Traditional Culture & Festivals

Traditional Culture

Architecture Various styles of Japanese architecture reflecting traditional and modern usage.	Gardens Simple, unspoiled beauty of Japanese gardens, and comparisons to Western gardens.	Castles Elaborately designed fortresses built predominantly in the 15th and 16th Centuries.

Shinto Shrines Shinto shrines that embody the intricate symbolism of Japan's indigenous religion, Shintoism.	Buddhist Temples Classic Buddhist architecture originating from India but with a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.	Tea Ceremony Tea ceremony based on the principles of Zen, incorporating graceful performance and profound simplicity.

Jizo & Dosojin Outdoor and roadside stone sculptures that continue to be an important part of Japanese folk belief.	Floral Art Refined floral art dating back to the 16th Century.	Bonsai Miniature trees or plants with an aesthetic sense that reflects nature.

Pottery Distinctive styles of pottery reflecting different periods and regions.	Lacquerware Japanese Lacquerware is the name for beautifully decorated utensils and objects of art coated with lacquer.	Calligraphy Unique art of the East using gradations of ink and varying brushstrokes.

Folk Art Crafts Folk objects and curios that used to be commonplace, now considered objects of art.	Ukiyo-e Wood block prints from the 17th to the 19th Century featuring dramatic insights into Edo era life.	Dolls Ancient dolls used in religious observances, festivals and burial rites.

Musical Instruments Several styles of ancient and traditional Japanese music, each with its unique sound.	Traditional Costumes Traditional, elegant, and formal dress still used for special occasions.	Footwear Much loved traditional slippers that are still seen in modern day Japan.

Crests A black and white family crest possessed by every family.	Colors & Patterns Traditional material pattern designs used on Kimonos and other articles.	Classic Dancing Classic dances originally developed based on incantations such as invocations of spirits of the dead.

Tanka & Haiku Short unique poetry with specific line lengths found only in Japan.	Zen & Zazen Originating in India, a form of mental and spiritual training similar to Yoga.	Kabuki Original stage art that has its roots in the 17th Century.

Noh & Kyogen A comprehensive theatrical art form embodying music, dance, literature and other artistic mediums	Bunraku Traditional puppet theater in which puppets act out narratives.	Variety Theater Traditional variety theater used for storytelling, narration, conjuring and recital.