Top Japan Culture - page 8

Sidestep the stress of riding around on a busy sightseeing bus and spend time outdoors with this fun go-karting experience. There’s no need to worry about following a map or getting lost, as the experience is guided, with travel in a small convoy. During the tour, enjoy views of Tokyo, including multiple notable sights, such as Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Station.

Cover the highlights of Nara during this guided half-day biking tour. Mingle with other travelers as you cycle between locations, from the iconic stone lanterns of Kasuga Taisha to Nara Park’s resident deer. Tick off more sights in less time from two wheels. Bottled water and a safety helmet are included.

Explore Tokyo by electric bike on this guided adventure. Choose your ideal ride time—morning or afternoon, with different routes at each time of day—then hit the streets with a local cyclist. Check out spots such as Tokyo Station, Akihabara, Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Ryogoku, depending on which tour you take. Discover the city’s history, architecture, subcultures, and off-the-beaten-path spots on a fun ride around Japan’s capital.

Enjoy this half day walking tour of beautiful Kyoto. You’ll be led by your English speaking guide. Learn about the history, culture, religion, and the nature of this area. You’ll make stops at the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, Tatsumi Bridge, Chion-in Temple, Maruyama Park, Nene-no-Michi, Yasaka Pagoda, and Ninen Zaka Path.

Take a tour of the Kyoto bamboo forest by rickshaw, and on foot, to explore every part of it. First you’ll be pulled by your guide through the green bamboo on a path reserved for rickshaws. Then pass by Nonomiya Shrine and stop for photos at a little park. The last leg is on foot, where you’ll walk to an impressive part of the forest. Early morning is best to avoid the crowds.

Find out what's it's like to be a ninja. This small-group beginners class in a Kyoto dojo introduces you to the basics of ninja training. You'll learn how to breathe, walk, and meditate like a ninja, practice throwing ninja weapons, and learn how to use ninja swords. It's a unique Japanese experience for all ages.

Kyoto is famous for its “geisha” culture, and this experience offers a rare chance to watch a real “maiko” (apprentice “geisha”) perform up close. Sightings like this are increasingly uncommon, making it an experience many travelers miss. During the show, enjoy traditional dances, take part in a question-and-answer session, and play a classic Japanese game too.

Craft your own journey of Kobe on a personalized walking tour that can range anywhere from three to eight hours. Choose from a list of landmarks and hidden gems, and explore at a pace suited to you. While you explore, gain insight into the local history and culture from your guide. Some options include dining in Kobe’s Chinatown, shopping on Motomachi Shopping Street, or visiting hidden temples and shrines that you might otherwise miss.

Go beyond the typical group tour experience and explore Hiroshima with a local guide who is deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the area. This private tour takes you to the city's landmarks including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome; to the tranquil Shukkeien Garden, Miyajima island, and Itsukushima Shrine; as well as some off-the-beaten-path spots known only to locals.

Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony dressed in a ceremonial kimono during this small-group cultural experience in Kyoto. Learn about the meaning of different kimono patterns and the history behind the tea ceremony from your guide, then watch the professional tea master prepare a cup of tea. Sip your tea and learn about Japanese manners during a tea ceremony, then enjoy the opportunity to try your hand at brewing your own.

When in Nagoya, don’t miss the chance to explore Studio Ghibli. This hassle-free tour provides your entrance ticket to the park, a tasty bento box lunch, plus round-trip transfers from a meeting point in Nagoya. Once arrived, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, and make your way around Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, Valley of Witches, and Mononoke Village.

Sake—traditional rice wine—is Japan’s most famous drink, and Kyoto’s Fushimi District is renowned for its sake production, home to over 30 breweries. During this small-group experience, discover the wide varieties of sake and learn how to identify your preferences, led by a sake sommelier. Sample several different sakes, accompanied by tasty Japanese snacks, and leave with a cheat sheet to help you order your favorite sakes while in Japan.

Go beyond sightseeing with a walking tour that highlights Osaka’s history, food scene and unique blend of old and new. In addition to sites like Osaka Castle, you’ll learn about areas like Kuromon Market, also known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” and Amerika-mura, where youth culture in Osaka thrives. You can sample delicious local street food and see hidden areas of the city that preserve elements of traditional Japan.

Explore some of Nagoya’s top sites through the eyes of a local on this guided tour. Visit Nagoya Castle, the Oasis 21 tower, try some of Nagoya’s local food (at your own expense), the Nagoya downtown shopping area, and the Osu Kannon Arcade and Temple. Learn all about the history of samurai with the chance to meet a samurai or a ninja!

Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is famous for its Bamboo Grove, but it’s more than just a place to take a great photo. Learn about Arashiyama’s history, temples, and culture from your guide on this walking tour. Arashiyama is usually teeming with tourists, so this tour also whisks you away to hidden gems that are far less crowded, including Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest.

Swap Nagono for an exploration to Matsumoto and Kamikochi in a day. Instead of looking up bus timetables, you can benefit from having round-trip transportation included. Along the way, check off a mix of scenic nature spots, as well as historical attractions, such as Matsumoto Castle, with guided tours included for extra convenience.

Discover some of Kyushu's most-important sites related to Japanese spirituality and mythology on this day tour from Fukuoka. Skip the hassle of driving or navigating trains and buses and head straight for the attractions, Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine, Amanoyasukawara, and Takachiho Gorge

Rather than relying on pure chance to spot a geisha, this live show offers a more reliable way to experience Tokyo's geisha traditions in the atmospheric Asakusa district. The experience includes meeting a geisha watching traditional dance performances, and taking part in a Japanese game. A Q&A session adds context, followed by the opportunity to take photos at the end.Learn about geisha culture by watching live dance performances Enjoy the perk of having tea and a snack included A Q&A session offers answers that most tourists miss out on Learn something new—how to play a Japanese game

Discover hidden hiking routes that you likely wouldn’t find alone on this guided tour near the spectacular Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine—a place known for its bright orange torii gates. Following a guide, venture off paved paths and onto secret forest trails to the famous attraction, passing a natural bamboo forest, and a small shrine that’s off the usual tourist trail. The trip also reveals scenic views of Fushimi-Momoyama Castle.

Want to take a day trip to the Mount Fuji area from Tokyo but don't know where to start? Skip the logistics headache by booking a group tour that takes care of the transportation and itinerary for you. Instead of figuring out public transportation options, relax in during the bus ride from Tokyo to Oishi Park, Oshino Hakkai, and more.

Cover more ground in less time and see Tokyo's most popular landmarks on an e-bike tour. E-bikes make exploring a breeze, and each route option is circular so you don't need to worry about finding your way home after the tour ends. Your tour includes an e-bike, helmet, gloves during winter, luggage storage, and optional knapsack rental for convenience.

Arashiyama’s bamboo forest is one of Kyoto’s most visited attractions so it can get pretty busy. Avoid the crowds by taking an early morning bicycle tour. Enjoy the forest and temples at their most serene, and take photos without strangers getting in the way. Get active while on vacation and visit some other Arashiyama highlights throughout the morning.

See Hiroshima's most popular attractions in one comprehensive full-day tour—perfect for travelers short on time. Visit sites such as Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island (ferry ticket included), an important Shinto religious site, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum—a somber but important part of Hiroshima's history.

Feast your way around the buzzing nightlife district of Shinjuku with this exciting food–themed walking tour. Rather than traveling in a huge crowd, the group size is kept small for a more intimate atmosphere. Along the way, visit four different eateries and have a chance to try around 15 dishes—such as dumplings, fried chicken, and sashimi.