Dharma talks and Zen meditation guidance by monks with years of rigorous training.
This is not just a tourist experience. Set in historic temples and traditional houses that have not been commercialized, we offer an experience that becomes "A Quiet Turning" where participants can touch the spirituality of Japanese culture through calligraphy and Zen meditation, and re-examine their own lives and values.
Authentic Japanese Culture Experience That Doesn't End with "Playing Pretend"
While many experience services for foreign visitors to Japan exist today, Treasure Japan does not offer superficial "tours."
We convey calligraphy not merely as a technique for writing characters, but as an art form for self-cultivation and expression, based on the philosophy that "calligraphy is the person." The program incorporates "Shu, Ha, Ri," the traditional Japanese learning process. First, participants learn the basics by adjusting their breathing and posture (Shu), then try free expression (Ha), and finally create their own bold works (Ri), employing a deep spiritual approach.
We welcome Shodoka (calligrapher) Mizuho Shishido, who has walked the path of calligraphy for over 37 years and trained more than 3,000 disciples, to provide authentic instruction from the mental preparation before the brush touches the paper.
A joint performance of calligraphy and shakuhachi flute at a Tokyo hotel.
Overwhelming Locations Away from the Everyday
An authentic environment is indispensable for an authentic experience. This project provides special locations and creates spaces where participants can feel the "space" and "silence" unique to Japanese culture, allowing them time to deeply confront themselves.
Yanada-ji Temple (Machida City, Tokyo), blessed with serene forests and spring water.
A Japanese house in Kiyosumi Garden (Koto Ward, Tokyo) with beautiful stones and water surfaces. A traditional house surrounded by nature (Ogose Town, Saitama Prefecture).
Concept: "Not a Tour. A Quiet Turning."
Hiroyuki Imamoto, the representative, launched this project at the age of 59 as his "last challenge in life." Stemming from his experience of facing death after a serious illness, the starting point was his realization of the importance of "deep breathing," "the present moment," and the "value of silence" inherent in Japanese culture. In today's information-saturated society that demands speed, seeing foreigners, for the first time, hold a brush, express surprise at the scent of ink, and shed tears in the silence of a temple, he became convinced that "Japanese culture has the power to move people's hearts across borders," leading to this business venture.
Major International Luxury Hotels in Tokyo and Major Domestic Hotel Chains Are Also Paying Attention
The high quality and uniqueness of this project have already received high praise, and strong interest is being shown from the accommodation and tourism industries, including the start of authentic calligraphy experiences utilizing the Japanese-style spaces of major Tokyo hotels.
Major Domestic Travel Agencies Are Also Considering It as a High-Value-Added Product for Overseas Executives
For the wealthy and repeat visitors to Japan who have traveled the world, what will be sought after is not mere sightseeing or experiences. It is a journey of "self-discovery" that re-examines one's own life and values, beyond "mono-consumption" (buying things) and "koto-consumption" (enjoying experiences).
Treasure Japan proposes this new form of travel through the spirituality and aesthetic consciousness that Japanese culture inherently possesses. Traditional cultures such as calligraphy, tea ceremony, and Zen meditation are not just experiences, but gateways to confronting oneself.
We are convinced that this "self-discovery-oriented Japanese culture experience" will become a new value in the inbound market going forward.
User Testimonials
Britney (USA)
YouTube Experience Video (Digest Version)
▶https://youtu.be/eB3Ap_IRhOk
Starting a Special Day Dressed in Traditional Japanese Attire
Walking through the garden after putting on a kimono.
Walking through the garden, I felt a connection with nature while being in Tokyo. Wearing a kimono made the experience even more special, allowing me to savor Japanese culture and traditions more deeply. It felt like stepping into another era and seeing Japan from a new perspective.
A Moment in the Tea Room
The small tea room was mysteriously calming, like another world. While enjoying the tea, I could feel the beauty of Japan in the silence.
Zen Meditation Experience in a Dark Meditation Room
The Zen meditation experience was a very calming time. As a mother of two young children, I rarely have quiet time. Therefore, just sitting quietly was very healing. I also gained a deeper understanding of why "mindfulness" and meditation have been cherished in Japanese culture for many years.
Calligraphy Experience and Large Brush
The calligraphy experience was the most exciting time for me. I was a little nervous at first, but more than that, I was full of a desire to try it. Holding a large brush and writing kanji on a large piece of paper was a once-in-a-lifetime special experience. I was able to feel the art of Japanese calligraphy more closely. I was surprised that even a simple character like "家" (house) could be transformed into a work of art.
About My Calligraphy Work
I am very proud of the work I created. I don't think it's a perfect piece, but it's a special memory for me and a testament to a meaningful cultural experience. I was able to create a work that connects with Japanese traditions passed down for centuries, by considering the placement of the characters and carefully writing each stroke. I don't think many people get to have such an experience.
Experience Flow
<4-Hour Quiet Experience>
Transition to Attire
Preparing the mind and body by donning traditional Japanese attire.
Dialogue with a Monk
A moment where each question leads to a definite answer.
Temple Stroll
A special walk through the temple grounds, surrounded by nature and history.
A Moment of Tea
A time to open your heart and feel the season within an ancient Japanese tea room, with careful movements.
Zen Meditation
Quiet meditation in a historic Zen meditation hall.
Calligraphy Practice
Grinding ink, clearing the mind, and training that begins with how to hold the brush.
Shu-Ha-Ri ~ Final Writing
Finding your desired expression of calligraphy with the master.
Large Brush Calligraphy
A vow to oneself carved with the whole body, a single character.
Mutual Gratitude
Words of conclusion gifted by the master.
Garden Stroll
A relaxed moment in a serene Zen garden.
Undressing and Returning to a New Everyday
With the other self met on this day.
Future Business Expansion and Theme Development
In the future, we plan to gradually expand our business beyond calligraphy, Japanese attire, tea ceremony, and Zen meditation to include multiple themes that convey the spirituality of Japanese culture, such as Kodo (incense ceremony) and classical Japanese music.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: ビジネス
- Organizations: Treasure Japan