Top Japan Active & Outdoor Classes - page 3

Take a break from sightseeing and learn the ancient arts of the ninja during this fun-filled introduction to key ninja techniques, culture, and weapons. During this small-group Tokyo workshop and demonstration, learn a range of practical skills—such as how to throw a ninja star, and how to draw a samurai sword—and also discover key ninja philosophies, take part in a short meditation, and have time to take photos.

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.

Explore Tokyo by electric bike on this guided adventure. Choose your ideal ride time—morning or afternoon, with different routes at each time of day—then hit the streets with a local cyclist. Check out spots such as Tokyo Station, Akihabara, Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Ryogoku, depending on which tour you take. Discover the city’s history, architecture, subcultures, and off-the-beaten-path spots on a fun ride around Japan’s capital.

Practice the time-honored arts of samurai swordsmanship during this hands-on Kendo workshop. Work one-on-one with an experienced Kendo instructor, with all equipment and armor included. Learn practical skills and put your new moves to the test during a tournament-style combat game. All experience levels are welcome, and participants receive bottled water and a souvenir Kendo towel.

Enjoy a private day trip to Kamakura from Tokyo to see a giant buddha statue, walk through a bamboo forest, explore an old street for shopping, eat a famous dove-shaped biscuit, and write your wish on an oyster shell at a temple. You'll get to choose the best activities for yourself for a personalized tour. Travel is done by public transportation and travel time is included in the tour hours.

This experience offers you a perfect chance to: 1) See how the traditional sumo stable looks like 2) Learn the origin, history, and culture of sumo 3) Observe how sumo wrestlers train 4) Watch actual matches 5) Challenge wrestlers 6) Ask wrestlers questions 7) Take photos with them Conventionally, there were two ways to experience sumo: watching grand sumo tournaments in an arena or morning practice in the stable. The unique thing about this experience is that you can: 1) Watch everything up close. 2) Experience sumo by challenging wrestlers 3) Ask wrestlers questions 4) Take photos with them This tour comes in two options: with or without a chanko-nabe meal. 1) With a chanko-nabe meal You will watch the show over a chanko nabe meal, which sumo wrestlers eat to build their muscles and bodies. This option applies to 11AM and 7PM start times. 2) Without a chanko-nabe meal This option applies to a 3PM start time.

Discover Japan beyond Tokyo on this full-day tour to see Mt. Fuji. During the coach journey, admire the natural beauty of Hakone and relax over lunch with views of the highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Fuji. Climb aboard a boat for a scenic tour on Lake Ashi and go for a cable car ride in Hakone area.

Orient yourself on your first day in Tokyo, and see the city through the eyes of a local. During this customized tour with your personal host, learn how to navigate and use Tokyo’s transport system. Choose from the city’s most famous attractions, or explore up-and-coming neighborhoods. Understand cultural practices, find the best places to eat, and get advice on Tokyo’s nightlife scene.

Experience a side of Japanese culture that most tourists miss and learn some of the secrets of the samurai warriors during this guided Mugai-ryu martial arts experience in Tokyo. Learn the basics of how to wield a katana sword and watch a demonstration by a Mugai-ryu master. There’s no need to worry about safety; only mock katanas are used during this small-group experience.

Step back in time to ancient Tokyo during this exploration of the city’s historic Yanaka district. Discover a different side of the sprawling Japanese capital that dates back to its Edo period of the 16th through 19th centuries, admiring the area’s charming mix of temples, springtime cherry blossoms, and timeless ‘reien’ (cemetery). A guide accompanies you on your visit, providing additional details about Japanese history and local culture.

Pottery is an art form deeply embedded in Japanese culture. As a visitor, it can be difficult to find a way to experience it. This tour offers just that. You can learn how to make pottery from a sensei (teacher) in central Tokyo.

Visit a sumo training center in Tokyo to observe the morning practice. Spend approximately two hours watching the sumo wrestlers train and observe the rules and regulations of sumo. It’s a rare chance for visitors to glimpse this exclusive world, and a fascinating window into a Japanese tradition.

Experience the traditional Japanese martial art of kendo in Hokkaido. Experienced instructors with 25 years of kendo experience and having competed in national tournaments will guide you carefully so that even beginners can learn with ease. On this tour, you will enjoy the valuable experience of training your body and mind while learning the basic techniques and spirit of kendo. In addition, if you want high-intensity exercises I can arrange the program, such as 100 times continuous striking or use of heavy sword. Don't miss this opportunity to experience kendo and the deep Japanese culture!

Raise your sword like a true samurai warrior during a private training session in Tokyo. Don a samurai outfit and train with the katana, then enjoy a photo shoot to commemorate your experience. This private lesson offers personalized attention and includes outfit rental and photo and video footage.

Get a taste of Japanese food and culture during this walking tour of Tokyo’s Shibuya district. Escape the tourist hordes as you eat like a Japanese local, sampling traditional bites at off-the-beaten-path eateries and hangouts that you’d likely miss otherwise. You can also toast your adventure, and new friends, with one included drink too.

Learn traditional samurai fighting techniques against the scenic backdrop of Myokaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Instead of a nondescript classroom, get striking souvenir photos and videos taken of yourself dressed in a samurai costume on temple grounds. The session is limited to 6 participants so you’ll receive more personalized attention from your instructor.

Discover Tokyo at your own pace on this half- or full-day customizable private tour. Design a tour that suits your interests, whether that includes the Tsukiji Fish Market, temples, shrines, shopping, or food and sake experiences. Your private tour includes hotel transfers, lunch (full-day only), and travel by private vehicle or public transport to suit your needs, with convenient hotel drop-off after the tour.

Instead of just watching samurai films, enjoy the opportunity to take part in a hands-on workshop that lets you experience samurai techniques firsthand. Learn basic sword movements using wooden training swords in a safe setting, led by a former action actor. It’s the perfect way to master the basics, and upgraded options offer the flexibility of a private experience just for your personal group.

Join a full-day guided tour from Tokyo that travels to Mt Fuji, then continues to nearby Lake Ashi and the Mt Komagatake Ropeway. Enjoy the ease of comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, who will accompany you to the revered Mt Fuji's 5th Station. Take a short boat cruise on Lake Ashi and climb by aerial tram to the top of Mt Komagatake for views of Mt Fuji. Return to Tokyo by bullet train in the evening after taking in some of Japan’s iconic highlights.

The capital of Japan can be overwhelming on your first visit but this customized tour takes the guesswork out of sightseeing. Choose how long you want your tour to last and the sights that interest you most, then let your private tour guide create the perfect itinerary. Using Tokyo's public transport system, your guide takes you to each location for guided tours.

Discover the ways of a true Japanese warrior during this 90-minute lesson covering sword skills, poses and Shuriken (star) throwing. Gain some inspiration for your training as you watch a performance by three Samurai and a ninja. Then suit up in a traditional kimono, ninja costume or samurai armor as you learn the sword cutting technique of ‘tate,’ combining a balance of posture and mental focus. Finish your day by performing a ninja scene and try throwing a rubber version of the Shuriken (ninja star). An instructor and costume are included.

This walking tour of Shinjuku’s buzzing areas of Golden Gai and Kabukicho is the perfect way to discover great bars, restaurants, and food stalls, without having to do any research. Discover new haunts, and feast on local specialties, such as ramen and “yakitori” (skewers). Learn about local history from your guide, and best of all, enjoy the perk of having tastings included.

Characterized by a one-sword deathblow, the Higo old-style naginata(Long Sword), which uses weapons as long as 8 shaku (approximately 2.4m) was developed in Kumamoto before the mid-1700s. Since the end of the Meiji era when there were no male instructors, female instructors have preserved the tradition, and currently, Ms. Hirata is the 15th head of the school. When using a heavy and long weapon that is eight shaku (about 2.4m), there are few movements and moves, the form is simple, and although there is no ""flashy"" movement, training in body handling and foot handling is required to move quickly. This is a 90-minute plan where you can experience the authentic Higo old-style naginata directly from Ms. Hirata, the head of the family. Experience the Higo Koryu style straight from the female master who will pass it on to the next generation. Learn the spirit of the samurai through a samurai swordsmanship experience.

Become a real ninja for the day during this 60-minute experience at the Jidai Academy Dojo in Tokyo. If you’ve ever want to learn about the techniques and culture of the ninja, this entry-level class is a great starting point. Don a real-life ‘ninja gi’ outfit to begin your training, making sure to pose for a few photos first. Among the skills you’ll learn are meditation and ‘Kuja-kiri’ (well-wishing), the ‘Embu’ (ancestor dedication) and an introduction to ninja weapons like the blowgun and ‘shruiken’ (ninja star), among others. You’ll also discover the ninja philosophy of ‘ku’ or no-self, focusing on minimizing conflict.