Step into the world of Nihon-buyo!

Step into the world of Nihon-buyo, a classical Japanese dance tradition rooted in centuries of theatrical performance. You'll watch a live performance, dress in a simple kimono, and learn basic movements under guidance from an experienced instructor. The tour continues to a local miso brewery for a guided visit and traditional lunch, concluding with an introduction to Yayoi Kusama's legacy at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art.

 

The Art of Nihon-buyo

Nihon-buyo developed from the dance forms of kabuki and noh theater, blending refined gestures with expressive storytelling. Every movement carries meaning, from the angle of a fan to the placement of a foot. Dancers train for years to master the subtle shifts in posture and timing that define the art. While rooted in historical performance, Nihon-buyo continues to evolve, maintaining relevance as both a traditional practice and a living art form.

The experience begins with a short performance by a trained dancer. Watching first allows you to understand the precision and grace involved before attempting the movements yourself. The dancer demonstrates how each gesture connects to the music and narrative, offering context that deepens your appreciation of what follows.

 

Your Dance Experience

Before you begin moving, you'll be dressed in a simple kimono. This isn't a formal fitting but a practical step that helps you understand how the garment influences posture and movement. The fabric's weight and the way it restricts certain motions become part of the learning process, grounding you in the physical reality of the dance.

Once dressed, the instructor guides you through basic movements. You'll practice walking with controlled steps, holding a fan, and coordinating gestures with traditional music. The session moves at a gentle pace, focusing on a few foundational techniques rather than overwhelming you with complexity. By the end, you'll have a tangible sense of what Nihon-buyo requires and why it commands such respect as a discipline.

 

Miso Tradition and Modern Art

After the dance experience, the tour shifts to Matsumoto's culinary landscape. You'll visit a local miso brewery that has been producing fermented soybean paste using traditional methods for generations. The guide explains the fermentation process, the role of koji mold, and how seasonal temperature shifts affect flavor development. The brewery's wooden vats, some decades old, hold layers of aging miso that darken and deepen over time.

Lunch follows at the brewery, featuring dishes that showcase miso's versatility. The meal typically includes miso soup made with the brewery's product, seasonal vegetables, rice, and pickles. It's a straightforward but satisfying reflection of Matsumoto's food culture, where fermented ingredients play a central role in everyday meals.

The tour concludes with a brief introduction to the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, home to a significant collection of works by Yayoi Kusama, one of Japan's most internationally recognized contemporary artists. Born in Matsumoto in 1929, Kusama's bold use of polka dots, infinity rooms, and surreal imagery has influenced generations of artists worldwide. Your guide provides context about her life, her connection to the city, and the museum's collection. While the tour doesn't include a full museum visit, you'll have the option to explore on your own afterward if time and interest allow (the museum is closed on Monday and some Tuesdays).

 

Additional Information

 

Pick-up: Begin your tour at Matsumoto Station. Your guide will pick you up at 10:00am for a short 20-30min walk.

Allergies: Please let us know if you have any food allergies or restrictions when booking

Type: Group tour (Private Tour Option available)

Important Information:

• You'll wear a simple practice kimono during the dance experience, not a formal kimono with full accessories
• The miso lunch set features tonjiru, a hearty miso-based soup with pork. If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know when booking
• The tour concludes at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art with an introduction to Yayoi Kusama. Museum entry and interior tours are not included
• Museum opening hours are subject to change without notice. Visitors may explore the museum independently after the tour

The tour itinerary includes the following visits:

• Walk from Matsumoto Station to the experience venue / 30 minutes
• Traditional “Nihon-buyo” Dance Performance / 10 minutes
• Simple Kimono Dressing / 5 minutes
• Traditional “Nihon-buyo” Dance Experience / 45 minutes
• Miso Brewery Tour / 30 minutes
• Miso Brewery Lunch / 45 minutes
• Introduction to the Matsumoto City Museum of Art (permanent Yayoi Kusama collection) / 15 minutes

Please note that the above times are estimates and that the tour may end earlier or later

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts time (local time). No refunds will be given after that time period.

Terms & Conditions: Please see our Terms & Conditions