At Otium Japan Inc., we cater to international travelers who are looking for more than just the typical tourist spots. We offer tailor-made journeys that truly reflect the essence of Japan, including its rich history, culture, arts, gourmet cuisine, stunning natural landscapes, adventurous activities, and authentic interactions with local people.
Kyushu is known as the "cradle of Japan," deeply rooted in myths and diverse cultures. Ancient trade brought Eastern cultures, while Nagasaki developed unique Western influences during isolation. These elements became key parts of Japanese culture.
Kyushu has always welcomed foreign cultures, blending Shinto and Buddhism and hosting many Christian feudal lords (Kirishitan Daimyo). Exploring Kyushu's history feels like traveling back in time and experiencing its rich cultural layers firsthand.
Kyushu is a region blessed with natural beauty, surrounded by volcanoes, hot springs, and abundant seas. Located relatively in the south of Japan, it enjoys a mild climate with four distinct seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy hot springs amidst majestic scenery. The region also boasts many high mountains, where snow falls in winter, creating picturesque landscapes. The people living in harmony with this grand natural environment are warm-hearted and friendly.
At Otium, we strive to provide experiences that become cherished lifelong memories. Guests can immerse themselves in enriching encounters with nature, wildlife, and flora, offering a sense of tranquility and adventure. Our goal is to facilitate genuine cultural experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy activities as locals do during their weekends, rather than merely as tourists.
...because these experiences create valuable and lasting memories that enrich one's life.
Kyushu is the birthplace of Japan's noodle culture, including ramen, udon, and soba. The "Sugar Road," starting in the 16th century, fuses Western sweets with traditional Japanese confections, creating the unique Kyushu Sweets Kingdom. Kyushu boasts abundant and diverse fruits, leading to unforgettable fruit-infused desserts.
Surrounded by the sea, Kyushu offers exceptional seafood, including fish, oysters, and seaweed. The region's culinary richness is truly memorable.
Tea culture in Japan began in Hakata, marking the start of the country's rich tea traditions. The practice of tea ceremonies and the aesthetics of wabi-sabi spread nationwide, intertwining simplicity and imperfection with the art of tea. Over centuries, tea ceremonies evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Japanese identity, encompassing art, etiquette, and mindfulness, creating a deeply resonant cultural heritage. You can experience it for yourself.
Additionally, we strive to integrate travel memories into everyday life by offering personalized souvenirs. For example, we can tailor a kimono into a dress or transform it into a suit or casual denim jacket. You can also turn your favorite ceramics into wine glasses or bring back a knife crafted by a master swordsmith. We provide opportunities to learn about tea culture and Zen practices, ensuring that your memories can remain a part of your daily life.
Our Services
Luxury Van Charter
Chartered Bus
Meet the Team
日本の伝統文化継承
Japan Traditional Culture Center
We offer opportunities to experience and learn about the essence of Japan's language, history, culture, arts, and traditional music firsthand.
日本の本質的な言語、歴史、文化、芸術、伝統的な音楽を自ら体験しながら学べるような機会を提供します。
Hakata has thrived as a trading hub since ancient times, uniquely developing and sharing a rich array of cultural, artistic, culinary, and entertainment traditions both across Japan and globally, thanks to its international trade. The residents of Hakata hold their rich history and culture in high regard, further enhancing the region's allure.
博多は、古来より貿易商業都市として繁栄し、海外との交流によって得た多様な文化を独自に発展させてきました。その結果、文化、芸術、食文化、芸能など、数多くの文化的遺産を日本全国および世界に広めてきました。また、博多の人々は歴史と文化を重んじ、その独自の人柄が地域の魅力を一層引き立てています。
Our aim is to preserve Japan's traditional culture in its true form, enriching lives through the unique spirit and cherished customs of Hakata. By sharing these exceptional traditions, arts, cuisine, and the spirit of Ichigo Ichie with the world, we strive to promote and sustain Japan's ancient cultural heritage and contribute to global peace.
博多の人々が大切に守り続けてきた伝統文化を正しい形で継承し、観光ツアーでは味わえない、彼らの気質や一期一会の精神を通じて人生に豊かさをもたらすことを目指します。そして、その素晴らしい伝統、文化、芸術、食文化を世界に発信することで、日本古来の伝統文化を継承し、その精神と共に世界平和に寄与することを目指します。。
The Japan Traditional Culture Center is seeking volunteer members and supporters to help preserve and promote authentic Japanese culture, history, and language. Join us in learning about Japan's rich history, culture, and arts through seminars and volunteer activities, and share the charm of traditional Japanese culture with the world. Let's work together to pass on these traditions to future generations.
日本伝統文化継承機構では、本質的な日本文化、歴史、言語などを共に継承し、次世代に伝えることを目的としたボランティアメンバーおよびサポーターを募集しております。我々は、歴史、文化、芸術を自ら学ぶと共に、セミナーやボランティア活動を通じて共に成長し、世界に向けて日本の伝統文化の魅力を発信していくことを目指しています。貴方もこの意義深い活動に参加し、共に日本の伝統を未来に繋げていきましょう。
WHO WE ARE 日本伝統文化継承を行います。
Hakata, historically a gateway to Japan, has played a significant role in the country's cultural and economic exchanges since ancient times. As a vibrant port city, it welcomed traders, diplomats, and settlers from various regions, contributing to the creation of a unique blend of cultural influences. This dynamic history has made Hakata a birthplace of many traditional Japanese cultures, including festivals, crafts, and performing arts.
Our organization's mission is to preserve and share Hakata's rich historical background, the inherited culture and arts, with the world and future generations. We strive to keep alive the traditions and stories that have been passed down through the centuries, showcasing the beauty and depth of Hakata's heritage. Join us in celebrating and transmitting the charm of this culturally rich region to a global audience.
博多は、古来より日本の玄関口として栄え、多くの日本伝統文化が生まれた地です。我々のミッションは、博多の歴史的背景、受け継がれてきた文化・芸術を世界と未来世代に継承し、その魅力を発信することです。
WHAT WE DO
伝統文化の魅力を世界に発信
Disseminating the allure of traditional culture globally.
博多や九州の伝統文化、芸術、食文化などを世界に発信し、日本人の本質的な精神文化と、世界から影響を受けながらも独自に文化と伝統を守り続ける人々を紹介することを目的とする。この活動を通じて、これらの貴重な伝統文化を後世に継承し、さらに世界へと広めていくことが重要である。
Promoting the traditional culture, arts, and cuisine of Hakata and Kyushu to the world, we aim to introduce the core spiritual essence of the Japanese people and showcase those who have uniquely preserved these traditions despite global influences. This initiative is crucial for passing down these invaluable traditions to future generations and sharing them on the global stage.
Story
Inspired Story of my challenge
伝統文化継承への思い
博多に生まれ、14歳でアメリカに渡り、その後、8年をアメリカで過ごしました。外資系企業で14年間の勤務を経て、その間も博多祇園山笠に40年以上参加してきました。これまでの人生で学んだことは歴史や伝統文化を大切にしながらも、家族や人々との交流を重視する日本人の本質を改めて海外から俯瞰し再認識することでした。
日本の伝統文化は、こうした人々との交流の中で生まれ、継承されてきました。しかし、伝統の継承者が減少し、その魅力を伝えることが困難になっているものも存在します。
皆様のご支援のもと、未来へ、そして世界へと日本の伝統文化を継承していきましょう。
Born in Hakata, I moved to the U.S. at age 14 and spent 8 years there later. After that, I worked at a foreign company for 14 years while participating in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival for over 40 years. Throughout my life, I've learned to value Japanese traditions and culture, while cherishing connections with family and people.
Japan's traditional culture has been created and inherit such interactions. However, some traditions are at risk of fading due to a decline in successors.
Let's continue to pass on Japanese traditional culture to the future and the world with your support.
代表 Representative
荒木辰道 Tatsumichi (Tommy) Araki
