Top Kansai Art & Culture

Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destinations, which means it gets crowded during the day. Dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the ancient Japanese capital on this early-morning, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer, while learning about the long history of this sacred place.

Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district, is packed full of tourists during the day making it difficult to get a sense of the area's culture. Avoid the biggest groups and immerse yourself in Japanese heritage on this small-group walking tour that leads you through the elegant streets after dark, while geisha and maiko make their way to their appointments.

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.

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, watch two short traditional dances, followed by a question-and-answer session, and play a classic Japanese game too.

With this small-group walking tour, you can focus on just one area of Kyoto—the geisha district of Gion. Enjoy a deep dive of this culturally-rich neighborhood, including fascinating insights about the world of geisha that you’d miss if exploring alone. Along the way, stroll past hidden tea shops, hear stories about samurai, and get lots of great tips for your Kyoto adventures.

The tea ceremony is a cornerstone of traditional Japanese culture, but participating can feel intimidating to visitors. This small-group experience in Kyoto's Gion district lets you approach 'the way of tea' in a relaxed way, without the typical formality. Learn about the history of tea in Japan and how Zen philosophy shaped the ceremony while watching a master prepare tea. Afterward, make your own bowl of matcha and enjoy traditional sweets.

Explore many of Nara's top landmarks in just one day on this deluxe, full-day coach tour. Heading out from Kyoto, pass by Fushimi Castle and Heijo Palace, before arriving in Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple—one of the world’s largest wooden buildings—then meet the 1,400 deer that inhabit Nara Park. A stop at Kasuga Taisha Shrine is followed by a Japanese-style lunch (if selected). Finally, visit the Uji area of Kyoto, where you'll make and sample traditional matcha tea.

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.

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 two cups of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets.

Immerse yourself in the world of sumo wrestling in Osaka beyond simply watching a match. Learn the history and rituals behind the sport as you witness an authentic demonstration with retired sumo wrestlers. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are limited spots available to step into the ring and face a sumo wrestler yourself.

The ultimate way to explore Osaka! A Relaxing Cruise Along the Dotonbori River Hop on a 20-minute short cruise and enjoy iconic views of Osaka’s Minami area from the water—including the famous Glico sign. Unlike large tourist boats, this small-group cruise gives you a cozy, semi-private feel even if you're sharing the ride. Take in the vibrant cityscape of Dotonbori while relaxing on the river. It’s the perfect way to capture stunning photos and create unforgettable memories! Highlights ・Luxurious lounge-style seats for a VIP feel, unlike the typical large sightseeing boats ・Bring your own drinks! Enjoy the cruise your way ・See central Osaka and the Dotonbori River from a unique perspective—don’t miss the dazzling Glico sign and neon-lit streets from the water ・Insta-worthy views guaranteed! A great memory-making experience—pets welcome, too!

Osaka, known as “Japan’s Kitchen,” is famous for its street food and regional dishes. Sample many of these local specialties in one evening on this authentic food tour in the often overlooked area of Shinsekai. You’ll get to try 15 dishes at 5 different establishments, with two drinks included. Weave through arcades and side alleys filled with locals as you visit these different restaurants.

Koyasan is a spiritual retreat town nested in the mountains. Along with your private local guide, uncover its religious lineage, intriguing shrines, and cultural monuments. The tour will include two of Koyasan's most important areas: the Garan-monastic complex and Okunoin, a holy place for Kobo Daishi (founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism). The Okunoin cemetery is filled with gravestones and centuries-old cedar trees for a mysterious and sacred atmosphere.

Instead of buying souvenir chopsticks from a shop, this hands-on experience lets you make your own from scratch. Learn specialist techniques, including how to use a traditional Japanese "kanna" hand plane, how to smooth the surface, and how to finish the wood with natural oil. Crafted from beautiful Japanese wood, the chopsticks make a meaningful souvenir to keep for years to come.

Embark on a journey through time in Kyoto & Nara, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. In Nara Park, encounter the free-roaming deer that charmingly bow to you in hopes of a treat and visit the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. Explore the Arashiyama area, which includes the Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, Kimono Forest and Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

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.

Get behind the wheel of a custom-made street go-kart dressed up in your favorite Japanese-inspired character on this tour of Osaka. Take a break from more conventional sightseeing tours and follow your guide, who will handle all of the navigation. See popular areas including America Mura, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Namba.

How This Experience Differs from Ordinary “Maiko Shows” •Not a staged tourist performance This is not a simplified show created for large crowds. It is an intimate cultural immersion that reflects the real rhythm and refinement of an authentic ozashiki evening. •Created by someone deeply connected to the hanamachi Years of trusted relationships in Kyoto’s most exclusive flower districts allow the creators to reproduce details that outsiders would not know. •Authentic interaction, not photo-op entertainment Guests are invited into the conversational, playful, and highly nuanced atmosphere of genuine ozashiki hospitality—something impossible to imitate without deep cultural knowledge. •Respect for traditional forms The dance, etiquette, and presentation follow the standards used in real teahouse settings, preserving their integrity. •Small, invitation-only format Unlike commercial venues, this program is intentionally limited in capacity to maintain the intimacy

Even if your visit to Japan doesn’t coincide with the official sumo season, you can still watch wrestlers show off their skills during a sumo show experience in Kyoto. Not only will you watch the retired athletes perform classic moves in a traditional ring, but you’ll enjoy unlimited food and drinks, and you can even challenge a wrestler to a match.

Embark on a journey through time in Kyoto and Nara, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. In Nara Park, encounter the free-roaming deer that charmingly bow to you in hopes of a treat. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

This guided tour helps you discover Kyoto’s dispersed temples, shrines, and cultural attractions in one day. Save time researching and planning your trip, by having the itinerary organized for you. Travel in an air-conditioned coach for a hassle-free day. Highlights include Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Kinkaku-ji Temple—admission tickets are included for all.

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture with this small-group samurai experience at a traditional samurai house in Kyoto. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior;" handle a real martial arts sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Get an insider’s perspective on facts about geisha culture that tourists usually miss, and pass by shops, shrines, and beautiful temples. To elevate your experience, the tour also includes a geisha show with an apprentice geisha, where you can watch a dance performance and ask questions.