Hello redditors! Recently I am tasked by my boss to think of a cultural activity for a group of 8… and my extensive google search doesn’t help :/ We will go to the said cultural activity on a Friday night after 8pm.
I am looking for something cultural so we can understand the Japanese society. It can be touristy, but not just sightseeing. And according to my boss, “not something that carries 1000 years of history that has little relevance to today.”
We have ruled out Yasukuni Shrine because of its “political sensitivity”.
Can someone please help?
4 comments
May I ask
* where in Japan will you be?
* what is the budget like?
* what is the demographic like? Are you all fresh 22 year olds who joined the company this year who are interested in night life?
* any food/activity restrictions?
* are there places and topics people in your group are interested in?
* would they be happy with a cooking class or a dress up photo shoot?
Gifu cormorant fishing.
Since Yasukuni Shrine is mentioned – I assumed you mean central Tokyo activities.
I think most people will tell you go to the local (not touristy) arcade or izakaya for a drink, because that will allow for people watching and doing what an average salary person did pre-COVID. Ameya Yokocho in Ueno, Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji, Ebisu Yokocho or Yurakucho would work better than your usual suspects in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Gaming arcades are an option if the party is not too stuffy for them. Mori Art Museum and Observation Deck is technically an option in Tokyo. Otherwise jazz or other clubs in hip neighbourhoods (Koenji, Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji). Unless they are looking for ‘Lost In Translation’ experience, which would be weird.
Honestly, the request itself is semi weird and is like setting up you to fail and I can see this ending with a post in /r/antiwork.
PS Yasukuni Shrine closes at 6pm.
Apart from visiting temples on New Year’s Eve, the only thing I can think of that happens after 8pm and could vaguely be classified as a cultural activity is going to a festival. They mostly happen in summer, but they have them year round, and some of them even last all night. Depending on when you’re going, it’s possible there might not be any festivals happening at night, or you might have to travel.