immerse yourself in the role that the art of ukiyo-e and kabuki had and continues to have in Japanese culture and arts. Learn about ukiyo-e from a Japanese expert in addition to experiencing the amazing makeup of kabuki, one of Japan's most endearing and fascinating performing arts.
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DELICATE AROMAS OF JAPAN
Scent, emotion, and memory are inextricably intertwined - so what finer way to mark a sojourn in Tokyo than visiting the atelier of a globally-acclaimed perfumer. Aromas that capture the very essence of Japan await.
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PRICELESS CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Often inaccessible to travelers on a truly meaningful level, every now and then exclusive opportunities arises for well-connected visitors to fully indulge in the most enchanting traditions of Japan. Here we introduce some of the very same.
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CURATED STROLL INTO THE CITY OF DIVERSITY
Delve into diversity in Daikanyama, one of Tokyo's eclectic collections of artistic enclaves. With an expert guide, a walk around Shibuya's "brooklynesque" neighbor unveils the rich history and many charms of this enchanting area.
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BEAUTIFYING THE BROKEN
Kintsugi is the art of "golden repair," and a window to the soul of Japan that values the venerable and the perfectly imperfect. A timeless technique, it can be experienced on a visit to the contemporary artisans of Tokyo finding innovative applications for the art.
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FINE DINING AND FERMENTATION
Sake, shoyu, miso, and more - some say fermentation is the foundation of Japanese gastronomy. With interest growing globally, eyes turn to the superb Tokyo restaurants leading the way in fermented food culture.
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THE HIDDEN POWER BEHIND TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CUISINE
Unlock one of the secrets to Japan's revered culinary heritage. At a historic sake brewery where traditional craftsmanship meets modern luxury, or an innovative and elegant restaurant, take an intriguing voyage to discover the many powers of koji through gastronomic delights and exclusive experiences.
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OLD MEETS NEW: MODERN CULTURE AND TRADITIONS MERGE
Tradition need not stand still. Tokyo, the neon metropolis, was once Edo, the cradle of culture. Today, artists and artisans across the city are keeping that culture alive in innovative ways connecting old and new, expressing classical ideas through a different lens for successive generations.
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SEE TOKYO THROUGH THE EYES OF ARCHITECT KENGO KUMA
World-renowned architect Kengo Kuma designs more than just buildings - his works serve as places where the past and present connect, and where visitors can experience Japan's history through a contemporary lens. We visited some of his most iconic projects in Tokyo, and learned the fascinating stories behind them from the man himself.
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TOKYO AS A HUB OF CULTURE
The culture of craftsmanship reaches each corner of Tokyo, imbuing every art form and experience with an extra dimension. Experts on crafts from across the country concentrate here at the nation's hub, and Tokyo has an artisan for almost any craft you can imagine, be it elegantly simple or richly refined, waiting to welcome you into their world.
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ETHICAL EXPERIENCES IN TOKYO
If you're seeking a more ethical way to experience Japan, the resurgence of traditional crafts and the uptick in upcycling will catch your eye in Tokyo. Against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis, you can find locals committed to positive change around almost every corner.
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MINDFULNESS EXPERIENCES IN TOKYO
Tokyo is known for its energy and buzz, but it knows to stop and smell the roses, too. From ceremonies of tea to incense, traditional Japanese culture has long embraced mindful ways of enjoying life's simple pleasures.
Experience modern takes of these venerable rituals in the city, and discover peace within.
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A BOAT JOURNEY TO UNCOVER TOKYO'S ORIGINS
Trace the history of Tokyo - from its roots as a humble fishing village, to its days as the prosperous capital called Edo, to the dynamic metropolis that it is today - on a boat ride through its waterways. A cruise from Nihonbashi will take you on a journey through time and give you a peek into Tokyo's food culture, architecture, and religious traditions.