Top Japan Cultural Tours - page 2

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.

Discover both the traditional and modern sides of the ancient Japanese city of Nara. This private tour allows you customize your itinerary to your own interests. Soak in the history and culture of this 8th-century capital of Japan. Select which places you want to see, from Nara Park (inhabited by deer) and Mt. Wakakusa to Todai-ji Temple with its Giant Buddha and the Nara National Museum.

Explore Akihabara in a unique and fun way—traveling in a go-kart dressed as a character of your choice—from comics, to games, or anime. No need to worry about getting lost, as you’ll have a guide to lead the way. It’s the perfect way to spend time in the fresh air, and see multiple sites in a short space of time, such as Tokyo Station, Ginza and Akihabara.

Learn all about Japanese anime art and even learn how to draw it yourself on this informative and fun tour of an anime studio in Suginami, Tokyo. Go behind-the-scenes of Japan’s anime and manga industry, first visiting an anime museum to learn about the history and production process. Then, visit a functioning studio and participate in an anime workshop to learn about the drawing style and try it yourself.

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.

Whether you’re an anime and gaming fan, or you just want to learn more about this exciting part of Japanese popular culture, this is the tour for you. Get explanations about Japanese culture that you wouldn’t get if exploring the area alone, and experience all the “must do” activities in Akihabara, such as visiting a retro video game store, a maid cafe, a photo booth, and much more.

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.

Harajuku is one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric districts, known for its colorful fashions, quirky cafés, and pop culture. Take a half-day walking tour of the area to discover a number of spots that tourists don't know about. Walk down Takeshita Street, shop for ‘kawaii’ (‘cute’) souvenirs, stop at an Owl Café and a café with 3D latte art, and admire the local street art.

Seeking out the well-concealed back-alley bars of Tokyo's Shinjuku district is notoriously tricky for outsiders. Take the guesswork out of your trip on this guided tour that takes you barhopping to Izakaya bars in two different alleyways in Shinjuku with a small group. Experience the backstreets of Tokyo and authentic street food and drinks (included) while your guide shares insights into local culture in this atmospheric part of the city.

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.

Get ‘big in Japan’ during this insider’s experience at a sumo wrestler morning practice session. Enjoy exclusive access to a sumo stable, watching as these massive athletes put themselves through their daily training regimen and go head-to-head. Who knows: you might even get to witness a future tournament champion. A guide is also included to help you gain access and follow the proceedings.

Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. Continue exploring off the beaten path, discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.

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.

Discover one of Tokyo's busiest and most exciting districts, Shibuya, on this exciting small-group food tour. Your guide takes you away from the tourist crowds to discover hidden gems where locals eat. Feast on 13 traditional Japanese dishes at three different eateries around the district. Sample dishes such as sushi, yakiniku, udon, karaage, and more. Learn more about Japanese culture while making new friends.

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.

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.

Don’t worry about spending hours researching and planning your Fukuoka itinerary—hire a private guide for the day instead. This means you can get in-depth insights into Japanese culture that you wouldn’t hear otherwise, and there’s no need to worry about getting lost. Best of all, as it's a private tour, you can pick your favorite stops from a list, to ensure the trip only visits places you’re interested in.

Tour dates: Every Wednesday, Thursday This tour is a bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station.Visit Shirakawago, a World Heritage Site very popular with foreigners, and Hida Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.English-speaking staff will accompany you, so you can participate with peace of mind.On the bus, your guide will give you a walking map of each tourist destination.The guide will guide you through the sights and souvenirs beforehand, so you can enjoy walking around efficiently.Lunch is a Japanese set meal full of local dishes from the Hida region and mountain produce.You don't have to worry about food, so you can take a leisurely stroll. The tour ends (arrival at Kanazawa Station) at 5:15 p.m. ＜Itinerary＞ 07:50 Meet at JR Kanazawa Station, Kanazawa Port Exit (West Exit) Group Bus Stop 08:00 forehand from JR Kanazawa Station 09:15 - 09:30 Michi no Eki Shirakawa-go 09: 40 - 11 : 30 Shirakawa-go free walking 11:30 - 12:15 Lunch 13 : 15 - 15 : 00 Hida Takayama Free Walking 17:15 Arrival JR Kanazawa Station, Kanazawa Port Exit (West Exit) Group Bus Stop *Schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to road conditions, weather, etc. *Michi no Eki Shirakawago is closed from December 29 to January 1.On regular holidays, we will stop at Jottekale Castleside (Toyama Prefecture). *The price of the trip does not include admission to each facility or meals during free time. *Infants do not include meals.Bus seat prices only.If you require infant meals, please book as a child. *Under 2s are free.Bus seats and meals are not included. Notes Please climb the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory yourself.Walking is about 10 to 15 minutes one way.A paid shuttle bus costs 300 yen one way (paid locally).

Experience the highlights of Hakone by foot in a private walking tour. Skip the crowded group tours and tailor the experience to your preferences. You’ll only see the local attractions that you’re interested in, whether you want to try the area’s famous black boiled eggs, ride the Hakone Ropeway, visit an art museum, or hike across Hakone’s volcanic landscapes.

Explore the busy and exciting Shinjuku region of Tokyo with your guide, and sample all kinds of traditional Japanese food along the way. Start at a sushi haven, known only to locals, to try several sushi creations. Next, visit a restaurant where they grill Wagyu on traditional shichirin stoves before walking the neon streets of Kabuki-Cho. End your tour at a bar where you can indulge in tasty desserts.

Enjoy a private, full-day walking tour of Shizuoka/Shimizu with a government-licensed and multilingual guide. From the striking views of Mt. Fuji, to the history of the Old Tokaido Road, Shizuoka offers abundant nature and unique cultural experiences. Visit the castle of Japan's most famous shogun, take a ride on a steam locomotive, and/or enjoy the views of Mt. Fuji. Share your interests and your guide will customize a tour specifically for you.

Foodies and seafood lovers won’t want to miss this tour to one of the most famous markets in the world: Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. See where tons of fish and seafood are traded every day, and get the chance to try some seriously fresh seafood at the stalls around the market. This tour also includes an added cultural element: as well as a trading area, Tsukiji is home to some important Japanese shrines. Learn more about various aspects of Japanese culture on this multifaceted trip.

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.

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.