Top Tokyo Art & Culture

Explore the steel and glass jungle of Tokyo in a new light during this photography workshop. Improve your composition techniques with the help of a local photographer who joins you on an adventure in two Tokyo neighborhoods: Shimbashi and Ginza. Capture skyscraper-strewn landscapes and dramatic views of the city’s architecture. This small-group photography experience, perfect for novices and experts alike, is limited to six participants.

Turn something old into something new during this lesson in the Japanese art of "Kintsugi," the practice of repairing broken pottery. Stemming from a Japanese belief that breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, rather than a reason to throw them away, your class involves repairing damaged items with lacquer mixed with gold. Don a "samue" as you refinish one traditional pottery item, leaving with a newfound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and a unique souvenir.

If you want a souvenir that is completely different to anything you might find in the shops, create your own in this glass blowing experience at the Tokyo Glass Art Institute. Choose what you want to create, as well as the color, shape, and design, and, under close instruction, create your own unique glass artwork.

Learn to draw manga from a professional manga artist in Nakano. During this class, use the manga tools provided to you, such as screen tone, manga pens and ink and manga paper. Whether you're just starting out or a practicing manga artist who would like to hone your skills, the instructor will tailor their teaching to your skills. Take home your completed piece of art as a souvenir.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Japan when you learn the magical technique of Edo kiriko. Make faceted glass with your own hands and experience a traditional craft from the Edo period. A professional instructor teaches you unique techniques, and you bring home a souvenir you made yourself.

Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a relaxing experience at the award-winning Spa Damai Daikanyama in Tokyo. Select a time that fits your schedule and choose from a variety of spa treatments such as a shiatsu massage, a detoxifying oil massage, a couples massage, or a facial and head massage.

Creative and artistic travelers will love the chance to take an old piece of pottery and breathe new life into it. Kintsugi is a unique Japanese art form where broken pottery is repaired with gold, creating a beautiful and new object. Learn the techniques and philosophy of the art from a master, with the assistance of an interpreter. Bring your own broken piece from home to work on.

Book this brand new 2019 sumo experience offered by one of the most recommended local tour companies in Japan specialized in sumo activities! This one-of-a-kind sumo experience gives you a rare opportunity to be up and close with a retired sumo wrestler and learn everything about sumo directly from the master. Meet your master at a restaurant by the Kikukawa Station near the Ryokoku area, Tokyo, and have fun interacting with the retired sumo wrestler while learning the details of sumo history, culture, lifestyle, food, and everything else. You can also try some sumo moves or even try on the master's sumo belt called "mawashi". Chanko dinner is included.

Learn kintsugi from a charming artist/potter couple, who have decades of experience teaching this delicate and ancient technique. Tea + cake break included!

Tokyo’s Shinjuku district is home to the world’s busiest train station, so it can be overwhelming as a visitor to find your way through the crowds. This tour is your shortcut to finding the best photo locations in Shinjuku. You’ll discover secret spots that you wouldn’t find alone, as well as the classic sites, such as the Godzilla statue, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck. Traveling with a guide means you’ll learn about the area’s history as you explore.

Sharpen your photography skills as you visit three of Tokyo’s lesser-known temples and shrines on this 2.5-hour photography tour. Join a professional photographer as you sharpen your camera skills, learn tips to photograph traditional architecture, and find ways to add a human element to your compositions. Best of all, you’ll get to discover three of Tokyo’s ‘off the beaten path’ religious sites.

Whether you are travelling solo, with your significant other, or with friends/family, it is always hard to get a spontaneous photo to truly capture the moment. Don't leave it up to a stranger on the street, let me show you some of my favorite spots around Tokyo whilst snapping some great shots along the way. Don't worry if you feel a little awkward in front of the camera - I will make you feel comfortable! (And we will walk around together as travel-mate! So don't worry!) This tour will show you some well-known spots plus some hidden gems around Tokyo. Just bring your smiles! If you have a Suica/Pasmo/Rail pass, make sure you have this with you. Please note this is a walking tour so please wear some comfortable shoes! *if you have any question about the photo-session, contact me thru whatsapp or imessenger

Craft the perfect Tokyo experience during this 60-minute Japanese pottery lesson in Tokyo’s Omotesando neighborhood. Don a ‘samue,’ the traditional garb of Japanese craftsmen, as you learn to make a hand-crafted pottery item with the help of your professional instructor. Choose between making a chopstick-rest or a ceramic cup, learning the clay mixing and painting process for these artisanal objects in the process. You'll leave with new knowledge of Japanese culture, plus the perfect hand-made souvenir.

Enjoy a Japanese cultural experience by visiting the natural hot spring of Thermae-Yu. You won’t have to travel for miles into the countryside (where a lot of thermal springs are), as this facility is conveniently located in the center of Tokyo. Don’t waste a moment of time waiting in line, as entrance fees are included. Have plenty of space, as there are six baths, and two saunas to choose from.

Pottery is an art form deeply embedded in Japanese culture. As a visitor, it can be difficult to find a way to experience it. This tour offers just that. You can learn how to make pottery from a sensei (teacher) in central Tokyo.

Creative, craft-loving travelers will love the opportunity to make their very own Daruma dolls in the Chofu neighborhood of Tokyo. These cute, round dolls are considered to be good luck charms, and you can write your own wish on the doll to help it come true. Decorate the doll to your own tastes, and have a unique and personalized souvenir to take home with you.

Get more out of your travels in Japan by learning a new skill and creating a souvenir to take home. No need to worry about sourcing materials to bring to your class, as all equipment and materials are provided. This somemono lesson gives you the freedom to customize your stole, and choose which color and design you like the best.

Get acquainted with a real-life geisha during a cultural experience in Tokyo. An intimate encounter designed for travelers interested in Japanese culture, this tour includes a geisha performance, traditionally featuring songs, dances, and games, and refreshments such as tea and sweets. Learn about the history of the geisha and upgrade to include lunch and unlimited drinks.

Don't you think it would be great if a local guide familiar with Tokyo makes a perfect itinerary that satisfies your interest? Wouldn't you like to know a bit more than what are written in your guide book? Would you like a cheerful and friendly guide who tells you history and background of each spot? If you say "yes", why not enjoy Tokyo sightseeing with me? What are you most interested in? History, culture, religion, custom, food, art, architecture, fashion, latest amusement, everyday life of Japanese, or all of them? I'll guide you according to your requests. I really feel happy when my guests fully enjoyed their stay in Japan. I'd like to help make your trip more memorable and enjoyable! NOTE: It's a private tour, so you can change destinations flexibly; examples of other destinations are the Imperial East Garden, Shibuya, Roppongi, Odaiba, Yanaka, Sumida River cruise, Akihabara, Ueno, Ameyoko, Hukagawa (Hukagawa hudoudou, Kiyosumi garden, Hukagawa Edo museum) etc.

Step into the shoes of a traditional samurai warrior during this photoshoot in Tokyo. Choose from seven different 'kacchu' designs, the Japanese samurai armor, including some worn by famous warriors such as Date Masamune. Strike a pose with a spear or sword while the professional photographer snaps away; you'll take home digital copies of your favorites.

This tour is perfect for travelers with a sweet tooth, or those who are interested in arts and crafts. Learn how to make intricate Japanese Wagashi sweets during this fascinating small-group experience. Discover the history of this unique skill from an experienced chef, and make four seasonally-inspired sweets. Some may argue that the sweets are far too beautiful to eat, but you’ll get a chance to taste one at the end.

【OUTLINE】 Experience the essence of Japan at its vibrant best with Edo Kiriko, a traditional Japanese craft in which delicate patterns are carved onto glass. Select your favorite design from over ten beautiful patterns to carve along the sides or bottom, and carefully box your glass for taking back home. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 ・30 seconds on foot from Asakusa Station ・Select your favorite design from over ten samples to carve along the side and bottom ・Take home a souvenir you made yourself

Calligraphy Tokyo.  Enjoy a unique Japanese cultural activity of SHODO calligraphy in Tokyo. A shodo expert will kindly explain the connection between meditation and Japanese calligraphy and teach you how to use the brush to create strokes like the Japanese. Enjoy cultural activity of Japan on a 60-minute calligraphy class in Tokyo. Lessons will be held in order of hiragana, katakana, kanji. Kind Japanese teachers will instruct you in the tatami-style room.

Discover the art of bonsai, the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in an artistic shape, during this hands-on experience near Tokyo. Head to Bonsai-cho and learn various techniques for shaping and pruning bonsai trees while a guide answers any questions you may have. Learn about the history of bonsai, visit a bonsai garden or the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, and get an overview of everything bonsai.