Japan · 2-HOUR EXPERIENCES
The 15 best 2-hour experiences you can book today, with the fare, the running time and who each one suits. Number one earned the slot; start there and work down.
Walk Kyoto’s Gion lanes in 2 hours, learn geisha and temple lore, and get a strong shot at spotting geisha in motion.
“So informative and especially beautiful at sunset. Our guide gave us great insight into the gion neighbourhood and geisha culture. Also pointed our good restaurants and rooftop bars. Truly time well spent.”
Kyoto’s 2-hour Ninja lesson teaches Kuji-In breathing, walking, and weapon skills with ninja outfits and pro photos.
“We had a fantastic experience! The instructor is knowledgeable, friendly, great English. It was a ton of fun and still accessible, even as a middle aged couple who is not very limber. They took lots of wonderful photos for us. I didn't know what to expect and thought it might be hokey, but it was not at all - very fun and legitimate.”
2-hour Osaka night walk for street food and a seafood market visit, with local guidance through Dotonbori, Hozenji, Doguyasuji and Kuromon.
“Support insight into Osaka street food scene Kaz was a knowledgeable local who took us some classic and off the beat spots”
A small-group ninja and samurai lesson in Tokyo with English sensei coaching, ninja meditation, shuriken and blow darts, plus sword practice.
“We had so much fun in this class! Not only was the instructor knowledgeable but he was also funny and fun to learn from. I never knew the history of Ninja and Samurai but he gave us great background information and were genuinely intrigued. We got a chance to throw ninja stars, swing a Samurai Sword, learn the difference between a Ninja Sword and a Samurai Sword and so much more! I highly recommend this great experience and I’m so jealous of anyone that gets a chance to take it for the first time as I wish I could do it over again!”
Become a Kyoto maiko in 2 hours: kimono, white makeup, wig, and an indoor photo studio shoot with 5 digital images. Price $152.
“The metamorphosis was a great experience itself: make up, kimono choice and dressing up in full Maiko gear. All in friendly atmosphere. And then the photoshoot with kind and professional photographer. I received ready photos earlier than expected and the result was phenomenal. What's important is that the photo session takes place in a professional studio (AC) and not anywhere outside, which is a bonus given temperature/humidity outside (2nd half of April) and a full make-up/heavy kimono on. I would deffinitely repeat the experience and I highly recommend.Read more”
Do a real Tokyo Kendo dojo session. Learn etiquette, gear up in armor, practice strikes, then spar in a mock tournament in 2 hours.
“Wow! What an experience. We got dressed up in full Kendo gear and learned the technique and history. Teacher was fun and accommodating. So much fun”
2-hour Osaka street food walk through Dotonbori and Namba with a guide, Hozenji Temple stop, and Glico Man photos.
“I could ask a lot of questions which I was curious about and was shown parts of Osaka I haven’t seen!”
Street Kart Tokyo Bay 2-hour street go-kart tour across Rainbow Bridge to Tokyo Tower, with costumes and guide photos.
“We had a blast doing this activity. We were actually in Tokyo traffic but felt very safe. Going over the rainbow bridge felt like a race track. Our guide was fabulous and took lots of pictures of us, which was appreciated.”
Paddle the Miyara River mangroves on Ishigaki in 2 hours, with friendly guides, simple SUP or canoe skills, and included photo data.
“Great trip. Nice chilled kayak on slow water, easy for any level of kayakers. Leader was very attentive and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend if you want to get close to nature”
Small-group Kintsugi workshop in Namba Osaka. Use 23K gold powder in a traditional Kura studio, then take your repaired plate home.
“What a fantastic and informative experience. So much fun to take a calming moment from the busy city to slow down with some art and history. I love my piece and can’t wait to display it when I get home. Thank you so much!”
Shinjuku after dark: Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho neon lanes, and Golden Gai tiny bars. Includes 3 drinks and 6 to 8 bites.
“Such a fun tour. Hiro was a great guide!! Lots of good food and drink and information about the Shinjuku area.”
Osaka’s small-group kendo lesson with an English-speaking instructor, etiquette and core moves, plus sparring practice, water, and a towel.
“We had an excellent experience learning the basics of Kendo. Our instructor was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was a great way to learn about the culture and get a good workout.”
Kyoto kendo lesson for beginners: armor rental, towel and water included. Learn etiquette, rules, footwork, then spar.
“The teacher was very friendly. The progression from learning footwork, then weapons on a dummy, to a match against each other made it pretty easy and fun to follow along. One of our earlier concerns was the meeting at the train station, Read more”
A 2-hour hands-on sushi roll design class in Sapporo, led by Yuki, with pickup options, English help, and take-home rolls.
“Truly kind and patient, Yuki was the best host we could have for this 2h sushi's class. I highly recommended to attend her class. Now we will do homemade sushi's 😊”
Four vegan ramen mini bowls across Shibuya and Shinjuku, guided in English, with gluten-free options and flexible broth choices.
“Honestly some of the best ramen I have ever had in my life, and we'd never have found it without the tour. The guide included tons of awesome information about japanese food culture and the history and makings of ramenn as well. We had a last and would absolutely recommend this to everyone.”
Pick the experience, read what travellers said, book the good one.
