Top Japan Arts & Design - page 6

Experience Japanese culture through a private kimono experience in Sapporo, Hokkaido. After meeting at Kita 34 Jo Station, you will be welcomed into a Japanese-style room in a local neighborhood. In a calm tatami space, a kimono dresser with over 10 years of bridal hair and kimono experience will help you choose a kimono and style your hair beautifully. This experience is not only about wearing kimono. You will also learn about kimono styles, formality, seasonal patterns, and the meanings behind traditional Japanese patterns through simple explanations and photos. "Kimono has a story." I hope you can enjoy the beauty and depth of Japanese culture. After dressing, we will visit a shrine or park for a relaxing cultural walk and memory photos. We can travel comfortably by car. Photo data will be shared later via Google Drive. Summer Information In summer, breathable summer kimono are provided. Dressing takes place in an air-conditioned Western-style room instead of a tatami room.

Experience a part of Japanese history that most guidebooks miss on this half-day private tour of the Omiya Bonsai Village. Explore six different bonsai gardens, taking in the serene surroundings, and visit the attached Omiya Bonsai Art Museum to learn more about the history of this Japanese horticultural art form.

If you’re interested in vintage fashion, then this is the tour for you. Save hours of research time and join a guide on an adventure around the hipster neighborhood of Shimokitazawa. Get insider tips on the best vintage stores to visit, and benefit from the undivided attention of your private guide.

Discover Osaka’s highlights on this quirky Go Kart tour. Be photo-ready, as there are plenty of funny character costumes to choose from. It’s a hassle-free tour as Go Kart rental, costume rental, insurance, and fuel are included. See lots of Osaka’s top sites like Tsutenkaku Tower, and Kitashinchi area, and you won’t have to worry about losing your group, as it’s a small-group tour. A valid driving license and international license with Japanese translation is required.

Fans of matcha will appreciate this hands-on workshop on Japanese tea, which combines instructive lessons in traditional matcha preparation with a bonafide tea ceremony experience. Listen to enriching background on the little-known history behind the sacred ritual, once favored by monks and samurais. Learn how to brew top-quality matcha from an organic farm, and enjoy your tea with cakes from a famous Kyoto confectionary—all in a traditional townhouse.

Discover a side of Tokyo that most guidebooks miss on this small-group underground music scene tour that’s perfect for music-lovers. Explore a range of different venues across the city: Grab a drink while listening to tunes in smaller hole-in-the-wall venues, dance to DJs in skyscraper vinyl bars, and experience the electricity at house music locations.

This Marvelous Matcha Kyoto Green Tea Tour is the perfect way to discover the different varieties of matcha, see how to craft the perfect cup, and best of all—taste it. Visit the world-renowned district of Uji, which is known for producing outstanding quality green tea. The tour helps you discover hidden local tea shops that would be hard to find alone, and you have a guide to help translate. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious set lunch is provided.

Shinjuku is known for its trendy after-hours bars and Pachinko parlors—but it takes local know-how and Japanese language skills to navigate this flashy entertainment district without getting lost. Ideal for out-of-town visitors to Tokyo, this private evening tour gives you an insider’s introduction to the buzzy nightlife area. Learn all about how Pachinko is played from your guide, and try your luck playing your own game.

Avoid the disappointment of out-of-focus or badly composed vacation photos by having a private shoot with a professional photographer. Over the course of 1–2 hours, wander through the streets between Shinjuku and Kabukicho, looking for great backdrops for edgy, artistic photos. Modeling experience isn’t required and the photographer will make you feel like the star of the show. Receive photos you’ll be proud to share with your friends and followers.

The Tokyo National Museum houses some of Japan’s most significant artifacts but if you’re not familiar with the museum’s exhibits it can be tricky to know where to start. Make the most of your time on this private half-day tour with a guide who helps you discover Buddhist statues, samurai swords, ancient kimonos, and more. Enjoy easy logistics with hotel pickup included.

Explore Tokyo–and visit places many visitors overlook– on this private tour around the Akihabara district designed for fans of manga, anime, and gaming. Meet your guide, a local, at your hotel or other address in the city and travel to multiple locations related to these themes. Whether you’re a fan of retro gaming or want unique souvenirs, you can personalize the itinerary to best suit your interests.

Discover Your Own Kanazawa, With a Local Nurse! Join my private, fully customized walking and bus tour, designed just for you. With over 24 years living in Kanazawa, I know the city’s hidden gems and fascinating stories you won’t find in guidebooks. ✨I’m a Japanese nurse. If you feel unwell during the tour, I can help you. After you book, we’ll chat to create your perfect 5–6 hour adventure. Whether you want to explore Kenrokuen Garden, Castle, Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, or HIDDEN GEMS! (The itinerary is just a sample!) We’ll travel mainly by foot and local buses, making it easy and comfortable to see the best of the city. I love meeting new people and sharing conversation, so every tour is a personal experience. Let’s make your Kanazawa visit truly unforgettable-just for you! ☺️ ※Guests are kindly advised that the tour host cannot accept responsibility for any illness to unforeseen accidents occurring during the tour. ※ Families with children are very welcome!

A day of looking for galleries in Osaka on your own can end with a closed door or two, and one room showing work you'd have walked past anywhere else. That isn't because you didn't look hard enough. Japanese is my first language, curating is my job, and I still had to build a guide of my own to know which few were open and worth the trip on any given day. We visit three to five galleries in a single outing, usually close to three hours. A converted apartment in Nakazakicho. A room above a shuttered shopfront near Higobashi. Groups are capped at six and always private. If the gallerist or the artist is there, I'll introduce you and translate the conversation as it happens, rather than paraphrase it afterward. We finish with lunch at a spot I choose myself and go back to often. The meal is on you; the recommendation is part of the day. What I can tell you before we set out is which doors are worth knocking on.

Dcover Tokyo at your own pace with this self-guided audio tour. Rather than rushing from place to place in a big group, this audio tour allows you to spend more time at the places you are interested in, from the Meiji-Jingu Shrine to the Odaiba district and Ueno Park, and skip past places that don't interest you.

Chichibu Festival Museum: By watching the 3D theater and the projection mapping, you will immerse yourself in the culture and the festivals in Chichibu. You can watch traditional music by the local players of Chichibu Yatai Bayashi. This is a rare opportunity as there aren't many other tours where you can watch the Festival Music performance. The guide can play all the instruments. I'm sure you can deepen the charm of Chichibu Yatai Bayashi. Chichibu Shrine: It has a history of 2111 years. A Female God "Myoken-sama" lives here, which is in the direction of the northern star. On the other side, we can see Mt. Buko, where the Dragon God lives, who comes to "Otabisho" to meet "Myoken-sama" once a year on the day of the Night Festival. Exploring the downtown Chichibu: Besides the quaint shops, cafes, and local gourmet food, you visit Suwa Shrine and "Otabisho". This tour will be held only on Oct 6, 14, and 20 this year. Don't miss out on this opportunity.

Experience the essential beauty of Arashiyama on this perfectly condensed walking tour. In just a few hours, your expert local guide will lead you to the district's three absolute must-see sights. Begin with the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, capturing its stunning views against the backdrop of mountains. Then, find tranquility as you explore the magnificent World Heritage garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Finally, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories and historical context, bringing Kyoto's rich culture and natural wonders to life. This engaging itinerary is the perfect way to efficiently discover the unique charm and unforgettable scenery of Arashiyama.

Travel between Tokyo and Lake Kawaguchi by pre-booked bus, offering a simple and reliable way to reach the Mt. Fuji area. This transfer option removes the complexity of navigating multiple trains while allowing flexibility with one-way or round-trip tickets. Designed for independent travelers, it provides a straightforward connection so you can focus on exploring Lake Kawaguchi at your own pace.

Join me for a dynamic photoshoot in Osaka! We’ll capture the city’s vibrant energy at iconic spots like the Glico Sign and Shinsekai, while also exploring hidden gems like Houzenji Temple. You’ll receive stunning photos that bring your experience to life. I’ll ensure you feel at ease in front of the camera, capturing natural, authentic moments. With expert guidance, we’ll create images that reflect your personality and style. Choose your preferred locations for a fully customized experience. After the session, you’ll receive 30 professionally edited high-resolution images, showcasing the best moments of your Osaka adventure. Let’s create something amazing together! Shoot Travel Japan Irven Lewis

This tour is your gateway to Tokyo's subcultures, a chance to experience them while delving into its fascinating history. Shimokitazawa, a haven for bohemians, is our first stop. We'll hunt for vintage treasures – bask in the glory of all that is Japanese vintage shopping - find items you wouldn't dream of finding back home! Kichijoji, a charming escape, offers a glimpse into Tokyo's relaxed subculture scene. We'll sip locally roasted coffee at independent cafes, a testament to the city's ever-evolving coffee culture. Koenji, a melting pot of creativity, bursts with energy. We'll navigate the maze-like streets, lined with indie boutiques showcasing the latest trends. While you discover unique pieces that define Tokyo's present-day style revolution. Nakano Broadway, a wonderland for collectors, is our final stop. Explore rows of shops overflowing with anime and vintage cameras, a microcosm of Japanese pop culture.

What comes to mind when you think of “Ginza”? Luxury brand shops? High‑end restaurants? Those are certainly part of its charm, but Ginza also has a fascinating side hidden in its backstreets. This is a two‑hour walking tour that takes you through six of Ginza’s back alleys. These narrow lanes are home to hidden shrines and long‑loved local shops. You will explore Ginza’s glamorous “front” streets and then step into its maze‑like backstreets to experience a completely different side of the district. *This tour involves about two hours of continuous walking, so it may not be suitable for guests who are not confident in their physical strength. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, and in summer, bring drinking water. Cooling towels will be provided. *Kabuki viewing is not included in the tour.

As the most important and popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo, the Meiji Shrine is a must see, but visiting on your own can mean missing out on important details. Learn about the history and significance of this important site on this small-group guided tour. Follow your guide through the torii gates and pathways and discover the spiritual traditions, including how to visit the shrine.

Discover the nostalgic side of Tokyo on a private 6-hour walking tour with a Spanish-speaking guide. Explore traditional neighborhoods such as Asakusa, stroll along the Sumida River and walk the less busy streets of Ueno, Yanaka and Nezu, areas where you can still feel “Ancient Tokyo”. We will travel like locals, using public transport and short walks, enjoying the real Japan. This tour is completely private and adapts to your pace and interests (history, temples and shrines, gardens, street food, shopping, photography, or whatever you want). Meals, transportation fees and entrance fees are not included, offering you the freedom to choose what to visit and eat based on your budget. ※40% of the regular price until March. • Private tour: only your group • Old Tokyo neighborhoods: Asakusa / Ueno / Yanaka / Nezu • Subway and walking • Flexible route, tailored to your interests and pace

Avoid crowded group tours and opt for a more personalized and intimate way to explore Tokyo—a private tour. Discover the highlights of Asakusa, including one of the city’s oldest temples, Senso-ji, and views of Tokyo Skytree. To get the most out of the day, the tour also includes a hands-on sushi class—combining sightseeing with a memorable cooking masterclass.

Experience the rare opportunity to step inside a traditional Kyoto machiya, a wooden Japanese townhouse, and immerse yourself in the uniquely Japanese culture of the tea ceremony. In a small group of no more than six people, learn the basic concepts and ideas of tea ceremony, as well as the required etiquette. Watch a demonstration of the way of tea, then make your own. Your instructor guides you in how to drink it and also serve you a traditional Japanese cake.