Traditional Japanese culture! Experience wearing a yukata and try ikebana, flower arrangement! Get a taste of the “Spirit of Japan” at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku!

Enjoy the atmosphere of traditional Japan with a yukata

Yukata is the essence of traditional Japanese summer fashion. Yukata, cotton kimono, have been worn in Japan for over 1,000 years, and are often worn today during summer festivals and firework shows. Many new cute yukata designs have come out recently, making them super popular even among younger generations sensitive to the latest fashion trends! Yukata have also become popular among foreign travelers for the yukata’s blend of traditional beauty and modern style.

Experience yukata in the center of Tokyo in Shinjuku!

This casual yukata experience can happen at the Keio Plaza Hotel with the “Easy Kimono (Yukata) Experience” plan. Here you will not only be lent the set of yukata clothing, but the staff will also help you put it on properly, set your hair, and take a commemorative snap shot for you. The set also comes with traditional geta (wooden clogs), kanzashi (hair pins), and a kinchaku (money pouch) making for quite the deal!

Of course, you’re allowed to go out and wander around the city freely once you’re all dressed up! The Keio Plaza Hotel is located in Shinjuku right in the center of Tokyo, so you can walk around the skyscraper district of Shinjuku, or hop on a train and head to some other popular sightseeing spots around the city! Just by putting on the yukata, you’ll find a whole new way to enjoy Tokyo. Time: 10:00 – 16:00 *Please return the rental yukata by 18:00 on the same day *Allow 30 – 40 minutes to get dressed up in the yukata *Available only on weekdays Cost: Standard Plan - 5,400 yen/person Premium Plan - 7,000 yen/person Check here for more details https://www.keioplaza.com/japanculture/index.html#culture

Get a taste of Japanese beauty with ikebana, flower arrangement!

Since you got all dressed up in a yukata, why not try and get a hands-on experience with Japanese culture? Once every two weeks at the Keio Plaza Hotel (every other Thursday), trial classes in ikebana are offered by one of the most prominent artists in Japan, Hiroki Maeno.

Ikebana (translated as “living flowers”) is one of Japan’s proudest traditions which is comprised of arranging different flowers and plants together and bringing them to “life.” This elegant and exquisite art is popular all around the world. Ikebana is appreciated for its profound depth, which is not merely about the flowers themselves, but the vitality that is created by the harmony made with the flowers’ surrounding environment. This is not an easy experience to come by, so why not take advantage of the opportunity and give it a try?

Time: 16:30 – 17:15 *2nd and 4th Thursday every month Price: 3,000 yen/person Location: South Tower 9F/Family Parlor

Magnificent ikebana art! Be overwhelmed by its power and beauty!

A large-scale ikebana exhibit is on display from March 31 to April 15 in the main lobby on the 3F of the Keio Plaza Hotel designed by the famous Hiroki Maeno, who also acts as the teacher in the “Ikebana Experience” workshop. Over 200 branches of sakura (cherry blossoms) from various regions all around Japan are used in the display! Master Hiroki Maeno spent over 5 hours putting his heart and soul in creating this single display.

*Last year’s display This overwhelming ikebana display measures around 5 meters tall and 2.7 meters in depth and width. This is one massive masterpiece that is bound to captivate the hearts of its viewers. By all means, come by and let yourself be swept away by its power and beauty! Check here for more details. https://www.keioplaza.com/japanculture/index.html#culture

*Last year’s display