Cultural encounters

Cultural encounters, every step of the way

To make sure you truly immerse yourself in your chosen destination we pack every single one of our tours with authentic cultural experiences. We’ve highlighted our favourite ones on each tour page in the ‘Authentic Experiences’ box; but for now, here are just a few examples of what you can look forward to…

TEA CEREMONY

A perfect display of Japanese culture, witness the preparation and performance involved in the ‘Way of Tea’. Enjoy this experience on almost all Japan tours.

SOBA NOODLE MAKING

One of the many, many types of Japanese noodles, learn to craft, roll and slice soba noodle dough before cooking and devouring the delicious results! Enjoy this experience on Jewels of Japan.

SUMO WRESTLING

Witness a sport that preserves many of Japan’s most ancient traditions – the rituals involved are as fascinating as the wrestling itself. Enjoy this experience on Japan Uncovered and Off-Beat Japan.

ONSENS & HOT SPRINGS

A historic pastime that is still around today, take time to relax in a Japanese onsen/hot springs and experience it for yourself on nearly all of our tours to Japan.

WASHI PAPER MAKING

Learn about this traditional process before getting your hands dirty making ‘washi’ (Japanese paper) the age-old way for yourself! Enjoy this experience on Discover Japan and Japan Uncovered.

MONASTERY STAY

Spend the night in a tatami mat room in a monastery at holy mountain Koyasan, and rise early to join the monks for their daily dawn chanting. Enjoy this on Off-Beat Japan.

ZEN MEDITATION

Begin your journey towards inner peace learning the basics of Zen meditation in Kyoto. Enjoy this experience on Japan by Rail.