Top Japan Unique Experiences - page 2

The springtime “sakura” season in Kyoto is best celebrated with a personal guide to show you the best spots for “hanami,” or cherry blossom viewing. In local style you’ll head off the tourist trail and join traditional festivities. Feast on typical Japanese snacks and seasonal dishes with a picnic under the drifting blossoms. Then experience “yozakura”— nighttime blossom-viewing of weeping cherry trees illuminated against the sky.

Embrace Tokyo’s weird and wonderful side on a private go-karting tour of Akihabara, perfect for travelers seeking an alternative sightseeing experience. Please note, a Japanese driving license or international driver's permit is required.

Gain a new perspective on the Asakusa of Tokyo. See maple and cherry tress and gardens juxtaposed next to soaring skyscrapers and businesses. This experience is customizable according to your interests, and the neighborhood is filled with retro, traditional, religious and cultural influences – enchanting those who pass through. Learn about the region's history while visiting landmarks such as the Ushijima Shrine and Honryuin Matsuchiyama Shoden.

For visitors to unfamiliar cities, it can be difficult to get a glimpse into local culture. This private and personalized guided tour allows you to do just that. In the company of your host, you will explore Tokyo and discover the locals' favorite spots for cherry blossom-viewing and enjoy a picnic under the "sakura."

Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate, during this 4-hour sushi-making class and a visit to the outer Tsukiji fish market. Tour one of the world’s largest seafood markets with a guide as you learn how fish is caught, distributed, and sold. Then turn your attention to sushi-making, learning to prepare nigiri sushi with the help of a sushi master. Finish your experience by enjoying your creations for lunch.

Rest your feet whilst sightseeing around Kyoto on this private rickshaw tour. Meet your rider, then relax as you pass the city's highlights and landmarks. Pass by the Tatsumi Bridge, Shoren-in Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and more. Ideal for travelers who want to break up their vacation itinerary with something a little more leisurely.

For outsiders, Japanese culture can be difficult to grasp but this guided tour offers the chance to get a locals' eye view of one of the most traditional of Japanese settings. Accompanied by a guide who tailors the tour to your interests, stroll through the historic streets of Kyoto's Gion district, famed for its scenic cobbled streets lit by paper lanterns, traditional architecture, and association with geiko and maiko culture. Visit Pontocho alley, one of Japan's oldest nightlife areas, and stroll by teahouses as your guide offers insights into local culture.

Yokohama is the perfect family-friendly destination and with one of our hosts by your side you'll discover the spots that everyone will love. From riding the roller coaster at neon-lit Yokohama Cosmoworld to seeing exotic animals at Zoorasia or playing tennis and swimming at the beautiful Mitsuike Park- the sheer diversity of Yokohama will entertain young and old alike. And then there is the topic of food. From authentic Napolitan to ice cream and ramen galore- you are spoilt for choice. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Sake has been brewed in Nada since the Edo period and accounts for 30% of Japan's total sake production. Nada's location, climate, quality of rice, as well as water, all make it the perfect place for brewing sake. This tour introduces you to sake brewing and tasting, as well as food culture using sake, which we will explore as we stroll local shopping streets.

Explore Hiroshima your way, and get a deeper experience of the city than any big group tour could offer. This private tour is designed just for you, based on your interests and preferences, whether you want to see famous landmarks such as the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle, or explore hidden gems that only locals know about.

Learn about the uniqueness of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), made from natural ingredients such as rice flour and beans, during this small-group experience in Osaka. Prepare nerikiri, a high-quality wagashi, (from white bean paste and glutinous rice flour) and color and customize your sweets to your liking, which you can enjoy at the end of class.

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.

Learn to draw manga from a professional manga artist in Tokyo’s Nakano neighborhood. During this class, use the manga tools provided, such as screen tone, manga pens and ink, and manga paper. Whether you're just starting out or a practicing manga artist wanting to hone your skills, the instructor will tailor their teaching to your skills. Take home your completed piece of art as a souvenir.

Raise your sword like a true samurai warrior during a private training session in Tokyo. Don a samurai outfit and train with the katana, then enjoy a photo shoot to commemorate your experience. This private lesson offers personalized attention and includes outfit rental and photo and video footage.

Learn about Japan’s fascinating samurai and ninja history through a museum tour, where you’ll see real clothing and equipment used by these legendary figures. Don’t struggle to understand the explanation plaques, as you’ll get a guided tour in English. Get the chance to dress up in samurai costume (or typical women’s dress if you prefer), learn how to use a samurai sword, or experience non-martial traditional activities.

Learn the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy, called *shodo,* in Tokyo. Under the expert eye of a master calligrapher, you’ll practice using the tools of the trade: brushes, ink, and paper. Settle into a quiet studio, where the ambiance encourages a contemplative mindset, and try your hand at writing Japanese characters in an artistic style once indispensable to nobles and samurai.

Enjoy a night out in Osaka without stressing over where to go with this nightlife tour of the city. With visits to at least three bars and one club included, the crawl showcases the city’s most happening venues and introduces you to like-minded travelers at the same time. Enjoy discounted drinks and free shots, and explore Osaka after dark with a group of up to 50 people, aged mostly between 21 and 38 years old. Drinkers must be at least 20 years old, and ID is required.

Lovers of good food and drink won't want to miss this sake-tasting session with a sake expert from the international sake sommelier team in Tokyo. Learn about different varieties of this traditional Japanese drink and the kinds of foods that pair well with it. Sample at least six different kinds of sake along with specially chosen snacks to complement them. Enjoy the experience with old friends and new, and leave with newfound knowledge to use and share.

Bring out your inner warrior with this ninja training experience in Tokyo. After watching a demonstration, you’ll train in an authentic uniform and learn about proper fighting techniques and meditation. A small class size of up to 6 people gives you more face time with your instructor and lets you ask questions.

Discover Tokyo in a unique and exhilarating way—behind the wheel of a custom-made street go-kart, dressed as your favorite comic, game, or anime character. This small-group tour (max 6 travelers) includes a costume of your choice and is led by a guide who ensures a safe and fun experience from start to finish. Cruise through the vibrant streets of Shinagawa and past Tokyo Tower, the city’s most iconic landmark, and cover plenty of sights without hours spent walking.

Join a Lokafyer guide in Nagasaki on a private walking tour that’s a personalized alternative to traditional tours. Before the walking tour, you’ll connect with the Nagasaki local guide by phone or chat, ensuring the experience is tailored to your interests. It’s a new concept for travel that’s like having a friend to show you around, whether you’re all about shopping or looking for the city’s most authentic restaurants.

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！

Making sushi is a skill that is difficult to master alone. Get a hands-on experience under the guidance of an expert in this class at an Osaka restaurant. In a small group of no more than 14 participants, learn how to make sushi, as well as other typical Japanese dishes including miso soup and yakitori chicken.

Experience the joy of “hanami,” or cherry blossom viewing, like the locals do. A private host helps you enjoy the cherry blossom season in Osaka on this customizable tour. Share a traditional Japanese picnic under the blossoms as the petals drift down, while your host accompanies you to typical spots as well as places off the tourist trail.