One of the main highlights of your Japan tour should be getting to know Japanese culture. It is a unique and rich culture which will impress and entertain you at the same time. It is a hodgepodge of a variety of cultures forming one all its own. Japan exhibits a singular blend of Asian and Western cultures. The main features of Japan culture include:

Ancient performing arts still in practice in Japan:

Kabuki is Japanese classical theater dating back to the early 17th century. It has no female cast member as the female parts are played by male actors. Makeup is used with extravagant costumes for creating mood.

Noh is the Japanese musical theater in its oldest form. It is the primary performing art of Japan’s traditional culture. Dialogue, singing, dance and musical accompaniment are used. The lead character wears a lacquered wooden mask.

Kyogen is Japan’s comic theater which was originally staged between Noh performances. Now it is even performed on its own. Kuogen is synonymous with the ancient Japan culture. Bunraku’s popularity dates back to 16th century Japanese Puppet Theater. Music on a three stringed instrument (shamisen) and singing are used as accompaniments. Bunraku is considered the world’s finest puppet theater.

The traditional arts which are part of day to day life of Japanese people are ikebana and sado. Sado, also known as chado, is the traditional art of cooking green tea. Ikebana is Japanese flower arrangement which has its roots in Buddhism. These two are centuries old traditions which are as a much part of everyday Japanese life as the bullet trains and skyscrapers.

Tour Japan and have a peak into the ancient cultural and religious rituals still in practice in modern Japan. You can enjoy all these while savoring the modern conveniences the country has to offer.