Top Japan Art & Culture Classes

If you love to create, and want to learn a traditional Japanese art, try making Washi paper. Enjoy designing paper using seasonal pressed flowers and leaves. Make a set of postcards, a table-mat, wraparound lampshade, or tapestry panel. Bring home a unique handmade souvenir in only 60 minutes. Or, choose to add an additional hour so you can make more gifts for friends and family.

Turn something old into something new during this lesson in the Japanese art of "Kintsugi," the practice of repairing broken pottery, and there's a chance you'll get to see Master Taku on the day of your visit. Stemming from a Japanese belief that breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, rather than a reason to throw them away, your class involves repairing damaged items (plates are provided; personal items are not allowed) with lacquer mixed with gold. Don a "samue" as you refinish one traditional pottery item, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and a unique souvenir.

This “kintsugi” workshop introduces a traditional Japanese craft that repairs broken ceramics with gold powder. Held in a great location near Gion and Yasaka Shrine, the session teaches practical techniques while exploring the philosophy of embracing imperfections. It’s an ideal way to learn new skills, create a meaningful souvenir to take home, and learn more about Japanese culture.

Pottery is an art form deeply embedded in Japanese culture. As a visitor, it can be difficult to find a way to experience it. This tour offers just that. You can learn how to make pottery from a sensei (teacher) in central Tokyo.

Create a unique piece of jewelry by crafting a ring from vintage Japanese coins that tell a story of the nation's history. Choose from coins dating back to the Meiji, Taishō, or Shōwa eras, and transform them into a stunning ring through a hands-on process of shaping, hammering, and polishing. With expert artisans guiding you, even beginners can confidently navigate the crafting journey and leave with a one-of-a-kind treasure that embodies Japan's rich heritage.

Experience making a handmade ring by hammering the texture using the Japanese traditional style called "Tankin." You will choose your favorite material, thickness, and texture, and then use special hammers and tools to customize your own ring. The entire process takes around 1 hour. Staff will carefully explain the steps and help you take remembrance photos. This workshop is highly recommended for a high-quality gift or souvenir. Embrace your creativity and enjoy our unique experience in Japan. ※This is a ring texturing and customization experience, not a full ring-making from scratch workshop.

Artistic travelers and anyone interested in Japanese pop culture will enjoy a small-group manga- and anime-drawing class with a professional artist. Whether you draw regularly or are a complete beginner, your instructor will walk you through the process step-by-step and teach you new skills. Learn to come up with manga/anime ideas, sketch, add color, and more.

This activity is unique because it blends hands on artistry with deep cultural meaning. You won’t just repair pottery you’ll learn the Kintsugi philosophy of finding beauty in imperfections, using real urushi lacquer and gold powder to highlight the cracks rather than hide them. Guided by a skilled Tokyo artisan in a peaceful Asakusa studio, you’ll create a one of a kind piece that reflects mindfulness, renewal, and Japanese aesthetics an experience you won’t find in ordinary craft classes.

Don’t get lost or confused navigating your way from Narita Airport to enormous Tokyo city. With this private transfer service you’ll be picked up at the arrivals area of the airport and taken directly to your hotel, anywhere in the city. Your driver will even wait for up to 90 minutes in case of flight delays.

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.

Instead of buying chopsticks from a shop, create a handmade pair during this traditional woodworking experience in Tokyo. Learn to shape raw wood using a Japanese hand plane, with step-by-step guidance on techniques that you wouldn’t pick up from a video. Then, finish at the end with a beautiful souvenir to remember your time in Japan.

Welcome to Omaezaki! People from the community around Omaezaki Port have come together to offer you a heartfelt local welcome. In towns across Japan, temples are a familiar part of daily life. On this experience, you will visit a temple that holds deep meaning for the local community. Guided by the head priest, try Zen meditation, learn the proper way to pay your respects, and enjoy a friendly talk offering insight into temple life and Japanese spirituality. Discover mizuhiki, the traditional decorative cord used in Japanese gift-giving, and try crafting your own design. Then experience the powerful rhythm of taiko—deeply connected to Japanese culture—by making your own drumsticks and playing the drums. We will also present a mini live performance by a professional taiko drummer. The performance right before your eyes is truly breathtaking! All of our staff are local residents, so you’ll also enjoy warm connections with the community and a genuine taste of everyday life in Omaezaki.

Step into Tokyo’s neon nights with Koji Kitai, a photographer known for capturing the city’s cyberpunk-style streets and cinematic urban atmosphere. Experience Tokyo at night with one of the city’s leading night photographers. This photoshoot takes place in Shibuya and Shinjuku, two of the most iconic neon districts in Tokyo. I specialize in capturing Tokyo’s cyberpunk-style night atmosphere and cinematic cityscape. I’m Koji Kitai, known on Instagram as @construction_man721. My work has appeared in international media, travel publications, and on the covers of several books and guidebooks. I have also held exhibitions at major venues in Tokyo such as Shibuya Hikarie and Toranomon Hills. With more than 90,000 followers on social media, my photography showcases the unique energy of Tokyo’s nightlife and urban culture. This experience offers travelers the opportunity to capture unforgettable portraits while exploring the neon streets of Tokyo.

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.

If you’re on the hunt for a great souvenir to take home from Japan, then this experience is the perfect choice. Learn how to make your own wooden chopsticks from scratch, with step-by-step guidance from a skilled artisan. During the session, you can find out fascinating insights about the cultural meaning of chopsticks, before making your own personalized pair, using traditional techniques.

Learn real manga techniques from an active professional manga artist in a small, beginner-friendly workshop. Create your own character or a short manga story, get personal feedback, and explore authentic manga culture with all tools provided.

Enjoy a cultural experience at Nishiki Orizuruya, a traditional tea house in Kyoto. All plans include kimono rental (with free hair styling for women) and are guided in English. Tea Ceremony (90 min): Learn the art of Japanese tea in a peaceful tea room. Watch a demonstration, then prepare your own matcha using a bamboo whisk. Savor traditional sweets from a 100-year-old confectionery. Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy: Combine the tea ceremony with Japanese calligraphy. After enjoying matcha and sweets, learn to write your favorite kanji using a brush and ink. A great chance to create a personal keepsake. Tea Ceremony & Nishiki Tour(150 min): Join a tea ceremony, then explore Nishiki Market and the local area with an English-speaking guide. Discover Kyoto’s food culture, shrines, and historic shops.

The greatest feature of this activity is that it is a fully private experience combining a guided walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ujigami Shrine with an authentic matcha experience. Led by a former maiko, the experience goes beyond the taste of matcha to introduce the essence of Japanese culture through movement, space, and ma. The subtle sense of pause and harmony, explained in a clear and approachable way. After tasting several varieties of matcha, you will also prepare your own bowl of matcha in a traditional tearoom. By seeing, listening, tasting, and practicing, you can experience Japanese tea culture in a truly immersive way. As this is a completely private experience, it allows families and couples to enjoy a calm and intimate time without concern for other participants.

Make your visit to Japan more seamless by securing your private airport transfer from Narita Airport in advance. This service is flexible, letting you choose from destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Mount Fuji, and Yokohama. Your driver has the know-how to navigate traffic in the area efficiently, and you can tailor the private experience to your needs.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to bring back from Japan, then this hands-on workshop fits the bill. Enjoy the special opportunity to learn how to design and make your own wooden chopsticks from scratch. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried anything like this before—it’s a beginner-friendly session with step-by-step guidance. Then, at the end, take home your beautifully wrapped chopsticks—perfect to keep or give as a thoughtful gift.

Check out one of Japan's most beloved destinations, Mt. Fuji, on this convenient day tour from Tokyo. Choose from multiple vehicle sizes to fit your group's needs. Visit several places in the Fuji area from where you can get beautiful views of the mountain (weather permitting), including Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi, the 5th Station on Mt. Fuji, and more.

-You can choose from more than 100 kimonos. -There is a range of sizes available. We have sizes available for women up to 175 centimeters (5L) and men up to 190 centimeters (5L). -The staff will coordinate with you. -A professional dresser will dress you. Dressing itself takes about 20 minutes per person. -The staff will give you a simple hairstyle. -Sizes are available for children 3 years old and older. -Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period in Dejima, dressed in kimono. -There is a Japanese-style room in the adjacent "Chief Factor's Residence" where you can take photos even if it's raining. ・This experience can be done only inside if the weather is not good. -Children over 15 year-old are welcome to join this experience without attendance by an adult. -You can enjoy walking outside after wearing Kimono. Please come back to Dejima Hoppen Shop by 5 PM.

Create your own original pair of jeans using premium Okayama denim in the heart of Tokyo’s iconic Harajuku district. This hands-on workshop at Daruma Jeans lets you customize key details such as patches, buttons, and rivets while learning about Japanese denim craftsmanship and culture. Guided by experienced staff in a beginner-friendly environment, you’ll gain insight into how authentic Japanese jeans are crafted while exploring the connection between Harajuku’s street fashion culture and Japanese denim craftsmanship. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends, this unique Tokyo experience combines fashion, creativity, and Japanese craftsmanship in one memorable activity. Take home a one-of-a-kind pair of jeans made by you — not just a souvenir, but a wearable memory from Japan. “Made in Japan. Crafted by You.”