Japan for Beginners: Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji

For a day well spent, visit some of Tokyo’s best known landmarks with your local expert! Begin with a trip to the Asakusa locality, well-known for its “shitamachi” or old-world vibe. You can visit the Sensoji temple, a Buddhist temple believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Adjacent to the temple you will find the Nakamise “dori” or street, where you can taste some traditional snacks if you like. Travel across town to Omotesando and after exploring the ritzy flagship stores and spectacular architecture on the main boulevard. Next, make your last stop at the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Surrounded by a forested area with 365 species of trees, the shrine is also a popular wedding venue, so don’t be surprised if you come across a bride and groom all dressed up for their big day! (Half Day; Time of the day: 0900 or 1300 hrs; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Fitness Level: Moderate)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting Tokyo’s teamLab Planets, which is a unique museum with mind bending art installations, massive spaces and gardens. Walk barefoot into the water area and experience artwork in myriad unusual ways. For instance, walk into a drawing of hundreds of colorful koi fish swimming on the water surface, which seems to stretch into infinity. As you wade through the water and collide with the koi, they change direction and turn into flowers. Similarly, venture into an interactive space with a limitless crystal universe. It is a singular experience all together. Space, time and your sense of being all collapse as you pass through the falling universe of flowers and other three-dimensional spaces. The floating flower garden is also an infinite, three-dimensional space filled with masses of flowers all around you, including the space above. The moss garden contains solidified masses of colored light, stretched out to the horizon, which change hues depending on the time of day. There are plenty of immersive artworks and exhibition spaces here to keep you engaged for hours. (Duration: half day; Time: 1100 hrs; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees included; Fitness level: easy; No shoes allowed; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

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).

Learn the fascinating art of calligraphy with a local master. Discover the journey of the beautiful Kanji—or traditional Chinese script—from ancient China to Japan. Learn all about the three parallel Japanese scripts of Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana from your master who will gently guide you and explain the cultural significance of this artform, before you try your hand at this ancient art for yourself. Attempt a few tentative brush strokes under the master’s expert supervision, and learn the secrets of how to hold the calligraphy brush in the proper manner. Finally, find the confidence within to draw out bold lines, before you carry your best work back home! (Time of Day: Morning or Afternoon; Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; All materials provided; Some traditional houses have steep, narrow stairs; Don’t forget your cameras; Note: Children below 4 not allowed).

Set off from your hotel with your local guide on this fascinating exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Koya. Travel by local trains along scenic routes and take the cable car to reach the Buddhist monastery on the mountaintop. Walk to Kongobuji Temple, one of over a hundred temples in the area and the head monastery of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. After exploring the shrine, stroll over to the largest rock garden in the country. Head to the Garan temple complex for a glimpse of the ceremonial hall and the brightly-colored Konpon Daito Pagoda. Amble on to Okunoin cemetery that is home to 200,000 tombs including the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect as well as feudal lords, other monks, and prominent community members. After a busy day, return to the hotel where your guide will bid adieu. (Duration: 13 hrs; Time: 0645 hrs; Private Activity & Shared Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note start time can vary depending on your hotel.)