Foreign tourists experience Japanese culture such as sushi making

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The new travel style in Japan grabs the attention of foreign tourists, such as those sightseeing in small groups enjoying a Japanese cultural experience. For example, at The Tsukiji Market, 480 kinds of seafoods are sold. It is referred to as a tuna auction, and is recognized as the most exciting sightseeing spot in Tokyo. But market tours are restricted due to safety and sanitary reasons. The concerned authorities dictate that tours be made up of small groups with less than five people. The Institute for Japanese Cultural Exchange and Experience (IJCEE), a not for profit organization, offers tours for small groups with friendly guidance by qualified interpreters, who will guide you in English or French. This phenomenon has been growing in popularity through word of mouth.

The “Shopping at The Tsukiji Market and Experience Sushi Making at a Japanese Home” tour is a new program which combines a guided tour with a real cultural experience. This tour group goes shopping for tuna at the Tsukiji Market, and then visits a Japanese resident by train. Tourists will learn how to make three kinds of sushi: maki sushi (sushi roll), gunkan (warship-shaped sushi), and nigiri (hand-rolled sushi), under the instruction of the food expert Kuniko Kikuchi. Special cooking tools will be prepared so that children can also experience the art of sushi making. Tour groups are highly pleased by the experience. Please refer to the following blog to see how much people have been enjoying this unique experience: http://kunikosmile.multiply.com

IJCEE offers various kinds of cultural experiences other than sushi-making: calligraphy, tea ceremony, playing koto (the Japanese harp), playing shamisen (a three stringed musical instrument), wearing yukata (an informal cotton kimono), flower arrangement, and many more. One or two people might spend a minimal charge of ￥6,000 to ￥8,000 (CA$70-90) for
75 to 90 minutes of a splendid cultural experience. The secret behind this inexpensive cost is the unique IJCEE system. There are more than 120 IJCEE members, many with superior language skills and a rich array of experience abroad. Most instructors of the Japanese cultural programs are one of these IJCEE members. Therefore an interpreter for the IJCEE instructor is
not necessary—unlike other tours or programs. This is why IJCEE tour costs are reasonably low. Because these opportunities are offered in the home of a Japanese person, tourists can truly experience real Japanese life. For details, please visit the IJCEE homepage at www.ijcee.com/e.html.

Japanese cultural experience programs (More than 2 people / 75～90min)
& Program Fare (Per Person / Yen)

• Japanese Calligraphy ￥7,000
• Tea Ceremony ￥7,000
• Koto ￥7,000
• Shamisen ￥7,000
• Wear Yukata (light cotton kimono) ￥8,000
• Flower Arrangement ￥8,000
• Wear Kimono ￥10,000

OPTION (30 min) (Per Person/ Yen)

• Paper Folding ＋￥2000
• Washi Paper Craft ＋￥2000
• Furoshiki Wrapping ＋￥2000

Recomendation Program Fare (Per Person / Yen)

• (5 hours) Tsukiji Walk & Making Sushi at Home ￥17,800 Child (6-11 years old) ￥14,000
• (2 and a half hours) Walk Around Tokyo Basic Courses (Asakusa, Akihabara, Kamakura, etc.) ￥4,000

*Japanese cultural experience programs for foreign people are basically conducted in English. Please make inquiries if you need other languages. Japanese people can also join the programs.