Tours in Japan

Only in Kyoto! Sake Tasting and Blending Experience

When Sarah from our BugBitten team tried this sake-blending experience in central Kyoto, she walked into a space designed to feel authentically Japanese and spent 45 minutes tasting eight different varieties before creating her own custom blend. The concept is straightforward: you learn the basics of sake, sample across styles, pick your favourite two prototypes, and walk out with a 200ml bottle of your creation. It's the kind of thing that appeals to sake-curious travellers who want a hands-on memory rather than just another tasting room visit.

Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide

When Noah from our team did this Kyoto full-day tour out of Osaka, we got a real flavour of what made Japan's old capital tick. You're paired with a government-licensed English-speaking guide who'll craft an itinerary around your interests — temple history, geisha culture in Gion, traditional architecture, tea ceremonies, whatever pulls you in. Eight hours of walking lets you soak in centuries-old temples and shrines without feeling rushed. The guide handles the planning; you just show up at your Osaka meeting point and let them lead you through streets that genuinely feel like stepping back in time.

Japanese Pottery Class in Tokyo

When Alex from our team booked a pottery class at Uzumako Ceramic Art School in Tokyo's Minato-ku, we found ourselves minutes from Mita Station with clay on our hands and a proper crash course in Japanese ceramic technique. The one-hour session hits the sweet spot between tourist activity and genuine craft — you're not just watching, you're at the wheel or hand-forming pieces alongside a handful of other visitors. The studio sits close enough to Tokyo Tower that you could knock off a pottery session and sightseeing in the same afternoon, which appeals to travellers who'd rather do one thing well than tick ten boxes.

Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide

When Charlie from our BugBitten team ran this tour, we got the quick-hit version of Kyoto's political heart: Nijo Castle—a UNESCO-listed stronghold that marks Japan's shift from samurai rule to the modern era—plus the Imperial Palace, where emperors once held court and still occasionally do. The guide knew his stuff and kept things moving across both sites in 2.5 hours. It's a snappy way to clock the city's 1100-year backbone if you're short on time, and you're in a small group the whole way.

2h 30mfrom AUD $108

Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Bamboo Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

★ 4.8 (58)

Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Bamboo Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

When Tom from our team ran this Kyoto tour, we got a proper taste of Arashiyama and Sagano with a government-licensed guide who actually knows her stuff. You pick 3–4 sites from a menu — temples, the famous bamboo grove, countryside bridges, that sort of thing — and spend 6 hours on foot exploring the area where old-money Kyoto types hung out over a thousand years back. It's walkable, customisable, and your guide speaks English fluently. The pace feels unhurried, and you'll hit some quieter corners most tour coaches miss.

Kawaii Food Tour of Harajuku Tokyo

When Mia from our BugBitten team hit Harajuku for this 3-hour food tour, she found herself threading through Tokyo's weirdest, most colorful neighbourhood with a guide who actually knew the backstory. Takeshita Street buzzes with fashion chaos and cute-character shops, but the real draw is hitting five food stops—crepes, peculiar sweets, seasonal snacks—to taste what makes this corner of Tokyo tick. It's peak pop-culture territory, packed with tourists and locals alike, and you're walking the whole time, so it's not a sit-down kind of adventure.

3 hoursfrom AUD $303

Hakone Private Custom Tour: Mt. Fuji View, Nature & Shrine

★ 4.8 (55)

5 hours – 7 hoursfrom AUD $275

Hakone Private Custom Tour: Mt. Fuji View, Nature & Shrine

When Sarah from our BugBitten team ran this Hakone private tour, she got the full sensory hit of Japan's volcanic heartland without the usual tour-bus shuffle. You're paired with a multilingual guide who steers you through mountain railways, cable cars, and ropeways to Lake Ashi, finishing with a VIP cabin cruise. The itinerary bends to your mood—weather shifts, pace, food cravings—and your guide doubles as a local insider pointing out photo spots and tucking you into proper restaurants. Five to seven hours, depending on your tempo and what catches your eye. It's the kind of day where you're moving but never rushed, and the landscape does most of the talking.

The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike: Private Tour

★ 4.8 (51)

The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike: Private Tour

When Noah from our BugBitten team pedalled through Kyoto on this private bike tour, it felt like being shown around by someone who actually knows the city rather than just reading from a script. You'll cruise past the Philosopher's Path, drift through Gion's atmospheric lanes, and stop for stories about Kyoto's history — all at a pace that works for your fitness level. The whole outing runs about two and a half hours, and your guide is genuinely switched on about bikes and the local context. It's the kind of tour that lets you cover ground without the usual tour-bus shuffle, and the operator works with local guides on fair terms while keeping groups small.

2h 30mfrom AUD $223

TOKYO PREMIUM CAR TOUR: Daikoku PA & Japan’s Amazing JDM Car Meet

★ 4.8 (49)

4 hours – 5 hoursfrom AUD $407

TOKYO PREMIUM CAR TOUR: Daikoku PA & Japan’s Amazing JDM Car Meet

When Tom from our BugBitten team booked this Tokyo night tour, he got a proper taste of Japan's JDM car culture — not just a drive-past. You start in Shibuya, swing through the massive APIT automotive shop, cruise the legendary Wangan loop on the C1 expressway with views of the Rainbow Bridge, then finish at Daikoku in Yokohama where the real car meet happens. It's 4+ hours of actual commentary and insider knowledge, not awkward silences from a random driver. The operators run their own modified Toyota fleet and genuinely know their stuff, which shows.

★ 4.8 (49)

Flavors of Japan Food Tour in Tokyo

When Lily from our BugBitten team ran this food tour through Nihombashi, Tokyo's old culinary quarter, it was a proper education in how Japan's flavours actually work. Over three hours, we hit seven food stops with a local guide, tasting everything from hand-rolled tamagoyaki to crispy nori and a full lunch, plus one drink included. The neighbourhood itself feels like it's been feeding people for centuries — packed with family groups, office workers grabbing lunch, and tourists who actually know their way around a menu. It's wheelchair-friendly, works rain or shine, and suits basically any fitness level, which meant a genuinely mixed crowd.

Origami Fun for Families and Beginners in Asakusa

When Noah from our team tried this origami session in Asakusa, we found ourselves in a calm studio surrounded by intricate paper creations—some folded by local and US-based artists. The 45-minute experience lets you pick from 50 paper colours and work through models guided by tablet instructions, stepping up from simple animals to trickier vehicles and flowers. It's a solid cultural pit-stop in one of Tokyo's busiest neighbourhoods, drawing solo travellers, couples, and families after temple visits.

Best of Hiroshima Food Tour

When Lily from our BugBitten team did this evening food tour, we walked through Hiroshima's lively streets as the city lit up, stopping at local favourites where the real action happens. The centrepiece is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki — those layered savoury pancakes cooked live on teppan grills — paired with local sake and smaller dishes. Over three hours, you're moving between eateries, hearing locals' stories about the city's transformation, and getting a feel for how food and community sit at the heart of Hiroshima. It's part meal, part history lesson, all grounded in the places where regular diners show up.

3h 10mfrom AUD $320

Mt fuji & Hakone customizable day tour w/ English speaking driver

★ 4.8 (38)

Mt fuji & Hakone customizable day tour w/ English speaking driver

When Jake from our team booked this Mt Fuji and Hakone day tour, we appreciated the flexibility — you pick one of six set routes or build your own itinerary with the driver. It's a 10-hour private tour from Tokyo (or nearby regions) in an air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver who handles both steering and local commentary. The routes range from hitting the iconic Chureito Pagoda and Lake Kawaguchiko to climbing higher toward Mt Fuji's 5th Station, plus options to swing through Hakone's volcanic valleys or Gotemba's outlet mall. Admission fees and food are your own shout, but fuel, tolls, and WiFi are bundled in. It's a solid option for groups wanting a bespoke mountain day without fighting the tour-bus crowds.

10 hoursfrom AUD $768

Kyoto Highlights: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari by Private Car

★ 4.8 (38)

Kyoto Highlights: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari by Private Car

When Em from our team ran this full-day private minivan tour out of Osaka, we hit Kyoto's heavyweight sights without fighting crowds. The route strings together Tenryuji Temple with its UNESCO gardens, the famous bamboo grove at Arashiyama, a quieter matcha break at the Okochi Sanso estate, and finishes at the dramatic red-gate climb of Fushimi Inari shrine. Eight hours, door-to-door from your hotel, means you're seeing proper ground — though the pace depends on how long you linger at each stop. The private-car setup lets you skip the typical tour-group shuffle and move at your own rhythm.

Kyoto :Tea Ceremony in 150 Years Townhouse with Tables and Chairs

When Ben from our team tried this Kyoto tea ceremony, we found ourselves in a quiet 150-year-old townhouse with just seven other guests—a far cry from the tourist mills. The host, who learned the craft from his father, walked us through the ritual step by step: we watched a live demonstration, handled centuries-old utensils kept within the family, ate seasonal sweets, and made our own matcha. The whole thing runs 45 minutes and feels genuinely intimate rather than performative. It's the kind of experience that works whether you're curious about Japanese culture or already deep into it.

Grand Sumo Tournament Tokyo - Osaka - Nagoya

When Noah from our team caught a Grand Sumo Tournament, it was less a guided tour and more a ticket to Japan's most electric sporting event. You're watching world-class wrestlers in traditional bouts at venues across Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka across two years of scheduled tournaments. The atmosphere is genuinely wild—local fans are invested, the ritual is mesmerising, and the sheer physicality of sumo hits different in person. Four hours flies by. Admission's included; you're just sorting your own way there and deciding if a premium seat upgrade matters to you.

4 hoursfrom AUD $187

★ 4.8 (25)

Daikoku JDM Car Meet Private Tour

When Lily from our team booked this private tour, we hit Tokyo's legendary car scene with a focus on Daikoku PA, the sprawling expressway parking area where JDM culture peaks on weekend nights. You're driven around in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, cruising Tokyo's highways and soaking in city views while scoping out the dream cars that roll through. The whole thing runs 4 hours, and if you time it right—Friday to Sunday evenings are best—you'll catch serious gatherings. Other days can be hit or miss for volume.

4 hoursfrom AUD $448

YokaBus Nanzoin Bronze Buddha, Itoshima Totoro Forest&Futamigaura

★ 4.8 (19)

2 hours – 3 hoursfrom AUD $75

YokaBus Nanzoin Bronze Buddha, Itoshima Totoro Forest&Futamigaura

When Ben from our team ran this full-day Fukuoka loop, it was a solid hit-the-highlights kind of tour. You start at Nanzoin Temple with its massive reclining Buddha, swing through Ashiya Fish Market for lunch and a matcha tea class, then head out to Itoshima for the forest walk and coastal sunset at Futamigaura. It's 10.5 hours door-to-door from Hakata Station, with a bilingual guide and a group of 15+ travellers. Good for getting a sense of what's beyond central Fukuoka in one hit, though you're doing a fair bit of sitting time between spots.

Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide

When Ben from our team ran this Osaka pub crawl, we hit Namba's izakaya strip with a local guide who knew exactly where the good stuff was. Three and a half hours bouncing between authentic bars and casual eateries, sampling everything from sake to craft beer, with translation help and insider picks on what to order. Namba's the beating heart of Osaka's night scene—crowded, loud, full of salarymen and tourists, buzzing till late. You're paying for the guide and the introductions; food and drinks are on your own tab.

Private walking tours in Aomori

When Mia from our team walked through Aomori City with a local guide, we got the real port-town experience — the kind where you duck into side streets and spot where locals actually eat. This custom walking tour taps into a 400-year-old city built around the harbour, hitting shopping strips, shrines, neighbourhood joints, and tucked-away spots most tourists miss. You're loose on the itinerary (pick what interests you), the guide feeds you context and insider tips, and it's just your group, up to eight people. Two to three hours on foot, flex timing to suit you.

Osaka Soul : IZAKAYA Shinsekai to Dotonbori Food Paradise！

★ 4.8 (19)

Osaka Soul : IZAKAYA Shinsekai to Dotonbori Food Paradise！

When Tom from our BugBitten team ran this 3-hour Osaka food tour, he found it a genuine sprint through two of the city's most vibrant eating districts. You'll kick off in Shinsekai—a gritty, old-school neighbourhood where Tsutenkaku Tower looms and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) reign supreme—then pivot into an izakaya for proper local drinking food before heading to the neon chaos of Dotonbori. There you'll hit okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and ramen stalls in the thick of Osaka's food culture. An English-speaking guide steers the whole thing, mixing food with neighbourhood history and pockets of genuine local flavour.

Tokyo Architecture and Contemporary Art Walking Tour with a local guide

When Charlie from our BugBitten team did this 8-hour walk around Tokyo, we were chasing architecture — the kind of buildings that make you stop and stare. The city's home to multiple Pritzker Prize winners, and this tour threads through their work alongside contemporary art galleries, giving you a proper sense of how Tokyo's visual culture actually works. You'll move between neighbourhoods via trains and taxis (not included in the fee), so expect a bit of logistical legwork, but the payoff is genuine: buildings and spaces designed by architects and artists you've probably heard of, all explained by a guide who knows Tokyo's history, geography, and cultural context inside out.

Kyoto Izakaya Hopping: Pontocho & Gion Local Food Tour

When Sarah from our BugBitten team ran this Kyoto izakaya crawl, she wove through the lantern-lit backstreets of Pontocho and Kiyamachi with a local guide who actually knew which hole-in-the-wall spots served the best food and had real stories to tell. Over three hours, you'll hop between two or three traditional Japanese pubs, ordering from menus that aren't tourist-friendly and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with salarymen and locals. It's the kind of evening where you drink what the guide drinks and eat what regulars eat — proper Kyoto, not the postcard version.

Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

When Mia from our BugBitten team ran this Kyoto night foodie tour, we wound through the atmospheric lanes of Gion and Pontocho — where wooden machiya buildings and narrow alleys set the scene — to eat our way through 9+ traditional dishes paired with six sake tastings. The 3.5-hour experience trades the daytime tourist hustle for evening dining in a hidden local restaurant, where a certified guide walks you through how Kyoto residents actually eat and drink. It's a proper introduction to the city's food culture without the crowds.

Tokyo: Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot & Geisha

When Lily from our team caught this show in Asakusa, it was a proper mix of sumo spectacle and dinner theatre. You're watching retired wrestlers run through bouts and training moves on an actual dohyo (ring), with a live English-speaking host calling the action. The venue sits in Tokyo's historic temple district, drawing a mixed crowd of tourists and locals keen to see Japan's national sport without the formality of a real tournament. The 2-hour slot wraps in a photo with the wrestlers themselves, plus an all-you-can-eat hot pot meal (Chanko-nabe) and a geisha dance bit to round it out.

2 hoursfrom AUD $145

Mount Fuji, Kamakura, Big Buddha, & Lake Ashi Day Trip

★ 4.8 (1,661)

Mount Fuji, Kamakura, Big Buddha, & Lake Ashi Day Trip

When Lily from our BugBitten team ran this 11-hour loop from Tokyo, we hit the heavyweight sights: the Big Buddha in Kamakura, a cruise across Lake Ashi (weather gods willing), Mount Fuji views from Oishi Park, and the quiet village of Oshino Hakkai with its spring-fed ponds. It's a classic grab-it-all itinerary that bounces between Buddhist temples, scenic lakes, and mountain villages—the kind of day that packs a lot in and suits travellers wanting to tick major boxes without organising multiple separate tours. The crew's a mix of international day-trippers, and the vibe depends entirely on which option you pick: Basic keeps things lean, while full-tour-plus-lunch adds creature comforts.

11 hoursfrom AUD $182

★ 4.8 (341)

1 hour – 1h 30mfrom AUD $210

Absolute Osaka Food Tour

When Noah from our BugBitten team ran this three-hour Osaka food tour, it was a proper crash course in what makes the city tick culinarily. You're taken through cramped, neon-lit alleys where takoyaki vendors and kushikatsu skewer shops jostle for space—the sort of streets where the smell alone tells you you're in the right spot. The guide steers you through four food stops, one drink included, plus a traditional dessert, and throws in a sneaky shrine visit away from the main drag. It's less polished tourism, more 'here's where locals actually eat' vibe.

Meet Osaka local new Friends & Fun Chat Drinks Party Ticket

When Alex from our BugBitten team rocked up to this Osaka social night, it was exactly what it promised: a low-pressure way to meet locals and other travellers over drinks in a casual pub setting. The host actively shuffles groups every half hour or so, which means even if you're the shy type, you'll end up chatting to heaps of people across a 2.5-hour session. English-speaking Japanese folks and internationals mix freely, and there's Jenga and UNO on hand to break the ice when conversation needs a nudge.

Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour

When Noah from our BugBitten team hit this tour, we got the real Shinjuku nightlife rundown without the guesswork. You're hitting three legendary strips—Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, and Kabukicho—in a single evening with a local guide who actually knows which tiny bars will welcome you in. Golden Gai especially is a maze of postage-stamp-sized izakayas with unspoken etiquette; solo navigation can feel sketchy. The tour bundles dinner, drinks, and a proper walk through Tokyo's most crackling entertainment district. Two hours, group-based, suited to solo travellers and mixed crews alike.

Authentic Knife Making Experience at a Blacksmith in Kyoto

When Tom from our BugBitten team tried this Kyoto blacksmith experience, he spent three hours learning to forge his own knife under Mao's eye—a craftsperson who's been sharpening blades for over a decade. You'll work with real heat and hammer, striking hot iron into shape, which sounds intense but Mao walks you through proper technique from the start. The studio sits within reach of public transport, and you'll gear up in a uniform and have access to all the tools you need. It's hands-on, a bit physical, and genuinely teaches you something about metalwork rather than just watching someone else do it.

Narita Airport(NRT): Private Transfer to Tokyo/Yokohama 1-9pax

When Mia from our team landed at Narita and needed to get into Tokyo, this private transfer sorted us out without the usual airport chaos. You're picked up right at arrivals, driver tracks your flight and waits 90 minutes free, then whisks you and up to eight others straight to your hotel anywhere in the city. The whole trip takes about an hour to an hour and a half depending on traffic and where you're headed. It's the no-fuss option if you can't be bothered queuing for taxis or figuring out the train system half-asleep.

Kyoto Private 6 hour Tour: English Speaking Driver Only, No Guide

★ 4.8 (94)

✈️ Transfers

Kyoto Private 6 hour Tour: English Speaking Driver Only, No Guide

When Tom from our BugBitten team booked this Kyoto private driver tour, we wanted to sidestep the city's confusing train and bus network without paying guide prices. You get a vehicle and English-speaking driver for 6 hours, and you choose which spots to hit — think the Golden Temple, Kiyomizu in the Gion district, or the bamboo forest at Arashiyama. The driver ferries you between sites while you explore solo. It's a decent fit if you're short on time, know what you want to see, and don't mind navigating temples and neighbourhoods by yourself.

Shibuya Crossing x Tokyo Tower Go-Kart Tour(IDP&Passport Required

When Charlie from our team tried Kira Kira Karts, we piloted go-karts through Tokyo's most iconic streets—zipping past Shibuya Crossing and Tokyo Tower in full costume. This isn't a passive bus tour; you're behind the wheel of a kart, weaving through central Tokyo with an English-speaking guide leading a small group. The whole outing runs 90 minutes, and it's deliberately bonkers in the best way—dress-up encouraged, action cameras mounted, the works. It's novelty tourism done properly: safe, well-run, and genuinely different from the standard sightseeing crawl.

Green Season Snow Monkeys: Baby Monkeys & Scenic Forest Walk

When Ben from our team ran this tour, we drove through orchards into Japan's snow monkey heartland during green season—the sweet spot for spotting newborns. The 4.5-hour loop hits three highlights: a 30-minute forest walk to Monkey Park for 50 minutes of observation, then the 350-year-old Tamamura Honten brewery, a guided stroll through Shibu Onsen (check the rooftops—monkeys roam here too), and finally the ancient Koku-gonji Temple with its cherry trees and sacred spring. You're back in Iiyama by late afternoon. It's a solid blend of nature, history, and local culture, though the experience hinges on wild monkey sightings and your own walking fitness.

4h 30mfrom AUD $126

Osaka Private Day Trip - Enjoy Your First-Time Visit to Osaka!

★ 4.8 (59)

1 hour – 8 hoursfrom AUD $44

Osaka Private Day Trip - Enjoy Your First-Time Visit to Osaka!

When Sarah from our team tried this private walking tour, it ticked the box for first-timers wanting to see the major highlights without getting lost in Osaka's sprawl. You're paired with an English-speaking guide who steers you through a mix of old and new — Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, and other popular stops — using public transport to link them together. It's a 7-hour loop designed to cover ground efficiently, and you can customise the itinerary if you book ahead. The guide does the legwork; you bring the energy and wallet.

Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

When Tom from our BugBitten team booked this early-morning Kyoto walk, he got a properly licensed local guide and the chance to design his own route around 2–3 temples, shrines, or heritage spots before the tourist crush arrived. Kyoto's old-city streets — lined with wooden machiya houses, stone lanterns, and centuries-old gates — genuinely feel like stepping backward in time. The guide phones ahead to personalise the itinerary based on what you're after: history, architecture, tea ceremonies, or just a quiet moment in a garden. Four hours is enough to see real depth without rushing, and you're moving on foot the whole way.

Nagasaki: Half Day Sightseeing Private Tour with 1day Tram Ticket

When Mia from our BugBitten team ran this half-day Nagasaki tour, we found it a solid intro to the city's heavy-hitting historical sites without burning an entire day. You get a private English-speaking guide shepherding you through Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum — both sobering and necessary — plus Glover Garden's colonial-era charm. The 1-day tram pass throws in serious flexibility to wander Nagasaki's streets after the guide clocks off at the 4-hour mark. It's the kind of tour that respects your schedule while hitting the places that actually matter.

Studio Kimono Photo

When Sarah from our team booked Studio Kimono Photo in Asakusa, Tokyo, she walked into a compact studio space ready to be dressed in traditional costume for a 20-minute shoot. The setup is straightforward: you pick your style (kimono or samurai gear), get properly dressed by a studio attendant, and pose for the camera while they capture stills on an SD card you take home. It's Asakusa proper, so the area hums with temple visitors and souvenir shops—touristy but genuinely atmospheric. Groups cap at five people, making it intimate rather than conveyor-belt.

Asakusa: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

When Em from our BugBitten team tried the kimono rental experience at WARGO's Asakusa location, we found a straightforward way to dress up in a proper yukata or kimono and wander the temple precincts and backstreets. You pick your garment from a decent range (including plus-size options), get dressed in under an hour with staff help, then you're loose to explore and snap photos. It's a touristy spot—expect plenty of other visitors doing the same—but it scratches the itch if you want to experience Japan dressed the part without the faffing around. Duration runs 1 to 8 hours depending on the rental tier you book.

★ 4.8 (29)