Top Japan Arts & Design - page 4

Explore more of the Mt. Fuji area than you could on your own, and without having to rent a car, on this group day tour from Tokyo. Enjoy a scenic Lake Kawaguchi cruise, stroll through Oishi Park's colorful gardens, make traditional Hoto noodles for lunch, visit the peaceful Oshino Hakkai village, and see the iconic Arakurayama Sengen Shrine with its famous pagoda and mountain views.

Explore the steel and glass jungle of Tokyo in a new light during this photography workshop. Improve your composition techniques with the help of a local photographer who joins you on an adventure in two Tokyo neighborhoods: Shimbashi and Ginza. Capture skyscraper-strewn landscapes and dramatic views of the city’s architecture. This small-group photography experience, perfect for novices and experts alike, is limited to six participants.

Fushimi Inari Taisha has welcomed worshippers since 711 AD, founded by the Hata clan after a poor rice harvest. It's now the head shrine of roughly 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, dedicated to the god of rice, sake and business success. Join me on this self-guided audio tour to learn why merchants have donated its vermilion gates since the Edo period — each one a thank-you for a wish granted — and stroll at your own pace through the famed Senbon Torii ("thousand gates") corridor and beyond, into forest most day-trippers never reach. The landmarks include: • The fox statues guarding the shrine — Inari's messengers, not the god itself • The Senbon Torii, an unbroken corridor of vermilion gates donated by grateful businesses • The Omokaru ("Heavy-Light") Stone, where a wish's fate is judged by its weight Take the walk fewer visitors finish, and discover what 1,300 years of gratitude looks like. Beat crowded tour groups & enjoy the tour on your own at your own pace.

Ueno Park is well-known for its springtime cherry blossoms and its important museums. But many visitors miss the fact that it is also filled with great works of architecture by the likes of Tadao Ando, Le Corbusier, and Kunio Maekawa. Enjoy the opportunity to appreciate these works on this private guided tour, which takes you to each site, provides context, and includes entrance to the National Museum of Western Art and Tokyo National Museum.

Enjoy sightseeing near Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji, including a Lake Ashi cruise and a visit to Mt. Komagatake, during this full-day trip by coach from Tokyo. See the celebrated Mt. Fuji during a stop at its famous 5th Station, then take a laid-back boat cruise on beautiful Lake Ashi before touring Mt. Komagatake’s ropeway and summit, offering amazing views of nearby Hakone National Park. Opt to include a Japanese lunch.

Learn the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy, called ‘shodo,’ in Tokyo. Under the expert eye of a master calligrapher, 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.

Discover Japan’s culture of ‘monozukuri' (craftsmanship) on this private half-day tour of Nagoya. Visit two renowned companies, the car manufacturer Toyota, and Noritake—a tableware and technology company. Hear how Central Japan became a key region for advanced manufacturing as you watch live demonstrations, hear informative commentary, and check out exhibitions on a tour that includes admission ticket and private guide.

Make your visit to Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa in Kyoto even more peaceful with a tea break. In addition to your entry ticket, this experience includes a matcha green tea so you can unwind after exploring. Enjoy the garden and green tea on traditional tatami mats for an authentic experience.

Meet a Hiroshima local to discover the city through their eyes rather than a sightseeing itinerary. After hearing your wishes via phone or app, your Hiroshima local will craft a private walking tour around your interests or their favorite areas. Cue a walk that brings Hiroshima to life through a local’s perspective: with cultural insight, pointers on sights, transport, and food; and conversations that help immerse you in the city.

This walking tour of Shinjuku’s buzzing areas of Golden Gai and Kabukicho is the perfect way to discover great bars, restaurants, and food stalls, without having to do any research. Discover new haunts, and feast on local specialties, such as ramen and “yakitori” (skewers). Learn about local history from your guide, and best of all, enjoy the perk of having tastings included.

See Tokyo like a local with this trip around town, complete with a local host. You'll get to visit many of the city's top attractions and off-the-beaten-track gems, with stops to eat and drink at local cafes (own expense). Combine walking with public transport when needed. Your guide will also be on hand to give you advice and recommendations as you plan for the rest of your trip.

Experience Kamakura’s nature and history in one day, without spending hours on research, with this private day tour with a local host. After a complimentary train ride from Tokyo, enjoy a custom-crafted itinerary in this one-time capital of medieval Japan. Explore beautiful Shinto shrines in the forest, marvel at brilliant cherry blossoms, and admire the “Great Buddha,” a massive, nearly 800-year-old bronze sculpture of Amida Buddha.

Swap the rigid itineraries of most typical group tours for a private and personalized experience of Tokyo. This private tour is exclusively for you and your chosen companions and is fully customized to your interests and needs. Your guide will tailor make an itinerary for you whether your interests are in exploring historic neighborhoods, museums, or nightlife.

Skip the fixed itineraries of most group tours and see Tokyo’s top attractions your own way on a private customized tour. Either follow a basic itinerary suggested by your guide or create your own schedule from scratch, visiting locations of your choice, such as the Tsukiji Fish Market, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa Temple.

The Best variety of Central Kyoto City A private tour - to maintain the unique energy of your group. Have any special interests or requests? We can add it to your Kyoto experience, just let us know. Spend time enjoying the city, (and not spending time getting lost in train stations or lost in translation) You will have a fluent English-Speaking local guide. Once you have booked your experience, we will be in touch with you within 48 hours to plan your personalized experience and finalize the meeting point. For tours less than 48 hours, we will contact you sooner.

Get a shortcut to Kobe’s must-see sights and learn about its history and culture at the same time with this private guided tour. The ideal way to save research time and see the city from a local’s perspective—the tour showcases highlights such as the Ikuta Shrine, Moegi no Yakata, the neo-Baroque mansion of the Weathercock House, Kobe Port Tower, and Meriken Park.

Make your Instagram followers envious as you explore Osaka on a customizable day trip to its most recognizable hotspots! Osaka has a beautifully chaotic vibe with exciting sights and sounds around every corner. You are going to check out the places with the best Osaka aesthetic and it will be a treat for your eyes and your Instagram followers. From shrines to street art, this city is loaded with photogenic spots. Grab your camera and get your hashtags ready, here are the most Instagrammable places in Osaka! The best thing about this day trip is that you choose the exact experience that you want. We will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you. Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Dive into and swoon about one of Kyoto's most historically rich areas, Higashiyama ("Eastern Mountain") with your very own private, English speaking guide with vast knowledge of Kyoto and Japanese culture. Start from the southernmost mountain in the city, where the justifiably famous Fushimi Inari Shrine lies in wait with its thousands upon thousands of bright red torii gates leading you up the mountain into higher and still holier places. Mission accomplished, a short train ride (included) deposits us perfectly for an exploration of the Gion, a traditional entertainment district, where geisha still hold court and high regard. Work your way through various temples and shrines on the east side while learning what makes this area so special. All admission fees and transit are included so there's no need to fret about hidden fees. Since this is a private tour, feel free to contact us about any changes you'd like to make to the itinerary. We're very flexible.

Explore a different side of Tokyo–and combine three experiences in one tour–on this small-group experience including a history tour of Asakusa, a Shamisen music concert, and dinner in a Japanese restaurant. Take in panoramic city views, learn about local culture, and discover landmarks including Senso-ji Temple before listening to a live Tsugaru-shamisen performance. Afterward, meet the musicians and savor a traditional Japanese meal.

Travelers interested in plants and flowers will enjoy this small-group bonsai-making workshop at Tokyo’s Bonsai Museum. You’ll learn all about this ancient craft from an expert bonsai artist. You’ll receive personalized attention and assistance as student numbers will be capped at six.

Take part in a shibori tie-dye workshop in Arimatsu and learn all about this ancient Japanese art from a local guide. The experience starts with a walking tour around the old city, so you can admire its original Edo-era buildings, shop for souvenir shibori art, and visit the Tie-Dyeing Museum. Afterward, you'll head to your workshop to create your very own shibori tie-dye masterpiece. Choose from two options when you book online.

The beautiful World Heritage Sites of Himeji Catle and Enkyoji Temple are distinctive sights in the city of Himeji and not to be missed on this exclusive private tour. Learn about the standout white walls of the castle contain warfare equipment that once belonged to a samurai over 400 years ago, from an expert. Meanwhile Enkyoji Temple, one of the largest temples in Japan, is located in nearby Mt. Shosha. Here, you can breathe fresh mountain air and take photos to remember the moment.

Save time by taking part in three traditional Japanese activities in just a few hours on this cultural experience. Put on a kimono and spend roughly half an hour each on Japanese calligraphy lessons, a tea ceremony, and an amulet-making class. The lessons take place in a centuries’-old temple with lovely gardens.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture during your visit to Hiroshima. Enter the historic Tokujuji Temple on scenic Miyajima, and start your experience by learning to wear a traditional kimono. Try your hand at two cultural activities: calligraphy, and a tea ceremony. Come away with new skills and a new appreciation for Japanese traditions.