Tours in Japan

Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk with Geisha Traditions Explained

Explore Gion and Ponto-chō's geisha districts on foot with a Kyoto-based guide who's lived here for years. This two-hour walk threads through both celebrated lanes and backstreet alleyways, unpacking the real distinctions between geiko and maiko, how teahouses operate, and what respectful engagement looks like. You'll see machiya wooden townhouses, learn shrine customs, and understand the district's layered history. Your guide stays nearby after the tour to steer you toward quieter bars and lesser-known restaurants.

2 hoursfrom AUD $40

Tokyo Private SightSeeing Day Tour With Guide

★ 5.0 (16)

Tokyo Private SightSeeing Day Tour With Guide

Spend ten hours with a private guide navigating Tokyo's contrasts—centuries-old temples and shrines sit alongside neon-lit shopping districts and observation decks. Your driver handles the navigation while you move between the serene Imperial Palace East Gardens, the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market, the vermillion gates of Senso-ji, [Meiji Jingu](/places/meiji-shrine)'s forested grounds, the fashion chaos of Takeshita Street, and the organized mayhem of [Shibuya Crossing](/places/shibuya-crossing). You'll experience how Tokyo layers its past and present without pretension.

10 hoursfrom AUD $986

Tokyo Full-Day Private Tour (Customizable)

Tokyo Full-Day Private Tour (Customizable)

Eight-hour private tour of Tokyo where you pick five destinations from a curated list spanning markets, temples, parks, museums and quirky neighbourhood shops. Your English-speaking driver navigates you through the city's most-visited quarters—from the serene grounds of Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace gardens to the controlled chaos of Takeshita Street and [Shibuya Crossing](/places/shibuya-crossing). Flexible routing means you set the pace and focus on what genuinely interests you, whether that's art installations, brewing heritage or anime culture.

Mt. Fuji / Hakone Gateway | Authentic Tea Ceremony in Mishima

When Charlie from our team booked this tea ceremony at Umegoten, a 1890s villa tucked into Rakujuen Park near Mishima, we got a genuine glimpse of Japanese tea culture without the tourist theatre. The 90-minute session sits comfortably between Tokyo and Hakone, making it a solid stopover rather than a full day commitment. A host with three decades of experience guides you through the ritual in an intimate group setting, you slip on a traditional haori jacket for photos, and seasonal wagashi arrives alongside properly whisked matcha. The villa itself — a Registered Tangible Cultural Property — feels lived-in and unhurried, forest-quiet and genuinely charming.

Super Sugamo Local Foodie Adventure

Wander through Sugamo, a neighbourhood that's fed Tokyoites for a century, with a local guide who knows every shopkeeper by name. You'll graze at five food stops, sit down for a proper lunch, and finish with a sweet treat—the kind you can't find anywhere else in the city. Three hours, no tourist crowds, the sort of afternoon that sticks with you.

3 hoursfrom AUD $283

Osaka Highlights: 4Hrs Guided Walking Tour with a Native Expert

3h 25m – 4 hoursfrom AUD $114

Osaka Highlights: 4Hrs Guided Walking Tour with a Native Expert

A four-hour walking tour led by a local guide through Osaka's defining landmarks and neighbourhoods. Start at Osaka Castle to explore its architectural heritage and historical significance, then travel by train to Tsutenkaku Tower for panoramic city views. Finish in Namba's lively streets, where street vendors and shops reflect Osaka's reputation as Japan's culinary epicentre. Train connections between stops are straightforward, taking roughly ten minutes each.

SkyExpress Private Transfer: New Chitose Airport - Niseko (8 Pax)

Private minivan transfer from New Chitose Airport to Niseko for up to eight passengers. Your driver collects you and your luggage from arrivals, then delivers everyone straight to your accommodation—no train changes, no station treks. The vehicle is spacious and climate-controlled, with room for skis, golf clubs, or serious luggage. English-speaking support is included; an English-speaking driver can be requested. Fuel, tolls, tax, and insurance all covered.

Tokyo Ikebana, Japanese Traditional Flower Arrangement Experience

Learn ikebana in a Nakano studio just 10 minutes from Shinjuku, where you'll create your own arrangement guided by an instructor who values your personal style over rigid technique. This 70-minute session supplies everything—flowers, vessels, scissors—so arrive with an open mind. The class welcomes absolute beginners and works with children aged 6+, making it accessible whether you're curious about Japanese aesthetics or looking for a hands-on creative break in Tokyo.

Washi Making Experience in Hakone（50 min）

Learn the fundamentals of Echizen washi papermaking at a compact studio five minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Over 50 minutes, you'll work with an instructor to pull and shape your own sheet of traditional handmade paper using prepared pulp, then walk away with a finished piece. No experience necessary—the studio welcomes absolute beginners into a relaxed, welcoming space steeped in a thousand-year-old craft.

Mochi Sweets Making Class in Tokyo

Master the art of crafting mochi sweets in a private Tokyo residence with a local instructor. This 90-minute class teaches you accessible techniques for creating authentic Japanese confections using plant-based ingredients you'll find at home. Work at your own pace in a relaxed setting just 15 minutes from central Tokyo, then explore the quiet neighbourhood's shrines, bathhouses and local shops. Perfect for solo travellers and families alike.

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.

8-hour Tokyo tour by qualified tour guide using public transport

8-hour Tokyo tour by qualified tour guide using public transport

Spend eight hours exploring Tokyo's layered appeal with a government-licensed guide who navigates the city's efficient public transport network. Rather than being shuttled in a car, you'll move like a local through neighbourhoods, discovering shrines, temples, gardens and contemporary structures. The itinerary bends to your interests—whether you're chasing architectural landmarks or diving into Japanese heritage. Your guide collects you from your hotel to begin; timings are negotiable based on what works for you.

8 hoursfrom AUD $309

Private Sightseeing Tour from Shimizu Port /Small Bus

Private Sightseeing Tour from Shimizu Port /Small Bus

A guided tour from Shimizu Port hitting three essential spots in four and a half hours: the tea plantations and Mt Fuji vistas of Nihondaira Plateau, the historic Kunozan Toshogu Shrine where the first Edo shogun is enshrined, and Miho Beach with its iconic pine groves (part of the Mt Fuji World Heritage site). Your own small bus and English-speaking guide mean no queuing hassles and flexible pacing—though arriving early helps beat ropeway crowds.

Nagasaki Private Historical Tour with Licensed Guide

A seven-hour guided exploration of Nagasaki's layered past, from its role as Japan's sole opening to the Western world during centuries of isolation through to its atomic bombing and recovery. A nationally accredited guide leads you on foot and via public transport through neighbourhoods where Dutch and Japanese architecture still stand, then reflects on wartime sites with appropriate sensitivity. Hotel or port pickup included; admission fees covered.

Kyoto Traditional Mochi Pounding Experience with Tasting

Spend an hour in a Kyoto home kitchen learning to pound and shape mochi from scratch. You'll craft several varieties—red bean, mitarashi dango, kinako—guided by a local chef who speaks English. The session wraps with matcha tea and a chance to taste what you've made. Groups stay small (eight maximum) and classes run mornings or afternoons to suit your schedule.

1 hourfrom AUD $47

Tokyo: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

4 hours – 8 hoursfrom AUD $183

Tokyo: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Walk Tokyo with a local guide who shapes the itinerary around your interests—temples, neighbourhood laneways, landmarks, or quieter cultural pockets. Choose where to go and how long to linger; your guide adjusts the pace and route to match your energy. Over 4 to 8 hours, you'll navigate the city's layered blend of old shrines and modern districts on foot and public trains, learning how locals actually move through the capital. Hotel pickup included; entrance fees covered.

🛕 Culture & History

Sendai Castle Armor Experience

Don the ceremonial garb of a feudal warlord at Sendai Castle Ruins, where you'll don the actual armour worn by the formidable Lord Date Masamune. This 30-minute hands-on session pairs period-authentic plating with expert guidance, transporting you directly into 16th-century Japanese warfare. Set amongst castle ruins that once commanded the Tōhoku region, it's a tactile way to understand the weight—literal and historical—of samurai leadership.

One-Day Walking Tour of Amazing 8th Century Capital Nara

Walk through Nara, Japan's 8th-century capital, in a single day. Starting with the Edo-period townscape, you'll visit two landmark temples founded over 1,200 years ago, then encounter the semi-wild deer herds that roam the park freely. Your guide will highlight how Nara's architectural and cultural legacy differs markedly from Kyoto's later evolution. Pick-up available from Osaka or Kyoto, with eight hours on foot to absorb this layered slice of Japanese history.

Tokyo: Private Tsukiji Fish Market Tour with 3 Food Stops

Explore Tsukiji's bustling fish market on a 2-hour private walk with a local guide who reveals the quarter's food heritage and spiritual landmarks. You'll taste three signature dishes at neighbourhood stalls chosen for their authenticity, then visit a Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple to understand how Japan's dual spiritual traditions shape daily life. Your guide shares stories that connect market rhythms to centuries of tradition.

Time Travel in Tokyo Explore Old Town Asakusa and Local Food

Walk through Asakusa's historic lanes with a local guide on this 2-hour tour that threads together centuries-old temples, street food stalls, and neighbourhood secrets. You'll start at Kaminarimon Gate, move through the bustling Nakamise shopping street sampling traditional snacks, pay respects at Sensoji Temple—Tokyo's most venerable shrine—then duck into quiet backstreets where locals hang out. The route finishes at Don Quijote for browsing quirky finds and regional souvenirs.

Authentic Japanese Culture Experience near Shibuya, Tokyo

Learn Japanese calligraphy in a private session near Shibuya, spending 90 minutes transforming brush strokes into art. Your host Maki meets you at the station and guides you through foundational techniques before you inscribe your name or a meaningful word onto traditional paper or fan. The modern studio overlooks the city, and you'll leave with a finished piece and photos capturing the experience.

Guided Photoshoot of Fushimi Inari Shrine and Secret Bamboo Grove

A guided 60-minute photoshoot combining two striking Kyoto locations: the iconic vermillion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and a tucked-away bamboo grove that few visitors find. Your photographer directs you through posed shots and candid moments across both sites, delivering 75+ professionally edited images within days. Meet at either JR or Keihan station and work through the shrine's dramatic passages before heading to the hidden bamboo setting for variety.

Badminton in Osaka & Kyoto with Locals!

Join a mixed-ability badminton session in Osaka where Japanese locals and expat residents gather to play and socialise. You'll spend three hours on court with gear provided, mixing casual rallies with newer players whilst making friends across the community. The sessions welcome solo travellers and groups alike, creating a genuine sporting atmosphere rather than a tourist spectacle.

A One-of-a-Kind Sushi Experience in a Special Place of Japan

Roll and eat your own sushi in Tokyo's House of Representatives building, a normally restricted space where you'll work with fish sourced that morning from Toyosu Market. Over two hours, an English-speaking instructor walks you through knife skills, fish slicing, and hand-forming techniques, building to a lunch of eight pieces you've made yourself. No prior experience needed—the pace suits absolute beginners.

Private eBike Tour Exploring Fushimi with Torii Red Gate Ride

Explore Kyoto's sacred heart by electric bike over 3.5 hours, pedalling through quiet backstreets to Fushimi-Inari's iconic vermillion gates and the serene Sanjusangen-do temple with its thousand Buddha statues. Your English-speaking guide navigates you past local shops and food stalls, then rolls you back alongside the Kamo river's green banks. This is how locals move through the city—unhurried, intimate, avoiding the main crowds.

Tokyo Food and Culture tour (Shibuya and Harajyuku)

A four-and-a-half-hour wander through Shibuya and Harajuku that pairs neighbourhood navigation with food stops. Start at the famous Hachiko statue to learn the history locals know, then scout the prime vantage point overlooking the crossing. Taste rikishi comfort food, okonomiyaki-style monjya, and the latest sweets trends across both districts. Lunch and snacks included.

Okonomiyaki＆Takoyaki for Families : Osaka Street Food Festival

Spend 90 minutes making and eating takoyaki and okonomiyaki at an Osaka festival-style gathering. You'll work in a group kitchen, flip your own savoury pancakes, fish balls from bubbling oil, and graze on Japanese sweets between rounds. Kids and adults cook side by side, play traditional carnival games, and wash it all down with soft drinks or beer. No experience needed—just show up hungry and ready to get your hands messy.

Making a bento box with cute character look in Japan

Learn to craft character-themed bento boxes from a fluent English-speaking instructor across 2.5 hours. You'll work hands-on building decorated lunch boxes that blend Japanese culinary technique with playful design. All ingredients and refreshments are included, making this an accessible entry point into Japan's distinctive packed-meal traditions without needing prior cooking experience.

Half Day - Snow View Rafting in Niseko

Paddle the Shiribetsu River through Niseko's winter landscape on a half-day rafting trip. This seasonal activity combines gentle rapids with snow-blanketed riverbanks and forest, offering a quieter pace than summer runs. You'll wear full thermal protection including dry suit and helmet, with hot tea and snacks warming you between stretches. The route suits various fitness levels, though medical restrictions apply. Three and a half hours total, including gear setup and safety briefing.

Tokyo Palais Impérial & Shoguns Visite à pied (Guide Français)

A two-hour guided walk through Tokyo's Imperial Palace and East Gardens with a French-speaking local guide. You'll explore the Ōtemon Gate, guardhouse ruins, and Ninomaru Garden whilst hearing accounts of samurai, shoguns, and the Edo period that shaped the city. Small groups mean genuine conversation rather than rushed commentary, and your guide knows the best vantage points for photographs.

2 hoursfrom AUD $54

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

8 hours – 9 hoursfrom AUD $242

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

Explore Kobe's hillside gardens, waterfront district and brewing heritage with a private guide over 8 hours. Starting from your Osaka or Kobe accommodation, you'll ride the Nunobiki ropeway to herb gardens overlooking the city, wander Harborland's modern waterfront, and visit a traditional sake brewery for tastings. The guide handles logistics via public transport, leaving you free to ask questions and linger at spots that catch your interest. Optional Kobe beef dinner arrangements available.

Naoshima private tour by national licensed tourguide

Spend eight to nine hours exploring Naoshima's contemporary art scene with an experienced English-speaking guide who's spent nearly a decade perfecting island knowledge. Visit signature installations like Yayoi Kusama's iconic pumpkins, the underground Chichu Museum, Benesse House, and artist-run galleries across the island. Customise your route to match your interests, whether you're chasing architecture, sculpture, or experimental spaces. Early starts and pickups from Okayama station are available for an extra fee.

Private Kyoto Market Tour and Authentic Cooking Class with Aki

🍜 Food & Cooking

Private Kyoto Market Tour and Authentic Cooking Class with Aki

Shop the lively Demachiyanagi Shoutengai market in Kyoto with Aki, hand-picking vegetables and ingredients you'll cook with minutes later. In her home kitchen, you'll prepare a seasonal Japanese meal from scratch—think braised chicken and root vegetables, marinated greens, miso soup—learning techniques and stories about regional cooking as you work. Four hours total, ending with you eating what you've made.

Asakusa Personal Video & Photo with Kimono

Capture your Asakusa visit in kimono with a dedicated videographer who shoots, edits and delivers within 71 hours. This 90-minute session covers up to six people at a flat rate, so families and groups get the same professional treatment as solo travellers. The videographer handles kimono rental logistics for you, then provides edited video plus 10–20 still photos to take home. You're free to post straight from your trip.

Discover Real Osaka: A Cultural Walk with Food & Drink

Walk Osaka's quieter quarters with a guide who's spent years sketching its streets and learning local rhythms. This 4-hour ramble threads through neighbourhoods most visitors skip, stopping for takoyaki and okonomiyaki at spots regulars know. You'll taste sake or a non-alcoholic alternative, hear stories tied to specific corners and people, and leave with a curated map for exploring beyond the tour. Groups or solo travellers welcome.

Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto

Step into an active kenjutsu dojo in Kyoto where you'll browse hand-forged katana alongside practitioners training daily. A martial arts expert guides you through the collection—blades spanning centuries, each selected by a master craftsman. Shogo, an experienced swordsman and content creator, shares insights into blade quality, provenance, and craftsmanship. This hour-long session suits serious collectors and those genuinely considering a purchase, offering context most retail shops simply can't provide.

Kyoto: Paint Your Own Ramen Bowl & Michelin Ramen Class

Learn to hand-pull noodles and craft broth at Musoshin Ramen Academy, Kyoto's only workshop run by an actual ramen restaurant. Over 90 minutes, you'll cook a Michelin-nominated bowl from recipes used by the chefs, then paint your own ceramic dish to take home (kiln-fired on-site). The kitchen caters to vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets. You'll eat what you've made, collect the recipe card, and leave with a souvenir bandana—a genuine taste of how Musoshin feeds its six locations worldwide.

Miyako island: Relaxing Sunrise or Sunset SUP tour (English tour)

When Em from our Global Hobo crew paddled out for sunset on Miyako Island, it was the kind of quiet you don't get often. This English-language SUP tour hits a sweet spot: you're on the water for 90 minutes at either dawn or dusk, all gear sorted, and the guide's fluent so there's no translation stress. It's pitched at travellers wanting to slow down rather than go hard—the beaches (Nishihama, Imgya Marine Garden, or Kita Yonaha depending on conditions) are genuinely stunning, and the light at either end of the day hits different. Small groups, no faffing around with equipment rental nonsense, and they hand over all the photos free.

1h 30mfrom AUD $68

Mount Fuji Private Custom Tour with Local English Speaking Guide

8 hours – 10 hoursfrom AUD $824

Mount Fuji Private Custom Tour with Local English Speaking Guide

Spend a full day exploring [Mount Fuji](/places/mount-fuji) and the Five Lakes region in a private luxury vehicle with a Japanese guide who speaks fluent English. Rather than follow a set itinerary, you choose the stops—whether that's mountain viewpoints, lakeside villages, cultural sites, or retail parks. Your guide, educated abroad with deep local knowledge, tailors the experience to your interests and pace, turning sightseeing into genuine conversation about Japan's geography, spirituality, and everyday culture.

Privately visit local home for tea ceremony &music, Tokyo

★ 5.0 (14)

🛕 Culture & History