Japanese Culture Experience
We have prepared a variety of activity programs where you can learn about and experience Japanese culture.
These activities are highly recommended for creating memorable moments during your trip, such as capturing your child’s experience on video or displaying the finished artwork at home.
Shinjuku’s Traditional Enjoyable Dyeing Experience
You will experience this activity while learning from the artisans of the “Shinjuku Ward Dyeing Association,” whose traditions have been passed down through generations.
We offer a different lineup each month, allowing you to take home a unique souvenir from your trip. Our Sarasa-dyed drawstring pouch, Yuzen-dyed handkerchief, and Katazome (stencil dye) tote bag all feature the Keio Plaza Hotel logo.
We hope this experience will be a delightful opportunity for everyone, from children to adults, to discover the charm of Shinjuku’s local traditional industries.
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| Time: | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last appointment at 4:30 p.m.) |
| Location: | Main Tower, 3F / Main Lobby |
| Price: | Varies depending on the experience *Premier Grand guests receive this for free |
| Duration: | About 30 minutes (Yuzen dyeing: about 1 hour) |
Special Sale of Local Products from Shinjuku
We will be holding a special sale of products from “Azalée”, a brand from Shinjuku created through a joint project between two of Shinjuku’s local industries, “Printing & Bookbinding” and “Dyeing”. Please come and see these beautiful products, which feature motifs such as the Shinjuku ward flower, the azalea, and traditional Shinjuku patterns.
Calico Dye
This pattern originated in India and is created by using multiple stencils to apply different colors in layers.
Unlike the single-color Edo Komon,
the multi-colored layers of stencils in Sarasa allow for intricate and complex designs.
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| Price: | 500 JPY for hotel guests / 1,000 JPY for general admission |
Yuzen Dyeing
It is one of Japan's representative traditional patterns developed during the Edo period, and is a technique where colors are painted onto the fabric with a brush. By using “Itome-nori” (resist paste) along the outlines of the design, it creates sharp, beautiful, and vibrant patterns.
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| Price: | 1,000 JPY for hotel guests / 2,000 JPY for general public |
Katazome (Japanese stencil dyeing)
It is a traditional Japanese technique where a delicate pattern is dyed onto fabric using a stencil. For this experience, you will be adding a motif of azalea, the official flower of Shinjuku Ward, onto a convenient shoulder tote bag that already has the Keio Plaza Hotel logo dyed using this technique.
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| Price: | 1,000 JPY for hotel guests / 2,000 JPY for general public |
Shibori (Japanese Tie-Dye)
It is a traditional Japanese dyeing technique where parts of the fabric are tightly bound with thread, sewn, or clamped between boards to prevent the dye from penetrating those areas, creating unique patterns.
You will receive your dyed handkerchief in a bag, and the dyeing process will be completed once you dry it in your room during your stay or at home.
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| Price: | 500 JPY for hotel guests / 1,000 JPY for general admission |
Japanese Seasons, Colored by Kagurazaka Geisha
“Kagurazaka Odori” is an intangible cultural asset of Shinjuku Ward, and this event features the authentic dance of Kagurazaka Geisha, who have inherited and embody this traditional art. The performance takes place on a special stage in the main lobby, and is open for all to enjoy.
After the live performance, guests will have the opportunity to take commemorative photos with the Geisha. Please come and experience this authentic traditional performing art up close.
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| Time: | 15:45-16:00・16:15-16:30 |
| Location: | Main Tower, 3F / Main Lobby |
| Price: | Free |
Performer Information
[Tokyo Kagurazaka Association]
The Tokyo Kagurazaka Association is an organization that supports the historic traditional entertainment district culture of Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Kagurazaka is known as a district where traditional and modern elements blend, with its cobblestone alleys, traditional Japanese restaurants (ryotei), and geisha culture still alive today.
The association is composed of local ryotei and geisha, and plays a role in preserving and promoting Kagurazaka's traditional performing arts and hospitality culture.
As of December 2025, the association consists of 4 ryotei and 18 geisha, who work to protect the valuable culture of the traditional entertainment district while sharing its charm through various performances and events.
Custom Made, Hand-Painted Folding Screen Sales Event
Kataoka Byobu Shop sell custom-made tabletop-sized hand-painted folding screens (approximately 27.5 cm tall by 39 cm wide) created by traditional Byobu craftspersons.
At the sales event, customers will be asked about their preferences on the spot, use a simple composition to confirm the customers preferences, and then provide the finished screens within 1-2 days.
These screens are easy to display at home and make for perfect souvenirs or keepsakes for travelers visiting from overseas.
| Date: | Thu, September 10, and Tue September 29 Wed, October 14, and Tue October 27 |
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| Time: | 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Location: | Main Tower, 3F / Main Lobby |
| Price: | 15,000 JPY (tax included) |
Koto Performance
We will perform seasonal songs on the koto.
| Date: | Please check the event experience schedule. |
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| Time: | August 2026: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
| Location: | Main Tower, 3F / Main Lobby |
| Price: | Free |
Cultural Experience Workshop
Starting from July, we will be holding a monthly in-house workshop where you can create your own unique art piece. The workshops are themed around Japanese culture and seasonal events, such as hand-painting wind chimes and decorating chopsticks.
| Date: |
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| Time: | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Price: | 2,000円 |
Japanese Tea Ceremony & Matcha Experience
We offer two types of tea ceremony experiences: “Tea Ceremony Experience” where you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets with English commentary by a tea ceremony instructor, and “Matcha Making Experience” where you make matcha yourself.
| Date: | August 2026: Every Sunday & Wednesday September – December 2026: Every Sunday & Monday 11:00 a.m.– / 2:00 p.m.– / 3:00 p.m.– / 4:00 p.m.– |
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| Location: | Main Tower, 10F / Tea Room "Sho-Fu-An" |
| Price: | 5,000円～ |
*Reservations must be made at least two days in advance.
See More*All prices include tax.
*Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Contact
Tel: 03-5322-8435 (Direct line for events department)
*Reception hours: Weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
