Classic Japan

Discover Japanese traditions and culture on this immersive tour. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up by private taxi and driven to a kimono shop. Put on the elegant traditional attire, assisted by a professional and expert kimono dresser. Next, participate in a Japanese tea ceremony and gain an understanding of this distinctive ritual and its significance in local culture. After the tea ceremony concludes, you will change back into your clothes and return to the hotel with cherished memories. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Group size: max 4 ppl; Entrance fees included)

Visit some of the art galleries in Ginza, one of the premier shopping districts of the city, on this customized tour. In the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the upscale neighborhood that is home to brand name stores, boutiques, and restaurants. The locality is packed with dozens of private art galleries tucked into corners that are known only to the locals. Here, you will find rotating exhibits, featuring artwork in various styles and from different periods ranging from ancient Japanese to modern contemporary media. Let your guide know what you would like to see and they will tailor the experience accordingly. After the tour winds up, make your way back to the hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 1300 hrs; Private activity; Group size: max 4 ppl; One-way taxi pickup; Entrance fees included; Not available on Sun)

Japanese cuisine has been declared a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage for good reason, cooked as it is with the freshest ingredients and masterful techniques. Get an overall idea about Japanese cooking styles from your chef in this cooking class designed for a small, intimate group. Learn how to prepare Bento style boxed meals under the expert guidance of your host chef. Cook Kyoto’s signature Shokado bento, a delicious spread that includes delectable bites of tempura, miso soup, egg roll, chicken teriyaki, sesame spinach salad and sushi. The greatest treat awaits you at the end of the class, when you get to taste your own Bento box! (Half Day, Shared Activity & No Transfers; Meal included: Lunch; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform about any dietary restrictions in advance).

Discover the prominent attractions of Arashiyama district, located in western Kyoto. Accompanied by your guide, make use of public transport to reach the famous bamboo grove. Once you reach, enjoy walking on the paths that run amid the soaring bamboo stalks. Later, stop at Nonomiya Shrine that was built as a purification shrine for the imperial princesses appointed as priestesses. Next on your itinerary is Okochi Mountain Villa, the erstwhile residence of popular period film actor Denjiro Okochi. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Ogura, the villa is surrounded by landscaped gardens and offers great views of the city and Hozu gorge. Afterward, visit the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji belonging to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Founded in 1339, this shrine has a wooden carving of Buddha and is a good spot to enjoy the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Return to your hotel after the tour winds up. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Fitness level: easy; Entrance fees, subway and local train fares are included)