Top Japan Arts & Design - page 22

#### 1. This Arashiyama sightseeing tour takes you around Arashiyama's famous sites. Your first destination is Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its expansive gardens. Next, you'll stroll through the bamboo forest path. You'll walk along a path lined with towering bamboo swaying. #### 2. Try your hand at Kyoto's traditional handicraft, "Hand-painted Yuzen." In this experience, you'll learn about its history and techniques while creating your own unique piece using vibrant colors. The experience involves choosing your own design and decorating a handkerchief, mask, school tote bag, T-shirt, or other items using eight colors of dye, using this traditional Kyoto craft. The experience lasts approximately one hour.

Step into the hidden world of Tokyo’s most prestigious geisha district, Shinbashi. Tokyo is home to six historic geisha districts, including Mukojima, Asakusa, and Kagurazaka. Among them, Shinbashi stands at the pinnacle—renowned for its exclusivity, refinement, and centuries-old traditions. Within this elegant and intimate setting, you will: * Witness an authentic geisha performance up close * Gain insight into the refined world and traditions of geisha culture * Engage directly with geisha through conversation and traditional games * Capture unforgettable moments in a truly exclusive atmosphere This is not a staged performance, it is a genuine cultural encounter in one of Tokyo’s most elite settings. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step beyond the surface of Japan and experience its living traditions.

Experience the spiritual Kumano Kodo Iseji route on this exclusive 2-day guided pilgrimage. Trek ancient stone paths, cruise the Kumano River by traditional boat, and discover deep history from Ise to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine.

-This tour will become a quintessential experience representing the beauty of Fukuoka's mornings. -Morning worship at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine offers a tranquil experience. -The beauty of the shrine in the morning, coupled with the sound of nature awakening, creates a memorable start to the day. -Kamado Shrine is a captivating spot to experience the beauty of seasonal flora. In spring, cherry blossoms, The vibrant colors of autumn foliage, transform the landscape into a stunning canvas. -In recent years, the name of the shrine, “Kamado,” is the same as the name of the main character in a famous shōnen manga, and has attracted attention as a sacred place for the work. -Famous for its blessings on love and relationships in Kamado Shrine, making it a perfect destination for couples and those wishing to strengthen bonds with family and friends. - There are many souvenir shops and cafes on the approach, so we will guide you to your favorite shops!

Naoshima is the main island of a township made up of twenty-seven islands administered by Kagawa Prefecture. The island has a documented history going back to the Heian period, but today it’s known for its contemporary art museums, which draw visitors from all over the world, especially during the Setouchi Triennale art event held every three years in the region. Since the island is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, there are strict rules for the visual impact of new buildings, so many of the art museums are built into the ground, creating an interesting aesthetic of their own. ・You can enjoy to go around Naoshima island by a private car with Private English Speaking guide.

Experience the vibrant beauty of autumn in Fukuoka with this limited-time Cosmos Bloom Tour. Departing from Hakata Station, this one-day bus tour takes you to Mizumaki’s famous Cosmos Garden, where you can stroll among thousands of blooming flowers. Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties at Toto Market, then marvel at the intricate sand sculptures at the Ashiya Sand Sculpture Exhibition. The journey concludes with a visit to the serene Nanzoin Temple, home to one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues. Discover seasonal landscapes and local culture on this exclusive tour, available only during the cosmos blooming season! ◆ Guided Experience with Bilingual Support Enjoy the insights and stories of Fukuoka’s history and culture with a professional English & Japanese Speaking guide throughout your tour. For guests who prefer assistance in Chinese, a Chinese-speaking assistant can be arranged upon request.

Your journey begins at the Battle of Shizugatake, a pivotal Sengoku-era site. After a scenic lift and short hike, enjoy sweeping views of Lake Biwa from the summit where warlords once clashed. At the mountain’s base, explore a timeless village where devotion to Kannon has been preserved for over a millennium. Here, spiritual traditions remain deeply woven into local life. For lunch, visit historic Kinomoto to savor regional fermentation-based cuisine (vegan or vegetarian options available). Nearby, discover the 460-year-old Tomita Brewery, which holds deep ties to Shizugatake’s warriors and Mt. Ibuki’s pure waters. Finally, visit a blacksmith village famous for legendary Kusano-yari spears. Experience the artisan’s spirit by forging your own paper knife from a nail, connecting you to the ancient techniques that once supported Japan’s warriors.

Explore the world of art and local culture on this 3-hour walking tour around the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art in Sapporo. Discover the region’s artistic heritage through modern works and outdoor sculptures while learning about everyday life in the city. Along the way, visit cozy cafés and unique lifestyle shops that reflect Sapporo’s creative atmosphere. Led by an English-speaking guide, this experience offers insights into both the art scene and the local neighborhood, making it ideal for art lovers and curious travelers who want to explore beyond the typical tourist spots.

Immerse in Kamakura's charm with a hands-on music box crafting experience, creating your unique souvenir. Explore the serenity of Japan's largest wooden Buddha statue, a marvel of craftsmanship and spirituality. Engage in cultural exchange and craftsmanship, leaving with cherished memories of Japanese tradition

This Nagoya food tour lets you experience the city through its signature dishes while discovering local spots you might overlook on your own. It begins at Oasis 21 in Sakae, where your guide shares the history of Nagoya and introduces key symbols like Nagoya Castle, the golden shachihoko, and Atsuta Shrine. After enjoying views from the observation deck, you head to the first tasting. A short walk brings you to a restaurant specializing in miso nikomi udon made with rich red miso. You then sample Moriguchi pickles before visiting the basement of Japan’s oldest department store to try local favorites such as tenmusu, seasonal oni manju, and fragrant shrimp crackers, along with the stories behind them. The highlight is hitsumabushi, Nagoya’s famous grilled eel over rice. The tour ends at a local izakaya with a drink and spicy tebasaki wings. With 7–8 dishes included, it offers a full introduction to Nagoya-meshi.

This private tour offers a cultural experience in Yanaka, a popular strolling area for Japanese people. Yanaka is also known as “Cat Town". It is also full of alleys, slopes, and temples, where cats can be seen relaxing in the emotional streets. In addition to the experience of painting “Manekineko (beckoning cats),” cute ornaments that have been placed in stores as merchants' items since the Edo period, you will watch a finger puppet show. You can design your own beckoning cat and take it home as a mascot that will continue to bring you good fortune even after the tour is over. The finger puppets will be played in a theater dedicated to finger puppets. You can enjoy a short play that makes you laugh without words. Recommended for those who want to experience Japanese culture with a difference!

If you’d like to experience the Japanese countryside, Hakone is a fantastic choice. And if you want to explore its beauty in just one day, we’re happy to guide you through this breathtaking region. We’ll enjoy peaceful nature, the beautiful Lake Ashi, and the impressive Owakudani, just be prepared for a bit of that sulfur smell.

Visiting Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrine, Nozawa Onsen, or the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Stop by Obuse, an enchanting town in Nagano prefecture, renowned for its connection to the legendary artist Katsushika Hokusai. Stroll through the charming streets, admiring the beautiful gardens and inviting walking paths. Visit the Hokusai-kan Museum and uncover the fascinating story of why Hokusai journeyed from Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Obuse in his 80s. Enjoy culinary delights that have been savored since Hokusai's time, including local sake and miso (including a bonus miso souvenir!). We offer start times from 9:00am and 1:00pm. If you’d like to enjoy lunch in Obuse after the morning tour or begin the afternoon tour a bit earlier (such as around 12:00pm), we’re happy to adjust the schedule to suit your plans. Just let us know your preferred time when booking.

4 hour tour covers the eastern area of Tokyo. This quick yet immersive tour is perfect for visitors who want to experience a mix of modern Tokyo with deep historical roots, all while navigating the city like a local using public transportation. You'll leave with a greater appreciation of Tokyo's unique blend of old and new, all within just 4 hours! The itinerary may vary depending on the start time of the tour.

Private Iwakuni Day Tour from Hiroshima Explore Iwakuni’s highlights on a private car tour from Hiroshima. Walk across the iconic five-arched Kintaikyo Bridge, stroll through scenic Kikko Park, visit the historic Former Mekata Residence, and take a ropeway up Mount Shiroyama to see Iwakuni Castle with stunning panoramic views. Enjoy a relaxed, personalized itinerary with your own driver, perfect for a memorable day trip.

Tokyo Dome and the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum come together in this private 3-hour baseball history tour with a nationally licensed guide. After hotel pickup, enjoy the TOKYO DOME TOUR with behind-the-scenes access—field-level areas and other normally off-limits spaces—plus photo time and key stories. Then visit the museum to explore Japan’s baseball legends, rare memorabilia, and milestone moments. Great for adventure seekers, families with children, couples, first-time visitors, and baseball fans who want insider context without the stress of planning. For the 7:15 start only (8:15–9:15 tour slot), an Athletic Course may be available, including pitching & swing experience at the bullpen or mound depending on conditions; with extra time afterward, we can also guide interested guests to nearby Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. A Yomiuri Giants game starts at 6:00 PM the same day—contact us if you’d like to attend.

Rather than simply visiting attractions, this cultural journey reveals how faith, commerce, scholarship, and art became interconnected in northern Nagano. The tour also explores the relationship between Hokusai and Takai Kozan, the patron who welcomed artists and intellectuals to Obuse during the late Edo period. Visits to the Hokusai Museum, Takai Kozan Memorial Museum, and Ganshoin Temple provide insight into the cultural environment that inspired some of Hokusai’s most remarkable late-life works. Ideal for travelers interested in Japanese history, religion, art, and local culture, this experience offers a meaningful journey through the traditions that shaped northern Nagano. This tour is a tour by public transportation. If you prefer to use a car, please choose car option.

Experience the best of Japanese art and culture with a private tour from Kyoto to the MIHO MUSEUM and Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Centre. Explore stunning artworks, traditional ceramics, and breathtaking landscapes in one unforgettable journey. We will provide a private car with a driver, in addition to a nationally licensed guide. Enjoy the art and traditional crafts on this exceptional tour.

Enjoy a perfectly balanced day in Kobe, where nature, gourmet cuisine, and culture come together beautifully. Start your journey with a scenic ropeway ride to Nunobiki Herb Garden, offering panoramic city views, lush greenery, and soothing herb-scented footbaths. After descending, indulge in a teppanyaki lunch at Steakland Kobe-kan, where premium Kobe beef is grilled to perfection right before your eyes. In the afternoon, step into the world of traditional sake-making at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, where original tools and immersive displays reveal the craftsmanship behind Japan’s iconic drink.

Meet your guide at Hankyu Minoh Station and set off on a forest walk along the Minoh Waterfall Trail. The gentle riverside path takes about 50 minutes and leads you to the impressive 33-meter Minoh Waterfall, a natural highlight in every season. After a short break for photos, you will return on foot to Minoh Station, enjoying the scenery from a different perspective. From there, board a local bus to Minoh-Kayano Station, then transfer to another bus that climbs into the mountains toward Katsuo-ji Temple. Known as the “Temple of Victory,” Katsuo-ji is famous for its countless red Daruma dolls, symbols of perseverance and good fortune. Spend around 40 minutes exploring the spacious grounds, admiring the peaceful gardens, ornate gates, and hillside views. After the visit, return by bus to Minoh-Kayano Station, where the tour concludes, offering a perfect half-day combination of nature and culture near Osaka.

"This private plan is specially curated for 2-3 guests, offering a more intimate and personalized experience of Asakusa's traditions." Immerse yourself in the heart of Japanese hospitality with an exclusive private lunch and Geisha performance. This exclusive 3-hour journey begins with a seamless entry into a historic Ryotei restaurant. Your host, Soukan Enomoto (Expert Cultural Guide & Tea Ceremony specialist), provides rare access to the world of Asakusa's elite traditions. Enjoy an authentic Kaiseki lunch, a private Geisha performance, and the traditional Tosenkyo game. This is a compact yet deep experience of Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi) at its finest. Note on Sunday & Holiday Pricing: > On Sundays and National Holidays, a more premium and authentic full-course Kaiseki is served instead of the standard weekday menu. The price reflects this high-end culinary upgrade, ensuring a truly unforgettable and luxurious experience.

Discover the fascinating world of Arimatsu Shibori, a traditional Japanese textile craft with over 400 years of history. Explore the historic streets of Arimatsu, visit the Shibori Museum, and learn how this unique craft shaped the town's culture and identity. The highlight of the experience is a hands-on workshop in a historic merchant house, where you'll learn traditional Shibori tying techniques and create your own unique pattern under the guidance of local artisans. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience beyond the usual tourist attractions, this private tour offers a deeper connection to Japanese craftsmanship, history, and local life.

【OUTLINE】 A private tour to explore the charm of "Aizu Hongo: The Village of Ceramics." By visiting traditional kilns and innovative local businesses, you will connect with the artisans and deeply immerse yourself in the rich "handicraft culture" (Teshigoto) of the Aizu region. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 Exclusive Studio Visits: Gain exclusive access to private kilns and step inside workshops rarely open to the public. Experience the ceramic-making process firsthand. Tohoku's Oldest Climbing Kiln: Gain special access to the historic "Noborigama" (climbing kiln), the oldest of its kind in Northeast Japan. The Spirit of Hongo-yaki: Connect with the local artisans and discover the passion and philosophy behind the unique traditions of Hongo-yaki passed down through generations. *Important Notices The tour may be unavoidably cancelled due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.

Discover Kyoto’s quiet beauty on a private full-day tour through hidden temples, peaceful gardens, and local streets. Visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and the traditional Kamishichiken district, then continue to the elegant Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and the Philosopher’s Path. Enjoy a local lunch before exploring Nanzen-ji Temple and its graceful Suirokaku Aqueduct, where Zen tradition meets Meiji-era design. End your journey at Kennin-ji Temple and Gion, where geiko and maiko still preserve Kyoto’s timeless culture. A calm, personal experience for travelers seeking the authentic and spiritual side of Kyoto.