Top Asia Unique Experiences - page 3

Seeking out the well-concealed back-alley bars of Tokyo's Shinjuku district is notoriously tricky for outsiders. Take the guesswork out of your trip on this guided tour that takes you barhopping to Izakaya bars in two different alleyways in Shinjuku with a small group. Experience the backstreets of Tokyo and authentic street food and drinks (included) while your guide shares insights into local culture in this atmospheric part of the city.

Taipei is renowned for its futuristic skyscrapers and modern shopping malls, but few visitors get to discover the natural wonders just outside the city. This tour visits the beautiful Thousand Island Lake and includes a tour of the Pinglin Tea Museum and the Bagua Tea Garden.

With pretty walkways, native flora and fauna, and sweeping views over the Han River, Nami Island is a popular getaway destination from busy Seoul. On this full-day tour, escape to nature with a spin through Gangchon Rail-bike Park, explore the scenic Garden of Morning Calm, and enjoy free time at your leisure on Nami Island—with entry fees and round-trip travel from central Seoul included.

Get the most out of your time in Sapporo by booking a local host to take you on an adventure around the city. You’ll save hours researching top sites, and instead, have a personalized itinerary tailored to your needs. Your host will help you see Sapporo through the eyes of a local, and you’ll discover secret spots that you wouldn’t find alone. It’s a great way to see a combination of iconic attractions and hidden gems in a day.

Experience the daily goings-on of the Damnoen Saduak floating market and the MaeKlong railway market with a dedicated guide on this private tour from Bangkok. Learn about the markets' history, origins, and current iterations through insightful commentary and take a long-tail boat tour on the canal. Taste some traditional Thai desserts and get free time to shop. Round-trip private transportation from Bangkok hotels is included. Choose from two start times to suit you.

See Jaipur's highlights on a private full-day tuk-tuk tour with airport pickup included. Cover more ground than you could on a walking tour, while getting a close-up view of the city from an open-sided tuk-tuk, a popular means of transportation among locals. Visit top attractions including Amber Fort, the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar observatory without the hassle of negotiating with drivers or finding taxis.

Learn to draw manga from a professional manga artist in Tokyo’s Nakano neighborhood. During this class, use the manga tools provided, such as screen tone, manga pens and ink, and manga paper. Whether you're just starting out or a practicing manga artist wanting to hone your skills, the instructor will tailor their teaching to your skills. Take home your completed piece of art as a souvenir.

Dive into the fascinating world of sumo wrestling with this interactive experience led by retired sumo wrestlers. Learn about sumo history, techniques, and daily life, watch live sparring matches, and even step into the ring yourself for a friendly skirmish. Complete your experience with a delicious meal of Tonkatsu and Chanko Nabe, prepared by the wrestlers, with vegetarian and dietary accommodations available upon request.

Experience a warm cultural welcome to Japan with an authentic tea ceremony in traditional kimonos in Kyoto. Dress in a classic kimono, sip authentic matcha green tea, sample Japanese sweets and learn the customs and history behind this cherished ritual. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Hassle-free, private group, no need sharing seats with other tourists. No hidden charge except your own expenses. Flexible duration, can start and finish according to your ship disembarkation. One day tour to cover the best in Korea, both cultural and traditional.

Discover the South Korean capital’s rich culinary heritage on this 3-hour Korean BBQ and market pub tour in Seoul. Follow your guide through Seoul’s Mapo district, famous for its traditional Korean BBQ restaurants. Enjoy speciality dishes such as charcoal-grilled pork and aged kimchi, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere for which South Korean restaurants are famous. If you've upgraded, visit a traditional pub to enjoy a beer and fried chicken to learn about South Korea’s drinking rituals and culture.

Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony dressed in a ceremonial kimono during this small-group cultural experience in Kyoto. Learn about the meaning of different kimono patterns and the history behind the tea ceremony from your guide, then watch the professional tea master prepare a cup of tea. Sip your tea and learn about Japanese manners during a tea ceremony, then enjoy the opportunity to try your hand at brewing your own.

Explore Hiroshima your way, and get a deeper experience of the city than any big group tour could offer. This private tour is designed just for you, based on your interests and preferences, whether you want to see famous landmarks such as the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle, or explore hidden gems that only locals know about.

Lovers of good food and drink won't want to miss this sake-tasting session with a sake expert from the international sake sommelier team in Tokyo. Learn about different varieties of this traditional Japanese drink and the kinds of foods that pair well with it. Sample at least six different kinds of sake along with specially chosen snacks to complement them. Enjoy the experience with old friends and new, and leave with newfound knowledge to use and share.

Tokyo is known for its incredible food and culinary culture. Make the most of your time in Japan with a private cooking class with a local’s home. Ask questions along the way and learn at your own pace. Your Japanese instructor will show you how to make several authentic home-cooked dishes, tailored to your group’s requirements, and you can eat them when you’ve finished.

Beijing’s food culture is incredibly rich, but the most memorable meals are rarely found along the main tourist streets. This guided dinner tour takes you deep into Old Beijing to walk through one of the city’s remaining hutong (narrow lane) neighborhoods and dine at local, family-run spots known mainly to residents. Instead of guessing where to go, follow an insider route to sample traditional dishes and experience the flavors that have shaped Beijing’s everyday life for generations.

Learn about Japan’s fascinating samurai and ninja history through a museum tour, where you’ll see real clothing and equipment used by these legendary figures. Don’t struggle to understand the explanation plaques, as you’ll get a guided tour in English. Get the chance to dress up in samurai costume (or typical women’s dress if you prefer), learn how to use a samurai sword, or experience non-martial traditional activities.

Refine your cooking skills and enrich your knowledge of Japanese cuisine during an immersive half-day kaiseki ryouri (haute cuisine) cooking class in Tokyo. In a small group, prepare several different dishes featuring Wagyu beef, Japanese vegetables, and traditional seasonings. Then, sit down to feast on the fruits of your labors, accompanied by sake and green tea.

Learn about Korea’s culinary culture on this tasting tour of Seoul. Stroll through the streets with an expert in local cuisine, stopping at local food stalls and eateries plus a local village. Sample a variety of foods like Korean barbecue, savory pancakes, and spicy rice cake stew. Wash it all down with alcoholic beverages such as Korean rice wine and soju (distilled liquor). Your guided small-group walking tour covers plenty of ground in the bustling district of Jongno-gu, with numbers limited to 12 people.

Explore Taipei at your own pace, and see only the sights that you’re interested in, on this customizable, half-day tour. Pick a departure time and location that work best for you; with just a private guide for company, you’re guaranteed a completely personalized adventure. Visit Taipei’s banner attractions, or go on an in-depth neighborhood exploration: your guide will plan a bespoke itinerary based around your interests.

Learn about Chado, an ancient zen tea ceremony, with this guided experience in Tokyo. Immerse yourself in an authentic tearoom equipped with tatami mats and learn to prepare a bowl of matcha tea. Sample multiple types of tea and learn your preferences. Enjoy three kinds of local Japanese confectionary, too.

When you’re headed to South Korea on ship, take this shore excursion tour to get more familiar with the port city of Busan. Along your way, visit Songdo Sky Walk, Gamcheon Culture Village, Yongdusan Park, Samgwangsa Temple, and Hwangnyeongsan Mountain Observatory. Plus explore two of Korea’s largest markets, Gukje Market and Jagalchi seafood market. This tour also provides easy port pickup and drop-off and lunch for your convenience.

Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate, during this 4-hour sushi-making class and a visit to the outer Tsukiji fish market. Tour one of the world’s largest seafood markets with a guide as you learn how fish is caught, distributed, and sold. Then turn your attention to sushi-making, learning to prepare nigiri sushi with the help of a sushi master. Finish your experience by enjoying your creations for lunch.

Indulge your inner foodie and learn to make ramen and gyoza like a pro with this cooking class in Tokyo. After visiting a local market and heading to a spacious kitchen, enjoy a hands-on experience with a local chef and discover how to prepare the perfect noodle soup (ramen) and minced pork dumplings (gyoza). Then, savor your creation in a fun atmosphere.