Tours in Japan

Kayaking on Lake Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji views

Paddle across Lake Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop on this guided two-hour kayaking session. An English-speaking instructor walks you through paddling basics and takes you to the lake's most scenic stretches, with ample time for photography. Gear, water, and guide-captured photos are included. Beginners welcome—no prior kayaking experience needed.

Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano

When Sarah from our team ran this Nagano izakaya crawl, it felt like being let in on a local secret. Unlike the well-trodden food scenes in Tokyo or Kyoto, Nagano's backstreet bars and casual eateries stay off most traveller radars — which is exactly the point. Your guide steers you through 2–3 stops over three hours, hitting hidden spots (jazz bars, whiskey lounges, proper neighbourhood joints) where yakitori, gyoza, and soba come with two drinks included. It's a genuine taste of how locals unwind here, not a packaged performance.

Vegan/Vegetarian Ramen and Gyoza by Bentoya cooking

When Mia from our BugBitten team took this cooking class in Japan, she spent two-and-a-half hours learning to make vegan and vegetarian ramen and gyoza from scratch with a local certified instructor. It's a hands-on session where you build both the broth and dumplings, then eat what you've made. The class tackles a real challenge in Japan — navigating vegetarian cooking in a food culture built on fish-based dashi — and walks you through a local supermarket to spot the right ingredients. It's intimate, practical, and you leave with recipes to recreate it at home.

Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines - From Nagoya

When Tom from our BugBitten team ran this 9-hour loop from Nagoya, we found ourselves threading through some of Japan's most spiritually significant spots. The tour hits the atmospheric cypress groves of Ise Grand Shrine, the famous stacked rocks at Meoto Iwa, and Mikimoto Pearl Island where you'll catch traditional Ama divers doing their thing. It's a small-group setup with a guide handling all logistics and entry fees, so you're free to soak in the coastal energy and shrine atmosphere without the logistics headache. The journey itself—transport, walking, photo stops—is baked into the 9 hours, so there's genuine rhythm to the day.

9 hoursfrom AUD $289

Tokyo Highlights Private Tour with Local Guide

★ 5.0 (59)

Tokyo Highlights Private Tour with Local Guide

A five-hour private tour through Tokyo shaped entirely around your interests, guided by a local who knows the city inside out. You'll navigate from the organised chaos of [Shibuya Crossing](/places/shibuya-crossing) to the serene grounds of Meiji Shrine, hunt for street food at Tsukiji Outer Market, and duck into neighbourhoods most visitors miss. Your guide handles navigation via Tokyo's public transport system, shares genuine insights into how the city actually works, and points you toward the best spots to eat or photograph.

Japanese Whisky Hunting《HIGH-QUALITY-ONLY》Rare Tasting Class

Taste roughly ten Japanese whiskies sourced from distilleries across the country, many difficult to find even domestically. This two-hour tasting class pairs each pour with Japanese snacks and small plates, explaining the story and character of each bottle. Run by whisky professionals with years of experience guiding thousands of enthusiasts, the session keeps groups intentionally small to allow genuine conversation and unhurried appreciation. You'll sample rare bottlings and leave with a souvenir to extend the experience at home.

Experience the Taste of Old Tokyo in Backstreet Yanesen

Wander through Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi—three interlocking neighbourhoods where Tokyo's older character persists in narrow lanes, temple grounds, and family-run shops. Over six hours, you'll taste your way through the district: grilled eel, hand-rolled rice balls, retro coffee in a former public bath, sweet treats, and sake paired with stories from shopkeepers and artisans who've anchored themselves to this corner of the city. A living history lesson told through food and conversation rather than guidebook.

6 hoursfrom AUD $277

Urban Canvas: Osaka Street Art Bike Tour

★ 5.0 (56)

3 hours – 4 hoursfrom AUD $122

Urban Canvas: Osaka Street Art Bike Tour

When Sarah from our team did this Osaka bike tour, we pedalled through Tenma, Juso and Nakazaki-cho — neighbourhoods most visitors skip. The 3-to-4-hour ride weaves past street art, graffiti, train lines and bridges, mixing creative urban finds with pit stops at specialty coffee spots, standing bars and local pizza joints. It's a proper look at modern Osaka's grittier, creative side, with a blend of contemporary art culture and the city's working rhythm. Small group pacing meant we could linger at murals without feeling rushed.

Wagashi traditional japanese sweets class

★ 5.0 (56)

🍜 Food & Cooking

Wagashi traditional japanese sweets class

When Noah from our team joined Yuki's wagashi class in Sapporo, we walked into a home kitchen that felt more like visiting a mate than attending a formal lesson. Over two hours, we learned to shape traditional Japanese sweets by hand—the kind of precise, meditative work that's harder than it looks. Yuki's got serious pedigree (TV and radio appearances), but the vibe stays intimate and unhurried. It's the only wagashi class running in Sapporo, so if you're after an authentic taste of Japanese culinary tradition in a living room rather than a studio, this is it.

Scenic Green Tea Fields of Hidden Kyoto & Local Tea Exp (Private)

When Lily from our BugBitten team did this private tour, she headed out from Kyoto to Wazuka, a village that's been quietly supplying some of Japan's best matcha for generations. The 5.5-hour loop takes you through sculpted tea fields that genuinely look like something from another planet — rows of emerald bushes stacked into hillsides, photogenic in every season. You'll stop at local cafes run by tea farmers, taste award-winning brews, and poke around hidden temples and old monastery sites woven into the landscape. It's a proper escape from central Kyoto's crowds, with flexible pickup across two cities and your choice of a comfortable van or a snazzy convertible Mini Cooper.

History of Hiroshima Group Walking Tour

When Em from our team ran this two-hour walk through Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, we found ourselves moving slowly through one of the world's most significant memorial spaces. The tour threads past the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Flame of Peace, and the Children's Peace Monument—each stop offering perspective on the city's history and what resilience means. With groups capped at 15, it stays intimate rather than feeling like a processing line. Hiroshima itself is contemplative; you'll see locals and visitors alike sitting quietly on benches, and the whole precinct has a respectful, purposeful hum to it.

2 hoursfrom AUD $32

Osaka : Castle & City Highlights Walking Tour

★ 5.0 (55)

2 hours – 3 hoursfrom AUD $100

Osaka : Castle & City Highlights Walking Tour

When Tom from our team ran this Osaka Castle & City Highlights tour, we got a proper samurai-era history lesson, castle tower views, and a hands-on kushikatsu lunch where you deep-fry your own skewers. The 6.5-hour walk strings together the castle's heft, the shrine's wild lion-head stage in Namba, the neon madness of Dotonbori, a quiet temple moment, Kuromon Market's food stalls, and finishes in Shinsekai's retro vibe near Tsutenkaku Tower. It's a dense day covering old Osaka and new Osaka in one hit — good for first-timers who want the essential landmarks without the solo-planning headache.

Drink Like an Osakan: Visit Namba Hidden Bars & Meet Locals

When Em from our team ran this Namba bar crawl, we got the real Osaka nightlife experience — the kind locals actually do, not the sanitised tourist version. Your guide steers you through hidden bars tucked into backstreet alleyways, from sake joints to craft beer hideouts, introducing you to regulars and the rhythms of the neighbourhood. It's a two-hour jaunt through one of Japan's liveliest drinking districts, and you're calling the shots on what and where you drink. The whole thing hinges on your guide's knowledge and willingness to read the room, which made the difference between a standard night out and something genuinely connected to how Osakans unwind.

Snorkeling in Miyakojima- Fluent English! Small group!

Two-hour snorkelling trip in Miyakojima's shallow reefs, led by fluent English-speaking guides in small groups. You'll explore coral gardens and colourful fish, with a genuine shot at encountering sea turtles. The outfit welcomes beginners and non-swimmers, equipping everyone fully and keeping group sizes tight—typically 4–6 people rather than the large flotillas common elsewhere. High-resolution photos of your underwater moments are provided free after the tour.

Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour

When Sarah from our team did the Yanbaru jungle trek, we found ourselves wading through northern Okinawa's lush riverbed — a proper green escape that feels genuinely remote despite being on the main island. The 2–3 hour walk threads past mini waterfalls and into swimming holes fed by crystal water, and you can dial the challenge up or down depending on how you're feeling that day. It's the kind of place where you actually see endemic wildlife and feel the quiet weight of old-growth forest, not just snap photos and move on.

Tokyo, Asakusa : Ring-Making Workshop with Japanese Vintage Coins

★ 5.0 (52)

Tokyo, Asakusa : Ring-Making Workshop with Japanese Vintage Coins

When Alex from our team tried this Asakusa workshop, we made a ring from an actual vintage Japanese coin—choosing between pieces minted during the Meiji, Taishō, or Shōwa periods. The artisans walk you through shaping, hammering, and polishing without fuss, even if you've never swung a jeweller's hammer before. You leave with a genuinely unusual piece tied to Japan's modern history. It's a tight hour in a neighbourhood thick with tourists and temple-goers, but the workshop sits just far enough from the main drag to feel like a find.

the SUMO show with Dinner

When Tom from our BugBitten team caught this sumo show in Japan, it was a solid two-hour hit of theatre and dinner rolled into one. You're watching retired wrestlers demonstrate their sport, learning the graft behind the scenes, then getting a crack at grappling with them yourself. The meal's traditional sumo-house fare — sukiyaki and chanko hotpot — served in a casual restaurant setting where you might share a table with other tour groups. It's 1.5 hours total, running from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and it's the kind of thing that pulls curious travellers and sumo buffs in equal measure.

1h 30mfrom AUD $142

1 Day Tour From Nagano to Matsumoto Castle and Narai-Juku

★ 5.0 (51)

1 Day Tour From Nagano to Matsumoto Castle and Narai-Juku

When Ben from our team ran this 10-hour loop from Nagano, we hit two compelling stops: Matsumoto Castle, a four-storey structure that's genuinely impressive up close, and Narai-juku, a preserved post-town that actually looks like it's stepped out of the Edo period. The tour bundles transport, an English-speaking guide, castle entry, and a seasonal activity into one package, so you're not wrestling with train schedules. The trade-off is honest — about five hours happen on the road, which feels long but necessary given the distance. Most of the day plays out in transit between Nagano and these two sites, with downtime to eat (at your own cost) and poke around Matsumoto's downtown shops.

10 hoursfrom AUD $276

Osaka Half-day E-bike Adventure: Minoh Falls & Katsuoji Temple

★ 5.0 (50)

🏔 Adventure & Sports

1 hour – 1h 30mfrom AUD $30

Osaka Half-day E-bike Adventure: Minoh Falls & Katsuoji Temple

When Sarah from our BugBitten team tried this e-bike tour, she covered two of Osaka's standout spots—Minoh Falls and Katsuoji Temple—in a single 4-hour run without the usual daylong slog or heavy hiking. The route threads through scenic backroads on electric bikes that take the grunt out of climbing, bringing you to a dramatic 33-metre waterfall and a serene temple packed with thousands of coloured daruma dolls. The tour departs near Sakurai Station (20 minutes from central Osaka) and caps off with optional local lunch. It's the kind of outing that works best for riders with reasonable fitness who want to see the goods without spending the whole day in transit.

The 10 Tastings of Tokyo With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

When Noah from our team ran this private Tokyo food tour, we tasted our way through ten local favourites — sushi, gyoza, sweets, local drinks — guided by someone genuinely passionate about the city's food scene. The three-hour loop stitches food stops with neighbourhood highlights, so you're not just eating; you're getting a proper read on how Tokyo actually tastes and feels. It's a small-group affair (just you and your guide), routed away from the standard tourist crush, and the operator works with fairly paid local guides and sources everything locally. Suits anyone who eats with curiosity rather than just hunger.

Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover's Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Explore Tokyo's finest gardens with a government-licensed guide over six hours, selecting three to four sites from temple grounds, landscape gardens, and seasonal plantings. Your English-speaking guide leads a walking tour through spaces designed around Japanese aesthetic principles—where rocks, water, and plants embody contemplative tradition. Customise your route to suit your interests, combining garden visits with other Tokyo landmarks if you wish.

Asakusa: Guided Japanese Cabaret Show (Taishu Engeki)

When Ben from our team caught a show at Asakusa Mokubakan, we got a rare peek at Taishu Engeki — a uniquely Japanese cabaret tradition that's been alive since the Meiji era and nearly died out everywhere except here. The theatre itself is Tokyo's last standing, tucked into the bustling Asakusa district where temples, street food, and old-school entertainment blur together. Performers in bold costumes deliver a mix of sword work, comedy, and song across 60–90 minutes that doesn't rely on understanding Japanese to feel the energy.

★ 5.0 (47)

5 hours – 7 hoursfrom AUD $172

Karate History Tour in Okinawa

When Alex from our BugBitten team ran this Okinawa karate tour, we got a real sense of why this island claims bragging rights as karate's birthplace. You visit the actual historical sites tied to different karate lineages — spots that'd be a pain to track down solo — and meet senior practitioners who've spent decades honing their craft. The five to seven hour itinerary weaves together the fighting art's roots with genuine Okinawan culture, a combo you won't find replicated elsewhere. Lunch and air-con transport are sorted, so you're not scrambling between stops.

Cultural Activities :Kimono, tea ceremony, Calligraphy and Amulet

★ 5.0 (46)

Cultural Activities :Kimono, tea ceremony, Calligraphy and Amulet

When Alex from our team tried this cultural workshop in Miyajima, we found a proper introduction to Japanese traditions without the tourist crush. Set in a 300-year-old temple tucked five minutes' walk from the ferry port, you'll spend two hours dressing in kimono, learning tea ceremony from an actual tea master, trying calligraphy, and crafting a personal amulet. The temple grounds stay quiet despite the crowds elsewhere, which sets a genuine tone for what feels less like a tick-box activity and more like stepping into someone's actual practice space.

Tokyo: Matcha Experience in Shibuya with Japanese Sweets

When Lily from our team tried this matcha class in Shibuya, she walked into a calm pocket of Tokyo that felt worlds apart from the chaos outside. You'll learn to whisk matcha the proper way — not rushed, not fussy — using actual tea tools, then sit with your bowl and a plate of Japanese sweets while the whole thing sinks in. It's a tight one-hour slot, so don't expect deep tea ceremony lore, but it's genuinely beginner-friendly and the hosts spoke clear English without making it feel like a tourist production line. Good for solo travellers, couples, or mates after something slower.

1 hourfrom AUD $17

Slow Cycling Tour at Uji's Matcha Green Tea Fields and Heritage

★ 5.0 (45)

Slow Cycling Tour at Uji's Matcha Green Tea Fields and Heritage

When Noah from our team pedalled through Uji on a Brompton, we found a genuinely leisurely way to explore the matcha heartland south of Kyoto. The 4.5-hour ride threads through tea fields, thousand-year-old temples, and heritage streets with a local guide who knows the backroads—the sort of narrow lanes and tucked-away spots that buses simply can't reach. Uji's a working town, not a theme park; you'll see locals going about their day alongside the tourists. The Brompton's compact and easy to handle, so even if you're not a cyclist, the pace stays gentle and stops are frequent.

4h 30mfrom AUD $179

Mt.Fuji day trip with English Speaking Chauffer

★ 5.0 (45)

8 hours – 10 hoursfrom AUD $633

Mt.Fuji day trip with English Speaking Chauffer

When Alex from our team ran this Mt. Fuji day trip, we got a proper look at Japan's most iconic mountain without the backpacker crush. You're picked up in a comfortable, air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver and guide who handle navigation, parking, and the logistics—leaving you to actually take in the views. The route hits scenic vantage points around the mountain's base and lower slopes, with the option to hike up to the 5th Station (July–September only) if you're keen. It's a solid 8–10 hour outing that suits anyone from first-timers to repeat visitors wanting a guided, hassle-free experience.

Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Chef Shiori

★ 5.0 (45)

🍜 Food & Cooking

Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Chef Shiori

When Ben from our team did this Sapporo cooking class with Shiori, we found ourselves in a intimate home kitchen learning to build proper Japanese dishes from scratch. You're cooking alongside a chef who knows her way around seasonal produce and isn't precious about it — the aim is teaching you recipes you'll actually make at home. The three-hour session splits between hands-on cooking (about an hour) and eating what you've made together, with local alcohol included. It's a genuinely private experience; Shiori picks you up from Sumikawa Station and hosts no more than four guests at her place.

3 hoursfrom AUD $156

PERFECT 1 Day Tokyo Highlights Tour with a Private Car

★ 5.0 (44)

PERFECT 1 Day Tokyo Highlights Tour with a Private Car

When Tom from our team ran this 10-hour private tour across Tokyo, it ticked the boxes for a proper first-day blitz through the city's major landmarks. You get picked up from your hotel, skip the train confusion, and roll through Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Market, Asakusa, and Tokyo Tower with a guide, driver, lunch, and all entry fees sorted. It's the kind of tour that works whether you're a culture buff, foodie, or just after a solid overview of what makes Tokyo tick—and you won't blow your budget on hidden charges.

10 hoursfrom AUD $633

1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

★ 5.0 (42)

🌿 Nature & Wildlife

8 hours – 9 hoursfrom AUD $207

1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

When Alex from our team ran this winter day tour out of Nozawa Onsen, it ticked off three solid reasons to visit Nagano in the cold months. You start early at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park—the actual draw, where Japanese macaques soak in natural hot springs while snow piles around them—then warm up with lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist sites. A sake tasting wraps it up. The whole thing runs 8–9 hours with an English-speaking local guide shepherding you between spots. It's a proper winter experience, not a rushed tick-box.

Kyoto private tour (Shore excursion available from Osaka or Kobe port)

★ 5.0 (41)

Kyoto private tour (Shore excursion available from Osaka or Kobe port)

When Charlie from our team did this private Kyoto tour, we got a rare chance to move at our own pace through Japan's cultural heartland. The eight-hour stint covers the big ones — Fushimi Inari's thousands of vermillion gates, the geisha-filled streets, and the gleaming Golden Pavilion — with a national licensed guide shepherding you between them. It's a solid option for cruise passengers from Osaka or Kobe ports, though the actual itinerary can shift depending on ship times. You'll need to sort your own transport (public trains, taxis, or a hired van) and pay for it separately on the day.

Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide

When Mia from our BugBitten team did this full-day Mt. Koya tour out of Osaka, she got a proper sense of why this mountain matters — it's a working spiritual hub, not a museum piece. A government-licensed English-speaking guide meets you in Osaka (or Kyoto/Wakayama) and walks you through 3–4 sites you choose beforehand from a preset list, tailoring the day to what actually interests you. Nine hours total, moving at a pace that lets the place sink in rather than ticking boxes. The mountain itself sits in Wakayama Prefecture, layered with temples, forest, and history — quieter than the cities but busy enough with pilgrims and visitors that you're never alone.

9 hoursfrom AUD $308

Peaceful Hiroshima & Miyajima UNESCO 1 Day Bus Tour

★ 5.0 (9,622)

5 hours – 6 hoursfrom AUD $100

Peaceful Hiroshima & Miyajima UNESCO 1 Day Bus Tour

When Ben from our team ran this Hiroshima and Miyajima day tour, we got a solid eight-hour sweep of two UNESCO sites with a local guide steering us through the city's most serious landmarks. You start at Hiroshima Station, move through the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park, then ferry across to Miyajima Island for the iconic torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine and lunch. It's a packed itinerary that covers genuine historical weight and natural beauty in one hit, though it's paced briskly and demands a moderate fitness level.

No.1 Ramen Experience in Kyoto – 5.0 rated, 2,100+ reviews

When Noah from our BugBitten team rolled up to Ramen Factory in Kyoto, it was clear this isn't your standard noodle joint. You're actually making your own ramen from scratch — kneading dough, rolling noodles, mixing broth, and roasting chicken. The whole hands-on thing takes about an hour and a half, and you finish by eating what you've made. It's equal parts cooking class and lunch, set in a working kitchen vibe that draws everyone from curious tourists to serious food nerds. Dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, halal) are sorted, and the spot's genuinely accessible.

Osaka Castle Walking Tour and Castle Tower Admission

When Mia from our BugBitten team ran this Osaka Castle walking tour, it was a solid 90-minute primer on one of Japan's most recognisable landmarks. You get straight into the grounds with skip-the-line access, then climb the tower for proper city views across Osaka before your guide walks you through the castle's tactical design — the defensive layouts, the famous massive stone block, and how the whole structure came together. It's the kind of spot packed with tour groups, so having a guide who knows the angles beats wandering solo.

Tokyo : Asakusa Chopsticks Making Class

When Alex from our team tried this chopstick-making class in Asakusa, we found ourselves in a pocket-sized workshop steps from Sensoji Temple, surrounded by locals and tourists keen to craft something tangible. You spend an hour shaping and sanding timber into a working pair of chopsticks, choosing from eight wood varieties and adding personal touches like colours or engravings (for extra coin). The instructors keep things bilingual and patient, even when your first attempt looks a bit wonky. It's the kind of hands-on cultural hit that gives you something to take home—and actually use.

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

When Lily from our BugBitten team tried the Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour, we found a proper alternative to the packed main shrine entrance. This 3-hour walk starts a station away and follows a local-only trail through forested slopes above Kyoto, threading past small shrines and the famous torii gates in relative quiet. It's a moderate hike—about 7km with regular stops—that rewards decent fitness and good shoes with the kind of atmospheric, serene moments that vanish the moment you hit the crowded tourist zones.

Osaka Sumo Experience with Live Show and Audience Challenge

When Em from our BugBitten team caught this Osaka sumo experience, we found ourselves in a working sumo stable watching wrestlers train and spar with genuine intensity. You'll see the full ritual — the salt throws, the charging technique, the whole deal — explained by an English-speaking guide who knows the sport's layered history. The standout is the chance to actually step into the ring and face off against a retired wrestler if you're keen (spots are limited). It's 90 minutes total, perfectly paced for newcomers and sumo obsessives alike.

Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens

When Lily from our BugBitten team ran this Arashiyama tour, it felt less like a checkbox sprint and more like a proper wander through Kyoto's quieter corners. The 5–6 hour small-group experience threads through the famous bamboo forest, the Tenryuji Temple grounds, hidden gardens, and a fairly steep 20–25 minute climb to a monkey park with actual mountain views. It's a Tripadvisor award winner (2026 top 1%) that's deliberately paced — no rushing, no massive crowds. You're with a bilingual local guide who knows the area well, and the whole arc feels designed for people who actually want to understand what they're seeing rather than tick off Instagram spots.

Shibuya Sumo Show with Drink and Photo in Tokyo

★ 5.0 (1,908)