These traditional working class neighborhoods of Tokyo developed between the 15th and 19th Centuries are now known for their historical buildings, traditional atmosphere and vibrant street life. 

Despite being home to over 30,000 bars , finding one in Tokyo can be intimidating and hard to source due to their often hidden locations. Exploring the scene with a well versed author and resident is the key.  

Hakone is located in the shadows of Japan’s most famous mountain, Mt Fuji. Exploring its National Park we will visit the famed Hakone Shrine, walk along the Mishima Skywalk and visit the Enoura Observatory, all the while Mt Fuji looming in the distance.  

From Sendai station we visit the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery. Japanese whisky production is relatively new, with a history of only 100 years. We counteract that with a visit to Kirin Beer Brewery, arguably Japan's most popular alcoholic drink today. 

Explore the stalls of Omicho market to seek out the finest sushi in the region, as well as seeing the wonderful old Machiya style wooden homes in Kanazawa's tea district before enjoying our own tea ceremony. 

Embark on a morning visit to the Tsukiji Market with your Travel Expert and Chef Yoshi, a 4th generation sushi master who will guide you through lunch with your own sushi creations. 

Uji is a picturesque town located between Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan's former capital cities, known for its tea fields, tea shops and sacred temples. We engage with a resident monk to learn more about Japanese meditation techiques.. 

Nikko has been a centre of Shinto and Buddhist Mountain worship for many centuries, and together with Nikko National Park, offers a combination of culturally important shrines with scenic, mountainous landscapes and hiking trails.

Japanese knives enjoy global recognition for their sharpness and craftsmanship, and they are top of the shopping list for most visitors to Japan. Here, we elevate this experience as not only will you be able to take a home a personalised Japanese knife, but participate in its preparation.

Shounji Temple, located in central Tokyo is a Zen temple that is rarely open to the public but with private access we enage the head monk to provide a meditation class for our guests followed by learning the art of ikebana - the unique form of flower arrangement.

Arashiyama is well known for it’s Bamboo Forest, but there are some fascinating places in Arashiyama that escape the crowds and our selection of temples and shrines allow you to experience the quiet contemplation that the that the nobles found here all those centuries ago.

Wagashi refers to a diverse and artistic category of traditional Japanese confections that are often enjoyed with tea. Learning the seasonal terms and themes behind the sweets will bring them to life in your imagination even before you begin the process of creation.

Following a strict code of conduct, we follow the ways of the Samurai through its swordmanship and their daily way of life, lived with discipline and focus.

Tokyo remains one of the world's most modern citys. But here we explore the pockets of nostagia that remain, where there are no towering skyscrapers and life moves at a slower place, work and daily life exist in close proximity and there is a strong sense of community.

Osaka is known for two things – its love of food, and its love of all things fun, making it the perfect family destination. On this program we get hands on as we explore some of the fun and quirky sides of this city.