Top Japan Art & Culture

Gain insights into the exciting world of sumo wrestling with this admission to a sumo wrestling show. To help ensure you understand the rules and traditions, a live host provides bilingual commentary throughout. Later, you can also enjoy a photo session with the wrestlers and the chance to try out a sumo challenge—something that spectators of the sport don’t usually get to do.

See the best of Hakone’s natural beauty by foot in this private walking tour. Unlike traditional tours, you can customize the experience to your interests and visit only the sites that you’re interested in. Whether you’re a nature lover, art fan, or keen to try local foods, your private guide will help you plan a day that fits your needs.

Experience the samurai experience in a museum-like place with lots of armor on display! You will choose your favorite kimono and hakama, change into a samurai costume, and learn how to use a sword from a samurai. You will learn how to draw a sword, hold a sword, swing a sword, and retract a sword. After learning basic sword usage, they practice a simple chambara (sword fight). Then we will try to exterminate bad guys to the music! You can take videos with your smart phone, take pictures with the samurai, and have a great samurai time. The teachers are authentic teachers who have appeared in major Japanese dramas and movies. Since you have come all the way to Japan on a trip, you will have a wonderful experience of Samurai culture! The dojo has many weapons on display, including swords and spears. You will also find armor on display. Samurais are waiting for you in a space that does not seem modern. ・One person can also join the tour. ・Same-day reservations are also possible.

Turn something old into something new during this lesson in the Japanese art of "Kintsugi," the practice of repairing broken pottery, and have the chance to meet Master Taku in the 11:00am class. Stemming from a Japanese belief that breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, rather than a reason to throw them away, your class involves repairing damaged items (plates are provided; personal items are not allowed) with lacquer mixed with gold. Don a "samue" as you refinish one traditional pottery item, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and a unique souvenir.

Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destinations, which means it gets crowded during the day. Dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the ancient Japanese capital on this early-morning, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer, while learning about the long history of this sacred place.

Instead of buying souvenir chopsticks from a shop, this hands-on experience lets you make your own from scratch. Learn specialist techniques, including how to use a traditional Japanese "kanna" hand plane, how to smooth the surface, and how to finish the wood with natural oil. Crafted from beautiful Japanese wood, the chopsticks make a meaningful souvenir to keep for years to come.

This is a regular sightseeing bus that visits the world heritage sites of Gassho Village in Gokayama Aikura and Shirakawago guided by a bus guide. We will guide you through the Gokayama and Shirakawago Gassho settlements, which are difficult for individuals to reach, by a safe and comfortable chartered bus. Please eat your lunch at Gassho Village in Shirakawago. This tour is a regular sightseeing bus guided by a Nohi Bus bus guide. We offer you a comfortable bus journey to the next level, sharing information about the charms of the World Heritage Site, how to spend your time there, and seasonal information about foods and dialects in the Hida region that are not found in guidebooks. You can join on the day of departure if you have a seat. (However, we may refuse if the seats are full.) ※This tour will be shared with other guests.We operate by medium or large bus.The maximum number of participants on the application form is the maximum number of people who can apply at one time. ※Please beware of fake site products. Regular sightseeing bus tours of Nohi Bus on Viator are only here.

Create your own pair of high quality wooden chopsticks in the heart of Asakusa, just steps from the iconic Senso ji Temple. This interactive workshop offers a unique glimpse into Japanese craftsmanship, as friendly instructors guide you through every step from shaping and sanding to finishing your chopsticks. Personalization options allow you to add colors and engravings, making your creation a one of a kind souvenir. Ideal for families and couples, this cultural activity provides a memorable experience that connects you with Japan's rich traditions.

Experience making a handmade ring by hammering the texture using the Japanese traditional style called "Tankin." You will choose your favorite material, thickness, and texture, and then use special hammers and tools to customize your own ring. The entire process takes around 1 hour. Staff will carefully explain the steps and help you take remembrance photos. This workshop is highly recommended for a high-quality gift or souvenir. Embrace your creativity and enjoy our unique experience in Japan.

You won’t just experience a tea ceremony in Tokyo on this small-group tour—you’ll also look the part with an optional free kimono rental, with staff assistance to ensure comfort and authenticity. The tea ceremony is hands-on, giving you the opportunity to practice these traditions as you learn about them. It isn’t just a culinary experience, as you’ll also learn the meaning of “Ichigo Ichie,” a Japanese concept that emphasizes treasuring each moment.

Enjoy a live show in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku area, no Japanese language skills required. This wordless performance combines elements of ninja, Kabuki acting, oiran-inspired costumes, and traditional taiko drums. It’s appropriate for all ages and offers a mixture of traditional Japanese arts in one show with unique lighting and visuals.

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture with this small-group samurai experience at a traditional samurai house in Kyoto. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior;" handle a real martial arts sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Make the most of your visit to Hiroshima–one of the most historically significant cities in Japan–with a private walking tour. Explore at your own pace without a large group and get a deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture from a local guide. Balance the heavy and moving subject matter at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum with a visit to gardens and a castle.

Live some sumo culture in Tokyo with this show and dinner experience in the Asakusa neighborhood. Watch wrestlers perform classic moves and training techniques in the "dohyo" ring, while savoring a chicken "chanko-nabe" hot pot. For wannabe sumo stars, there’s even the chance to try a sumo challenge yourself.

Shape and craft your own customized knife. Choose the type, sharpen the blade, engrave your name in Japanese or sakura leaves on the handle and attach it with a hammer. A unique indoor activity in the heart of Tokyo featuring beautiful Japanese art of making knifes!

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Japanese culture at a tea ceremony in Tokyo while wearing a kimono. Learn how to make matcha green tea the traditional way in a formal room during this hands-on experience that includes kimono dressing assistance and offers an authentic and respectful way to dress up in a group or as a solo traveler.

Find out what's it's like to be a ninja. This small-group beginners class in a Kyoto dojo introduces you to the basics of ninja training. You'll learn how to breathe, walk, and meditate like a ninja, practice throwing ninja weapons, and learn how to use ninja swords. It's a unique Japanese experience for all ages.

This day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima is the easy way to see many sights in a single day, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel by comfortable air-conditioned coach to important World War II-era places in Hiroshima, and the iconic red gates of Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine, which appear to float on water. Learn all about the history and culture of these attractions from your English-speaking guide and through an audio-guide on board your bus.

This walking tour offers a relaxed way to explore Tokyo’s royal history alongside its peaceful green spaces. Walk through the Imperial Palace East Gardens while learning about the Imperial family and the former grounds of Edo Castle. With a guide leading the way, you can ask questions, gain deeper context, and notice details you might miss if exploring on your own.

Hiroshima is a city with a tragic history and inspiring vision for the future. This small-group walking tour promises a richer experience that you'd get exploring the city's landmarks alone. Embark on a profound journey that leaves you with a deeper understanding of Hiroshima's experience during WWII; the bomb's lasting impact; and Hiroshima's commitment to peace and reconciliation.

See and do exactly what you want on this private and customizable half-day walking tour of Osaka. Your local guide will aim to show you a range of historic and modern sites in Japan’s second-largest city. Choose to visit highlights including Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, the Dotombori District, and more. Your guide will meet you at your hotel so you won’t have to worry about finding them.

This bike tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Hiroshima. Get your bearings in the city, learn about its history, and discover backstreet areas that only locals know about. The tour helps you cover more ground than a walking tour and see many top sights in a day, such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkei-en Garden.

Swap the concrete, crowds, and clamor of Tokyo for a day spent surrounded by lush nature. This day trip from Tokyo to Nikko takes you to the historic Shinkyo Bridge and the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the stunning Kegon Falls and serene Lake Chuzenji. As you explore, your guide fills you in on the area's fascinating history.