Dear Matsumoto Fans,
How are you doing?

Today, with Visit Matsumoto, we attended a traditional Japanese Dance lesson in town.

Traditional dance is widely called  日本舞踊　nihon buyo, this is broad a term that includes kabuki and bon odori, and many other forms of dancing.

We visited on a Friday afternoon. Arrived to the school, which is inside a traditional Japanese house, we were welcomed by the owners (and teachers).

The teachers took us to the second floor, were the dance classroom is. They gave us a demonstration and explained to us that in traditional dancing you can use elbows, knees, and even your fan to express different ideas and mime actions (rain, drinking alcohol, looking in the mirror). We enjoyed listening to the explanation followed by three different performances characterized by different styles and situations.

After the demonstration and explanation, we could choose a kimono and wear it, and we could also pick a matching fan. There are many different colors to choose from!

Then, together with the teachers we learned a simple dance step by step. I thought the basics were manageable to learn, however more advanced performances, like those that the teacher showed us, seem to require a lot of technique. For example, they include some acrobatic moves with the fan.

Towards the end, we were also given the chance to try on this golden kimono who was traditionally only used by royalty!

This dance class mainly catered to people in the neighborhood. However, I have great news!

From this month, the school is also open to visitors who want to experience learning Japanese Traditional Dancing from a professional teacher. This is a very rare opportunity that I would recommend to those who visit Matsumoto, as the school is not far from all the famous locations and you can take the chance to easily add a cultural activity into your travel schedule.
You can book this activity through “Matsumoto Experience“, a designated interpreter will accompany you and assist you throughout the visit.

I highly recommend paying a visit and enjoying traditional Japan in Matsumoto!

If you visit

Address:

Matsumoto Fukashi 3-10-20

The classroom is located behind the city theater, among other houses in the neighbourhood.