Classic Japan

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)

Explore the Imperial Palace complex that sits surrounded by moats and massive stone walls. With your guide, travel on local trains and the subway to reach the palace that continues to be the primary residence of the Japanese emperor. While the palace itself is not open to the public, you can wander around the beautiful grounds and gardens. See the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, a distinctive double bridge that leads to the inner palace grounds from the Kokyo Gaien Plaza. You could then walk around the Imperial East Gardens, a verdant oasis at the heart of the city, with its seasonal flowers and the foundation of a former castle tower. Later, make your way to the trendy Marunouchi area known for its sleek skyscrapers and streets filled with retail stores. Here, you will also find Tokyo Station, the city’s main transit hub, easily identified by its red brick facade. This iconic building houses a labyrinth of shops selling everything from souvenirs to apparel. There are also food courts here where you could grab a bite to eat. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 0900/1300 hrs; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Pick up: Hotel & Drop off: Marunouchi; Entrance fees, subway and local train fares are included; Not available on Mon & Fri)

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)

Immerse yourself in the art of the Japanese Tea ceremony. Make your own way to the Machiya House, a wooden town house, where the ceremony will be held. Note the ancient Japanese aesthetics and the interior design of the house. Get dressed in a beautiful casual kimono and sit down on tatami mats before you meet your host, who will demonstrate the ceremonial preparation and serving of the tea. Learn about the various types of tea and the tools used to prepare them. The ceremony is not just about drinking tea but also a spiritual practice that has been influenced by Zen Buddhism. Learn the rituals involved and discover how every movement has a meaning. In the process, you will come to understand what the act of serving tea to guests means in Japan. (Duration: 1.5 hr; Time: 1000/1330 hours; Shared activity; Group size: max 6 ppl; No transfers; Meals included: tea ceremony; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; All entrance fees are included; Min age: 5)

Learn how to cook some authentic Izakaya dishes and immerse yourself in Japanese dining culture. An Izakaya is a casual Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and food items which are meant to be shared. In the afternoon, make your way to the cooking studio located in central Kyoto. Meet your Japanese chef and, after a short introduction, try your hand at making some of the dishes that have made this cuisine so popular, the world over. Watch your chef and follow along as you learn to make dishes such as teriyaki chicken, okonomiyaki, and maybe even sushi. Enjoy the specialities you prepared in a typical Izakaya pub atmosphere. Then, head back to the kitchen to cook some more delicious food to add to your repertoire. Savor these dishes too, as you dine with your host and gain insight into Izakaya culture. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 1400 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 8 ppl; No transfers; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Learn the way of the sword! This is your opportunity to come face to face with the history and lifestyle of the feared samurai warriors of ancient Japan. Study the Bushido code they lived by, learn about the strict requirements of etiquette and honor they survived under and take up your katana, the famous samurai sword, to learn the basics of Kenbu, the highly stylized sword dance that samurai used in practice as a concentration tool, under the watchful eyes of a proficient Kenbu master. (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Time: 1445 or 1615 hrs; Shared Activity; Transfers not included; Fitness level: Easy)

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)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend exploring Kyoto’s interesting food culture. Stop by Sushi Hayashi to sample ‘edomae’, a modern Tokyo-style sushi, and Kyoto sushi made with fresh seafood and other ingredients. Pair your meal with sake and wine at this restaurant which is located within easy reach of Demachiyanagi Station. For kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner, head to Noguchi Tsunagu which is close to Gion-Shijo Station. Do not miss the signature dish, Kyoto-style nikusui, a soup made by simmering beef in dashi broth. Satisfy your tempura cravings at Enyuan Kobayashi, also within walking distance of the station. Kamoryori Tabuchi, located halfway between Marutamachi and Niho-mae Stations, specializes in duck delicacies. At Torisho Sai, situated near Nijo Castle, relish charcoal-grilled yakitori made with Hinai-Jidori chicken. Finally, there is Nakatsuka, minutes from Karasuma Oike Station, which plates up innovative cuisine in a tranquil ambiance. (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)