JAPAN DANCE & CULTURE TOUR: 11-23 MAY 2023
retreat|recreate is delighted to offer this 13 day, 12 night women’s tour exploring beautiful Japan through the lens of its dance and cultural traditions.
Join us as we embark on this exciting, dance-focused trip of a lifetime featuring a plethora of fabulous experiences and workshops. Our tour commences in beautiful Kyoto, the cultural and historical heart of Japan, continues on to Kawaguchiko with its stunning lakes, and serene views of Mt Fuji and finishes in fabulous, bustling Tokyo.
This exciting new itinerary features NINE!! dance, theatre and movement experiences including private performances, demonstrations, artist talks and introductory workshops. We’ll enjoy: a Samurai kenbu (sword and fan dance) performance and workshop; the rare opportunity to observe Geisha training; a Butoh performance and workshop; a Mikomai (shrine maiden) experience and workshop; a Noh experience and workshop; a Koenji Awaodori (folk dance) workshop; a Taiko (drumming) workshop; a private studio ballet performance, beginner ballet and stretch class with a professional ballerina and teacher; plus a lakeside yoga and meditation class.
Each activity provides the opportunity to explore various aspects of Japanese dance, theatre and culture, aiming to provide a rich and insightful experience of Japan from this perspective. Our introductory workshops require a moderate level of fitness and while suitable for dance enthusiasts (beginner level experience) also offer a deeper understanding of Japanese dance and culture for established dancers and movement practitioners.
Further cultural highlights include: ticketed seats to a geisha dance performance at Kamogawa Odori (a geisha Spring dance festival); a temple festival; a folk festival parade; a traditional tea ceremony; visits to significant temples, shrines, and gardens; several galleries and museums; a handcraft market; an antiques market; food markets; travel on Shinkansen (bullet train) to a region with fabulous views of Mt Fuji; a Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) session; plus major iconic sites such as Shibuya crossing, Harajuku (known for its crazy street fashions), Gion (geisha and entertainment district), Ginza (high end shopping district), Ningyocho (an ancient merchant hub), the bright lights of Shinjuku and Golden Gai; fabulous Japanese cuisine and much, much more!
This exciting immersion into Japanese dance and culture is not to be missed! We’d love you to join us!
Note: If you work in a dance, theatre or performance arts related field, this tour may may also be valid as professional development and may also be tax deductible (check with your tax agent to be sure).
Note: As some of the activities included in this itinerary are culturally appropriate for women only, this trip is a women’s tour. If you’re interested in a tour for all genders or a private group tour please get in contact.
Click here to register your Expression of Interest (EOI) for future dance-focussed tours.
Testimonials from our Japan Dance tour travellers:
The Japan Dance tour was a cultural extravaganza and an exceptional experience! Dazzling performances and hugely knowledgeable, engaging, leaders on the workshops. From the serenity of the shrine maiden and tea ceremony to the exuberance of the Taiko drummers and Awa Odori dancers, the range of experiences was glorious. Visits to shrines, temples and gardens were fascinating, and the Santa Matsuri Festival was the crowning glory. Thank you Susan, Akiko and my fellow travellers for making this such a great trip. Gail – Japan Dance tour, May 2023
Our trip to Japan with Retreat/Recreate was marvellous and fully lived up to its promises. The workshops and classes were very well organised and fun, offering experiences in a range of Japanese dance styles that we would not otherwise get. There were also many and varied highlights in the sightseeing itinerary, in Kyoto, Kawaguchi and finally in Tokyo, from shrines to beautiful botanical gardens, from kimono weaving to antique street market. Thus it was truly a comprehensive cultural experience of Japan. Our tour leader was always friendly, cheerful and supportive, likewise our Japanese guide who spoke excellent English and shared her local knowledge. It was a pleasure to travel in a small friendly group and I appreciated the detailed preparation and organisation that had obviously gone into our itinerary. The tour was excellent value for money and I highly recommend it. Philippa – Japan Dance tour, May 2023
The Japan Dance Tour was an amazing experience. We travelled in a small friendly group and learnt so much about Japanese culture and dance from workshops and performances including the drama of Butoh and Noh and the serenity of shrine maiden dancing, ballet and the tea ceremony. We spent time with an expert Samurai Kenbu sword and fan dancer, geishas, and Taiko drummers and took part in lively Awaodori dancing. All of the performers were generous in answering our questions and teaching us their craft. We also visited temples, shrines, gardens, saw Mount Fuji and explored modern Tokyo. The itinerary was full but there was also time for relaxing, enjoying interesting meals and shopping. All this was thanks to our host Susan and our unfailingly cheerful and knowledgeable local guide Akiko. Thank you to both of you and all my fellow travellers for making the tour so enjoyable. Carol – Japan Dance tour, May 2023
This was the trip of a lifetime! It was so beautifully researched that every day was full of interest and culture. The stress of finding suitable accommodation, transport & coping with translation was all taken care of by our wonderful guides, Susan & Akiko. We couldn’t have asked for better & will certainly sign up for future tours. Sandra – Japan Dance tour, May 2023The Japan Dance Tour was a amazing experience. We travelled in a small friendly group and learnt so much about Japanese culture and dance from workshops and performances including the drama of Butoh and Noh and the serenity of shrine maiden dancing, ballet and the tea ceremony. We spent time with an expert Samurai Kenbu sword and fan dancer, geishas, and Taiko drummers and took part in lively Awaodori dancing. All of the performers were generous in answering our questions and teaching us their craft. We also visited temples, shrines, gardens, saw Mount Fuji and explored modern Tokyo. The itinerary was full but there was also time for relaxing, enjoying interesting meals and shopping. All this was thanks to our host Susan and our unfailingly cheerful and knowledgeable local guide Akiko. Thank you to both of you and all my fellow travellers for making the tour so enjoyable. Carol – Japan Dance tour, May 2023
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