Tours in Japan

Mt. Fuji Half-Day Private Cultural Tour: Shinkansen Stopover

When Alex from our team grabbed a stopover between Tokyo and Kyoto on the Shinkansen, we ditched the usual station-lounge routine and hired a local Fuji-native guide instead. This four-hour private tour picks you up at Shin-Fuji Station and threads through quieter cultural spots—a UNESCO shrine, maybe a 200-year-old sake brewery, hidden lake viewpoints—shaped to what you're after: rituals, food, or photography. It's the kind of thing that turns dead travel time into something that sticks with you.

Matcha Experience with of Japanese Tea Tasting in Tokyo

Spend 90 minutes exploring Japanese tea culture in Tokyo with instructors who've spent years cultivating and studying tea. You'll taste seven varieties of Japanese tea alongside two matcha styles and three matcha lattes, paired with homemade sweets. The lead instructor brings firsthand experience from Kyoto tea farms and agricultural science expertise, whilst the assistant draws on pharmaceutical knowledge to explain tea's properties. Sample everything from delicate gyokuro to robust hojicha in small portions, discovering which styles suit your palate.

1 and a Half Kyoto Premium Sushi Class near Fushimi Inari Shrine

Learn to roll and shape nigiri and hosomaki sushi from four experienced chefs in Kyoto near Fushimi Inari Shrine. This 90-minute hands-on class starts with technique practice using training tools, then moves to crafting with fresh fish sourced daily from Kyoto's central market. You'll work through each step methodically, taking home the skills to recreate what you've made.

Japanese Tea Ceremony at Private Home in Yokohama, suburban Tokyo

Learn the fundamentals of Japanese tea ceremony in a tatami room at a practitioner's home in suburban Yokohama. A tea master with four decades of experience guides you through guest etiquette, the ritual's history, and hands-on matcha preparation. You'll sample seasonal wagashi—handmade sweets that pair with the tea—and have space to ask questions about the practice itself. Ninety minutes of genuine cultural exchange, not performance.

Okinawa Hidden Gems: Private Morning Food & Culture Tour

A two-hour private morning exploration of Naha's back-street food culture. Your guide steers you past tourist traps to hole-in-the-wall vendors serving genuine Okinawan snacks and regional alcohol. You'll taste three local dishes, sample three distinct awamori varieties with proper drinking technique, and sip fresh-pressed juice whilst picking up stories about the island's distinct heritage. Best done early in your stay, before habits set in.

2 hoursfrom AUD $104

Private Car Tour to KYOTO, OSAKA or NARA | KOBE Shore Excursion

★ 5.0 (38)

8 hours – 10 hoursfrom AUD $376

Private Car Tour to KYOTO, OSAKA or NARA | KOBE Shore Excursion

Explore the Kansai region from Kobe with a private car and English-speaking guide, journeying to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, or surrounding areas over 8–10 hours. Tailor your route entirely to your interests—hit famous temples, seek out local neighbourhoods, or venture into quieter landscapes. Two options suit different group sizes: a guide-driver in a standard car (up to 4 people) or a separate dedicated driver and guide for larger parties (up to 8). All fuel, tolls, and parking covered.

Knife Making Experience in Samurai Sword Town

Knife Making Experience in Samurai Sword Town

Spend five hours in Seki, the Japanese heartland of blade-making, forging your own Damascus kitchen knife under a master smith with over five decades of experience. You'll shape, hone, and personalise the blade, then put it to work slicing fresh vegetables. The day includes a traditional lunch made with local produce, a certificate, and a small knife to take home. Seki sits roughly two hours from Kyoto by train.

5 hoursfrom AUD $430

Experience Tokyo Through the Lens of a Local Artist

Experience Tokyo Through the Lens of a Local Artist

A one-hour photo walk through Tokyo's neighbourhoods—from bustling Shibuya to quiet corners of Asakusa—guided by a local artist who captures candid, cinematic portraits. You'll explore streets that matter to you whilst a photographer documents your presence there, delivering 40–50 edited images within a week. This isn't a standard tourist shoot; it's a visual record of how you move through the city.

Asakusa's Historic Treasures

This four-hour walking tour explores two distinct Tokyo neighbourhoods, revealing how each district maintains its own identity and culture. Your guide draws on years living and working across these areas, sharing insider knowledge that goes beyond standard tourist information. You'll experience the genuine contrasts between neighbourhoods whilst learning how Tokyo's stations function as unique hubs. The tour includes dinner and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Exclusive Private Imperial Palace=Emperor&(SHOGUN)WI TOKYO NATIVE

Walk through four centuries of Japanese imperial history with a Tokyo-born guide who brings the Shogunate era to life. This two-hour private tour covers the Imperial Palace East Gardens, once the grounds of Edo Castle—the world's largest fortress—exploring the legacy of Japan's emperors and samurai culture. You'll discover hidden corners, rare botanical specimens, and the story of how Tokyo transformed from a military stronghold into modern Japan's capital, guided by someone who knows every detail and best vantage point.

2 hoursfrom AUD $85

Tokyo Private Tour with Local Expert Guide – Hidden Gems

6 hours – 7 hoursfrom AUD $471

Tokyo Private Tour with Local Expert Guide – Hidden Gems

Explore Tokyo beyond the postcard stops with a guide whose family has called the city home for four centuries. This 6–7 hour private tour weaves through both celebrated landmarks and the quieter corners of historic downtown, moving at your pace and stopping where you choose. Your guide speaks multiple languages and knows where locals eat well without the tourist markup. Routes use the subway and JR trains to keep things moving.

Sushi Class in Osaka Dotonbori

Learn to hand-form nigiri, roll vegetable sushi, and press oshi-zushi alongside a Japanese chef in Osaka's bustling Dotonbori district. This three-hour class teaches you the fundamentals of sushi-making through hands-on practice, finishing with a meal of your own creations paired with miso soup. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request.

Private Drifting Lesson with OG Instuctor Tokyo Daikoku Japan

Spend six hours learning to drift with Matenro, Tokyo's original drift racing crew, at the Daikoku circuit. You'll start with foundational techniques in a Miata or RX-8, progress to figure-eights and handbrake work, then ride shotgun with instructors who'll show you what proper drifting looks like. Beginners master donuts; intermediate and advanced drivers tackle higher-gear transitions and more complex manoeuvres. Free pickup and drop-off across Tokyo included.

6 hoursfrom AUD $1074

Mochi and Nerikiri Wagashi Combination Cooking Class

3 hours – 4 hoursfrom AUD $249

Mochi and Nerikiri Wagashi Combination Cooking Class

Master the craft of mochi and nerikiri wagashi—delicate Japanese confections—in a hands-on 2.5-hour private session held in a quiet Tokyo residential home, 15 minutes from central by train. You'll work through accessible recipes at your own rhythm, taking home finished sweets and photos from the class. All materials and tools are supplied, making this suitable for solo travellers and families alike. Plant-based ingredients mean the techniques work equally well back home.

Snowshoeing and Onsen Adventures in a Winter Wonderland -Sapporo.

Strap on snowshoes and trek through Sapporo's winter forests with a local guide who'll teach you how to move efficiently in deep snow—skills that open up terrain inaccessible to skiers. You'll learn pacing, route-finding, and wilderness awareness while moving at a contemplative pace through frosted landscapes. After the hike, soak tired muscles in a traditional onsen to complete the full winter experience. Six hours total.

Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier

Spend two hours at a standing bar in central Kyoto learning sake from Kenji, a certified sommelier who spent years at a Hyogo brewery. He'll walk you through production methods, tasting techniques, and regional differences while you sample eight carefully chosen sakes paired with traditional snacks. Groups stay private—just you and up to three others.

Japanese Calligraphy Experience in Osaka

Learn traditional brush technique from a master instructor with nearly three decades of experience in this 90-minute session at a Shinsaibashi hotel. You'll master the fundamentals of Japanese calligraphy, select from 16 popular kanji characters, and create a framed artwork to take home. The class wraps with matcha tea and traditional sweets in a location just a minute's walk from the subway.

Sushi Making Experience Luxury Course in Nara

Master the fundamentals of sushi-making in Nara over 90 minutes with a skilled instructor guiding you through rice preparation, fish slicing, and nigiri assembly. You'll work with authentic tools, grate fresh wasabi, and select your own toppings before assembling eight pieces to take home. The session wraps with a certificate and group photo, leaving you with genuine techniques to recreate at home.

Tokyo Ginza Authentic Food Tour (Izakaya Hopping by local guide)

A 3–4 hour guided tour through Tokyo's Ginza neighbourhood led by a local food enthusiast who takes you to three hole-in-the-wall izakayas and neighbourhood eateries. You'll eat 8–10 dishes—fresh seafood, wagyu, and seasonal specials—paired with sake and other drinks. Small groups mean your guide can tailor conversation and pacing to what you actually want to know about Tokyo's eating culture, rather than rushing through scripted stops.

Japanese Katsu Curry Cooking Class–near YANAKA, Tokyo!

★ 5.0 (36)

Japanese Katsu Curry Cooking Class–near YANAKA, Tokyo!

Learn to build katsu curry from the ground up at a home kitchen studio in Yanaka, Tokyo's old quarter. This 2.5-hour hands-on class teaches you to make curry roux and perfectly fried tonkatsu alongside a small group, guided by a home chef. You'll pick up substitution tricks for cooking back home and walk away with recipes and the confidence to recreate this Japanese comfort-food staple.

Sake "Omakase" in Osaka : Guided Tasting by a Active Sake brewer

Spend 90 minutes at Sake Pairing Bar Potan in Osaka's Fukushima neighbourhood learning directly from the bar's owner, a former sake brewery craftsman. This guided tasting walks you through sake's history, production methods, and flavour profiles whilst sampling premium selections paired with three seasonal Japanese dishes. The intimate, traditionally designed space creates an unhurried setting for genuine conversation about Japanese culture and craft.

Japanese Cooking and Udon Making Class in Tokyo with Masako

Spend two and a half hours in Masako's Tokyo kitchen learning to prepare authentic Japanese dishes from the ground up. Choose between hand-pulled udon (a physical challenge involving dough-kneading and foot-work), okonomiyaki, tempura, or Japanese sweets. Masako sources seasonal produce from Niigata farmers markets. You'll cook together, then sit down to eat what you've made, finishing with dessert. Drinks included.

2h 30mfrom AUD $202

Yanaka and Asakusa Walk around DOWNTOWN TOKYO like a local

★ 5.0 (36)

7 hours – 8 hoursfrom AUD $215

Yanaka and Asakusa Walk around DOWNTOWN TOKYO like a local

Explore the backstreets of Yanaka and Asakusa with a local guide who knows where residents actually eat and shop. This 3.5-hour walk threads through neighbourhood alleys lined with family-run shops, small temples tucked between buildings, and spots where Tokyo's older rhythms still pulse. You'll see how locals move through these districts, grab a drink and snack along the way, and catch the illuminated Sensoji Temple gate and Tokyo Skytree at dusk—a different Tokyo than guidebooks show.

Private Kamakura Early Morning Tour (Tokyo Departure Available)

Escape Tokyo's crowds on this 6-hour guided walk through Kamakura, the former seat of Japan's medieval government. You'll explore the colossal Buddha statue, navigate temple grounds steeped in history, and wander bamboo-lined paths with a knowledgeable local guide. Groups stay intimate at eight people maximum, allowing genuine conversation and a relaxed pace. Transport from Tokyo Station is included; the route ends in Kamakura town.

Tokyo Castle, Imperial Palace Gardens, Shogun History Tour

When Noah from our BugBitten team booked this two-hour walk through the Imperial Palace East Gardens, he expected the usual castle rundown. Instead, the guide pulled back layers on how Edo Castle actually worked—the mechanics of samurai control, the architecture of power, the reasons certain gardens faced certain directions. You're in central Tokyo, surrounded by modern office towers, but the tour peels away the postcard version and shows how those old systems still tick beneath Japanese life today. It's less 'here's a wall' and more 'here's why that wall mattered, and why Japanese society still reflects it.'

Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour

A demanding 7–8 hour circuit around Hakone's volcanic rim, combining a steep 90-minute ascent, a sweeping ridge traverse, and descent into the caldera. You'll clock roughly 8–9 km across bamboo groves and open slopes, finishing with lunch at a local restaurant and a soak in natural hot springs. The route demands genuine fitness but rewards you with sprawling views across the volcanic basin and frequent glimpses of Mt Fuji on clear days.

Osaka: Dotombori Food Tour with 13 Dishes with 2 Drinks

★ 5.0 (35)

Osaka: Dotombori Food Tour with 13 Dishes with 2 Drinks

When Sarah from our BugBitten team ran this food tour, she discovered why Osaka's reputation as Japan's kitchen is genuinely earned. Over three hours, you're guided through the neon-soaked streets of Dotonbori—past the iconic Ebisubashi Bridge, quiet temple corners, and hidden alleyways—stopping at three carefully chosen spots to eat 13 dishes with two drinks included. The pace mixes casual strolling with proper eating time, and the local guide explains the 'eat til you're happy' ethos that defines how Osakans approach their food. It's less museum tour, more genuine feed with mates who know where the good stuff is.

Kid-Friendly Sushi Making Class in Tokyo (English-Led)

Learn to roll four different sushi styles in Tokyo over two and a half hours with English-speaking instructors who keep things relaxed and social. You'll prepare seasoned rice, assemble your pieces, and pick up Japanese phrases and sushi etiquette along the way. It's designed for families (8+), couples, and complete beginners—no advanced knife work required, just hands-on fun with fellow travellers in a welcoming setting.

2h 30mfrom AUD $94

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour ( Infants & Kids )

★ 5.0 (35)

3h 25m – 4 hoursfrom AUD $114

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour ( Infants & Kids )

Pedal through Arashiyama's quiet lanes on this three-hour family ride designed around young children. You'll cover roughly 7km on standard bikes, steering clear of central Kyoto's congestion and exploring the neighbourhood's residential backstreets instead. The route prioritises safety with a relaxed pace, specialised seating for smaller riders, and an experienced bilingual guide who knows the terrain. Light refreshments are included. Book as a family unit of up to four; additional riders incur extra fees.

Asakusa Kimono Photography Tour (Private Option Available)

Dress in traditional kimono or hakama and explore Asakusa with a photographer and local guide over 2.5 hours. You'll visit Sensoji Temple, its gardens and the bustling Nakamise Street, then venture to spots like Azuma Bridge for shots of Tokyo SkyTree. A stylist handles your hair, and you'll receive at least 20 edited photos within three days.

Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Explore Ise's spiritual heart with a licensed English-speaking guide over four hours. Visit Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrine, home to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami for nearly two millennia. Walk the atmospheric Okage Yokocho street to sample traditional foods and browse historical shops. You'll select two to three sites beforehand, and the guide tailors the route to your interests. All logistics handled on foot or via local transport within the Ise area.

Mitaki Peace Tour Beyond Central Hiroshima

A guided small-group journey linking Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park with the serene 9th-century Mitaki-dera Temple, spanning roughly four hours. Your local guide leads you through seven reflective stations—from ringing the temple bell to walking on tram stones scarred by the atomic blast—each designed to deepen your understanding of the city's history and contemporary peace movement. You'll travel by local bus away from the tourist core, then return by train, with conversation and personal reflection at the heart of the experience.

Traditional Japanese Music show & Experience Tour in Osaka

★ 5.0 (35)

🛕 Culture & History