Japan's Samurai History, Culture and Cuisine

Discover Tokyo with your local guide, stopping by some of its best known landmarks. The Asakusa area, with its many traditional buildings standing alongside the new, is your first stop. Witness the Sensoji Buddhist temple, believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Discover the temple and the adjacent Nakamise street as well, where you will find rows of old shops selling food and curios of all kinds. After this you will be in for a novel experience as you travel by the Tokyo Water Bus on the Sumidagawa (meaning Sumida River), to reach the Hamarikyu Garden. Walk around the beautiful Edo-era garden and stop for some matcha (powdered green) tea and sweets at the charming little tea house within its precincts. Once done with the refreshments, make your way to the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji and also a popular wedding venue. End your tour at dusk with a stroll around the Omotesando shopping street, a tree-lined boulevard with contemporary architecture and fashionable stores stocking some of the world’s finest brands. (Duration: 8 hrs; Time of the Day: Morning, 0900 hrs; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Pick up: Hotel & Drop off: Omotesando; Meal included: Tea and sweets; Fitness Level: Moderate) (The tea house at the Hamarikyu garden will be closed for renovations until the end of July.)

Watch a bout of sumo wrestling, a sport that originated in Japan hundreds of years ago and remains synonymous with the country even today! Visit a restaurant, and feel the tension and anticipation in the air as professional wrestlers grapple with each other. Revel in the competitive spirit of the game, cheering on with the others in the audience. You will have access to seats close to the sumo ring for optimum viewing. Once the bout is over, enjoy a meal of Chanko-nabe hot pot, a protein-rich broth containing plenty of vegetables, chicken and other meat. Some call it the “sumo-stew” as it is the staple food of sumo wrestlers! (Duration: 2 hrs; Afternoon Activity; Self-organized Transfers; Meal included: Lunch; vegetarian option is available if requested in advance; please note that this activity may be subject to last minute changes and cancellations).

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend exploring Tokyo’s exciting and eclectic restaurants and cafes. Casual dining options abound around the train stations, entertainment districts and the restaurant floors of department stores. Known as izakaya, these eateries are an excellent place to try local specialties such as yakitori and sashimi paired with beer. Omoide Yokocho, a network of alleys packed with cozy eateries near Shinjuku Station, is one such location. The lively underground restaurant district near Yurakucho Station has plenty of yakitori restaurants as well as international pubs. For fine dining options, head to the upscale Ginza district or the redeveloped Shiodome neighborhood. You will find cosplay-themed maid, butler and pet cafes in the Akihabara and Ikebukuro areas. If you would like fresh sushi for breakfast, check out Tsukiji Outer Market and Toyosu Market. (Duration: half/full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Discover spectacular natural beauty in the mountainous town of Hakone. Reach Hakone with your guide, and explore the old town – Moto Hakone – along lake Ashi. On reaching the town, located within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, take the ropeway from the Gora area to the Owakudani volcano crater. During the gondola ride, enjoy bird’s- eye views of the volcanic landscape comprising active, sulfuric hot springs and the characteristic black soil. In Owakudani, you could sample eggs cooked in the hot springs and believed to have healing properties. Next, hop into an elegant boat to enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi, a caldera lake. On a clear day, you may be able to take in beautiful views of Mount Fuji. Catch a train back to Tokyo. (Duration: 11 hrs; Pick up: Hotel & Drop off: Hotel. Please note that you can use public transport – bullet train / Romance car depending on hotel location and local buses in Hakone. Your pick-up and drop-off point will be your hotel.)

Discover the glorious 17th century Kenroku-en, renowned among Japan’s top three gardens. Kenroku-en includes fountains, waterfalls, bridges, stone layouts, and teahouses that enhance its appearance around the year. A sophisticated water system feeds its two ponds – Kasumigaike and Hisagoike. The centerpiece of the garden is a huge two-legged stone lantern – Kotojitoro. Walk on its meandering paths that cut across forests of cherry trees and Karasaki pine. Drop by the well-preserved Seisoanku Samurai villa next door. Later, you will also visit the unique samurai district of Nagamachi. Nomura-ke, the showstopper of this district, is a historic samurai residence with Edo Period heirloom antiques, samurai calligraphy, an lovely courtyard garden, and a tea ceremony room. See the 400-year old Japanese bayberry tree on the premises, Japanese cypress ceilings, and traditional fusuma-e paintings. (Private Activity with Public transport; Time of the Day: 0930 or 1300 hrs; Duration: 4 hrs; Pick up: Hotel & Drop off: Hotel; Fitness level: Moderate)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend a leisurely exploration of the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go region. Set off at a convenient time to see the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which date back over two centuries. The term ‘gassho-zukuri’ means ‘constructed like hands in prayer’ and refers to the design of the steep, thatched roofs. The design helps the roofs, made without nails, withstand heavy snowfall. You could begin with the village of Ogimachi, the largest in the Shirakawa-go area. Get a look at the large attic space in the roof that is used for cultivating silkworms. Check out the system of roads and canals that have existed undisturbed for decades. You could then head to the hamlets of Ainokura and Suganuma in nearby Gokayama to see more such houses. After exploring to your heart’s content, head back to your hotel. (Duration: Half day or Full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Enjoy the unique experience of participating in a tea ceremony with a sado or tea art host at a charming Japanese tearoom. Gain insights into the art and history of the ceremony as the assistant of the host speaks about its significance in Japanese culture. Step into the tearoom and pick up the nuances of participating in a private Japanese tea ceremony. Savor every minute of the nearly hour-long experience that guides you to the heart of Japanese aesthetics and tradition. (Duration: 1 hr; Transfers by taxi; Fitness Level: Easy; Pick up: Hotel & Drop off: Hotel. Please do not wear perfume or cosmetics with a strong aroma. Tea ceremonies involve kneeling on tatami mats but chairs can be provided on advance notice.)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of the museums of Kanazawa on Japan’s Honshu island. Step back in time as you walk through the town’s charming streets, with their well-preserved Edo architecture. From modern artwork to history and traditional art forms, Japan’s cultural history is preserved in a variety of museums scattered throughout the town. Begin at the 21st Century Museum, which displays contemporary artwork by Japan’s celebrated artists. Nearby is the Honda museum where you can view samurai weapons, armour, and calligraphy from the Edo period. There is also the Prefectural History Museum, located in the historic old building where silk was manufactured. A short distance away, at the Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, see the fine handicrafts and workmanship that Ishikawa Prefecture is famous for. Before wrapping up, stop by the Kanazawa Noh Museum, where you can try on the props and costumes used in traditional Japanese theater. (Duration: half/full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities; Please note that most of these museums are closed on one day of the week, so make sure to check their schedules before you go)

Explore the rich culinary heritage of Kyoto with a market visit, sake tasting and a cooking lesson. Stroll through the vibrant, 400-year old Nishiki market with over 100 stalls selling food, ingredients, and kitchenware. Help your guide in choosing the ingredients needed for your cooking class. Walk along the quaint back lanes of Kyoto to a Machiya – a traditional townhouse – and taste Japanese rice wine or sake. Continue on foot to another traditional wooden townhouse to try your hand in cooking rolled sushi. After the lesson and the cook, enjoy a meal of sushi, miso soup, cooked salad, and seasonal fruits before you call it a day. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 1400 hrs; Private Activity; Dinner (food cooked during the lesson) included; Group size: Max 7 guests; Private lesson; Self-organized transfers. Please inform if you have any dietary restrictions).

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. (Private activity & Public transport; Time: 0900 hrs; Duration: 9 hrs; Pick up: Hotel & Drop off: Hotel. Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Fitness level- Moderate; Food tasting to be paid by the guests on spot).

Here are our recommendations on what to do in Nara on your own: Take in the sights and sounds of Japan’s first permanent capital at your own pace. You could begin the day with a leisurely stroll around the historic Nara Park that is home to iconic landmarks. Visit Todaiji Temple, which houses the country’s largest bronze statues of the Buddha. Walk around Daibutsuden Hall and see the numerous smaller Buddha idols. Stop at the museum on the premises and browse the collection of religious art. Nearby is the Kasuga Taisha shrine, distinguished by its sloping roof and famed for the hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers. Later, check out Kofukuji Temple, with its five-storied pagoda, and the exquisite collection of Buddhist art at the National Treasure Museum. Then, make your way to the Nara National Museum to see more displays of Buddhist scrolls, paintings and ceremonial objects. The sprawling Nara Park is also home to over 1,000 free-roaming deer that are considered sacred. You could make time to feed them special crackers that are available for sale around the park. The city’s erstwhile merchant district of Naramachi and the Yoshikien Garden, with its three uniquely themed Japanese gardens, are also worth visiting. (Duration: Half day or Full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Transfers, entrance fees, and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Choose from our recommendations what best suits your interests and pace; Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities)

Immerse yourself in the different traditional performing arts of Japan. In the evening, make your way to the theater in Gion Kobu, the largest of the five traditional ‘Kagai’ or entertainment districts of Kyoto. During the next hour, watch various demonstrations including chanoyu, the art of preparing tea, and the ikebana style of flower arrangement. Enjoy koto music, played on a stringed zither, the national musical instrument of Japan. You can see a performance of an ancient bugaku dance that was a favorite at the imperial court. You can also catch a kyogen comedy show where the performers will likely enact a Noh play or a scene from bunraku puppet theater. Later, enjoy the Kyomai dance, representative of the region. This dance is performed by maiko, or apprentices studying to become geiko. Also known as geisha, the geiko are traditional performing artists skilled in entertaining guests with their dances, songs and music. Afterward, return to your hotel with lasting memories. (Duration: 1 hr; Time: 1800/1900 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers; Starting point: Gion Kobu Theatre, Gion Corner)

Here are our recommendations on what to do in Koyasan: Experience Japanese religious life in Koyasan, a remote mountain town. Arrive in the town of Koya and head to Gokurakubashi Station, for a short cable car ride to Koyasan Station. Koyasan is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi in AD 806. Proceed to the 82-foot Daimon Gate, which marks the entrance to Mount Koya. It is flanked by two Vadrajhara statues designed by Buddhist sculptors during the Edo Period. Visit the centuries-old Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple complex, with its halls and shrines, including the iconic Great Pagoda. Ahead is Kongobuji Temple, principal monastery of the Shingon Sect. Stroll across the Ohiroma, Plum and Willow rooms, which are used for important religious ceremonies. Pass the Jodannoma Audience Room and the kitchen with its enormous hearth and Komodo stoves. Step into the Banryu Tei Rock Garden, Japan’s largest rock garden, before heading to Okunoin Temple. It is the location of Kobo Daishi’s Mausoleum, the site of his eternal meditation. Amble across the cobblestone trail, lined with more than 200,000 gravestones and memorials. (Duration: Half day or Full day; This is an independent, unguided activity; Transfers, entrance fees & meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Choose from our recommendations what suits your interests & pace. Please note that you may not be able to do all our recommended activities)

Explore the prominent landmarks of the port city of Osaka. Meet your guide and travel by local trains and the subway to the attractions on your itinerary. Begin with a visit to the stately Osaka Castle, easily identified by its majestic stone walls and moats. One of Japan’s most famous castles, it played a pivotal role in the unification of the country in the 16th century. Enjoy a stroll around the grounds as you listen to your guide’s interesting narrative about the history of this edifice. Later, make your way to the vibrant Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district, also a foodie’s paradise. As you walk along the bustling streets, keep an eye out for the iconic mechanized signs that are lit up at night alongside the neon lights. The famous Glico running man and the Kani Doraku crab are two signs that might catch your eye. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 0900/1300 hrs; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Pick up: Hotel & Drop off: Hotel; Fitness level: easy; Entrance fees, subway and local train fares are included)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend exploring Osaka’s diverse food culture. Head to the lively canal-side Dotonbori district near Namba Station for your pick of eateries specializing in local delicacies. Walk down the narrow lanes, lit up by neon billboards and lined with cozy bars and izakaya taverns. Sample specialties such as takoyaki, batter-coated grilled octopus as well as okonomiyaki, a pancake-like dish made using vegetables, seafood or meat. Stop at the street food stalls to try kitsune udon, a simple dish of wheat noodles in a broth and served along with deep fried tofu. If you would like to taste kushikatsu, battered and deep-fried vegetables and meat on skewers, head to the Shinsekai district. Osaka Station City and the nearby Kitashinchi neighborhood have numerous restaurants, offering everything from teppanyaki to fine dining. (Duration: half/full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)