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Free Cultural Programs in Harajuku

Foreigner-friendly experiences in central Tokyo

The Arts Council Tokyo, whose one of the aim is to introduce traditional Japanese culture to participants, will host a weekend of cultural programs aimed at foreign visitors to the country. The programs, all of which come at no cost to participants, offer a fantastic opportunity to experience various aspects of Japanese culture, from yuzen cloth (which is made of Kimono) painting to hand-lettering calligraphy on Edo-style paper lanterns..

The programs will be offered daily from Friday, March 18th to Monday, March 21st at the Moshi Moshi Gallery on the 2nd floor of the Moshi Moshi Box, a visitors' center in Tokyo's Harajuku neighborhood. Programs will be offered from 12:00pm to 5:30pm. The following crafts and experiences are available:

Freehand Yuzen coloring

Try your hand at yuzen-style painting, which involves stenciling designs onto a piece of cloth and applying pigment to fill them in. Participants will make their own decorated handkerchief, which they can take home at the end of the experience.

Date: Friday, March 18th and Saturday, March 19th

Time Involved: 30 minutes

How to book: application start on the website at 3:00pm on Monday, March 7th

Places Available: 30. If the number of reservations do not reach the maximum capacity, the places will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis (12:00 - 17:00).

*Supported by the Tokyo Kogei Senshoku Cooperative Association.

Edo-style hand-painted paper lanterns

Practice your calligraphy skills on the delicate paper of a traditional Edo-style lantern. Participants will pencil in characters of their choice onto the lantern's body before applying the ink. Once dry, lanterns can be taken home at the end of the program.

Date: Saturday, March 19th

Time Involved: about 60 minutes

How to book: application start on the website at 3:00pm on Monday, March 7th

Places Available: 30. If the number of reservations do not reach the maximum capacity, the places will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis (12:00 - 16:30).

*Supported by the Tokyo Paper Lantern Manufacturing Guild

Kimono dressing

Dress to impress in a beautiful Japanese kimono, learning the many layers of the traditional outfit and the occasions on which kimono are usually worn. You can also enjoy walking around Harajuku streets wearing them.

Date: Sunday, March 20th and Monday, March 21st

Time Involved: 90 minutes (30 minutes: dressing in kimono + 60 minutes: enjoying and walking)

How to book: application start on the website at 3:00pm on Monday, March 7th

Places Available: 30. If the number of reservations do not reach the maximum capacity, the places will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis (12:00 - 16:00).

*Supported by the Cultural Foundation for Promoting the National Costume of Japan

All of the cultural experiences will be offered in English.

Organized by Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture). Supported by and in co-operation with Tokyo Metropolitan Government

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Ouch regret I didn`t know about these free things. Especially the kimono dressing T.T
Victoria Vlisides 8 years ago
Looks like fun! I want to try a kimono
Amanda Ho 8 years ago
Wow, always wanted to have one of those red lanterns with ramen or sushi etc. Maybe can try this!
Anonymous
Anonymous 8 years ago
Wow, that's a great opportunity and seeing as its free makes me want to sign up! Always wanted to try wearing a kimono.

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