Oct 5, 2025

Meiji Jingu Shrine is Shinto Shrine which is worshiped Meiji Emperor and Empress.

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine located in Harajuku, Tokyo. It is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. The shrine was completed and dedicated in 1920, eight years after Emperor Meiji's death and six years after the death of Empress Shoken. The shrine is situated in a large forested area covering over 70 hectares (around 170 acres). The forest consists of approximately 100,000 trees donated by people from all over Japan, making it a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Visitors enter through massive torii gates and walk along wide gravel paths surrounded by tall trees. The main shrine buildings are constructed in the traditional nagare-zukuri style and are a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors. Meiji Jingu is a significant site for traditional Japanese weddings, and many couples choose to hold Shinto ceremonies there. It also draws large crowds during hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year, with millions of visitors coming to pray for good fortune.

 

Sep 9, 2025

The Dedication of Martial Arts Demonstrations at Yasukuni Shrine

The Dedication of Martial Arts Demonstrations at Yasukuni Shrine is a solemn event in which masters and organizations of traditional Japanese martial arts—mainly Kobujutsu, old traditional martial arts.  We, as the Tamiyaryu Iaijutsu performed techniques before the shrine’s altar. These demonstrations are offered as a gesture of gratitude and remembrance for the spirits of the war dead enshrined there. Held mainly during the shrine’s major festivals in spring and autumn, as well as on special occasions, the performances include a variety of forms (kata) and match-style demonstrations. Participants include senior practitioners, masters of various martial arts schools, and martial arts organizations. Through the spirit of martial arts, they pay respectful tribute to the enshrined spirits in a deeply reverent atmosphere.

 

Aug 1, 2025

Maiko is an apprentice geisha in Kyoto.  She is typically a young woman who is training in traditional Japanese arts such as classical dance, music, singing, and tea ceremony.

Maiko are known for their elaborate kimono, wide obi sash, distinctive white makeup, and ornate hairpins.  They entertain guests at banquets and cultural events through performances and conversation.  After several years of training, a Maiko can become a fully-fledged Geisha, called a "Geiko" in Kyoto dialect.
July 13, 2025

A Sacred Journey Through the Heart of Modern Sake — Where History and Gastronomy Meet

Our sake tasting tour was featured on the 47Trip website. This site ranks hotels and Ryokan (Japanese inns) recommended by Japanese people. When it comes to local information, asking the locals is always the best way!

https://www.47trip.com/

Summer's here, and that means it's the perfect season for delicious sake! While bubbly, sparkling sake is a great choice, don't overlook the rich, higher-alcohol types either—they're fantastic on the rocks.

https://www.47trip.com/feature/ft55/#heading7
July 6, 2025

Asukayama Bon Dance, Kita-ku

Shibusawa‑kun is the cheerful mascot created to promote the Eiichi Shibusawa Project in Kita‑ku (Kita Ward), Tokyo. Named after the famous industrialist featured on the revamped ¥10,000 bill, Shibusawa‑kun plays an essential role in keeping the memory and legacy of Eiichi Shibusawa alive throughout the ward. 
He is attractive charactor, popular with children and adults. We enjoyed Bon Dancing with locals.
June 23, 2025

History of Tamiyaryu Iaido

Tamiyaryu is a traditional Japanese martial arts that focuses on Iaijutsu, the art of drawing and cutting with the Japanese sword in a single motion.  The school traces its origins to the late 16th century.  The founder of the style was Tamiya Heibei, a prominent swordsman and retainer of the Tokugawa clan.  Tamiyaryu empasizes grace, precision, and spiritual discipline, combining swift sword techniques with a composed mental state. 
May 21, 2025

Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement

Japanese Sword is extremely sharp and must be handled with great care.  To ensure safety, we ask the customers to refrain from touching the blade and always treat the sword with the respect it deserves. 

Before starting The Sword-Cutting Experience, we kindly ask all participants to sign a pleadge acknowledging our rules and guidelines to ensure everyone's peace of mind.  
May 4 , 2025

Tsukiji Fish market is still full of joy for cuisine

In Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu established the old Fish market for the ordinary people in Nihonbashi. Because of the Big earthquake in Taisho period, the fish market in Nihonbashi was destroyed.  Fish market moved to Tsukiji.  Now there was no Inner market in Tsukiji.  Inner market moved to Toyosu in 2018.  We can still enjoy various kinds of food in Tsukiji outer market.
Apr 18 , 2025

Inuyama Castle in Aichi prefecture
Japanese Castle, Yamajiro

Inuyama castle was built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu of Owari domain.  Inuyama castle was built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu of Owari domain. Famous warrior such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi owned this castle in the period of civil war.  Yamajiro, the castle on the mountain could be besieged during the battle.  To protect the Shogun and his families, it was important to build the castle on the higher place.
Apr 2, 2025

Sake Tasting at the Red Brick Brewery at Oji station, Kita-ku

We will visit the Red Brick Vrewery, officially named the "Former Brewing Research Institute First Plant" which is factory researching sake and was built 120 years ago. We learn how to brew Sake, process from the rice to Sake, complicated procedure by Toji, Sake Brewer.  We tasted 5 different types of Sake.  The customer bought HIEI, most popular Sake which is brewed in Kita-ku.
Mar 30, 2025

Sakura Cherry Blossom viewing with Sake Tasting & Bento box

Although it was cold and rainy, we walked through less crowded, cherry blossom covered Asukayama park, enjoyed Hanami with guests from Holand and French who live in Tokyo.  They was impressed Five different taste Sake in the Red Brick Brewery, officially named the "Former Brewing Research Institute First Plant" which is factory researching Sake and was built 120 years ago.  They learnt How to brew Sake and enjoyed Sake tasting. At the end, we entered exclusive area at Otonashi Shinsui Park near riverside, took lots of pictures at the light up cherry blossom sites.  We entered the warmer place and enjoyed another Sake and Bento box with this group.  We spent such a wonderful time with Sake and fruitful conversation.
Mar, 22, 2025

Gotokuji Temple with Lucky Cat

Gotokuji Temple is the family temple of one of the Daimyo in Edo period. One day, the Samurai went to the falconry and took a rest near by temple.  The cat waved to him, then he followed the cat. Suddenly it was rain and lightening.  The samurai realized how lucky he was since he was safe and escaped from the lightening. Due to the waving cat, he was saved. He decided to support the temple.  Lucky cat gives us safety of family, business prosperity.
Mar, 17, 2025

Private Samurai tour at Nakameguro

Gisenkai, the member of Tamiya-ryu Iaijyutsu is a traditional sword school which founded more than 400 years ago.  The master, Sensei has been teaching us for many years such as Batto(how to use Japanese sword), Kirigeiko(cutting Tatamiomote), Tea ceremony, Morishigeryu Hojutsu, Shigin(Waka singing).  All these traditional Japanese arts are deeply influenced by the Bushido, the way of Samurai.  
Bushido is the ethical code of conduct for Samurai, highly values honor. It integrates Shinto elements such as purit, the Zen principle which everything is ephemeral and the Confucian value of loyalty.
Mar, 11, 2025

Noto Peninsula reconstruction support

We　had　Noto　Peninsula　Big　earthquake　in　Jan　1,　2024.　　Although　more　than　1 year past, the construction hasn't been done in every cities in Noto Peninsula.  Omakase would like to support to recover the tourism.  We will create the original tour including Wadaiko experience, woodworking, Sake brewry, laqurerware, Gold Leaf craft at several cities such as Wajima, Anamizu, Wakura, Kanazawa.  
Jan 28, 2025

We are guides in Kansai area!

We have been having learning sessions regulaly in Kyoto and Tokyo.  Before starting the busy season in spring, we visited several potential sites in Kyoto, Hyogo prefecture.  This is Zen garden at the hidden gem in the temple of Kyoto.
Jan 4, 2025

Walking in the Shinjuku Gyoen Park with Kimono! 

We go to the shrines to pray for the good luck, happiness and health for the New Year at the beginning of January.  We usually wear the traditional Kimono or formal clothes to attend the New Year's celebration.  Why don't you try the Japanese custom and walk in the park! 
Jan 1, 2025

A Happy New Year from OMAKASE

How did you spend your New Year's Day? We have already started working on our next tour. We hope that we will be able to convey to international visitors the charms of Japan that are not only tourist attractions.

For example, in February, "Setsubun" is an event to drive away bad things so that we can spend the year in good health. At shrines and temples people throw beans while saying “ Devils out! Foretunes in!"

Why don't you join us for this fun event?
Dec 31, 2024

Japanese New Year Eve's event

The New Year's Eve event was a success, welcoming 53 guests from all over the world!

It was a very rare experience to visit a shrine and to hear the story at night. We hope everyone enjoyed the mysterious and solemn atmosphere. After visiting 3 shrines, we had a Sake party at Izakaya.

We are committed to not only providing sightseeing, but also to share with international visitors the Japanese culture and traditions that lie behind the scenes. We will hold this kind of event in cooperation with the local people, so if you ever come to Japan, please join us!
Dec 20, 2024

Tsukiji Fish Market is full of the tresure,  variety of Japanese cuisine

Inner market was moved to Toyosu, however, Outer Market in Tsukiji is still lively, full of delicious Sushi, Wagyu beaf, Strawberry Daifuku and lots of foods.  We can't walk through any stalls because of smokey, nice smell. Please join our tour in Tokyo!
Nov 29, 2024

Celebrate Unique Japanese New Year Tradition Culture Festivity

Are you looking for an unforgettable way to celebrate New Year in Japan? While many places close for the holiday, join a vibrant local tradition that brings history and folklore to life in Tokyo's Oji district, guided by a knowledgeable Japanese host.

Book Now on Viator!

https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Celebrate-Unique-Japanese-New-Year-Tradition-Culture-Festivity/d334-5526188P3

Looking forward to "KANPAI" toasting with you in Japan!
Nov 13, 2024

We are the Guides!

In celebration of the establishment of OMAKASE, we invited our wonderful guides for a lunch meeting. After this, we will participate in a Sake course for guide interpreters.

After a toast with wine, we have sake!
Oct 31, 2024

Hi! We are OMAKASE!

We are pleased to announce the establishment of OMAKASE LLC!

We are filled with joy and excitement for the future. With dreams and hopes for further growth, we are ready to take on new challenges. We look forward to your continued support and encouragement.

Looking forward to seeing you in Japan!

Miyuki & Koichi & Hitomi