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  7. Special viewing of Otsu-e Dance and a visit to the old post town [Otsu Hyakumachi Hizakurige Tour] (Groups only)
Product #528490
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Performers in traditional kimonos and masks showcase the unique Otsu-e dance within a classic Japanese architectural setting, reflecting Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Otsu-e dancers in elegant kimonos and masks perform a traditional Japanese dance with a garden backdrop, showcasing the unique artistic charm and cultural ambiance of Otsu.
Inside an Otsu-e museum or traditional shop, displaying various classic Otsu-e folk paintings and historical artifacts, capturing the artistic essence of the old post town.
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Special viewing of Otsu-e Dance and a visit to the old post town [Otsu Hyakumachi Hizakurige Tour] (Groups only)

Japan-Shiga , Otsu
Duration:1 day(s)
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • Watch the Otsu-e Dance, which can now only be seen on special occasions

  • Tour the 100 towns of Otsu, the leading post town on the Tokaido, with a guide

  • Visit an art museum and long-established store to experience the charm of Otsu-e painting

  • Enjoy the unique "Medicinal Vegetarian Bento" that recreates the theme of Otsu-e paintings

  • Special tour available on Saturdays only, for groups of 5 or more people

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

● See the "Otsu-e Dance," which can now only be seen on special occasions.Otsu-e Dance, once performed by geisha in the entertainment district of Otsu, is now only performed on limited, special occasions.On this tour, you will have the opportunity to experience this precious dance up close as part of a special viewing experience.
The sight of the performers changing masks based on the themes of Otsu-e paintings while dancing is a spectacular performance that gives a sense of the depth of traditional performing arts.
● Tour Otsu Hyakumachi, the leading post town on the Tokaido, with a guide. A local guide will show you the townscape of Otsu Hyakumachi, a post town on the Tokaido that flourished during the Edo period, sharing history and anecdotes. Enjoy a tasteful stroll through the town from a local perspective, visiting Nakamachi Shopping Street and streets that still retain the atmosphere of the old town name.
● Experience the charm of Otsu-e at the museum and visit the existing "Otsu-e shop." At the Otsu-e Museum, located in the grounds of Enman-in Temple, you can appreciate the diverse world of Otsu-e that has been passed down through the ages. Also, of the many "Otsu-e shops" that once existed along the Tokaido, only one remains, continuing to produce and sell Otsu-e, allowing you to actually see and touch the Otsu-e that are still being painted by artisans. ---
● Enjoy the unique "Medicinal Vegetarian Lunch Box" that recreates the themes of Otsu-e paintings For lunch, we offer a visually appealing medicinal vegetable lunch box that features the characters from Otsu-e paintings.
This is a dining experience that can only be enjoyed here, featuring dishes made with healthy ingredients.
● Special tour available only on Saturdays and for groups of 5 or more This tour is a request-based plan that is only available to groups of 5 or more. It is only available on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. You can enjoy a special cultural experience with friends or in a group.

Purchase Notice


This is a private guided tour for groups of 5 or more people, limited to one per day.
This tour is only held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month (no tours on weekdays).
This tour is by request only. After you apply, we will contact you by email within 3 business days to let you know whether or not the tour will be held.
Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your desired date.
The meeting and disbanding location is usually JR Otsu Station, but this can be adjusted to suit the group's needs. If you have a preference, please let us know when you apply.
Some parts of the itinerary (such as facilities visited and meal contents) may be subject to change depending on the situation on the day and the convenience of the facilities.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes on the day.
The tour will be held rain or shine (however, it may be cancelled in the event of severe weather or a natural disaster). If the tour is cancelled, you will be notified by the day before.

Reminders

  • After your reservation is confirmed, if the tour is confirmed to take place, we will send you final information (including the meeting place and contact details on the day) by email by the day before.

  • The general meeting point is in front of the north exit of JR Otsu Station (reception begins at 9:20).

  • *We can also discuss meeting and disbanding locations depending on your group's circumstances (please contact us in advance).

  • Meals are "medicinal vegetarian bento" lunches. We cannot accommodate allergies or individual dietary needs.

  • The event will be held rain or shine. If the event is cancelled due to bad weather or a natural disaster, the representative will be notified by the day before.

  • If you are unsure about your health on the morning of the event, please do not push yourself and contact the secretariat.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
  • For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
  • For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. What is Otsu-e painting, and what is the significance of the Otsu-e Dance?

Otsu-e is a unique folk art from Otsu-juku, a former post town on the Tokaido highway, historically popular among travelers. These vibrant paintings often depict Buddhist deities or secular themes with a touch of humor. The Otsu-e Dance is a traditional performing art that brings these characters and stories to life, reflecting the cultural heritage and storytelling tradition of Otsu. It's now a rarely seen performance, making its viewing a special cultural experience.

2. What unique cultural insights can a local guide provide during the Otsu Hyakumachi exploration?

A local guide on the Otsu Hyakumachi tour offers deep insights into the history and culture of Otsu, once a bustling post town. They can illuminate the significance of Otsu-juku on the Tokaido Highway, share stories behind long-established shops, and explain the historical context of various sites. This guided approach provides a richer understanding of Otsu's heritage than exploring independently, connecting you to the local traditions and past.

3. What makes the Otsu-e Dance a special viewing experience on this tour?

The Otsu-e Dance on this tour offers a truly special viewing experience because it is a traditional performing art that can now only be seen on rare, special occasions. This unique opportunity allows visitors to witness a vibrant piece of Otsu's cultural heritage brought to life, showcasing the artistry and storytelling inherent in the Otsu-e tradition, which was once a beloved local specialty.

4. What specific historical sites and long-established shops are visited in the Otsu Old Post Town?

During the guided tour of the Otsu Old Post Town, visitors explore various historical sites that highlight its past as a prominent Tokaido post town. The tour also includes visits to long-established shops in the shopping district that have preserved traditional crafts and goods. Additionally, an Otsu-e Museum and dedicated Otsu-e shops are part of the itinerary, allowing for a deeper appreciation of this local art form.

5. What are the group size requirements and specific reservation conditions for the Otsu Hyakumachi Hizakurige Tour?

This special Otsu-e Dance and Old Post Town tour is designed for groups, requiring a minimum of five people for participation. It operates as a private guided tour, meaning your group will have dedicated guidance throughout the experience. You can arrange your booking conveniently through KKday, which facilitates access to such unique cultural group experiences and simplifies the reservation process.

6. What kind of unique culinary experience is included in the Otsu-e cultural tour?

The Otsu-e cultural tour includes a unique culinary experience: the "Medicinal Vegetarian Bento." This special bento box is thoughtfully designed to recreate themes found in Otsu-e paintings, offering a creative and artistic dining experience. It's a plant-based meal that reflects local culinary traditions and complements the artistic and historical immersion of the tour, adding another layer to the cultural journey.

7. Besides the dance, how can visitors further engage with Otsu-e painting during the tour?

Beyond watching the Otsu-e Dance, visitors on this tour can further engage with Otsu-e painting by visiting both the Otsu-e Museum and various long-established Otsu-e shops. These locations offer opportunities to explore the art form's history, view a wide range of paintings, and understand how its charm continues to be conveyed today. This provides a comprehensive understanding of Otsu-e from its origins to its contemporary presence.

8. On which day of the week is the special Otsu-e Dance and Old Post Town group tour available?

The special Otsu-e Dance and Old Post Town group tour is exclusively available on Saturdays. This specific scheduling allows for the unique components of the tour, such as the special viewing of the Otsu-e Dance, to be offered. Groups planning to experience this historical and cultural journey should ensure their visit aligns with the Saturday availability.

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