Japan is slowly climbing the charts as one of the top tourist destinations on the planet. The Land of the Rising Sun received nearly 32 million foreign travelers in 2018, further solidifying it as a global travel hotspot. People love to visit Japan for a number of reasons: the climate, the food, the people, and the culture. Since Japanese culture is unique in its own right, a lot of people flock to the country all year round. Each region and city has its own contribution to this uniqueness. Oftentimes, the lovely Japanese people let you experience their culture for yourself, so you will know how colorful and beautiful it is. To give you some ideas, here are some Airbnb experiences that will allow you to take part in the wonderful culture of this country. Read on to discover the best cultural tours in Japan.
1. Discover the unexplored cultures of Iriomote Island (from USD 47.0)
Okinawa Prefecture is often regarded for having its own distinct culture because of its far distance from the mainland. Most people often visit the islands for nature-related trips but a lesser-known itinerary is exploring the culture of the islands. An interesting place to start is Iriomote Island, the second largest of the Okinawa region. By availing a walking cultural tour, you will learn about the authentic and rural culture of this place. You will also get to discover some interesting pieces of its history, religion, and tradition, with a friendly professional tour guide.
Cultural walk on Iriomote island
Duration: 3 hours
2. Interact and mingle with real geishas (from USD 19.0)
Geishas are a big part of Japanese culture. They are female performers whose primary role is to entertain their guests through traditional Japanese art forms like dancing and singing. They are also characterized by their appearance in long kimono gowns, striking make-up, and lovely hairstyles. It’s usually uncommon to find a geisha theater in Japan so this particular experience will allow you to visit one without the hassle of locating such a theater. You will be able to get up close and personal with them and learn about the truth behind common misconceptions regarding their chosen profession.
Meet Geisha in Hakone
Duration: 1 hour
3. Learn the tradition behind tea ceremonies (from USD 31.0)
For centuries, tea has been infused in Japanese culture. It is one of their pieces of culture that they are able to preserve until today. In this experience in Kyoto, you will be able to witness a tea ceremony first-hand and engross yourself deeper into this aspect of Japanese culture. The lecturer is very passionate and professional about the tradition and is willing to share this deep tradition with the group. If you’re a big fan of matcha, you will also be learning about the authentic ingredient you usually order at your favorite coffee shop later on in the tour.
Japanese tea ceremony experience in ANOAN, KYOTO
Duration: 1 hour
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Indulge in an authentic seafood experience (from USD 129.0)
If there’s one dish that Japan is known for, it’s probably anything that has to do with seafood. Japan is rich in marine life that’s why most people here rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. You will be able to appreciate this aspect of their life through a food tour where your first stops will be around the world’s largest fish market. After given time to explore and perhaps do a bit of shopping, the tour will end in the host’s restaurant where he will be preparing an authentic kaiseki-style lunch with seafood.
Tsukiji (Old) vs Toyosu (New) S.S Tour
Duration: 6 hours
5. Join an educational tour about medieval history (from USD 24.0)
A samurai is one of the icons of Japanese culture and medieval history. The samurai was a group of ancient warriors highly regarded as military nobility from the 12th century to the late 19th century. Today, samurai traditions still exist and are preserved in many parts of Japan as a deep-rooted part of their culture. In Osaka, you can experience what it’s like to be a samurai for a day with this particular tour. Get ready to be immersed in everything–from clothing and etiquette to katana, a Japanese sword to complete your samurai experience.
Practice samurai skills and use a katana
Duration: 1 hour
6. Strike a pose as a samurai (from USD 94.0)
If you’re truly fascinated by samurai culture, why not literally step into their shoes and dress up like one for a day? This experience allows you to dress up as an authentic samurai while donning their traditional armor for a photo opportunity. By the end of this experience, you will have 150 printed photos as well as digital copies that you can upload to your Instagram right away. The experience is not only exciting but interesting too as you get to learn the proper way of wearing the armor from a professional dresser.
Samurai Armor Dress Up Photo Experience
Duration: 1.5 hours
7. Discover hidden gems in the busy streets of Japan (from USD 36.0)
Each city or place has its own hidden gems filled with curious things unique to that area. Nevertheless, discovering them is one of the best things about traveling. For this particular trip, you will experience just that–a tour around Ningyocho, which is a neighborhood near Tokyo famous for its old traditions. Along its alleys and corners, you will be able to find a lot of family-owned businesses, especially ones that sell tasty specialties and trinkets that you can only find in the streets of Japan.
Cultural Curiosities Made In Japan
Duration: 3 hours
8. Don Japan's national clothing in style (from USD 31.0)
Part of many travelers’ itineraries when they go to Japan is to be able to wear an authentic kimono. You will be able to don the country’s national costume along the streets of Kyoto in this authentic and one-of-a-kind experience. First off, you will need to choose the design and colors of your desired kimono. Then, you will get your hair styled by the host. When you’re all set, you can walk around the area and begin your own photoshoot or hire a traditional rickshaw with your partner for an unforgettable experience.
Experience Kimono in Kyoto
Duration: 1 hour
9. Explore the best of Tokyo's offers (from USD 58.0)
Tokyo, one of the busiest cities on the planet, is sure to be bustling with millions of tourists every day. The Japanese capital is a real hotspot for travelers with many places to see. Luckily, you can avail of a personal tour around the areas of Shibuya, Harajuku, and if possible, even Shinjuku. You will be going around its famous spots such as the iconic Shibuya Crossing and Meji Shrine. You can also try new things unique to Tokyo like stopping by numerous animal cafes and shopping for kawaii things.
Shibuya+Harajuku Highlights with a Local
Duration: 4 hours
10. Spend a week exploring Kyushu’s culinary culture (from USD 1862.0)
This meticulously crafted six-day tour is your ticket to savoring the hidden gems of Kyushu’s food scene. Your adventure begins as you step aboard a private bus taking you to off-the-beaten-path destinations that define Kyushu. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient temples, tranquil shrines, and rejuvenating onsens (hot springs), delving into the cultural heart of this remarkable place.
You can also indulge in shopping for souvenirs or simply click pictures of the scenic beauty of the region. But the true magic lies in the exclusive meals and hands-on food experiences, where you’ll delve deep into the heart of Kyushu’s culinary heritage.
Kyushu Food Tour: A Week Exploring Kyushu’s Culinary Culture
Duration: 144hours
11. Experience tranquility and oneness with nature (from USD 29.0)
One thing about the Japanese culture is how they’re very close to and respectful of the nature around them. The majority of this belief is rooted in Buddhism, which is one of Japan’s major religions. The mountainous region of Arashiyama is a great place to experience zen and tranquility among nature. This tour will take you around the beautiful sights of Arashiyama, including the world-famous Bamboo Grove Forest. You will also visit some zen temples and learn about matcha-making while admiring the beautiful and peaceful surroundings.
Arashiyama - Bamboo and Zen 嵐山 - 竹林と禅
Duration: 3.5 hours
Fall in love with Japanese traditions
Japan is one of those countries that you should not miss out on, especially if you’re interested to learn more about different cultures. Endless choices await here and the only thing missing is you!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
10 Themed Cafes In Osaka, JapanSudarsana -
Create an account to