Top Japan Art & Culture - page 3

Avoid the stress of navigating remote mountain roads and infrequent public transport service with this bus tour to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Ainokura from Takayama. Visit the UNESCO-listed villages, known for their unique gassho-style houses, with a guide who shares insights into local history, food culture, and traditions that you'd miss on your own.

With this Tokyo Bay cruise, you can enjoy the combination of a night of great entertainment, sightseeing, and delicious food at the same time. After boarding your vessel, enjoy a traditional Japanese performance, followed by a hot pot "sukiyaki" meal with soft drinks. Then, have a chance to soak up the views on the open-air viewing deck, while passing notable sights, such as the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.

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.

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!

Explore the best that Tokyo has to offer on a full-day private sightseeing tour. Choose from a set itinerary or customize your own with your English-speaking driver to see the locations of the most interest to you. Visit key landmarks like Sensoji Temple, the Skytree building, the Shibuya crossing and more as you listen to commentary about the history and culture of the city.

This half-day tour is an ideal choice for time-tight travelers visiting Tokyo. Avoid the hassle of navigating by having a private guide to show you around the city. A perk of the tour is that you won’t waste time going to sights that don’t interest you, as the route can be customized. A sample itinerary may include Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Shibuya Crossing, Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Imperial Palace, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

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.

Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most historically interesting neighborhoods but its busy streets can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Learn more about Asakusa’s history and culture and avoid getting lost by going with a guide. You won’t struggle to hear your guide or have your questions answered as this is a small-group tour. Get a close-up view of the Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, and elsewhere by touring on foot.

Explore Nagasaki your own way on this private walking tour that is fully customized to your interests and preferences. You can 3-4 sites to visit from a long list of attractions. As you discover Nagasaki, your guide will fill you in on the fascinating history of this Japanese city that is best-known for suffering a nuclear attack during World War II.

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.

While it’s certainly possible to explore Edo Castle and the Imperial Palace on your own, a guided tour will help you learn much more about each landmark’s historical significance. On this walking tour, discover 2,600 years of Japanese history as you learn about the Emperors that shaped the country, samurai, and the shoguns.

You’re traveling in Tokyo, and you want to try authentic ramen – but you’re overwhelmed by the choices. Join Tokyo’s first-ever ramen tasting tour, and sample up to 6 mini-bowls of different types of ramen at 3 award-winning ramen shops. Learn about the unique flavors of ramen, from spicy fish to savory pork, and learn about its history and how to eat it like a local.

Step back in time to the old days and experience Japan like a ninja. This small-group class (maximum six people) introduces you to such ninja techniques as ninja meditation (Kuji-In) as well as the use of samurai weapons, including the sword. Get insights into Japanese fuedal times as you practise.

Combine traditional sumo wrestling—a must when visiting Tokyo—with a delicious Japanese meal, thanks to this unique restaurant experience. Sink into comfortable sofa seating, tuck into a tasty chankonabe (hot pot)—a meal that the wrestlers themselves eat—and watch a sumo display in action. Gain insider insight into the sport and leave with a better understanding of its cultural significance and history.

Japanese cuisine is typically difficult for vegans to enjoy, but this sumo show and mochi-pounding experience ensures travelers following a plant-based diet can still feast on food worthy of sumo wrestlers. Not only will you watch sumo wrestlers strut their stuff in the ring, but you’ll also have chance to get involved yourself.

Explore Hiroshima by bicycle, which is a great way to get from site to site, and get a little gentle exercise, too. Your guide will conveniently meet you at the Hiroshima Peace Park Rest House, where you can get acquainted with your small group, your bike, and get on your way. Stop at several places today, enjoying a gentle cycle ride in between.

The ancient sport of sumo is bound by so many strict rules, rituals, and unique techniques that attending a sumo tournament can be a bewildering experience. Book this experience, which includes reserved seats in the Ryogoku Kokugikan and is led by a sumo expert who explains everything you need to know about traditions and culture. Choose between a private or a group experience to suit your tastes.

Swap the typical sightseeing tours for the adrenaline rush of seeing Tokyo from the seat of a speedy go-kart. Soak up the city's bright lights and vibrant energy as you zip across the famed Shibuya Crossing toward Harajuku and Shinjuku. Choose to dress up in costume if you wish and receive photos taken by your guide.

The ideal introduction for first-time visitors, this half-day, small-group walking tour of Nara covers a mix of must-see and under-the-radar sights. Enter a historic merchant’s house, discover a hidden Japanese pyramid, and visit the iconic shrines of the temple complex—with plenty of time to interact with Nara’s resident deer. A tasty lunch and admission tickets to all shrines are included.

Gain a new perspective on the Asakusa of Tokyo. See maple and cherry tress and gardens juxtaposed next to soaring skyscrapers and businesses. This experience is customizable according to your interests, and the neighborhood is filled with retro, traditional, religious and cultural influences – enchanting those who pass through. Learn about the region's history while visiting landmarks such as the Ushijima Shrine and Honryuin Matsuchiyama Shoden.

Shibuya Crossing is one of the most popular photo stops for many travelers, but there are lots of other interesting sights in Shibuya that most tourists miss out on. With this guided tour, you can go beyond Shibuya Crossing and explore diverse attractions nearby too. See a beautiful mural, visit Miyashita Park, discover great shopping spots, and get plenty of tips on local bars and eateries to enhance your stay.

Experience Tokyo like a local on a fully personalized adventure with a passionate guide. Whether you're uncovering tucked-away shrines, savouring hidden food gems, or strolling through vibrant neighbourhoods, your journey is crafted around your interests. Skip the tourist script and connect with the heart of Tokyo through exclusive local insights, authentic encounters, and stories only an insider can share.

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.

Swap large group bus tours for a more intimate alternative—a private walking tour of Tokyo’s highlights. The private format means the itinerary is flexible and customizable, so you can get the perfect tour to suit your interests. Potential neighborhoods include Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku, with the possibility of seeing key temples and shrines such as Meiji Jingu Shrine. Guides speak English, French, or Spanish to enhance your experience.