Get a primer on Japanese culture
Hotel Okura Tokyo is offering two Japan cultural experience plans at its Japanese Cuisine/Tempura Restaurant Yamazato for those who are interested in traditional Japanese culture.
Under the "Japanese Table Manners Lesson Plan," participants can learn basic knowledge to sample Japanese dishes — including how to hold, lift and place chopsticks, bowls and plates and the order in which to eat various dishes — while enjoying seasonal kaiseki meals for lunch. The lecture is conducted both in Japanese and in English by table manner instructors who have passed certification tests by the Japan Hotel and Restaurant Service Development Association. The 2½-hour lesson plan, which costs ¥12,000 per person, will start at noon in Yamazato's private dining room. The English version of the lesson will be held on May 21, July 12 and every other month after that. The Japanese version will be held on a request basis.