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.
Tokyo(Click an activity for details and pricing.)
- Akihabara "Otaku" Walking Tour
- Calligraphy (with Kimono option)
- Half Day or Full Day Tours of Tokyo
- Ikebana (with Kimono option)
- Kimono Dress-up
- Sumo Stable Visit (with Chanko Lunch option)
- Tea Ceremony (with Kimono option)
- Taiko Drum Lesson (with Drum Shop and Museum Tour option)
Akihabara "Otaku" Walking Tour
Walking tour of Akihabara to uncover the "Akiba" style.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Hours | 1 Person | 8 People |
Due to the many large electronics stores, for a long time Akihabara has been known as "Electric Town". But recently, the Akihabara area has become a popular gathering site for "Otaku" (Japanese slang meaning freak, geek or nerd), and has become known as the center of manga, anime and cosplay (costume play) pop sub-cultures. The walking tour, led by a licensed, English-speaking Japanese guide will visit the following:
- Meet the guide at the JR Akihabara station. We will send you a detailed map in both Japanese and English with the meeting point marked.
- Akihabara orientation
- Yodobashi Camera - The largest electronics store at Akihabara
- Radio Kaikan - Manga and Anime collectibles
- Tsukumo Robot Kingdom - Specializes in everything related to robots
- Canned Oden Vending Machines - Also sells canned udon, soba and ramen
- Kachapon Kaikan - Over 300 machines selling toys in plastic capsules. Very popular in Japan!
- Tokyo Anime Center - Anime collectibles
- Animate - Anime collectibles
The walking tour will end after the guide takes you to one of the popular "Maid Cafes" for a relaxing drink and/or snack (not included) and helps you order.
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $149
- 2 - 3 People - $74
- 4 or more People - $39
Calligraphy
Gain an understanding and practice the ancient art of Japanese Calligraphy.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 40 - 60 Minutes | 1 Person | 8 People |
You will travel on your own to the traditional Japanese-style room located in a modern building near Tokyo train station (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 calligrapher. 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.)
Weekdays and Saturdays (not available Sundays and Holidays)
- 1 Person - $144
- 2 - 3 People - $74
- 4 or more People - $74
Calligraphy in Kimono
Practice calligraphy wearing a beautiful kimono.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 90 - 120 Minutes | 1 Person | 8 People |
You will travel on your own to the traditional Japanese-style room located in a modern building near Tokyo train station (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 staff. The calligraphy lesson is the same as described above, but before starting you will be dressed in a kimono. After the calligraphy lesson, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
Weekdays and Saturdays (not available Sundays and Holidays)
- 1 Person - $209
- 2 - 3 People - $139
- 4 or more People - $139
Half Day or Full Day Tours of Tokyo
See the sights of Tokyo with a licensed, English-speaking guide for a half day or full day.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Hours or 8 Hours | 1 Person | N/A |
The licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you at the JR Tokyo 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): $209
- Full Day (8 hours): $319
Ikebana
Learn how this disciplined art form brings together nature and humanity.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 40 - 60 Minutes | 1 Person | 8 People |
You will travel on your own to the traditional Japanese-style room located in a modern building near Tokyo train station (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 staff. Here, the Ikebana instructor will introduce you to "Ka-do" (Way of the Flower) in which nature and humanity are brought together using a minimalistic approach. Unlike western flower arrangements, ikebana relies less on multicolored flowers, but instead emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis towards shape, line and form. Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain rules governing its form. After the course, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
Weekdays and Saturdays (not available Sundays and Holidays)
- 1 Person - $169
- 2 - 3 People - $89
- 4 or more People - $89
Ikebana in Kimono
Create your own ikebana flower arrangement while wearing a beautiful kimono.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 90 - 120 Minutes | 1 Person | 8 People |
You will travel on your own to the traditional Japanese-style room located in a modern building near Tokyo train station (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 staff. The ikebana lesson is the same as listed above, but before starting, you will be dressed in a kimono. After the course, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
Weekdays and Saturdays (not available Sundays and Holidays)
- 1 Person - $234
- 2 - 3 People - $154
- 4 or more People - $154
Kimono Dress-Up
Enjoy wearing a beautiful kimono.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 40 - 60 Minutes | 1 Person | 8 People |
You will travel on your own to the traditional Japanese-style room located in a modern building near Tokyo train station (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 staff who will dress you in a kimono. Afterwards, you will be able to take pictures with your own camera. After the course, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
Weekdays and Saturdays (not available Sundays and Holidays)
- 1 Person - $55
- 2 - 3 People - $55
- 4 or more People - $55
Sumo Stable Visit
Visit a Sumo Stable to observe the morning practice.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 3 1/2 Hours | 1 Person | 12 People |
A licensed, English-speaking Japanese guide will meet you at your hotel or ryokan at 6:30AM, and will escort you to a Sumo stable (transportation not included). Here you will be able to attend a morning practice session to get an up-close view. Only in person do you get an idea of how big the wrestlers really are, and with how much force they slam into each other with. You will observe the many traditions practiced for over 1,000 years. (Please Note: This option is not available during Sumo tournaments, or immediately before and after the tournaments. Please contact us for availability.)
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $169
- 2 - 3 People - $89
- 4 - 12 People - $49
Chanko Lunch (After the Sumo Stable Visit Only)
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 60 Minutes | 1 Person | 16 People |
- Duration: 2 1/2 hours
- Minimum: 1 person
- Maximum: 12 people
Ever wonder how Sumo wrestlers get so large? The secret is Chanko, a high-protein, high-calorie stew eaten twice every day by the wrestlers. There is no specific recipe for Chanko, it just contains whatever is available including fish, meat, tofu and vegetables.
After visiting the sumo stable practice, the guide will take you to a nearby Chanko restaurant where you can try it yourself. (Prices include Sumo Stable Visit and Chanko Lunch.)
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $254
- 2 - 3 People - $144
- 4 - 12 People - $89
Tea Ceremony
Participate in a tea ceremony in an authentic tea room.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 40 - 60 Minutes | 1 Person | 8 People |
You will travel on your own to the authentic tea room located in a modern building near Tokyo train station (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).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
Weekdays and Saturdays (not available Sundays and Holidays)
- 1 Person - $89
- 2 - 3 People - $49
- 4 or more People - $49
Tea Ceremony in Kimono
Participate in a tea ceremony in an authentic tea room wearing a beautiful kimono.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 90 - 120 Minutes | 1 Person | 8 People |
You will travel on your own to the authentic tea room located in a modern building near Tokyo train station (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 staff. The tea ceremony is the same as described above, but before starting the tea ceremony you will be dressed in a kimono. After the tea ceremony, you will travel to the destination of your choice (not included).
Prices (Prices are per person.)
Weekdays and Saturdays (not available Sundays and Holidays)
- 1 Person - $144
- 2 - 3 People - $114
- 4 or more People - $114
Taiko Drum Lesson
Learn the powerful and electrifying art of the Taiko Drum.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 2 Hours | 1 Person | 8 People |
- Duration:1 - 2 Hours
- Minimum: 1 person
- Maximum: 8 people
A licensed, English-speaking Japanese guide will meet you at the Ginza Asakusa Subway Station (We will send you a detailed map in Japanese and English where to meet.) and escort you to the studio where you will learn the powerful and electrifying art of the Taiko Drum. In feudal Japan warfare, Taiko drums were initially used to motivate troops, to help set a marching pace, and to call out orders or announcements. About 60 years ago, several groups around Japan created ensemble groups of Taiko drummers and choreographed their performances to create the dynamic and stirring productions known throughout the world today. After the lesson, the guide will escort you back to the Ginza Asakusa station.
Prices (Prices are per person.)
60 Minutes
- 1 Person - $449
- 2 - 3 People - $224
- 4 or more People - $114
90 Minutes
- 1 Person - $534
- 2 - 3 People - $269
- 4 or more People - $134
120 Minutes
- 1 Person - $609
- 2 - 3 People - $304
- 4 or more People - $154
(Because Taiko Drumming is very strenuous, only those in excellent physical condition should consider a lesson longer than 60 minutes.)
Taiko Drum Shop and Museum Tour
(This option is only available after the Taiko Drum Lesson)
Tour a local drum shop and museum.
| Duration | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Hours | 1 Person | 8 People |
After the Taiko Drum Lesson, the guide will take you to a local and famous drum shop in the Asakusa District. The guide will then take you to a drum museum in the Asakusa District also. At the end, the guide will then take you back to the Ginza Asakusa station.
Prices (Prices are per person.)
- 1 Person - $74
- 2 - 3 People - $44
- 4 - 12 People - $24