Optional Cultural Activities
Here are the available, optional cultural activities by city. You can use these to customize your Fully-Escorted Cultural Immersion Adventures, your Self-Guided Independent Packages or your Custom Travel Services. All activities, unless otherwise specified, are private groups and can be scheduled at any time (based on availability of course).
You can also download a PDF of all our Cultural Activities and Walking Tours.
Kyoto(Click an activity for details and pricing.)
- Calligraphy
- Cooking Class (with Nishiki-koji Tour option)
- Fushimi Inari Shrine Walking Tour
- Half Day or Full Day Tours of Kyoto
- Hand and/or Foot Massage
- Japanese Dance
- Kimono Dress Up
- Kyoto Special Night
- Maiko Dress-Up
- Maiko Night
- Meet a Maiko/Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
- Sake Brewery and Museum Tour
- Samurai Sword Fighting
- Tea Ceremony
- Zen Meditation Lessons
Calligraphy
Gain an understanding and practice the ancient art of Japanese Calligraphy.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 60 Minutes | 1 Person | 16 People |
You will travel on your own to the instructor's home (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own) where you will be met by the calligrapher and English-speaking assistant. More than just a means of communication, Japanese calligraphy has long been practiced by aristocrats, Samurai and Buddhist monks as a means of artistic expression and mind training. You will learn the proper use of the traditional Japanese calligraphy tools and calligraphy techniques. You will be given a chance to practice these techniques and will be able to take your masterpiece home with you. After the lesson, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $89
- 2 - 3 People - $54
- 4 - 5 People - $39
Cooking Class
Learn Japanese cooking at the English-speaking instructor's home.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 3 1/2 Hours | 1 Person | 5 People |
You will travel on your own (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own) to the instructor's home where you will begin your hands-on initiation into the light, healthy and always delicious world of Japanese cooking. Your instructor will help you prepare a complete meal while explaining about the ingredients and techniques being used. And, best of all, you will get to eat your results! After the class, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $79
- 2 - 3 People - $74
- 4 - 5 People - $64
Optional Nishiki-koji Tour (After the Cooking Class Only)
Tour the 400-year old market where Kyoto's best restaurants and ryokans shop.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 1/2 Hours | 1 Person | 5 People |
The cooking class instructor will escort you by taxi (included) to the Nishiki-koji market. Here you will see the fresh ingredients you used during the class for sale, plus much, much more. After the tour, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person and include both the Cooking Class and Nishiki-koji Tour.)
- 1 Person - $145
- 2 - 3 People - $109
- 4 - 5 People - $84
Fushimi Inari Shrine Walking Tour
Tour the kilometers-long tunnels of vermillion torii gates winding through the quiet woods and past many smaller shrines.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Hours | 1 Person | 16 People |
You will meet the licensed, English-speaking guide at the Kyoto train station (we will provide detailed maps in both Japanese and English where to meet) who will escort you to the nearby city of Fushimi (transportation to Fushimi and return is included). Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine was established in the 8th century, and is dedicated to Inari, the Goddess of Cereal (Rice). This shrine serves as the headquarters of the more than 30,000 Inari shrines located throughout Japan. Spread out over the expansive hillside location are more than 10,000 vermillion-colored torii gates, donated by thankful followers and the local sake breweries. These torii gates form kilometers-long tunnels of vermillion winding through the quiet woods and past many smaller shrines. The guide will take you on a tour through the shrine and then escort you back to the Kyoto train station.
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $99
- 2 - 3 People - $54
- 4 or More People - $29
Half Day or Full Day Tours of Kyoto
See the sights of Kyoto with a licensed, English-speaking guide for a half day or full day.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 8 Hours | 1 Person | N/A |
The licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you at the JR Kyoto station. Create your own itinerary or ask us for suggestions. Contact us for details.
Prices (Prices are per group and do not include transportation, admission fees or meals for your group or the guide.)
- Half Day (4 hours): $199
- Full Day (8 hours): $309
Hand and/or Foot Massage
Experience first-hand the Japanese way of relaxation through massage.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Hour per person | 1 Person | 6 People |
Available every day except Thursday and Sundays
You will travel on your own to the studio (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own). An experienced masseur will massage your hands and/or feet for 20 minutes. Experience first-hand the Japanese way of relaxation through massage. When the session is finished, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Price: (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $79
- 2 - 3 People - $39
- 4 or more People - $29
Japanese Dance
Learn the Kyoto Geisha dance art of Kyomai.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | 1 Person | 8 People |
You will travel on your own (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own) to the tea house where you will enter the world of Geisha dancing. You will be dressed in a Yukata (cotton kimono) and learn the Kyoto Geisha dance art of Kyomai. Developed in the 17th century, Kyomai was designed to be performed in a small, tight space such as in a tea house and was heavily influenced by the Noh theater. After the class, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $79
- 2 - 3 People - $64
- 4 or more People - $39
Kimono Dress Up
Enjoy wearing a beautiful kimono
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 30 - 60 Minutes | 1 Person | 16 People |
The English-speaking assistants will meet you at your hotel and dress you in a kimono. Afterwards, you will be able to take pictures with your own camera.
Price: (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $49
- 2 - 3 People - $49
- 4 or more People - $49
Kyoto Special Night
An exceptional evening out in Kyoto.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Hours | 1 Person | 16 People |
Inclusions:
- English-speaking assistant
- Admission fees to the Gion Corner
- All-you-can-eat Shabu-Shabu dinner
You will travel on your own to the Gion Corner (transportation not included - will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own) where you will be met by one of our assistants. The Gion Corner stages a variety program, while a bit touristy, is an excellent introduction to many ancient Japanese cultural arts. You'll see short demonstrations of a Tea Ceremony, Ikebana (flower arranging), Koto (Japanese harp) music, Gagaku (ancient imperial court music and dance), Kyogen (Noh comic play), Kyomai (Kyoto style dance) performed by Maiko and Bunraku (puppetry). Immediately after the show, we will walk to a nearby restaurant through the famous Gion Geisha district where there is a chance you may see one of the Geisha on their way between parties. At the restaurant you will enjoy an all-you-can-eat Shabu-Shabu dinner. Shabu-shabu is a popular Japanese meat dish consisting of thinly-sliced beef and pork (about 1mm thick) and vegetables dipped in boiling water and eaten with a variety of sauces. After dinner, you will travel on your own (not included) to your destination.
Price: (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $214
- 2 - 3 People - $154
- 4 or more People - $119
Maiko Dress-Up
Dress up like a Maiko or Samurai.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Hours | 1 Person | 6 People |
You will travel on your own to the studio (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own).You will be dressed-up and made-up like Maiko (Geisha in training) or Samurai. Afterwards, you can use your own camera to take pictures. When the session is finished, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $89
- 2 - 3 People - $89
- 4 or more People - $89
Maiko Night
Enjoy a dinner party with a Maiko and a walking tour of two Geisha districts in Kyoto to learn about the mysterious world of the Geishas.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 3 1/4 Hours | 1 Person | No Maximum |
Inclusions:
- Licensed, English-speaking guide
- Kaiseki-style dinner in a private dining room
- Meet a Maiko session in the dining room
- Walking tour of the Pontocho and Gion Geisha Districts
You will travel on your own to a local restaurant (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own) where you will be met by one of our licensed English-speaking guides. It is here where you will begin this special evening. After starting your Kaisiki-style dinner of tempura, shabu-shabu and sashimi, a Maiko (a Maiko is a Geisha in training) will join you in your private dining room for about 40 minutes. The Maiko will answer any of your questions, perform a short dance and pose for pictures with you. After completing dinner, we will take a walking tour of the Pontocho and Gion Geisha districts. After sunset, these areas take on a completely different atmosphere. Here you will see where the Geisha and Maiko work and live. And there is a good chance we will see one of them on their way between parties. The tour ends in the Gion Geisha District. You can either return to your hotel or other destination (Transportation not included.), go shopping in the nearby department stores or specialty shops or you can explore the narrow alleys of the Gion on your own.
Prices (Prices are per person)
- 1 Person - $309
- 2 - 3 People - $239
- 4 or more People - $204
Meet a Maiko/Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
Enjoy a meeting with a Maiko and a walking tour of the Gion Geisha district to learn about the mysterious world of the Geishas.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Hours | 1 Person | 16 People |
Inclusions:
- Licensed, English-speaking Guide
- Taxi from your hotel to the Meet a Maiko session
- Meet a Maiko Session
- Walking tour of the Gion Geisha District
You will travel on your own to the Gion Corner (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own) where you will be met by one of our licensed English-speaking guides. The guide will escort you to a nearby, small, intimate tea house in the Gion Geisha district where you will meet a Maiko (a Maiko is a Geisha in training). The Maiko will serve you tea and sweets, answer any of your questions, perform a short dance and pose for pictures with you. After the session, we will take a walking tour of the Gion Geisha district. Here you will see where the Geisha and Maiko work and live. And there is a good chance we will see one of them on their way between parties. You can either return to your hotel or other destination (Transportation not included.), go shopping in the nearby department stores or specialty shops or you can explore the narrow alleys of the Gion on your own.
Price: (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $149
- 2 - 3 People - $104
- 4 or more People - $79
The Meet a Maiko session is not a private session, and this is available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons only.
Sake Brewery and Museum Tour
You will learn more about the traditional sake brewing process. And best of all, there is a tasting station at the end of the tour.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Hours | 1 Person | 16 People |
You will meet the licensed, English-speaking guide at the Kyoto train station (we will provide detailed maps in both Japanese and English where to meet) who will escort you to the nearby city of Fushimi (transportation to Fushimi and return is included). The city of Fushimi, famous for the quality of its water, is the second-largest producer of sake in Japan. After traveling to Fushimi by local train, the tour will begin at a 100 year-old sake brewery. Here you will learn about the process of sake making the traditional way. Next, you will tour a museum where many of the different tools used to brew sake are on display. The tour of the museum will end at a sake tasting station where you can sample the locally made sakes. The tour ends after the guide escorts you by train back to the Kyoto train station.
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $104
- 2 - 3 People - $59
- 4 - 5 People - $39
Samurai Sword Fighting
Learn Samurai sword fighting techniques.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 2 - 2 1/2 Hours | 1 Person | 12 People |
You will travel on your own to the studio (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own). You will be dressed in traditional Samurai clothing and learn Samurai sword fighting techniques using wooden swords from Japanese period movie actors. At the end of the session, you will be able to take photos with your own camera. When the session is finished, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Price: (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $84
- 2 - 3 People - $84
- 4 or more People - $84
Tea Ceremony
Participate in a tea ceremony in an authentic tea room.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 45 Minutes | 1 Person | 8 People |
You will travel on your own to the tea house (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own) where you will be met by the English-speaking tea master. The stylized and regimented Japanese tea ceremony has been performed the same way for over 400 years. Once considered standard training for Samurais, today the tea ceremony is enjoyed by the modern Japanese as a means of relaxation. The English-speaking tea master will explain the history and the concepts behind the tea ceremony. You will also be given an opportunity to make tea yourself. After the tea ceremony, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Price: (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $34
- 2 - 3 People - $34
- 4 or more People - $34
Zen Meditation Lessons
Learn the relaxation techniques of Zen meditation at a Zen Buddhist temple.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | 1 Person | 16 People |
You will travel on your own to a small, local Zen Buddhist temple (transportation not included - we will provide detailed maps and addresses in both Japanese and English which you can give to a taxi driver, as well as detailed directions and public transportation suggestions if you would prefer to go there on your own) where the English-speaking head monk will discuss the benefits of meditation with you, and instruct you on the relaxation techniques needed for Zen meditation, with special emphasis on breathing techniques. You will have two opportunities to practice the techniques. After the lesson, the monk will serve tea and sweets, and give you a tour of the temple which includes important historical artifacts and screen paintings registered by the Japanese government as well a small, dry-landscape garden. After the session, you will travel to your destination (not included) on your own.
Price: (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $34
- 2 - 3 People - $34
- 4 or more People - $34