Kumihimo is a traditional craft that has developed uniquely in Japan in the 1500 years since it was introduced from the continent. A variety of colours and patterns can be expressed in a single line of cord.

Tousenkyo is an elegant and amusing game popular in the Edo period that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages and genders.

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The fan-shaped target is called a 'butterfly' and the base on which the target is placed is called a 'pillow'. The point is determined by the position of the fan when it is thrown and falls. The names of the layouts are based on proper names from the classic novel "The Tale of Genji".

The sounds of koto and shakuhachi in the Japanese spring are special.

"Spring Sea"

"Koto Koryu Shakuhachi Honkyoku"

"Sakura Sakura"

"Oboro Tsukiyo (Oboro Moonlit Night)"

"Kaze no Torimichi"

Koto player Mika Tanaka

Shakuhachi player Yoshitaka Sato

"MISOSHIRU" (Miso soup) is a traditional Japanese food. "SHO" (Japanese caligraphy) is the ancient Japanese art of writing with charcoal ink and brush. This is an original art programme that no Japanese has yet experienced by combining these two.

Tsuruse is a charming Japanese confectionery and dessert shop located in Yushima area. Specializing in traditional Japanese sweets, Tsuruse always offers a delightful "WAGASHI" (Japanese confectionery). This time you will have the special experience of roasting and eating their dumplings yourself at hearth.

This is an obi tying experience programme offered by "Kimono Ikenohata Fujii", a long-established shop in Ikenohata Nakacho. The programme uses belts called "hanhaba obi" or "kaku obi". You will learn how to tie easy-to-wear knots and tips on how to tie the most major and stylish knots.

We will bring old photos, old drawings and old maps of the Ueno area and invite local elders and researchers as guests to learn about the history of the neighbourhood.

The programme will be conducted mainly in Japanese and will be held in a casual format, with participants free to jump in and join in.