These traditional working class neighborhoods of Tokyo developed between the 15th and 19th Centuries are now known for their historical buildings, traditional atmosphere and vibrant street life.
A half day exploration of Tokyo's alleyways, markets and cobbled streets.
Despite being home to over 30,000 bars , finding one in Tokyo can be intimidating and hard to source due to their often hidden locations. Exploring the scene with a well versed author and resident is the key.
An evening exploration of Tokyo's thriving cocktail scene.
Hakone is located in the shadows of Japan’s most famous mountain, Mt Fuji. Exploring its National Park we will visit the famed Hakone Shrine, walk along the Mishima Skywalk and visit the Enoura Observatory, all the while Mt Fuji looming in the distance.
A full day exploration of Hakone and Mount Fuji.
From Sendai station we visit the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery. Japanese whisky production is relatively new, with a history of only 100 years. We counteract that with a visit to Kirin Beer Brewery, arguably Japan's most popular alcoholic drink today.
A full day deep dive into the world of Japanese whiskey and beer.
Explore the stalls of Omicho market to seek out the finest sushi in the region, as well as seeing the wonderful old Machiya style wooden homes in Kanazawa's tea district before enjoying our own tea ceremony.
A half day program in Kanazawa.
Embark on a morning visit to the Tsukiji Market with your Travel Expert and Chef Yoshi, a 4th generation sushi master who will guide you through lunch with your own sushi creations.
A half day spent with a sushi master in Tokyo.
Uji is a picturesque town located between Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan's former capital cities, known for its tea fields, tea shops and sacred temples. We engage with a resident monk to learn more about Japanese meditation techiques..
A half day program in the township of Uji.
Nikko has been a centre of Shinto and Buddhist Mountain worship for many centuries, and together with Nikko National Park, offers a combination of culturally important shrines with scenic, mountainous landscapes and hiking trails.
A full day exploration of Nikko, located in Tochigi Prefecture.
Japanese knives enjoy global recognition for their sharpness and craftsmanship, and they are top of the shopping list for most visitors to Japan. Here, we elevate this experience as not only will you be able to take a home a personalised Japanese knife, but participate in its preparation.
A half day program to the mecca of Osaka's famed kitchen knife production
Shounji Temple, located in central Tokyo is a Zen temple that is rarely open to the public but with private access we enage the head monk to provide a meditation class for our guests followed by learning the art of ikebana - the unique form of flower arrangement.
A half day excursion from Tokyo to learn the art of Zen meditation at a private temple
Arashiyama is well known for it’s Bamboo Forest, but there are some fascinating places in Arashiyama that escape the crowds and our selection of temples and shrines allow you to experience the quiet contemplation that the that the nobles found here all those centuries ago.
A half day program outside Kyoto to visit the temples of Arashiyama
Wagashi refers to a diverse and artistic category of traditional Japanese confections that are often enjoyed with tea. Learning the seasonal terms and themes behind the sweets will bring them to life in your imagination even before you begin the process of creation.
A half day program in Kyoto to to learn how to make wagashi confectionary.
