Development of 14 New Cultural Experiences Expands Authentic Travel Opportunities in Kansai

The latest release of 14 additional cultural products offers an expansion into Kyoto, Osaka, Shiga, and Nara, including observation of one of Osaka’s last remaining ranma woodcarving craftsman, Shigaraki pottery making and tea ceremony, a traditional Japanese warousoku candle making workshop, and a tour and tea tasting of Shiga’s Asamiya tea fields.

Deeper Japan, a boutique travel operator overseen by Deeper Travel Co. Ltd., that connects inbound travelers to Japan with authentic Japanese traditions, provides curated, small-group actives in direct partnership with artisans, artists, and nature guides from areas all across Japan. As high-volume travel to Kansai continues, Deeper Japan seeks to seamlessly connect visitors to traditional cultural experiences in Kyoto, Osaka, Shiga, and Nara. In this latest expansion of its existing experience lineup, 14 more experiences have been added for international visitors to further immerse themselves into the ancient and traditional cultural landscape of Kansai.

The Latest Cultural Experiences Launched

**Ranma, Osaka's Rarest Woodcarving Craft**
Observe one of Osaka’s last remaining ranma woodcarving craftsmen at work. Dating back to the 17th century, Osaka ranma connect spaces in Japanese style homes and decorate the top of shoji sliding doors. Tour the workshop and see the delicately and painstakingly carved work of the 2nd-generation master craftsman.

**Uda-gami Washi Paper Making**
With over 1,300 years of history, the unique process of mixing white clay with Uda-gami washi paper makes it strong and flexible, as well as endowing it with excellent preservation properties. Join a 6th-generation washi artisan and learn how to create authentic washi paper, while enjoying the stunning scenic beauty of Yoshino.

**Tsujigahana, a Textile Dyeing Technique Shrouded in Mystery**
Though not clearly defined, tsujigahana is said to be based on a complex combination of drawing, foiling, stitching, and tie-dyeing. Despite being lost to history, the extant fabrics remain to inspire future generations of artisans. In this acclaimed atelier, join a kimono textile artisan and immerse yourself in the intricate dyeing processes that create this illusionary fabric.

**Delicately Hand-painted Kyoto Yuzen**
Experience the beauty and rich cultural value of Kyo-yuzen at a fabric dyeing studio in Kyoto that has been in business for more than 120 years. Tour the studio with the 4th-generation artisan as your guide and observe the craftspeople up close. Then try your hand at dyeing a handkerchief following the textile dyeing methods synonymous with elegant and bold kimono.

**Shigaraki Pottery Making and Tea Ceremony with the Master Potter**
Said to have originated in the 8th century, the Shigaraki style of pottery is known for its rustic, earthen tones which pair beautifully with the matcha used in tea ceremony. In this master Shigaraki potter’s workshop, delve into the history and craft of the Shigaraki pottery, then be treated to an Urasenke-style tea ceremony by the master craftsman himself.

**Tour of a 4th-generation Shigaraki Pottery Studio**
Considered one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, Shigaraki pottery has graced the homes of both nobility and the masses since its advent in the 8th century. Visit the kiln of a 4th-generation Shigaraki potter and learn about the ancient techniques and history of the craft and view the historic climbing kiln, experiencing the passion and pride of the Shigaraki region.

**Witness Katana Sword Forging**
The history and techniques of Japanese sword making have been handed down by generations of master craftsmen. Touch the soul of a sword born before your eyes at a katana swordsmith's forge in Kyoto and see up close the techniques and strength that have been cultivated in Kyoto, Japan's political and religious center since ancient times.

**Candle Making at a Workshop in Business for over 100 years**
Originally crafted for use by Buddhist temples, which prohibit the killing of animals, traditional Japanese warousoku candles are created completely from plant-based materials. While learning about the history of traditional Japanese warousoku candles since the Nara period, experience making your own warousoku under the guidance of one of the artisans.

**Nature Trek through an Untouched Forest**
About a two-hour drive from central Kyoto, there is a forest where nature remains, pristine and untouched, home to countless rare and endangered wildlife. Guided by certified local guides, trek through this protected and limited-access forest and learn about the forest’s colorful biodiversity, local conservation efforts, and the locations of flora and fauna.

**Learn Artful Brushstrokes at a Calligraphy Workshop**
Calligraphy was introduced to Japan from the Tang Dynasty in China and has developed into a uniquely Japanese art form that is simple yet profoundly beautiful. Under guidance of a calligraphy master, learn about the history of calligraphy and shodo, then practice the fundamental techniques for creating your own masterpiece.

**Make Professional-Grade Okonomiyaki in Osaka**
At a culinary workshop geared towards teaching professional restauranteurs the crafting of Kansai cuisine, learn firsthand the secrets of authentic and professional okonomiyaki making from a 2nd-generation culinary instructor. After observing the instructor's handiwork up close, try your hand at making your own “flavor of Osaka.”

**Learn How to Make Takoyaki, one of Osaka’s Soul Foods**
Created during the post-war years of Japan as a filling, flour-based dish when rice supplies were scarce, takoyaki does not have a deep culinary history just yet. However, it has since developed in a cultural staple of Kansai cuisine. Under the instruction of a 2nd-generation culinary expert, learn the industry secrets in order to craft professional-level takoyaki.

**Experience 1,000 years of Asamiya Tea Culture in Shiga**
Before the tea centers of Uji and Shizuoka were recorded to have begun production, the Asamiya tea gardens of Shiga were already making tea fit for the Emperor. Embark on a walking tour through Shiga’s tea fields guided by a 7th-generation tea master. Then, conclude the tour by enjoying a cup of tea sourced from the tea fields you walked through.

**Shiga’s Asamiya Tea Fields Driving Tour with a Tea Master**
Take an adventurous tour of Shiga’s historic tea fields in a truck and explore the expansive rows of lush green. After learning about tea cultivation techniques and the history of tea heritage in Shiga from a 7th-generation tea master, enjoy a cup of tea at a scenic point overlooking the tea fields and bask in the natural beauty of the region.

Facing the Future

Deeper Japan collaborates with over 250 artisans, artists, and guides across Japan, offering experiences from Hokkaido to Kumamoto. As of October 2024, Japan recorded over 30 million international visitors, breaking records for both annual and monthly tourism figures. Building on this momentum, Deeper Japan plans to expand to regions like Okinawa, Central Japan, and even international markets in Europe and East Asia, continuing its mission to foster cultural exchange and understanding through travel.

By implementing the current business model of Deeper Japan, which emphasizes bridging language and cultural differences to deliver enriching travel experiences, high-quality, value-added travel infrastructure can be created in new locations and offer a wider audience a broader range of cultural products while promoting sustainable travel.

About Deeper Japan

Deeper Japan is a boutique travel brand operated by Deeper Travel Co., Ltd that allows visitors to Japan to seamlessly book traditional cultural experiences that are otherwise difficult to access. By carefully selecting high-quality cultural and immersive natural experiences, and directly collaborating with skilled craftsmen and artists at the forefront, Deeper Japan promotes mutual understanding between different cultures through travel and actively preserves tradition and diversity.

Focus is primarily given to small groups of guests, providing an opportunity for deeper interaction between craftsmen and guests rather than large-scale, superficial experiences. Additionally, certified interpreter guides are employed to ensure interpretation in the guests' native languages. Approximately 80 percent of Deeper Japan's clientele comprises independent travelers from Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Through partnerships with non-profit organizations, collaborations with NGOs, and alliances with local governments and tourist associations, Deeper Japan assists in supporting regional economic development and the conservation of cultural heritage.

Development of 14 New Cultural Experiences Expands Authentic Travel Opportunities in Kansai

The Latest Cultural Experiences Launched

Facing the Future

About Deeper Japan

Company Information