Top Japan Cultural Tours - page 159

The “Kansai Area Pass,” valid within the JR West Japan region, allows unlimited boarding and alighting at stations in the Kyoto, Nara, Mie, and Iga areas. Pass holders can also enjoy admission and experiences at nearby cultural and tourist facilities (some require reservations), and the pass includes a ¥2,000 (tax included) dining coupon valid in the area. This makes it an excellent value. ※Please refer to the included booklet for a list of available facilities.

"MagicalTrip's Exclusive Collaboration tour created in partnership with Rakugo Master /Broadway performer Katsura Sunshine. Sample classic Edo street foods as you stroll through Nakamise Street. Discover Senso-ji temple etiquette and explore Asakusa’s rich collection of traditional shops and cultural spots. Rakugo Comic Storytelling in English by Canadian Katsura Sunshine who performs Rakugo in New York on Broadway once a month Gain an understanding of Edo-period daily life—enhancing your appreciation of the humor and storytelling in Rakugo."

Explore the sulphurous volcanic pits and geysers of Noboribetsu's Hell Valley and soak your feet in a natural onsen river. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by taking an optional onsen (hot spring bath) at the largest onsen hotel in the area. Entry and parking fees are paid separately to each facility. Sample Itinerary: Noboribetsu's Hell Valley (30 mins) Oyunuma Footbath walking path (40 mins return walk way) Noboribetsu (Lunch time) Choose two from the following options: 1. Daichi Takimotokan Hotel Onsen (90 mins) 2. Jidaimura Edo Period Theme Park (90 mins) 3. Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park) (90 mins)

Set within the deeply nostalgic atmosphere of Otaru Central Market, this special culinary experience connects you with the ""indomitable spirit"" of the women who once supported the local economy, carrying heavy tin cans on their backs. With the hustle and bustle of the market as your background music, an Otaru-based seafood expert will provide careful instruction on making exquisite Onigiri using local ingredients. The exquisite hand pressure that brings out the full flavor of the rice and the techniques to make the most of the ingredients are lifelong skills you can recreate at home. The highlight of the experience is the social time after cooking. Savor your freshly pressed Onigiri while listening to stories about the history of predecessors who lived resiliently in nature's harshness, and deep food culture known only to locals. Enjoy a rich, immersive moment that goes beyond a simple cooking class, connecting you deeply with the origins of Otaru’s ""food"" and ""people.""

Sapporo is a unique city that underwent dramatic transformation in a short period. While it is now a bustling metropolis of 2 million people, just 150 years ago it was untouched primeval forest. This rapid growth was driven by the "frontier spirit" of early pioneers. Join us on a walking tour to uncover this story by tracing the "Polaris"—the five-pointed star symbol placed upon key historical sites across the city. We will visit landmarks like the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building and the Clock Tower to see the Polaris symbol firsthand, while searching for traces of history hidden within the modern landscape. Along the way, we will stop for prayer at Hokkaido Jingu Tongu and a break with Japanese tea. The trail concludes at the site of Japan's first beer brewery, where pioneers' dreams were once bottled. After the tour ends, we invite you to relax and enjoy a beer to toast Sapporo's remarkable 150-year journey. (Food and drinks after the tour are at your own expense.)

Discover the rich history of the Tokaido Road on a captivating guided walk from JR Kawasaki Station. Once a vital route for samurai and merchants, this area reveals hidden gems of the Edo period. After immersing yourself in the stories of the past, step into the Tokaido Glass workshop for a 90-minute Kiriko engraving session. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll learn to craft intricate patterns on glass using traditional tools. This meditative experience allows you to focus solely on the art, creating a unique piece that reflects your journey. Capture the light in your engraved glass, a memorable keepsake that surpasses any ordinary souvenir.

Experience the ultimate comfort of a private tour in a luxury Toyota Alphard. Unlike crowded bus tours, it provides a premium, personalized journey tailored to your group’s pace. Step into your spacious, high-end Alphard with an expert tour guide and travel seamlessly from Osaka to Kyoto. Your private vehicle ensures a smooth and relaxing ride between Kyoto’s three most iconic landmarks. Wander through the soaring Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, marvel at the golden reflection of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and hike through the mesmerizing red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. This is a private day trip designed to transport you into the heart of Japan’s timeless beauty with elegance and ease.

Discover Nara’s serene beauty and history in the exclusive comfort of a luxury Toyota Alphard. This private tour is crafted for travelers seeking a sophisticated, stress-free exploration of Japan’s first capital. Experience the spiritual awe of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and wander through the mystical Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of lanterns and ancient forest. You will also enjoy a traditional stroll through the Naramachi district, immersing yourself in the charming atmosphere of preserved Machiya townhouses. At Explorer Tours, we redefine luxury. With a professional dedicated guide and chauffeur, we ensure a seamless journey with personalized attention. Unlike large bus tours, we prioritize your group's privacy and comfort with a true "Personal Touch."

Experience Osaka’s vibrant culture and history on a private journey, traveling in a luxury Toyota Alphard with your own dedicated guide and chauffeur. Begin at Osaka Castle, where you can walk through its expansive grounds and take in the legacy of Japan’s samurai era. Continue to Dotonbori, known for its neon-lit canal and lively street food scene. Discover the striking lion-headed stage of Namba Yasaka Shrine, a unique and lesser-known highlight, before exploring the nostalgic streets of Shinsekai, home to the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. Along the way, your guide will share local insights and recommendations, helping you experience Osaka’s renowned food culture in a more authentic and enjoyable way.

Spend just one day to have an overview of Japanese history from its inception to the modern times as you enjoy landmark visits with a local expert guide. We will visit three major landmarks where you can see and (sometimes) touch monuments and exhibits closely related to this tour’s theme of history overview. As we visit each landmark, your guide will relate the history chronologically from the nation’s inception, ancient times, ruling by samurai, through to the modern times. Specifically, we will visit three landmarks: 1) Atsuta Shrine Explore the nation’s origin and learn about major historical figures. 2) Nagoya Castle The guide will relate the history focusing on the period of warring states and transition to unification in early 17th century. 3) Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology The guide will demystify how Toyota could rise from scratch. It gives a clue to understanding the secret of Japan’s success in rapid industrialization.

This 7-day mini group tour invites travelers to explore Japan's cultural and natural wonders, including iconic cities and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Tokyo with visits to Tsukiji Outer Market, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Senso-ji Temple. Experience the grandeur of Mt. Fuji with a cruise on Lake Ashi and a ride on the Hakone Ropeway. In Kyoto, admire the Golden Pavilion and the historic streets of Gion. Encounter friendly deer in Nara and explore Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori district. With comfortable accommodations and expert English-speaking guides, immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan's heritage and hospitality.

Follow our guide, you will visit Tokyo’s top attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto and Osaka, get up close with the adorable deer at Nara Park & Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and admire the unique Gassho-zukuri house design at Shirakawa-go Village. Last but not least, you can appreciate Hakone’s diverse scenery and watch Mt. Fuji from the ropeway and cruise ship.

Hakata dolls, with a history of over 400 years, are known to every Japanese person. On this tour, you will experience painting one yourself. You will also learn about Yamakasa, a summer festival in Fukuoka with a history of around 300 years. There are two types of floats: the decorative kazari-yamakasa and the carried kaki-yamakasa that race through the streets. Both feature enormous Hakata dolls meticulously crafted by master artisans. The tour includes a visit to Kushida Shrine, the starting point of the kaki-yamakasa and the place where decorative floats are displayed. Surprisingly, Fukuoka’s history is even older than Kyoto’s. Eisai, a Zen monk who first brought tea seeds back from China, founded Japan’s very first Zen temple here in Fukuoka—Shofukuji Temple. The tour also takes you there, where you will enjoy Japanese tea and traditional sweets at a tea café. Immerse yourself fully in the rich culture and history of Fukuoka!"

Known as downtown Tokyo, the Asakusa area is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from Japan and abroad. Its popularity lies in its strong sense of Japan's unique culture, history, and customs despite being in the city. This tour showcases Asakusa as the perfect stage for experiencing summer in Japan. The tour begins at the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center, offering a panoramic view of Asakusa and the places you'll visit. Don't miss the historic Sensoji temple with its huge lanterns and interesting features. After enjoying the shopping district, cool off with locally famous shaved ice, piled high to help beat the summer heat. The tour ends with a visit to Japan's tallest tower, the Tokyo Sky Tree, where you can see the city at dusk from the sky. Let's embark on a summer trip to Asakusa, a place you can truly enjoy only in the hot season!

Among Kyoto's popular tourist destinations, Higashiyama and the Kyoto Station area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, attract visitors from Japan and abroad due to their deeply Japanese atmosphere. This tour focuses on experiencing Japanese history, culture, and summer in Kyoto. The tour begins at Shijo-Kawaramachi Station, offering easy access to Higashiyama attractions. After a short bus ride and walk, you'll reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its clear water and small waterfall. After shopping on the street in front of the temple, you'll visit Yasaka Shrine, believed to ward off epidemic diseases during the hot season. Next, enjoy the Japanese summer sweet "shaved ice" in Gion and stroll along the famous Gion street. The tour concludes with a visit to Kyoto Tower in front of Kyoto Station for a romantic view at dusk. Let's embark on a trip to Kyoto, a city best enjoyed in the hot summer!

On this journey, along with the original landscape of such Japanese "prayer," you can visit and experience traditional crafts such as Owase wappa, sword smithing, and Kumano Otonashigami (paper-making) workshop, and immerse yourself in the magnificent nature of the Nanki Geopark. Enjoy the relationship between the three types of land created by the subduction of plates, the unique landscapes they created, the wide variety of flora and fauna brought about by the warm and humid climate, and the Kumano worship born from them.

Blacksmith was brought to Tsubame and Sanjo area in Niigata prefecture in the early 17th century, started producing Japanese nails called Wakugi. This area now became an artisan metalsmiths town. You can visit some of those factories, artisans welcome you. In this tour, you will visit Knife factory, Tadafusa and coppenwear factory, Gyokusendo. Both has a long history and you can see their work very closely. You can also visit more factory, Museum or shopping spots where you can find the Tsubame Sanjo quality products.

This 6 hr walking tour includes 2hr Temari-Sushi Making experience at Patia's Japanese Cooking Class . Before your Sushi Making experience, you will go on a walking tour with our licensed guide! Your guide will drop you off at Patia's Japanese Cooking Class after a 4 hour walking tour. Start time: Your start time for the experience may vary. Estimated time will be about 4 hours from the start of the tour. Temari sushi is a type of sushi that is made in the shape of small, colorful balls, resembling the traditional Japanese "temari" (hand-stitched balls). Rice is shaped into a round ball, and then a slice of fish or other toppings, such as shrimp, egg, or vegetables, is delicately placed on top. The result is a beautiful, bite-sized sushi. You can customize your tour directly with the guide after placing your reservation. Please craft your itinerary by choosing 2 to 3 spots on the ‘what to expect’ or ‘itinerary’ list.

Situated in the center of Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa, easily accessible from Kyoto, offers beautiful lakeside scenery and plenty to do. Takashima and Kosei Areas are home to the Shirahige Shrine. It is said to bring a variety of good fortune. Also, there is a famous cherry blossom spot, Umezu Osaki. Omi Shrine, Biwako Terrace, and Ukimido are situated in Otsu and Konan Areas. Biwako Terrace is a popular spot for a breathtaking view. Ukimido is believed to have been built to pray for safety on the waters of Lake Biwa. If you are interested in the Sengoku period, you cannot miss the Azuchi Castle Ruine, the residence of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga. Hikone Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful castles, is set in the Koto Area. In the Koga area, there is the Miho Museum and "Shigaraki Toen Tanuki Mura" where you can see Shigaraki ceramics of Japanese tanuki! This tour is for a pick up and drop off in Kyoto city only.

This 5 hour walking tour includes 1 hour tea ceremony experience with Kimono at HiSUi TOKYO in Ginza. Before your tea ceremony experience, you will go on a 4 hr walking tour with our licensed guide! Your guide will participate in tea ceremony experience with you as a translator. Entering the tea room through the Nijiriguchi(small, square entrance to the tea room), you will receive a lecture in the tea room and the correct manner to enjoy Japanese sweets and green tea! You can customize your tour directly with the guide after placing your reservation. Please craft your itinerary by choosing 2 to 3 spots on the ‘what to expect’ or ‘itinerary’ list. Start time: Your start time for the experience may vary. The estimated time for the experience will be about 4 hours from the start of the tour. Experience time: Your experience time may vary.

This 6hr walking tour includes 2hr Inari sushi making experience at Patia's Japanese Cooking Class. Before your Inari sushi making experience, you will go on a walking tour with our licensed guide! Your guide will drop you off at Patia's Japanese Cooking Class after a 4 hour walking tour. In Inari sushi making experience, you will learn how to make inari sushi, a traditional Japanese dish. Inari sushi is fried tofu skin which is cooked in sweet dashi stuffed with vinegar rice. It has been eaten since the Edo period (about 400 years ago)! You can customize your tour directly with the guide after placing your reservation. Please craft your itinerary by choosing 2 to 3 spots on the ‘what to expect’ or ‘itinerary’ list. Start time: Your start time for the experience may vary. **Minimum number of people required for per booking is 4 people**

This 6hr walking tour includes 45min Origami Experience at Taro's Origami Studio. Before your experience, you will go on a walking tour with our licensed guide! Your guide will drop you off at Taro's Origami Studio after a 5 hour walking tour. Start time: The estimated time for the experience will be about 5 hours from the start of the tour. You can customize your tour directly with the guide after placing your reservation. Please craft your itinerary by choosing 2 to 3 spots on the ‘what to expect’ or ‘itinerary’ list.

This 6-hour walking tour includes a 2-hour Sushi-making experience and Sake pairing at Tamasushi in Asakusa. Tmasushi is a long-established Sushi restaurant that's been in business for 100 years! You can learn how to make standard Edomae sushi and rolled sushi from a professional chef! Also, you can enjoy Sushi and Sake pairing (three types of Sake). Before your experience, you will go on a walking tour with our licensed guide. Your guide will sit in the experience with you as an interpreter. Don't miss this unique and authentic Sushi making and sake pairing if you are a sushi lover! Please craft your itinerary by choosing 2 to 3 spots on the ‘what to expect’ or ‘itinerary’ list. Start time: Your start time for the experience may vary. The estimated time for the experience will be about 4 hours from the start of the tour.

This 6hr walking tour includes 1 - 1.5 hr calligraphy and origami experience at Nihon Shokyoin in Shinagawa! Writing Japanese characters with brush and ink is truly unforgettable. You can take home your kanji on a scroll and your origami creations as souvenirs! Before your experience, you will go on a walking tour with our licensed guide! Your guide will attend the experience with you as an interpreter. Start time: Your start time for the experience may vary. The estimated time for the experience will be about 4 hours from the start of the tour. You can customize your tour directly with the guide after placing your reservation. Please craft your itinerary by choosing 2 to 3 spots on the ‘what to expect’ or ‘itinerary’ list. *MUST BRING OR WEAR SOCKS as Calligraphy & Origami experience involves sitting on the carpeted floor with cushions provided. Tables are also available, though in limited numbers.