
The tea ceremony, the epitome of Japanese culture, is a comprehensive art form that brings together Japan’s centuries-old aesthetics: the concept of Zen, hospitality, architecture, pottery, calligraphy, painting and incense to name just a few. It is probably not an exaggeration to say that experiencing a tea ceremony may give you a glimpse into the essence of Japan.
TOKI curates and enables visitors to gain access to Japan’s best-kept secrets, offering bespoke travel plans to explore the very best the country has to offer – from their divine cultural heritages to unique high-end experiences
#japan #discoverjapan #japan_vacations
#japanlife #instagramjapan #instajapan
#explorejapan #travelgram #instatravel
#visitjapan #unknownjapan #japanadventure
#zenplace #japantrip

Japanese confectionery often resembles natural gems. Among them, Wasanbon, adorned with patterns reflecting the ever-changing seasons, emerges from premium sugarcane and is treasured in the tea ceremony. Its fine grains, unique velvety texture, and exquisite appearance encapsulate Japan's traditional aesthetic sensibilities and serve as a symbol of its cultural heritage.
#japan #discoverjapan #japan_vacations
#japanlife #instagramjapan #instajapan
#explorejapan #travelgram #instatravel
#visitjapan #unknownjapan #japanadventure
#zenplace #japantrip

The rough walls built during the Meiji era. The household shrine that has protected this house for over 100 years. Carefully crafted nails adorned with auspicious patterns. The cypress grown in the local mountains used for the valley house. The earth walls tinged with red. The pure white paper doors stretched tightly. The uniquely crafted wooden furniture. The cypress bath overlooking the courtyard. The blend of old and new designs. Each of these elements is the work of craftsmen who live in this land and take pride in their work.
A private moment here allows you to fully experience the warmth of the past and the knowledge of the present, living with the mountains and the wood, cherished by the people of this land.
#japan #discoverjapan #japan_vacations
#japanlife #instagramjapan #instajapan
#explorejapan #travelgram #instatravel
#visitjapan #unknownjapan #japanadventure
#zenplace #japantrip

The sunset in Japan is a fleeting poem of harmony, where the golden sky and the crimson sea weave together.
Moreover, the beauty of the sunset reflected on the water’s surface adds tranquility and depth. Like a mirror, the water captures the vibrant hues of the sky, creating a mesmerizing scene where reality and reflection blend. This dual display of nature’s grandeur invites observers into a serene world, blurring the boundaries between sky and earth, offering a moment of profound peace and reflection.
#japan #discoverjapan #japan_vacations
#japanlife #instagramjapan #instajapan
#explorejapan #travelgram #instatravel
#visitjapan #unknownjapan #japanadventure
#zenplace #japantrip #sunsetinjapan

The Sasayama region borders Tamba, an area which is known for its ceramics production and is recognized as one of the six oldest and main pottery centers in Japan. Fueled by high quality soil perfect for making clay, pottery created here is known as Tamba-yaki (丹波焼き), and many families in the region have been making ceramics for generations. In fact, driving through the area you will probably notice the noborigama (登り窯), a type of climbing kiln, that can often be seen on either side of the road.
#japan #discoverjapan #japan_vacations
#japanlife #instagramjapan #instajapan
#explorejapan #travelgram #instatravel
#visitjapan #unknownjapan #japanadventure
#zenplace #japantrip

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, transcends mere decoration to embody a profound philosophy and spiritual quest. It emphasizes maximizing the beauty of nature and celebrating the changing seasons. Ikebana represents harmony with nature through the thoughtful arrangement of flowers, branches, and leaves, offering moments of tranquility and introspection to those who behold it. The careful balance of color, shape, and line in the placement of plants symbolizes the fragility and beauty of life.
#japan #discoverjapan #japan_vacations
#japanlife #instagramjapan #instajapan
#explorejapan #travelgram #instatravel
#visitjapan #unknownjapan #japanadventure
#zenplace #japantrip

One of Western Japan's hidden wonders, the Sasayama and Tamba regions have a rich history in ceramics, and the beauty of the natural surroundings will add to the perfect countryside getaway.
Japanese pottery is a deeply attractive art form with a rich history and tradition spanning over a thousand years. This art focuses on reflecting the beauty of nature and capturing the changes of the four seasons in Japan. Potters shape clay and apply delicate glazes to create unique pieces. These works provide both practicality and aesthetic pleasure to those who use them.
#tokitokyo #japan #discoverjapan #japanlife
#instagramjapan #explorejapan #instajapan #pottery #ceramics #bestjapanpics #japantrip #japantrip #visitjapan #team_jp #ilovejapan #zenplace#japan_of_insta #japanart #zen

Japanese calligraphy, more than just the act of writing beautiful characters, is a special form of art that embodies its own philosophy, artistic essence, and cultural depth. In calligraphy, the use of brush and ink to represent Kanji and Kana on paper is not solely about the shape of the characters; it also encompasses the flow and rhythm created by the movement of the brush, as well as the space that is created.
Calligraphy holds a meditative significance, where each stroke of the brush reflects the emotional state and spirituality of the writer. This practice is also used as a method to cultivate concentration and spirituality, representing an art form that pursues both beauty and freedom of expression.
#tokitokyo #japan #discoverjapan #japanlife
#instagramjapan #explorejapan #instajapan #caligraphy #shodo #bestjapanpics #japantrip #japantrip #visitjapan #team_jp #ilovejapan #zenplace#japan_of_insta #japanart #zen

Hama-rikyu Gardens is perfect for quiet strolling, rich with wildlife, seasonal flowers, tidal ponds and an elegant tea house, surrounded by skyscrapers, offering a unique juxtaposition of natural tranquility and urban energy.
The garden paths lead you through a landscape of meticulously maintained pine trees and to the 300-year-old pine, a testament to the garden's enduring beauty. Adding to its charm, the Nakajima-no-Ochaya, a teahouse on an island, accessible via a charming bridge, allows you to experience a traditional tea ceremony with views of the pond and city skyline. Hama-rikyu is a cultural gem where history, nature, and modernity harmoniously intersect, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and cultural immersion.
#tokitokyo #japan #discoverjapan #japanlife
#instagramjapan #explorejapan #instajapan
#bestjapanpics #japantrip #japantrip #visitjapan #team_jp #ilovejapan #zenplace#japan_of_insta #japanart #zen

Japanese Ikebana (flower arrangement) is not just a decorative art form but a tradition rich in philosophical meaning. This art form emphasizes the beauty and harmony of nature, aiming to capture momentary beauty.
The fundamental principles of Ikebana are represented by three elements: 'Heaven (Shin),' 'Man (Nin),' and 'Earth (Ji).' Each symbolizes the order of the natural world and achieving balance within the arrangement is crucial. Additionally, expressing the sense of seasons is an essential aspect of Ikebana, with the choice of floral materials reflecting the current season.
Ikebana is not merely about mastering techniques; it also embodies a meditative aspect performed in tranquility.
#tokitokyo #japan #discoverjapan #japanlife
#instagramjapan #explorejapan #instajapan
#bestjapanpics #japantrip #japantrip #visitjapan #team_jp #ilovejapan #zenplace#japan_of_insta #japanart #zen #ikebana

Traditional Japanese tea rooms possess a deep diversity within their simplicity. For example, the use of natural materials such as earthen walls, bamboo, and plaster can differ significantly, reflecting the region or the personality of the tea house owner. Additionally, the changing seasonal views of the garden, and the flowers or hanging scrolls inside the tea room, offer new discoveries with each visit. Within the quiet beauty of traditional tea rooms, lies the rich diversity of Japanese culture and art.
#tokitokyo #japan #discoverjapan #japanlife
#instagramjapan #explorejapan #instajapan #bestjapanpics #japantrip #japantrip #visitjapan #team_jp #ilovejapan #zenplace#japan_of_insta #tearoom #zen

The "Hatsu-basho," a grand sumo tournament held at the beginning of the New Year, marks the start of the sumo year and is a significant event in the sumo world. During this period, sumo wrestlers often perform the ring-entering ceremony to pray for health and success in the new year, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the New Year. Furthermore, sumo is traditionally dedicated at many shrines during the New Year, rooted in Japan's religious and cultural customs since ancient times.
#tokitokyo #japan #discoverjapan #japanlife
#instagramjapan #explorejapan #instajapan
#bestjapanpics #japantrip #japantrip #visitjapan #team_jp #ilovejapan #zenplace#japan_of_insta #japanart #zen

Happy New Year everyone!
Japan is now celebrating the New Year. The Japanese New Year is an celebration marking the arrival of the new year, a splendid time to honor family bonds and wish for the coming year's prosperity. The start of the year is celebrated with enchanting shrine visits, traditional 'osechi' cuisine rich in cultural flavor, and warm family gatherings. This precious moment, when children receive 'otoshidama' as a token of blessings, becomes a time filled with fresh dreams and hopes, enriching the heart.
How are you spending the New Year?
I hope 2024 will be a wonderful year for you 🎍

Kabuki makeup in Japan is an essential part of the traditional theatrical form, used to express characters' personalities and roles through exaggerated styles. Actors cover their faces with white foundation and use bold red and black lines to enhance expressions, making them more visible to the audience. The makeup varies with character types, with heroic roles often in red and villains in blue or black.
#tokitokyo #japan #discoverjapan #japanlife
#instagramjapan #explorejapan #instajapan
#bestjapanpics #japantrip #japantrip #visitjapan #team_jp #ilovejapan #kabukimakeup #japan_of_insta #japanart #kabuki

Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese cuisine, originated in the Heian period (794-1159) with elaborate banquets at the imperial court. These banquets, similar to today's kaiseki, featured numerous dishes and were enjoyed over several hours. The format of a formal first half followed by a relaxed second half was established then and continues today. However, the original ornate style evolved into a simpler approach during the samurai era.
#tokitokyo #japan #discoverjapan #japanlife
#instagramjapan #explorejapan #instajapan
#bestjapanpics #japantrip #japantrip #visitjapan #team_jp #ilovejapan #zenplace#japan_of_insta #japanart #zen














