Japanese Culture Practicum
The Japanese Culture Practicum aims at familiarizing students in Global Japan Program with the culture, history and traditions of the Tokai region as well as Japan at large. Learn here about our latest excursions, workshops and guest lectures.
Mochi Rice Cake Making (December 5, 2025)
Mochi is something many people know, but it is actually made from a special type of rice called glutinous rice, not regular rice. During our recent workshop, we had the chance to make mochi ourselves, and it was both fun and rewarding. Mochi is especially enjoyed during the Japanese New Year.
The process takes time and teamwork. First, the rice is soaked overnight, then steamed until soft. After that comes the main step—pounding the rice using a large stone mortar (usu) and a wooden mallet (kine). One person pounds while another turns and kneads the rice, working together in rhythm to create smooth, stretchy mochi.
At the end, we enjoyed our freshly made mochi with two classic flavors: kinako (sweet soybean powder) and a soy sauce and sugar mix.
The process takes time and teamwork. First, the rice is soaked overnight, then steamed until soft. After that comes the main step—pounding the rice using a large stone mortar (usu) and a wooden mallet (kine). One person pounds while another turns and kneads the rice, working together in rhythm to create smooth, stretchy mochi.
At the end, we enjoyed our freshly made mochi with two classic flavors: kinako (sweet soybean powder) and a soy sauce and sugar mix.
Tokoname City Walking Tour (November 21, 2025)
Tokoname City, located in central Japan, is well known for its long history of pottery. One of its highlights is the “Pottery Path,” where visitors can walk through streets lined with ceramic walls and artworks.
Our visit began at the INAX Museum, where we explored a wide range of ceramic tiles from around the world. The exhibits showed different styles, techniques, and designs, highlighting the creativity of tile-making across cultures.
We then walked along the Pottery Path, passing through quiet streets filled with ceramic displays. Along the way, we saw a large beckoning cat statue, clay walls, and even a traditional climbing kiln, offering a closer look at Tokoname’s pottery heritage.
Our visit began at the INAX Museum, where we explored a wide range of ceramic tiles from around the world. The exhibits showed different styles, techniques, and designs, highlighting the creativity of tile-making across cultures.
We then walked along the Pottery Path, passing through quiet streets filled with ceramic displays. Along the way, we saw a large beckoning cat statue, clay walls, and even a traditional climbing kiln, offering a closer look at Tokoname’s pottery heritage.
Hakone & Mount Fuji Area Overnight Excursion (November 7-8, 2025)
We returned to Hakone and the Mt. Fuji area for a second chance at seeing a clear view of Mt. Fuji and this time, we were hopeful.
Our trip began in Hakone, where we visited Hakone Shrine and made our prayers. The shrine’s torii gate by the lake is a well-known photo spot, and many students enjoyed walking along the lakeside and taking in the scenery.
As with our overnight trips, we stayed at a traditional Japanese inn. Students had the chance to wear yukata and enjoy a special Japanese dinner served on tatami mats, making it a memorable cultural experience.
The next day, we visited Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small traditional village. This time, we were lucky—the view of Mt. Fuji was clear, and with the autumn leaves in full color, the scenery was especially beautiful.
Our trip began in Hakone, where we visited Hakone Shrine and made our prayers. The shrine’s torii gate by the lake is a well-known photo spot, and many students enjoyed walking along the lakeside and taking in the scenery.
As with our overnight trips, we stayed at a traditional Japanese inn. Students had the chance to wear yukata and enjoy a special Japanese dinner served on tatami mats, making it a memorable cultural experience.
The next day, we visited Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small traditional village. This time, we were lucky—the view of Mt. Fuji was clear, and with the autumn leaves in full color, the scenery was especially beautiful.
Magome-juku & Tsumago-juku Town Walking Tour (October 17, 2025)
Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku are historic post towns that once served as resting places for travelers along the Nakasendo, an important route connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Both towns have been carefully preserved, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of old Japan.
In Tsumago, we visited the Wakihonjin Okuya, a former lodging for high-ranking travelers. There, we learned about the structure of traditional houses and the social hierarchy within the household, including seating arrangements based on status.
We then walked along part of the old trail between Tsumago and Magome, enjoying the natural surroundings along the way.
In Magome, students explored the sloped streets lined with small shops, cafés, and souvenir stores, and enjoyed some free time to look around and try local specialties.
In Tsumago, we visited the Wakihonjin Okuya, a former lodging for high-ranking travelers. There, we learned about the structure of traditional houses and the social hierarchy within the household, including seating arrangements based on status.
We then walked along part of the old trail between Tsumago and Magome, enjoying the natural surroundings along the way.
In Magome, students explored the sloped streets lined with small shops, cafés, and souvenir stores, and enjoyed some free time to look around and try local specialties.
Plastic Display Food Making & Gujo City Walking Tour (October 3, 2025)
We visited Gujo Hachiman, a charming riverside town in Gifu Prefecture known for its clear waters and lively summer festival. The town is also famous for its realistic plastic food displays, often seen outside Japanese restaurants. During our visit, we had the chance to try making them ourselves. It was more difficult than expected, but a fun and memorable experience.
We also learned the basics of Gujo Odori, one of Japan’s most well-known Bon dances. This traditional dance is held over many nights in the summer, with people gathering to dance together in the streets.
One of the highlights of the festival is Tetsuya Odori, when dancing continues from evening until early morning on selected nights. Students learned a couple of the dances and were able to experience this unique part of Japanese culture.
We also learned the basics of Gujo Odori, one of Japan’s most well-known Bon dances. This traditional dance is held over many nights in the summer, with people gathering to dance together in the streets.
One of the highlights of the festival is Tetsuya Odori, when dancing continues from evening until early morning on selected nights. Students learned a couple of the dances and were able to experience this unique part of Japanese culture.
Eiheiji Temple (September 26, 2025)
We visited Eiheiji Temple, one of the most famous Zen temples in Japan. It is not only a place of worship, but also an important training center for those who wish to become monks.
Surrounded by beautiful cedar forests, the temple features traditional wooden halls connected by long corridors. The calm and peaceful atmosphere made it easy to experience the spirit of Zen.
We also tried shōjin ryōri, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal. The soba and sesame tofu were especially memorable.
Surrounded by beautiful cedar forests, the temple features traditional wooden halls connected by long corridors. The calm and peaceful atmosphere made it easy to experience the spirit of Zen.
We also tried shōjin ryōri, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal. The soba and sesame tofu were especially memorable.
Ise Grand Shrine (September 12, 2025)
What better way to start the semester than with a visit to Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred places? It was a great opportunity to pray for a successful semester ahead.
The shrine grounds are spacious and impressive. Before entering, we purified ourselves at the ablution hall. We then stopped at the Kaguraden, where we watched a traditional dance and received a prayer. At the main shrine, students made their own wishes for the semester ahead.
Afterward, we walked through Okage Yokocho, a lively street filled with local food and souvenir shops. Students enjoyed exploring the area, trying different foods, and picking up souvenirs.
The shrine grounds are spacious and impressive. Before entering, we purified ourselves at the ablution hall. We then stopped at the Kaguraden, where we watched a traditional dance and received a prayer. At the main shrine, students made their own wishes for the semester ahead.
Afterward, we walked through Okage Yokocho, a lively street filled with local food and souvenir shops. Students enjoyed exploring the area, trying different foods, and picking up souvenirs.
Papermaking (July 18, 2025)
Have you heard of Japanese paper, washi? It is known for its delicate texture and beauty, and there are many different types.
We visited Mino City in Gifu to learn about Mino washi, which is considered one of the three most famous types of Japanese paper, along with Echizen washi and Tosa washi. Washi is made from fibers taken from the bark of trees, and the process involves many careful steps.
Students enjoyed making the paper and were able to take their handmade washi home.
After that, we visited Ochobo Inari Shrine, a popular local shrine known for bringing good luck in business. The approach to the shrine is lined with small shops and food stalls, giving it a lively and traditional atmosphere. Visitors often offer fried tofu (aburaage), which is said to be a favorite of the fox spirits associated with Inari shrines.
We visited Mino City in Gifu to learn about Mino washi, which is considered one of the three most famous types of Japanese paper, along with Echizen washi and Tosa washi. Washi is made from fibers taken from the bark of trees, and the process involves many careful steps.
Students enjoyed making the paper and were able to take their handmade washi home.
After that, we visited Ochobo Inari Shrine, a popular local shrine known for bringing good luck in business. The approach to the shrine is lined with small shops and food stalls, giving it a lively and traditional atmosphere. Visitors often offer fried tofu (aburaage), which is said to be a favorite of the fox spirits associated with Inari shrines.
Iga Ueno (July 4, 2025)
Iga Ueno is known for its ninja history and a traditional craft called Iga kumihimo (silk braiding). During our visit, we experienced both.
First, we tried making Iga kumihimo. Making braided keychains and bracelets was more fun than we expected, and everyone enjoyed creating their own.
Next, we visited the Ninja Mansion, where we saw hidden doors, trick rooms, and displays of ninja tools.
We also watched a ninja show, where performers demonstrated skills such as shuriken throwing. Some students had the chance to try it themselves.
First, we tried making Iga kumihimo. Making braided keychains and bracelets was more fun than we expected, and everyone enjoyed creating their own.
Next, we visited the Ninja Mansion, where we saw hidden doors, trick rooms, and displays of ninja tools.
We also watched a ninja show, where performers demonstrated skills such as shuriken throwing. Some students had the chance to try it themselves.
Shirakawa-go Village（June 20, 2025）
We visited Shirakawa-go, along with many other tourists who were eager to experience this breathtaking village. No matter how many times we visit, we are always amazed by the beauty of Shirakawa-go.
We visited the Kanda House, where we learned about the unique construction of the gassho-zukuri houses. Did you know that these houses are built without nails? They have stood for hundreds of years thanks to a complex system of interlocking beams and timbers.
Inside the house, we could smell the wood smoke from the irori hearths. This smoke helps to keep the houses warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and it also has an antiseptic effect.
The villagers of Shirakawa-go have a system called yui, where they exchange favors and help each other maintain their beautiful houses. This system of mutual cooperation has been essential to the preservation of this unique village.
We visited the Kanda House, where we learned about the unique construction of the gassho-zukuri houses. Did you know that these houses are built without nails? They have stood for hundreds of years thanks to a complex system of interlocking beams and timbers.
Inside the house, we could smell the wood smoke from the irori hearths. This smoke helps to keep the houses warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and it also has an antiseptic effect.
The villagers of Shirakawa-go have a system called yui, where they exchange favors and help each other maintain their beautiful houses. This system of mutual cooperation has been essential to the preservation of this unique village.
Izu & Mt. Fuji Area Overnight Excursion (June 6-7, 2025)
For our overnight excursion, we visited Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small village near Lake Saiko at the base of Mount Fuji. Surrounded by traditional thatched-roof houses, it offered a glimpse into old Japanese village life.
We stayed at a traditional Japanese inn with a beautiful garden and hot springs, and enjoyed authentic Japanese cuisine served on tatami mats.
On the second day, we headed to Hakone, where we explored well-known sites such as Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Sekisho.
We stayed at a traditional Japanese inn with a beautiful garden and hot springs, and enjoyed authentic Japanese cuisine served on tatami mats.
On the second day, we headed to Hakone, where we explored well-known sites such as Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Sekisho.
Hikone Castle(National Treasure)（May 16, 2025）
Hikone Castle is one of the five castles in Japan designated as National Treasures. We visited the interior of the castle, including its original keep, and explored the surrounding castle town.
Built in the early Edo period, the castle has been well preserved, offering a clear view of traditional architecture and defensive design.
Afterward, we traveled to Nagahama City, where students visited Kurokabe Square, a popular area with preserved traditional buildings, explored the Figure Museum, and enjoyed some time shopping.
Built in the early Edo period, the castle has been well preserved, offering a clear view of traditional architecture and defensive design.
Afterward, we traveled to Nagahama City, where students visited Kurokabe Square, a popular area with preserved traditional buildings, explored the Figure Museum, and enjoyed some time shopping.
Tea Picking Experience (April 25, 2025)
Tea picking is held four times a year in Makinohara, from April to December. This time, we had the amazing opportunity to pick the first tea of the year, called ichibancha, which is the finest and most expensive tea. The leaves were a radiant green color, and it was a joy to harvest them.
In the factory, we learned about the history of Makinohara, a region famous for its tea. A tour guide showed us the tea-making process, and we enjoyed the aromatic smell of roasted tea.
We also visited the tea museum, a beautiful place where you can learn about tea history and teas from around the world. There is even a Japanese garden and a tea ceremony house where you can learn the tea ceremony. It was an unforgettable experience!
In the factory, we learned about the history of Makinohara, a region famous for its tea. A tour guide showed us the tea-making process, and we enjoyed the aromatic smell of roasted tea.
We also visited the tea museum, a beautiful place where you can learn about tea history and teas from around the world. There is even a Japanese garden and a tea ceremony house where you can learn the tea ceremony. It was an unforgettable experience!
Meiji-Mura（April 11, 2025）
For our first excursion of the semester, we visited Meiji Mura, an open-air museum in Inuyama, Aichi. The museum preserves historic buildings from the Meiji period, offering a glimpse into Japan’s architecture, culture, and daily life during a time of rapid modernization.
The Meiji period (1868–1912) marked Japan’s shift from a feudal society to a modern nation, strongly influenced by the West.
We spent the day exploring the grounds and collecting stamps along the way.
The Meiji period (1868–1912) marked Japan’s shift from a feudal society to a modern nation, strongly influenced by the West.
We spent the day exploring the grounds and collecting stamps along the way.
