Sample Japan Trip

Welcome to Japan! Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Optional Tour

Tokyo Family Street Food tour (this can happen any night depending on flights) :

Get a true Tokyo food experience for the family. Hit the streets at night to seek out the capital’s best bites. Visit a variety of venues in a trendy neighborhood offering a wide selection of restaurants. Rub elbows with the locals while sampling Japan’s favorite dishes and drinks.

Today’s tour will begin at 18:00. Be sure to be hungry as this street food tour promises to please your taste buds! Meet with a local food-loving guide at the train station and set off to discover the streets on this fulfilling Tokyo food crawl.

Visit the popular neighborhood of Meguro. The first stop is a tempura skewer restaurant. Indulge in tempura on a stick, which is the original way of eating it. Head to a well-known fish restaurant where guests can fish for their own meal and enjoy it with a cup of sake or a soft drink. Follow the guide through Meguro’s tiny alleys and discover hidden places for dessert!

While dining, learn more about Japan’s culinary culture by observing the lively surroundings and hearing the guide’s personal stories. During the evening, visit several distinctive eateries. These venues do not take reservations so the exact route may change, but the guide will ensure there is plenty to eat!

Following an indulgent evening of culinary and cultural experiences, return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. (D)

Time: Start: 18:00 (private), Duration: approx. 3 h

Note:

- Although many local restaurants and izakaya in Japan allow smoking, this tour only includes non-smoking venues. The choice of location makes it an ideal tour for families and kids, allowing them to enjoy a very family friendly approach to Tokyo’s nightlife.

- Please understand that the menu of the tour is fixed and that traditional izakayas do not cater to food allergies or special dietary requirements. Should you have any dietary requirement, our guide will try to adapt the menu as much as possible, but in some cases no alternative can be guaranteed.

Today, hop on Tokyo’s subway system for a private guided sightseeing tour of the city. First, stop at Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Next, stop at the Samurai Museum to learn about their history and see authentic period-specific swords, armor, and kabuto (helmets). You will even have the chance to have your picture taken wearing a helmet and armor! You’ll also stop at Shinjuku Gyoen Garden which dates back to the early 1600s. Lastly, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
 

Options:

Samuari and Taiko Tour

Today experience the thrill of traditional Japanese drumming! Witness a performance of taiko, a lively combination of music, theatrical movements and energy that dates back to the 6th century. Inspired by the rhythms, grab a set of drumsticks and learn to play these instruments from a professional instructor.

Be immersed in Japanese culture with traditional taiko lessons in Tokyo. Witness a performance of skilled musicians beating drums of various shapes and sizes with theatrical movements in what is called taiko in the Japanese language.

After the performance, join a dynamic taiko workshop to learn more about the art of drumming. Get a short lesson about the origins of this 6th-century art form and its evolution over the centuries. Talk to the performers about their personal experiences of playing at traditional ceremonies, Japanese festivals, and other gatherings.

Then, don a taiko drummer’s outfit - a lightweight jacket called a haori.  Once dressed for the part, grab a pair of drumsticks and learn the techniques from a professional drummer. Try a variety of taiko drums, from a handheld Okinawan model to the huge wadaiko drums.

Before departing, take photos or videos to share memories of this immersive, uniquely Japanese experience with friends back home.

After this, tick off another adventure on the bucket list with this incredible samurai sword lesson in Tokyo. Meet with one of Tokyo’s most famous choreographers for a lesson in the art of Japanese sword fighting. Draw a traditional blade and learn to wield it like a true samurai warrior.

Take a closer look at one of Japan’s cultural legacies: the art of samurai sword fighting. Meet with some of Japan’s leading experts for an interactive workshop.

Learn about the samurai fighters and their role in Japan’s military history. Then the instructors will share their personal stories, how they became involved in samurai sword performance and how the art has evolved over the years.  Some of the instructors have helped to choreograph the fight scenes of big-budget Hollywood movies or have acted in famous films.

Watch a short demonstration, marveling at the fluidity of the process. Inspired by this incredible spectacle, grab a sword and learn some of the basic movements. The instructor will show the proper way to draw the sword from its sheath and how to pose in a traditional manner. Then learn how to swing the sword, using a combination of movements to gracefully maneuvers the blade. Armed with this basic set of skills, choose a partner for a short session of swordplay practice.

After this unforgettable experience as a traditional samurai, bid farewell to the instructors and step back into the modern city of Tokyo.

Note: The class will be held by Tetsuro Shimaguchi or one of his scholars, depending on availability.

Our services Include:

-        English speaking guide, (4hrs pick-up, drop-off, transfer times included)

-        Taiko Drumming Lesson (1hr)

-        Samurai Sword Lesson (90min)

Dinner option:  Robot Restaurant (any night this is available)

This late afternoon make your way to Shinjuku. Hidden in an alleyway in Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s red-light district is one of Japan’s most bizarre restaurants, the Robot Restaurant. Patrons can witness an hour-long show of neon lights, techno music, colorful robots, and even glitzy dancers on stage! This show is definitely one-of-a-kind and can only be experienced in Tokyo.

Sushi, Sumo, & Supper, Oh My!

LUGGAGE TRANSFER - PLEASE LEAVE YOUR LUGGAGE AT THE FRONT DESK PRIOR TO DEPARTING TODAY - YOU WILL NOT SEE YOUR LUGGAGE UNTIL TUESDAY NIGHT - PLEASE HAVE A BACKPACK OR DAY BAG FOR WHAT YOU NEED ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY!

Hotel Pick Up

Tsukiji Outer Market  

8:30 - 10:00

• While the original Tsukiji Fish Market was moved in October of 2018, the Outer Market is still alive and well and serving the fresh-caught fish. Enjoy buttery sushi for breakfast, or opt into a Wagyu Beef on a Stick. There are a myriad of dishes to try and little shops to discover. 

Your van will pick up at 10:00 am to take you from Tsukiji to the Sumo Experience

Sumo Experience (Arashio-beya Sumo Stable 

11:00 - 12:30

• Step into the world of Japan’s national sport with an immersive Sumo Experience, guided by former professional wrestlers. Learn the traditions and techniques of this centuries-old martial art as you watch live demonstrations of shikomizu (training rituals) and butsuri (sparring practice) up close. Participants will have the unique opportunity to step into the sacred ring, practice basic sumo movements, and even challenge a former wrestler in a friendly match—an unforgettable hands-on experience open to all ages and skill levels.

• The session includes explanations of sumo’s history, rules, and cultural significance, with multilingual staff available to assist throughout. 

  Everything needed for participation is provided, so guests can simply come as they are and fully enjoy this rare chance to connect with Japan’s sumo heritage through both action and cuisine.  Wear clothes you can move in.  You will not wear shoes during the experience.  Make sure your toes look good [hahaha - just see who is actually reading this]

• No Lunch.  
   

Transfer to the Cooking Class  12:30

Cooking Class  13:30 - 15:30

This intimate cooking experience offers a hands-on introduction to kaiseki, Japan's refined culinary tradition rooted in seasonality, balance, and presentation. Guided through the preparation of multiple courses, you'll learn not just how dishes are made, but why ingredients, techniques, and plating choices matter so deeply in Japanese food culture. Because of the group size, participants will take turns alternating between actively cooking and observing - allowing everyone to engage closely while also stepping back to absorb techniques, timing, and instruction.

Return to Hotel  via private van  3:30 to 4:10 pm

• You will be brought back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Travel by Bullett Train to Fukui

Enjoy the calm of your night stay with your own private onsen.

Echizen Washi Village

• Echizen Washi Village celebrates one of Japan's oldest paper-making traditions, practiced in this region for over 1,500 years. Here, visitors can learn how natural fibers, water, and careful handwork come together to create durable, beautifully textured washi paper used in art, calligraphy, and architecture.

  Watching artisans at work reveals the quiet precision and rhythm behind the craft, where patience is ass essential as skill. The village offers a meaningful glimpse into how everyday materials become enduring cultural treasures.

  You will also have a chance to try your own hand at paper crafting by making your very own postcards.

Eihei-ji Temple

• A visit to Eiheiji Temple in Fukui is a truly unforgettable cultural experience that lets travelers step into the heart of Japan’s Zen heritage.

  Founded by the famous monk Dogen nearly 800 years ago, this sprawling temple complex is surrounded by peaceful cedar forests and filled with the calm rhythm of daily monastic life. As you wander through the wooden corridors and beautifully preserved halls, you’ll see monks engaged in meditation and rituals that have been passed down for generations.

  Visitors can admire the temple’s intricate architecture, enjoy stunning seasonal scenery, and even take part in a short Zen meditation session or try a traditional vegetarian “shojin ryori” meal. Whether you’re seeking spiritual insight or simply a quiet moment of reflection, Eiheiji offers a rare chance to slow down and experience the timeless serenity of Japan’s Zen culture.

Take the train to Kobe

Hands-On Craft & Sake Experience in the Countryside

After arriving in Kobe, join a hands-on cultural experience as you craft your own tin sake cup, guided by skilled artisans. This unique workshop offers a meaningful connection to Japanese craftsmanship, allowing you to create a personalized keepsake to take home.

Afterward, settle in for a beautifully curated premium sake pairing lunch set against the tranquil backdrop of rice fields. This relaxed and scenic setting enhances the experience as you sample a selection of exceptional sake, thoughtfully paired with seasonal, locally inspired dishes.

Continue the afternoon with a visit to a traditional sake brewery, where you’ll gain insight into the artistry and precision behind Japan’s iconic beverage. From rice to fermentation to final pour, this immersive experience offers a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and heritage woven into every sip.

A Day of Craft, Culture & Culinary Highlights

Begin your day with a visit to the Japanese Carpentry Tool Museum, where you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary craftsmanship you’ve encountered throughout your journey. Through beautifully displayed tools and exhibits, you’ll explore the precision and artistry behind traditional Japanese woodworking—an often-overlooked foundation of the country’s temples, shrines, and historic architecture.

From here, shift to something entirely different with an insider experience at Akashi Seaport. Enjoy special access to a live fish auction, where the energy and expertise of local fishermen bring the harbor to life. This is followed by a private sushi experience, where the day’s freshest catch is transformed into an unforgettable meal, offering a true connection between sea and table.

In the afternoon, step into history with a visit to Himeji Castle, widely considered Japan’s most spectacular surviving example of early 17th-century architecture. Known as the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant, soaring form, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is both breathtaking and rich in history.

Conclude your day in refined style with a celebrated Kobe beef dinner, where exceptional quality and culinary mastery come together for a truly memorable evening.

Take a short train ride to Kyoto

Japanese Culture Activity

In the afternoon, be immersed in Japanese culture with this insightful half day trip in Kyoto. Start with a visit to a machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse found throughout Kyoto. Take a tour of the beautifully restored house, learning about its architecture and history.

Then slip into a kimono, the iconic traditional Japanese garment. These full-length robes are worn by all Japanese when attending important events or formal occasions. Once appropriately dressed, meet with a local tea master for a traditional ceremony. Watch and learn as the master brews and services tea using slow, deliberate movements steeped in spirituality and ritual. Enjoy a cup of the bitter tea along with traditional sweet treats.

After the tea is finished, continue the cultural exploration of Kyoto. Experience an introductory course in origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Under the guidance of a local artist, learn the secrets behind creating beautiful decorations and images with simple pieces of paper.

Wrap up the half day trip in Kyoto with new insights and a better understanding of Japanese culture. Return to the hotel or continue to explore Kyoto’s charming streets.

Duration: 2 h

Kyoto: Iconic Highlights by Bike & Foot

Begin your morning with a private guided visit to the stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, where shimmering gold leaf reflects beautifully across the surrounding pond—a breathtaking introduction to Kyoto’s timeless elegance.

From there, experience the city in a more intimate and active way as you bike through charming residential neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into everyday Kyoto life before arriving at the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walking beneath the towering green stalks is a peaceful and almost otherworldly experience.

Get an in-depth, exclusive look at Japan’s geisha culture in Kyoto. This afternoon join a guide for a walking tour of Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district.

Start with an introduction, listening as the guide explains about geiko, the local name for Kyoto’s geisha, and their maiko, or apprentices. Then explore the atmospheric streets, walking past local shops and restaurants on the way to Yasaka Shrine. From here continue to Hanami-koji where lavish tea shops line the roadside.

End your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s most iconic and visually striking sites. As the light softens toward evening, wander through the thousands of vibrant torii gates that wind up the mountainside—an unforgettable setting for a magical sunset.

Cooking class - Chara-ben

Start the day with an interactive class teaching how to prepare a traditional Japanese bento box with a twist. Chara-ben (“kyaraben”) is the short term for character bento, a style of preparing lunch boxes with the food decorated to look like a famous cartoon character or cute animal.

Go to the designated machiya, a traditional Japanese wooden townhouse, to meet an English-speaking local food instructor. After a brief introduction, begin the three-hour session of learning the basics in cooking and preparing an artistic yet delicious Japanese bento.

Finish today’s activity with a lively conversation over a hearty meal.

Time:

Start: 09:30

Duration: 3 h

Ninja Workshop

Enter the clandestine world of Japan’s ninjas. Join a ninja workshop in Kyoto with a local expert, learning traditional skills used by the iconic feudal warriors and discovering the secrets of their stealth attacks. Whether a lover of martial arts or simply culturally curious, this half day tour is sure to be a highlight.

Journey to a dojo, a martial arts training hall, to meet with a ninja master. Get a brief introduction to feudal ninjas, a clandestine group of spies and assassins that mastered the art of disguise and sneak attacks. Although very little is known about the fighters themselves, their skills and techniques have been carried on by martial art athletes.

Don a dogi, the training clothes of ninjas, for a training session. The instructor will first lead a meditation session to obtain a calm and undisturbed mind, just as the ninjas would clear their thoughts in order to focus on their mission. Learn about kujikiri, the hand gestures used by the ninjas to strengthen their mind.  

Then it is time to get the blood pumping. Mimic the movements of the instructor as he shows famous moves such as grappling and swordsmanship. Get familiar with shuriken, ninja stars thrown through the air to injure opponents, and learn other techniques used by the warriors to surprise and attack their opponents.

In the 2 hours course the instructor will show 5 more techniques such as the kusarigama, the sickle with chain, rope techniques but also the ninja sword fighting with shuriken.

Duration:  2 h

End your day exploring TeamLab.

Take a train to either Tokyo or Osaka which ever airport you are departing from.