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 all of our Japan tours.

Traditional tea ceremony

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 our Jewels of Japan tour.

Noodle making

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 tours.

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.

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 on Off-Beat Japan tour.

Monastery stay

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 the Discover Japan and Japan Uncovered tours.

Washi paper making

ZEN MEDITATION

Begin your journey towards inner peace learning the basics of Zen meditation in one of Kyoto’s beautiful old temples. Enjoy this experience on our Japan by Rail tour.

Read more about the incredible cultural experiences in Japan in our new 2022-23 Japan brochure