Japan for Beginners: Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji

Explore Ryogoku, the center of Japan’s sumo world! Accompany your guide to Ryogoku, home to the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium and most of Tokyo’s sumo heyas, or stables. All rikishi or wrestlers belong to these heyas and you can visit one of them to see how they live, eat and train. Get up close and personal with these giant men and watch their morning training session, also called asa geiko. Watch the less eminent wrestlers, who wake up earliest in the morning, put in some practice before going about their assigned duties, while high-ranking wrestlers practice between 7 and 10 am. After several hours of warm up and technique practice, watch the wrestler’s indulge in a game of ‘King of the Castle’ – one wrestler stays inside the ring and fights with all the others until he is defeated! As the end time for training is in flux, the tour disbands at the stable. You will need to make your own onward arrangements. 

(Time of the day: Morning, Duration: 2 hrs; One way transfer included; Please note that you will travel to the area by public transport (subway and local trains); Fitness Level: Moderate. Please note that you will have to sit on tatami matting as seats are unavailable. Small children may not be allowed. Please observe absolute silence so as not to disturb the wrestlers. This tour is not available in March, July and November.)

For a day well spent, visit some of Tokyo’s best known landmarks with your local expert! Begin with a trip to the Asakusa locality, well-known for its “shitamachi” or old-world vibe. You can visit the Sensoji temple, a Buddhist temple believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Adjacent to the temple you will find the Nakamise “dori” or street, where you can taste some traditional snacks if you like. Travel across town to Omotesando and after exploring the ritzy flagship stores and spectacular architecture on the main boulevard. Next, make your last stop at the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Surrounded by a forested area with 365 species of trees, the shrine is also a popular wedding venue, so don’t be surprised if you come across a bride and groom all dressed up for their big day! (Half Day; Time of the day: 0900 or 1300 hrs; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Fitness Level: Moderate)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting Tokyo’s teamLab Planets, which is a unique museum with mind bending art installations, massive spaces and gardens. Walk barefoot into the water area and experience artwork in myriad unusual ways. For instance, walk into a drawing of hundreds of colorful koi fish swimming on the water surface, which seems to stretch into infinity. As you wade through the water and collide with the koi, they change direction and turn into flowers. Similarly, venture into an interactive space with a limitless crystal universe. It is a singular experience all together. Space, time and your sense of being all collapse as you pass through the falling universe of flowers and other three-dimensional spaces. The floating flower garden is also an infinite, three-dimensional space filled with masses of flowers all around you, including the space above. The moss garden contains solidified masses of colored light, stretched out to the horizon, which change hues depending on the time of day. There are plenty of immersive artworks and exhibition spaces here to keep you engaged for hours.

(Duration: half day; Time: 1100 hrs; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees included; Fitness level: easy; No shoes allowed; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Ascend to the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most sacred mountain, on this overnight trek. Set off early in the morning from the vibrant Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo and meet your guide. Journey by bus to Mount Fuji Subashiri 5th station, located at an altitude of around 6,561 feet. From here, start your trek up the iconic landmark. Hike for most of the day with your experienced guide leading the way. After every hour of trekking, take a break for 10-15 mins. On reaching the 8th station, enjoy a simple dinner and then spend the night in a mountain hut equipped with basic amenities. You will share space with fellow hikers and have your own bunk bed with a sleeping bag. The shared toilets are located outside the hut. On your second day, wake up shortly after midnight to make your final ascent to the summit. Catch the sunrise over the clouds, considered an auspicious event in the Land of the Rising Sun. Then complete the circuit of Mount Fuji’s eight peaks. Finally, have a hot breakfast and begin your descent to the parking lot at the 5th station. Once you reach, you could buy yourself lunch before heading back to Shinjuku.

(Duration: 2 days/1 night; Seasonal: Jun 25 – Sep 10 (climbing season); Time: 0645 hrs (day 1); Shared activity & transfers; Starting point: in front of the ticket machines of Tochomae subway station on the Toei Oedo line; Meals included: dinner and breakfast; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: moderate to difficult, please note that this activity is not suitable for people with physical challenges; Min age: 10; Temperatures are likely to dip as you go higher up the mountain; Please dress in layers such as fleece and long-sleeve shirts as the weather can fluctuate often; Hiking distance from 5th station to summit is about 3.7 mi and elevation gain is about 4,900 ft; Please note that the climb is steep and in some places you will need to use your hands to hold on to the rocks and ropes; Do bring hiking poles, shoes, waterproof jacket, gloves, a head lamp, change of undergarments, sunscreen, trash bags, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, hat, sunglasses, socks, snacks, and money for two lunches (3,000 – 5,000 yen); Please do not dress in jeans; Mountain guides use the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as a guide to the current safety of climbing; The itinerary may vary based on season, special events, weather, and transportation schedules)

Revel in the traditional sights, smells and sounds of feudal Japan’s best preserved city, in the company of your local guide. Visit the many UNESCO World Heritage sites dotting Kyoto, beginning with the Kinkakuji Temple, originally built for the Shogun. At his request, the Shogun’s villa was converted into a Buddhist Temple after his death. Discover the magnificent 15th century Nijo Castle with its splendidly preserved medieval gardens from Japan’s Edo period. Admire the many details and typical architectural features of the old monument, before walking down to the bustling Nishiki Market. Eat your heart out at this food street payable on spot, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, lined with innumerable restaurants and traditional eating houses! Try out typical local delicacies such as pickles, dried fish and sushi. Also visit the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo grove. (Full Day; Private activity & Public transport; Time: 0900 hrs; Duration: 9 hrs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Fitness level- Moderate; Food tasting to be paid by the guests on spot).

Japanese cuisine has been declared a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage for good reason, cooked as it is with the freshest ingredients and masterful techniques. Get an overall idea about Japanese cooking styles from your chef in this cooking class designed for a small, intimate group. Learn how to prepare Bento style boxed meals under the expert guidance of your host chef. Cook Kyoto’s signature Shokado bento, a delicious spread that includes delectable bites of tempura, miso soup, egg roll, chicken teriyaki, sesame spinach salad and sushi. The greatest treat awaits you at the end of the class, when you get to taste your own Bento box! (Half Day, Shared Activity & No Transfers; Meal included: Lunch; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform about any dietary restrictions in advance).

Learn the fascinating art of calligraphy with a local master. Discover the journey of the beautiful Kanji—or traditional Chinese script—from ancient China to Japan. Learn all about the three parallel Japanese scripts of Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana from your master who will gently guide you and explain the cultural significance of this artform, before you try your hand at this ancient art for yourself. Attempt a few tentative brush strokes under the master’s expert supervision, and learn the secrets of how to hold the calligraphy brush in the proper manner. Finally, find the confidence within to draw out bold lines, before you carry your best work back home! (Time of Day: Morning or Afternoon; Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; All materials provided; Some traditional houses have steep, narrow stairs; Don’t forget your cameras; Note: Children below 4 not allowed).

Set off from your hotel with your local guide on this fascinating exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Koya. Travel by local trains along scenic routes and take the cable car to reach the Buddhist monastery on the mountaintop. Walk to Kongobuji Temple, one of over a hundred temples in the area and the head monastery of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. After exploring the shrine, stroll over to the largest rock garden in the country. Head to the Garan temple complex for a glimpse of the ceremonial hall and the brightly-colored Konpon Daito Pagoda. Amble on to Okunoin cemetery that is home to 200,000 tombs including the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect as well as feudal lords, other monks, and prominent community members. After a busy day, return to the hotel where your guide will bid adieu.

(Duration: 13 hrs; Time: 0645 hrs; Private Activity & Shared Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note start time can vary depending on your hotel.)