Japanese Dance Cultural Experience｜日本舞踊 文化体験
For those travelling in Japan. Wear a yukata, and learn the movements of Japanese classical dance from the head of a school founded in Yokohama in 1859. Sixty minutes, in a real practice room.
日本にご旅行中の方へ。浴衣を着て、日本舞踊のお稽古を60分。1859年創流の流派の家元が、実際の稽古場で直接お教えします。
About this experience
Nanaougi-ryu is a school of Japanese classical dance founded in Yokohama in 1859 — the same year the port opened to the world. For over 160 years, this dance has been passed from teacher to student in this city.
This is not a costume rental or a photo studio. You will be taught in our practice room, by the fifth-generation headmaster, in the same way our own students are taught.
What is included
- Yukata — provided, with help putting it on. Come as you are.
- A private lesson — posture, walking, the fan, and the opening of a classical piece
- A practice video — after your visit, we send you a private video of the full piece you began learning, so you can continue at home
You are welcome to take photographs and video with your own camera or phone.
The piece you will learn
You will begin learning Sakura Sakura — one of the best known melodies in Japan, played on the koto and sung of cherry blossoms in spring.
Sixty minutes is not long enough to finish a dance. So after your visit, we send you a private video of the complete piece. You can keep practising at home, in your own time, and finish what you started here.
The 60 minutes
| 15 min | Putting on the yukata |
|---|---|
| 5 min | Greeting and the etiquette of the practice room |
| 30 min | Lesson — posture, walking, the fan, and the dance |
| 10 min | Photographs and closing |
Details
| Duration | 60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥10,000 per person (tax included) |
| Group size | 1 to 4 people (for 5 or more, please ask) |
| Location | Minami-ku, Yokohama — 1 minute from Yoshinocho Station |
| Access | About 10 minutes from Yokohama Station (Municipal Subway Blue Line) |
| Language | The lesson is given in Japanese, with explanation in simple English |
| Instructor | Kazuo Nanaougi, 5th Generation Headmaster |
| Payment | By credit card, in advance |
How to book
Our practice room is used by our regular students, and available times vary from week to week. Please give us three possible dates and times, and we will do our best to find one that works.
We recommend contacting us as early as possible — ideally more than one week before your preferred date.
- Send us your request using the form below, with three possible dates and times
- We will reply to confirm which time is available, with a payment link
- Your booking is confirmed once payment is complete
Cancellation
- 3 or more days before: full refund
- 2 days to 1 day before: 50% refund
- On the day: no refund
- If we must cancel: full refund
If your plans change because of weather or transport, please contact us. We will do our best to help.
Questions
Do I need any experience?
None at all. Almost everyone who comes to us has never danced before.
What should I wear?
Anything comfortable. We provide the yukata and tabi socks.
Can children join?
Yes. Parents and children are welcome to take the lesson together.
Can men join?
Yes. Japanese classical dance has always included dances performed by men, and both the current and previous headmasters of our school are men.
Is this the same as your trial lesson?
No. Our trial lesson (45 min, ¥1,000) is for people living in Japan who are considering joining the school as students. This cultural experience is a single visit, for those travelling in Japan.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, please do. Bring your camera or phone, and we will be glad to take pictures for you.
Booking form
Please tell us three possible dates and times. We will reply within 24 hours to confirm which one is available, and send a payment link. Your booking is confirmed once payment is complete.
日本にお住まいで、日本舞踊を習うことをご検討中の方は、体験レッスン（45分・1,000円）をご覧ください。
If you live in Japan and are considering regular lessons, please see our trial lesson (45 min, ¥1,000).