Top Japan Unique Experiences - page 3

Learn how to cook a traditional Japanese meal through a cooking demonstration in a local's cooking studio in Kyoto. Instead of being in a crowded kitchen, this is a private lesson just for you, which means you can enjoy conversations with your tutor and one-on-one guidance. There are several set menus to choose from, which include teriyaki chicken, sushi, tonkatsu or Kansai street snacks - such as “gyoza” (dumplings), takoyaki (octopus balls) or “okonomiyaki” (savory pancakes).

Likely to Sell Out

Private Ramen or Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto with Chef Midori

Private Ramen or Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto with Chef Midori

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(20)

from $169

Likely to Sell Out

Bento Box Cooking Class

3 hoursFree Cancellation

(182)

from $69

This Marvelous Matcha Kyoto Green Tea Tour is the perfect way to discover the different varieties of matcha, see how to craft the perfect cup, and best of all—taste it. Visit the world-renowned district of Uji, which is known for producing outstanding quality green tea. The tour helps you discover hidden local tea shops that would be hard to find alone, and you have a guide to help translate. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious set lunch is provided.

Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour

3 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(24)

from $221

Private One Day Tour of Biei and Furano from Sapporo

Explore the stunning landscapes of Biei and Furano on this private one-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy the flexibility of a personalized itinerary while visiting iconic spots like Farm Tomita and the picturesque Shirogane Blue Pond. With a dedicated driver, you'll experience hassle-free transport and valuable insights into the region's beauty. This tour is perfect for families and small groups who want to maximize their time in Hokkaido, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the day. - Personalized private car tour for a relaxed sightseeing experience - Visit top attractions including Farm Tomita, Shikisai no Oka, and Shirahige Falls - Includes pick-up and drop-off at your Sapporo accommodation - Tour duration is approximately 10 hours, allowing ample time at each location

Private One Day Tour of Biei and Furano from Sapporo

10 hoursFree Cancellation

In 4 hours, you will experience Japanese culture and hospitality at home.The experience included origami, hand-made udon noodles, Japanese food, sushi and tempura.Experience matcha and Japanese sweets after meals.We'll make it with you.Drinks (sake, beer, shochu and soft drinks) are free.As a souvenir, in calligraphy, Keiko writes your name on a colored paper.Through this experience, you become a member of our homecoming TAKA and making friends around the world is one of our goals.We will welcome you as a family the next time you visit our home! ★ Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy all dishes with different ingredients.

(1)

from $590

Per group

Experience all of Japanese culture and Japanese food experience classes "origami, udon, Japanese food, green tea, calligraphy" in 4 hours

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Enjoy a cooking class in an atmospheric setting—a beautiful wooden house in Kyoto. The cooking experience introduces you to local recipes that you wouldn’t be able to find in restaurants, and techniques that have been passed down through many generations of the host’s family. Dishes prepared vary depending on the time of year, but sample menu items could be chikuzenni (braised chicken and vegetables), braised burdock root, and miso soup.

(114)

from $89

Private Kyoto Cooking Class with Aki in a Beautiful Wooden House

3 hours

3-Hour Small-Group Sushi Making Class in Tokyo

(12)

from $95

3 hoursFree Cancellation

When visiting the historic city of Kyoto, you see many women walking around in authentic kimono. If you want to try wearing kimono yourself, this experience is for you. Dress in a furisode (formal, long-sleeved kimono), traditionally worn by unmarried young women. Experienced staff help you dress. You can then wear your kimono to appreciate Kyoto’s historical sights and take photographs.

(171)

from $70

Long-sleeved 'Furisode' Kimono Experience in Kyoto

Long-sleeved 'Furisode' Kimono Experience in Kyoto

1 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

When traveling abroad, there is no other experience like cooking and eating a meal with a local. Yoshiko opens her Osaka home to visitors to cook a meal and share conversation. Enjoy learning to make dashi stock and use it to bring out the umami flavor of your dishes. Get a glimpse into the life of an Osaka local, and immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine and culture on this private experience.

(1)

from $62

Private Home-Style Cooking Class in Osaka with Local Mom Yoshiko

3 hoursFree Cancellation

(63)

from $111

Orient yourself on your first day in Tokyo, and see the city through the eyes of a local. During this customized tour with your personal host, learn how to navigate and use Tokyo’s transport system. Choose from the city’s most famous attractions, or explore up-and-coming neighborhoods. Understand cultural practices, find the best places to eat, and get advice on Tokyo’s nightlife scene.

Tokyo Like a Local: Private & Personalised Experience (2-3 hours)

Tokyo Like a Local: Private & Personalised Experience (2-3 hours)

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(82)

from $105

Japanese Sweets (Mochi & Nerikiri) making at a Private studio

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

If you’re a fan of Kanji, or Japanese calligraphy, and you want to know how to practice this traditional art form, then this hands-on private lesson shows you how. Instead of watching online videos, learn to master traditional techniques in a modern atelier alongside your instructor: from what tools you need, how to hold the brush, and how to transform your favorite work into a masterpiece on traditional paper or a fan.

(23)

from $96

Authentic Japanese Culture Experience near Shibuya, Tokyo

Authentic Japanese Culture Experience near Shibuya, Tokyo

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Become a real ninja for the day during this 60-minute experience at the Jidai Academy Dojo in Tokyo. If you’ve ever want to learn about the techniques and culture of the ninja, this entry-level class is a great starting point. Don a real-life ‘ninja gi’ outfit to begin your training, making sure to pose for a few photos first. Among the skills you’ll learn are meditation and ‘Kuja-kiri’ (well-wishing), the ‘Embu’ (ancestor dedication) and an introduction to ninja weapons like the blowgun and ‘shruiken’ (ninja star), among others. You’ll also discover the ninja philosophy of ‘ku’ or no-self, focusing on minimizing conflict.

(16)

from $83

Tokyo Samurai Ninja Ritual with Suzak, Head of the Musashi Clan

Tokyo Samurai Ninja Ritual with Suzak, Head of the Musashi Clan

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.9

(7)

from $91

If you’re interested in learning how sake is made, then this is the tour for you. In the company of an English-speaking guide, you'll visit the historic Tenryo Sake Brewery, one of the oldest sake breweries in the Hida region. A sake brewer will show you the step-by-step process of making sake, and take you on a behind-the-scenes tour. A highlight is being able to taste different sakes; all tastings are included in the tour cost.

Private Sake Brewery Visit and Tasting Tour in Hida

2 hours

(65)

from $126

Photoshoot with Professional Photographer in Tokyo

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

4.6

(8)

from $205

Authentic SUSHI Course Cooking Class

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(40)

from $96

Special Offer

Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Yokohama Private Family Tour with a Local, Customized & Flexible

Yokohama Private Family Tour with a Local, Customized & Flexible

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

(3)

from $110

Beautiful Wagashi (Japanese Sweet) Making Class

1 hourFree Cancellation

City tours are great for first-time visits but can have rigid itineraries and tight schedules. This half-day tour of Nagoya offers the chance to design a custom itinerary with a local host assigned to you based on your interests. Highlights can include visiting Nagoya Castle, strolling through the Noritake Gardens, or catching panoramic views from atop the Nagoya TV Tower. Once the tour begins, you’re free to change destinations as you see fit.

(5)

from $45

Nagoya Half-Day Tour with a Local- 100% Personalized & Private

Nagoya Half-Day Tour with a Local- 100% Personalized & Private

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(5)

from $90

Stroll the back alleys of Kyoto, missed by many visitors, as dusk falls and they are at their most atmospheric on this private guided tour. In the company of just a guide and your party, see how ancient tradition blends with contemporary culture as you explore the enchanting wooden alleyways lit with traditional paper lanterns in the historic Gion district and the picturesque streets of old Pontocho, where, with luck, you might spot a geisha or two.

Kyoto Private Night Tour with a Local – Bars, Bites & Culture

Kyoto Private Night Tour with a Local – Bars, Bites & Culture

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(50)

from $147

Travelers interested in learning about the different aspects of Japanese culture will love this full-day private activity. Take part in a traditional tea ceremony, learn to play the koto musical instrument, dress in Japanese clothing, and make some delicious food that you can eat after. This is an ideal activity for families and it’s held in the intimate environment of a real Japanese home, for an extra personal touch.

In a beautiful traditional outfit, you can try cooking, tea ceremony and music experience

Whole package of Japanese cultural experience privately Tokyo

5 hoursFree Cancellation

(22)

from $128

One of the best souvenirs any traveler can bring back from Japan is the ability to make and appreciate authentic Japanese sushi. Get up to speed with the art of making sushi, Japanese soup and pickled ginger during this small group cooking class. Capped at eight people, this class offers a relaxed environment that other, larger sushi classes often don’t – and a hands on experience that you can’t get from cooking channels on the internet or TV.

Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!

Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(94)

from $70

1 2 3 4

...

Top Attractions in Japan

1 / 2

Attractions

What are people saying about Japan

the SUMO show

Jason_E, Jun 2026

Sumo Fun

While in Japan, we dreamed of going to a real sumo match, only to learn, we were hitting them in the off month so we decided to do this experience to get a taste of sumo wrestling and I’m so glad we did! We learned about the training process, how matches work, etc. all while having a great meal made by the actual wrestlers (you learn why during the show)!! At the end, you can sign a waiver and experience being in the ring with one. Our son volunteered and was so glad he did because when will you ever have a chance to “wrestle” a retired sumo wrestler! Many laughs were had during the show and the staff was very responsive and nice, always checking on us. I wouldn’t hesitate to return to this show or recommend to anyone. Pro tip: pay a little more and book the front row seating. I’m so glad we did; my husband got to interact with one of the wrestlers and u have the best viewing. Don’t sleep on this show!

Flagship 2-Hours Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Tokyo Bay Shop

Sharon_J, Jun 2026

Bucket List

This experience will exceed any other experience you partake in during your Japan adventures. Bryan, our tour guide, was energetic and informative. He was adamant on ensuring everyone’s safety while also giving us an unforgettable tour! I HIGHLY recommend this tour!

Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Osaka Shop

Kimberly_A, Jun 2026

Nervous driver turned brave

I’m a very nervous driver to begin with so I was scared to do this. Especially since it’s the opposite side of the road. However, Vivian was a great guide. She gave clear instructions from the beginning and her hand signals on the road made me feel very calm. It was so much fun and she took great pictures. Definitely worth it would highly recommend!

Kyoto Samurai Experience

Sarah_G, Jun 2026

Awesome Samurai experience!

Awesome experience! We got to hold a 600 year old Samurai sword, see an expert Samurai in action, have a guided meditation to prepare our minds then actually have a go at using a Samurai sword on a wet block. The experience was held in a historical Samurai’s house with a very interesting history. Highly recommend!!

Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Akihabara

Jack_G, Jun 2026

A must-do experience! My...

A must-do experience! My family and I had always seen these go-karting experiences online, and it did not disappoint! Most would opt to do it in a more central area, like Shibuya, but I am so happy we did it here in Akihabara. It's definitely still the city, so you get the bright lights and neon feel, but it's less crowded and more open, so you get to focus more on the driving. In other words, we were moving! You wouldn't think it, but those karts can get fast, so be warned! We are definitely doing this again if we come back!

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Amy_D, Jun 2026

Authentic tea ceremony experience

So glad we did this. This could have been very touristy, but it felt very authentic to me. They dressed us in kimono (we got to select the pattern), and did the women's hair. Then we took pictures in a small garden while the other couple in the group got ready. Next, we observed a shortened tea ceremony with a tea master. They took us through each part, we got to ask questions and then try it ourselves. It was a very special experience and I'm so glad we did this!

1.5-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Experience with Tastings & Pairings

Anonymous, May 2026

Nihonshu.

An excellent afternoon of learning and drinking sake. Kiyomi was amazing as she took us through all the various varieties and techniques and taught us how to read a sake bottle. I am now not overwhelmed when trying to buy and can go straight to the variety I like. Highly recommend.

Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Tour & Sushi Making class with Pro Chef

Addison_W, May 2026

Amazing

The tour through the market was fun and interesting. Our guide was amazing and introduced us to a lot of different aspects of Japanese culture. The last part of the tour was our sushi making experience. The interpreter spoke English very well, and the chef was great! We all enjoyed our time.

3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings

Miranda_M, May 2026

We absolutely loved this...

We absolutely loved this tour with our amazing guide Kyoko. She was so knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging! The tour was a great length with lots of information, and the tasting was fun and plenty. It was great to be in the traditional sake neighborhood of Fushimi, and we also enjoyed exploring it before the tour. Would definitely recommend!

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

Danielle_M, May 2026

Great Kyoto experience!

This was a great way to learn more about traditional tea culture, plus with the added fun of wearing a beautiful kimono! It's touristy, yes, but in a fun way where you get to learn about matcha and relish in the beauty of the 120-year-old house. I traveled with my husband, my brother, and my sister-in-law and we all really enjoyed this experience.

Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo with Local Supermarket Visit

Rebecca_H, Mar 2026

A highlight of our Japan trip — don’t hesitate to book

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We absolutely loved YUCa’s cooking class and it may well end up being our favourite experience from our entire Japan trip. Yuca’s studio kitchen is beautifully set up — intimate, welcoming and clearly designed with love. Our class of six felt just the right size, and Yuca and her husband were both incredibly warm, hospitable and knowledgeable. The ramen and gyoza we made were genuinely delicious, and we left feeling confident enough to recreate them at home. We were travelling with our nine month old son and Yuca was wonderfully welcoming of him from the moment we arrived. She was happy for us to bring his pram up the stairs so he could sit comfortably during the class, and she even made him his own little onigiri for lunch — such a sweet and thoughtful gesture that completely melted our hearts. It’s about an hour from Shinjuku but don’t let that put you off — it is absolutely worth every minute of the commute. And when you arrive, Yuca provides a sheet of local recommendations for sightseeing, cultural experiences and food nearby, which is such a thoughtful touch. We followed her suggestions and spent the afternoon at Yanaka Ginza and Ueno Park — a perfect way to round out the day and explore a part of Tokyo most tourists never see. Don’t hesitate, just book it. The experience, the food, the hospitality and the local knowledge Yuca shares make it exceptional value and a truly memorable way to connect with Japanese culture. Highly, highly recommended! 🍜🥟