Top Japan Culture - page 9

This is the only samurai sword experience in Tokyo where you would feel like a real samurai and have a real hands on sword experience different from some simple costume play. Many people come to Japan to learn about the history of samurai and fulfill their childhood dream of being a samurai and this is it. ！Children under 10 can not enter the samurai venue.！ ！You can reserve maximum 4 people from Viator however we accept any other booking site and there will be more participants in your experience！

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.

Experience the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi in a quiet workshop near Gion and Kawaramachi in Kyoto. In this hands-on experience, you will repair cracked or chipped ceramic pieces using lacquer and gold powder, transforming broken pottery into something beautiful and unique. With guidance from an experienced instructor, you will carefully work on bowls or plates while learning the basic techniques of Kintsugi. Rather than hiding imperfections, this traditional method celebrates them as part of an object’s history and character. During the workshop, you will also learn about the history of Kintsugi and the Japanese philosophy that values imperfection and mindfulness. Your finished piece will become a one-of-a-kind souvenir and a meaningful reminder of your time in Kyoto, offering a calm and authentic introduction to Japanese culture.

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the heart of bustling Osaka. Tea ceremonies have been an art form in Japan since the 16th century, and this class will teach you about the cultural significance and history behind the practice. Afterward, enjoy expertly crafted matcha and traditional sweet treats.

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

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.

Shinjuku is known for its amazing nightlife, and this tour is the perfect way to discover it. Swap language barriers for a hassle-free tour with a guide to take you to local izakayas that you’d likely miss otherwise. Along the way, taste authentic street food and drinks—which are all included in the price to save you the hassle of stopping to pay.

This is not just a sake tasting — it’s a 3-hour experience that will completely change how you understand and choose sake in Japan. Led by a sake specialist, you’ll go beyond “sweet or dry” and learn how sake is actually made, why flavors differ, and how to identify your own preferences with confidence. Visit the historic Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, then enjoy a guided tasting of multiple styles of sake paired with traditional snacks — with clear, practical explanations you can use anywhere in Japan. By the end of the tour, you will know which type of sake you truly like and how to select it without hesitation - enjoy sake not just during your travels, but as part of your life.

The magic of Kyoto’s Gion district is best experienced when it’s all lit up at night. Enjoy a more personalized approach to discovering Japan’s traditional culture on this small group tour. Wander through narrow back streets and see offbeat temples and shrines that most tourists don’t know to visit. If you’re lucky, you may even see a maiko or geisha.

Make the most of your time in Japan with a hassle-free trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima from the city. Leave the planning of your day trip and the details to the experts. In addition to a guide, your tour includes entrance fees to the attractions, as well as your Bullet Train (Shinkansen) and ferry tickets, for a seamless day trip.

Kids and adults alike will love this Ninja experience in Tokyo. It’s informative, it’s fun, and it’ll give you some cool ninja skills to show friends at home. Avoid annoying hidden costs as ninja costume rental is included. You’ll learn how to throw ninja weapons, have a photo shoot, and go on a treasure hunt.

If your time in Kyoto is limited and you want to see lots of its famous sights in a day, then this private guided tour is an excellent choice. Explore the city with a private guide to take care of navigating. Along the way, tick off 10 top attractions including the beautiful temple of Kiyomizu-dera, the geisha district of Gion, lush bamboo groves, and plenty more scenic surprises.

Follow a local guide through the iconic Thunder Gate to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Discover Asakusa’s famous street food and souvenir streets, enjoyed by locals for generations. Highlights: ・Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple ・A rare place where a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine coexist ・Local street food with tasting ・Pro chef knife shop ・Samurai sword & ninja gear store

Experience the excitement of Japanese sumo wrestling with this admission to one of the three annual tournaments that take place in Tokyo. Watch the bout with a guide who teaches you about sumo culture and traditions. Tickets for seats mean you don’t have to stand as you watch these giant warriors go head-to-head in the ring.

Beat the crowds at Tokyo’s top sights with this early morning tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose between a small-group or private option, then follow a carefully planned route with your guide. The itinerary covers key areas including Asakusa, Tsukiji Fish Market, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Shibuya Crossing, offering a calmer way to experience some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Kyoto is jam-packed full of temples, shrines, and museums, so you’re bound to feel overwhelmed with all there is to see and do. This private full-day tour of Kyoto whisks you between top sights such as Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine to help you maximize your time. Plus, a private guide means you can set the pace.

Let your guide take you to the best spots on Miyajima island, so you don’t spend extra time trying to find them on your own. Check out the famous Torii gates, the Itsukushima Shrine, and much more. You’ll also get to try a Hiroshima local lunch featuring fresh or grilled oysters and momiji dumplings, which are included in the price.

Marvel at an array of Japanese cars, from classic Nissan R34s to luxury sports convertibles, on this nighttime driving tour and JDM meetup. Enjoy air-conditioned vehicles as you experience the electric atmosphere at Daikoku Parking Area, Japan’s largest car hangout. Other highlights include Rainbow Bridge’s panoramic night views and Tokyo Tower, with the tour lasting about 4 hours.

Get exclusive access to an activity that most Japanese people, let alone tourists, have never witnessed: a sumo wrestling training session. Learn more about the ancient sports and its cultural significance as you watch the wrestlers warm up and spar with each other during their morning practice. Get the chance to photograph the wrestlers and to pose for pictures with them.

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.

With this private Tokyo walking tour, you can enjoy the luxury of a tour that’s perfectly tailored to your interests. Rather than going on a group tour that includes places that don’t interest you, enjoy the flexibility to customize the itinerary. Potential stops include the Imperial Palace, Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Senso-ji Temple.

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.

If you want to cover more ground than you would on a typical walking tour, a small-group guided cycle tour is ideal. Venture off the main roads of central Tokyo without the risk of getting lost when you go with a guide. Over a few hours, cycle to some hidden highlights that many travelers miss. Get some exercise while seeing the sights and learning more about the Japanese capital.

Get the most out of limited time in Tokyo with a tour that covers lots of key landmarks—including Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Akihabara district, and Tokyo Skytree. During the tour, benefit from having a guide to lead the way so you don’t get lost, and enjoy fun stories and tips along the way.