Touch a tip of Japanese culture prior to your tour picking this online experience of Origami up. It is an art and a joy of paper folding which can be enjoyed by everybody interested in this oriental culture. Just with one hour workshop, you will be able to create your own Origami works such as a great samurai helmet, a pretty butterfly, a joyful jumping frog, a paper container for candies, and a traditional Japanese crane (orizuru) from square sheets of paper.
Asia/Tokyo (UTC +9hs)
Please prepare 1) ten or more origami sheets of approximately 150 to 200 mm (6" to 8") square, see note below, for each participant, 2) a pair of scissors, 3) bamboo skewers or toothpicks, 4) a flat surface such as a table or desk, 5) your hands, fingers, and nails washed and dried for the work, and 6) online communication facilities for ZOOM (please download its free application).
Note: Origami sheets may be available on an online sale, but if not, you can cut square sheets from regular-size sheets of paper such as A4, letter size, or legal size without using special tools, see the second photo at the top of this page. You can also cut out your origami sheets from wrapping paper and/or any other color or patterned paper. For multiple sheets, it is recommended to arrange a precisely cut cardboard template by using a set square/triangle, ruler, and utility knife, see the third photo.
The online workshop will start with a simple model, and proceed to more complicated and/or difficult ones following a program which will be discussed and agreed upon by both of us previously via the message box. You will enjoy your first Origami works, and complete several cute models by yourself.
You will have some very basic Japanese words and phrases which make your "real" tour to Japan more fruitful through the workshop too.
After the workshop, you will receive original Origami recipes for the models you made during the workshop for your review. Make more Origami works recalling the workshop to improve your technique and to prepare for the second step.
Visit Japan and be invited to my house in Tokyo for your second-step Origami workshop. You may select a regular tour, or I will customize a tour upon your request.
guide/instructor fee
origami sheets and required tools
Inbound tour has been resumed. Wearing a mask depends on individual decision, and you can enjoy tour and cultural experience in Japan now.
Starting time is flexible between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. in Japan time (UTC+9).
Please note that no summertime in Japan.
Children over 5 years old are recommended to participate with their parent(s) or supervisor.
Simon W.
He was best every way
Thank you very much for your review comment. I feel very sad that I could be with you for the first two days only. Your stay in Tokyo was "too" calm because of Covid-19. It was lucky that your symptom was just moderate and fortunately, I was not infected. You have to visit Tokyo again soon for the two days you missed to be with me. I'll wait for such days to prepare some exciting experiences for you. Thank you again.
Brad J.
It was our first day and first time in Japan. We wanted help with the subways, visiting our first restaurant, etiquette for visiting our first Temple and a tour of Shinjuko. We asked “Yama-San” to do that and he created a tour to match our request. Great day!
Thank you for your comment. The day was a great day for me being with you, three beautiful couples. I could feel your love throughout the tour. Hoping to see you again, Yama.
Darya G.
Yamada-San and his lovely wife Sana’e-San are perfect hosts and offer visitors an authentic view of Tokyo life, hours of fun learning the ancient art of origami and their charming hospitality. We went with our two children - ages 9 and 12 - and had a great time.
Dear Daria san, Thank you very much for your comment. We also have a very nice and heartwarming time with your beautiful family. We were much impressed with the good manners of your sweet kids and imagined your home filled with love. It was our pleasure to show you another face of Tokyo that cannot be found in guidebooks. Hoping you find some more things impressive throughout your days in Japan. Very best regards, Yama