Things to do in Chubu, Japan: The Best Cultural Tours

Sitting just outside Nagano City, the forests of Togakushi are home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines - a place linked to the very creation myths of Japan itself and the mountain refuge of the Togakure Ninja. This engaging tour takes you along short sections of the pilgrimage trails of the ‘Togakushi Kodo’ and deep into myth and legend. Including visits to two of the most important shrines, the Togakushi Ninja Museum and ending at the grand avenue of giant cedars.

Inclusions: English-speaking guide, Transport from/to Nagano Station & Togakushi using public bus, Lunch, Entry ticket to the Togakushi Ninja Museum, Guided tour at all listed attractions

Exclusions: Shinkansen/Bullet Train ticket, Accommodation, Additional food, snacks & drinks

Shirakawa-go is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site for being a village with houses made in the historical "gassho-zukuri" architecture (thatched roof house). This is an area where you can feel the magnificent nature and old lifestyle culture with Hirase-onsen where the onsen source comes from the foot of sacred mountain Hakusan. This private tour will help to make your trip an unforgettable one.

Inclusions: Local guide (if option selected), Driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Learn about the traditional Japanese art, Furoshiki – wrapping presents and objects into a piece of cloth. You will also go shopping for a beautiful furoshiki for your future wrapping needs during this class. Furoshiki skill will revolutionize the way you wrap presents for your dear ones: forget the wrapping paper and instead use a beautiful handkerchief, which can make a great present on its own. Furoshiki features many different ways to wrap a present of any shape and size.

Inclusions: Furoshiki lesson, Shopping experience

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Furoshiki fabric

During this experience, you will learn how to use tools such as G-pens and screen tone to draw manga.  You'll be practicing, drawing and getting feedback from the manga school manager.

Inclusions: Private instructor, Manga tuition, Use of tools

Exclusions: Transport

Take an origami (Japanese traditional art of folding paper to make figures) during your visit to Nagoya to learn how to make simple and complex figures from Origami paper. Origami is an ancient traditional Japanese art of folding paper to make interesting and beautiful figures. In this two hour class you will learn about the history and culture of this unusual art and learn how to make several different kinds of shapes out of paper.

Inclusions: Origami instructor, All materials

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Explore the world heritage hamlet of Shirakawa-go on our 4-hour package tour with access to a private vehicle exclusively for you and your fellow travelers. Our English-speaking driver will take you to the World UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go. We collect you from your hotel lobby and whisk you off to the UNESCO village of Shirakawago. Our morning or afternoon driving tours are designed for those looking for convenient access to this beautiful but remote mountain village

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, English Speaking Driver, Private Car

Exclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Customized private tour with friendly 100% local guide Moka! You can enjoy the BEST selections of Nagoya spots !! We will visit .. 1. Nagoya Castle -Explore samurai residence "Hommaru Palace" and enjoy history 2. Sakae Oasis 21 -Beautiful view of TV tower, called Spaceship-aqua 3. Nagoya Local Food -Choose from various kinds of Nagoya restaurants 4. Sakae Shopping Area -Enjoy modern downtown city 5. Osu Kannon Arcade and Temple  -Explore old street & visit shrine and temple . This plan is customizable so please let me know your ideas and favorites !! Meet at Golden Clock in Nagoya station 9:15 !! (Flexible) We mainly take bus and subway for transportation. . [Important Notice] * Solo traveler is charged extra 4000yen. * I have my baby to take care of, so I need to check the nursery before confirm your tour.Thank you for understanding. * Nagoya Castle main tower is closed because of the construction, but you can fully enjoy exploring Hommaru Palace samurai residence!

Inclusions: Guide fee

Exclusions: Rough estimates below. You need to pay yours and guides., Entrance fee (¥ 500 / each),  Transportation fee (¥ 2000 / each), Food fee (¥ 2500 / each)

This is a weekend-only bus tour from Kanazawa Station. This tour will visit Shirakawa-go, a world heritage site. Since the English staff will accompany you, it is a safe tour for foreigners. A guide will give you a walking map on the bus. We will also guide you to highlights and souvenirs in advance. The tour bus will take you to the Shirakawa Gosho Castle Castle Observatory, so you can enjoy an efficient walk. Lunch includes local dishes from the Hida region and Japanese set meals full of mountain food. There is no need to worry about meals, so you can take a leisurely walk. The tour includes a hand-baked rice cracker experience. Bake yourself a traditional Japanese rice snack. Try eating a baked rice cracker.

Inclusions: Japanese set meal using traditional food from the Hida region

Exclusions:

Bike around Tokyo like a local as you explore the city’s highlights on this 6.5-hour/20miles(32km) tour. In a small group of no more than five, explore the city's bustling main streets, quiet backstreets, snaking alleys, and attractive hidden paths. Admire the Meiji-jingu shrine, Zōjō-ji temple, and Aoyama cemetery, as well as more modern landmarks including Roppongi Hills and the designer shops of Ginza. After a riverside lunch (own expense) conclude your tour at the top of a skyscraper.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Bike and helmet rental

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

A full day to take the best shots of the scenic Mt Fuji and have cultural experiences. In this activity you can choose on either spending the day around the most popular Lake Kawaguchi and five lakes of Mt Fuji, starting from a perfect shot at the Arakurasengen Park for a panoramic view of Mt Fuji and the five-story pagoda on your background etc,. The other choice will be Hakone well-known place for its hot spring resort, Hakone Shrine with its torii gate standing on the Lake Ashi where cruising is also recommended and ride a ropeway to reach for another scenic view from 1327 meter high. Your guide will be picking you up at your requested central location in Tokyo at 8:30 am. Lunch will be served with the local traditional dish of the region at your expense. Please tell us how you would like to spend your day and we will be happy to give you the best of it.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup/drop-off, Round-trip private transportation by air-conditioned minivan, Private guide (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean professional guides are available), One bottled water per person

Exclusions: Entrance fees (hot spring, museum etc.), Food and drinks, Lunch