October half-term is almost upon us (26-30 October 2020), if you’ve got a cultural itch, we know some fantastic things you can do to satisfy it!

With exhibitions spanning pop art from Pittsburgh and kimonos from Kyoto, to Japanese Michelin-star dining and dancing like a Tahitian, these experiences will take you around the world every day of the week.

Inspire your inner artist with Pittsburgh-born pop icon, Warhol
While travelling to the states is still under review, art and culture enthusiasts can still enjoy a little colourful activity online with the Andy Warhol Museum. Located in the artists home of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the seven-storey museum is once again offering a series of free virtual art, through stories, videos and hands-on workshops, including how to create mail art and marbleised paper.

And if that’s not enough pop art for you, the Tate Modern Warhol retrospective; the first in over 20 years, has reopened and extended the exhibition until 15 November 2020. Tickets from: £16 – £18 For more information visit www.visitpittsburgh.com / warhol.org.

Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, V&A
At the Catwalk exhibition, you’ll be able to see how the kimono has become a constantly evolving fashion icon. The exhibition explores the social significance of the garment as we as revealing the sartorial side along with its aesthetics. The journey takes you back to the 1600s up to the present day encompassing not only Japan but the whole world. Tickets cost from £16 – £18. For more information, visit www.japan.travel.com.

Japan House: the cultural home of Japan in London
Step into Japan from Kensington High Street this October half term with Japan House. Enjoy exploring the library where visitors can explore the different regions in Japan including Kyushu, Hachinohe, Gifu, Ishikawa and many more. Get inspiration for future travel and read up on the renowned Three Star Road, an area that connects Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, and Matsumoto.

This is the perfect route for those looking to get off-the-beaten-track and experience a truly authentic Japan. Visitors can explore free events and exhibitions, a range of crafts, homeware and accessories for an authentic encounter with contemporary Japan. From craftsmanship and design to innovation and technology, this makes for the perfect day out to explore Japan in depth.

Michelin-listed Japanese restaurant, AKIRA, Japan House
Michelin-listed AKIRA is named after Chef Shimizu Akira and is located on the first floor of Japan House. The restaurant is based upon Chef Akira’s three cooking principles – presentation, food and tableware. At this Japanese fine dining experience, patrons have the option of lunch, dinner or just afternoon tea all coupled with traditional omotenashi hospitality. It’s a fantastic experience watching the chefs preparing a diverse range of foods in theatrical style. Making you feel a tad cosier during these Autumn months, the seasonal ingredients are cooked over roaring robata flames.

There are some mouthwatering options on the menu. Obviously, there is a wide range of sushi, but, if you after something to really get your teeth stuck into, there’s umami-rich wagyu beef, pork, chicken, seafood and vegetables. For more information, visit www.japan.travel.com.

Dance like a Tahitian
Whilst confined to our homes Perle Renvoyé, winner of Best Female Dancer at the Heiva 2018, is streaming live classes on her Facebook Page and on Zoom. Learn the Tahitian Dance Ori Tahiti meaning the ‘Dance of Tahiti’. The dance showcases the direct and intimate link between language and dance movement and is the only element of this dance art that has survived centuries of turbulent history. For more information, visit https://tahititourisme.uk/en-gb/.

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