This private and customizable tour for Shirakawago is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. 

Discover Shirakawago at your own pace on this fully customizable 4-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences.

With many options and attractions to choose from in the city, it may seem easier to just choose a set tour that’s already available out there, but after you book this Custom Tour, we’ll work closely with you on designing the perfect tour that is only for you. To make it easier for you, after the tour is booked, you’ll receive a Custom Tour form with various potential options and themes for you to easily choose from. We’ll also consider all your preferences: whether you are into Japanese culture, history, food, nature and scenery, seasonal experiences such as Winter Illuminations, or other, you’ll be able to easily make your selections and identify any spots on your wish-list before we start planning away for you.

As for mode of transportation, you’ll have the option to choose public transportation option (utilizing the excellent train and bus systems) or the private vehicle option (with a meticulously clean and comfortable chartered vehicle with personal driver) to take you around the city for your own comfort. The choice is yours. We are just here to make the planning and arranging process easy for you.

Price: Select number of people under Booking Request for pricing

 Included:

• 4-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf (restaurant or other venue reservations must fall within tour hours)
• Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)
• English-speaking professional tour guide (or other language may be available based on request)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)

Excluded:

• Meals, food and drinks not specified
• Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide
• Gratuities (optional)

PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:

After your booking, you will receive a link to the Shirakawago Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Shirakawago Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date

Attire

The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests. Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour. Children that are age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult that is age 18 or older.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

What if I’ve visited this city before on a previous trip?

Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences.

This private and customizable tour for Aomori is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. 

Discover Aomori at your own pace on this fully customizable 4-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences.

With many options and attractions to choose from in the city, it may seem easier to just choose a set tour that’s already available out there, but after you book this Custom Tour, we’ll work closely with you on designing the perfect tour that is only for you. To make it easier for you, after the tour is booked, you’ll receive a Custom Tour form with various potential options and themes for you to easily choose from. We’ll also consider all your preferences: whether you are into Japanese culture, history, food, nature and scenery, seasonal experiences such as Winter Illuminations, or other, you’ll be able to easily make your selections and identify any spots on your wish-list before we start planning away for you.

As for mode of transportation, you’ll have the option to choose public transportation option (utilizing the excellent train and bus systems) or the private vehicle option (with a meticulously clean and comfortable chartered vehicle with personal driver) to take you around the city for your own comfort. The choice is yours. We are just here to make the planning and arranging process easy for you.

Price: Select number of people under Booking Request for pricing

 Included:

• 4-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf (restaurant or other venue reservations must fall within tour hours)
• Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)
• English-speaking professional tour guide (or other language may be available based on request)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)

Excluded:

• Meals, food and drinks not specified
• Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide
• Gratuities (optional)

PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:

After your booking, you will receive a link to the Aomori Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Aomori Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date

Attire

The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests. Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour. Children that are age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult that is age 18 or older.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

What if I’ve visited this city before on a previous trip?

Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences.

How far in advance should I book?

Preparing a customized tour requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. For Custom Tour bookings that are requested with less than 7 days before the travel date, we may not be able to arrange your custom tour in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

This private and customizable tour for Shirakawago is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. 

Discover Shirakawago at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences.

With many options and attractions to choose from in the city, it may seem easier to just choose a set tour that’s already available out there, but after you book this Custom Tour, we’ll work closely with you on designing the perfect tour that is only for you. To make it easier for you, after the tour is booked, you’ll receive a Custom Tour form with various potential options and themes for you to easily choose from. We’ll also consider all your preferences: whether you are into Japanese culture, history, food, nature and scenery, seasonal experiences such as Winter Illuminations, or other, you’ll be able to easily make your selections and identify any spots on your wish-list before we start planning away for you.

As for mode of transportation, you’ll have the option to choose public transportation option (utilizing the excellent train and bus systems) or the private vehicle option (with a meticulously clean and comfortable chartered vehicle with personal driver) to take you around the city for your own comfort. The choice is yours. We are just here to make the planning and arranging process easy for you.

Price: Select number of people under Booking Request for pricing

 Included:

• 8-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf (restaurant or other venue reservations must fall within tour hours)
• Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)
• English-speaking professional tour guide (or other language may be available based on request)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)

Excluded:

• Meals, food and drinks not specified
• Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide
• Gratuities (optional)

PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:

After your booking, you will receive a link to the Shirakawago Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Shirakawago Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date

Attire

The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests. Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour. Children that are age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult that is age 18 or older.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

What if I’ve visited this city before on a previous trip?

Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences.

This private and customizable tour for Aomori is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. 

Discover Aomori at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences.

With many options and attractions to choose from in the city, it may seem easier to just choose a set tour that’s already available out there, but after you book this Custom Tour, we’ll work closely with you on designing the perfect tour that is only for you. To make it easier for you, after the tour is booked, you’ll receive a Custom Tour form with various potential options and themes for you to easily choose from. We’ll also consider all your preferences: whether you are into Japanese culture, history, food, nature and scenery, seasonal experiences such as Winter Illuminations, or other, you’ll be able to easily make your selections and identify any spots on your wish-list before we start planning away for you.

As for mode of transportation, you’ll have the option to choose public transportation option (utilizing the excellent train and bus systems) or the private vehicle option (with a meticulously clean and comfortable chartered vehicle with personal driver) to take you around the city for your own comfort. The choice is yours. We are just here to make the planning and arranging process easy for you.

Price: Select number of people under Booking Request for pricing

 Included:

• 8-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf (restaurant or other venue reservations must fall within tour hours)
• Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)
• English-speaking professional tour guide (or other language may be available based on request)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)

Excluded:

• Meals, food and drinks not specified
• Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide
• Gratuities (optional)

PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:

After your booking, you will receive a link to the Aomori Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Aomori Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date

Attire

The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests. Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour. Children that are age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult that is age 18 or older.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

What if I’ve visited this city before on a previous trip?

Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences.

The Olympics Old and New Architecture Tour explores both the previously-built and newly renovated or newly developed venues for Olympics in Tokyo. In this 4 hour tour, learn about the architecture, history and significance in these highly anticipated works of art that will soon be showcased to the world. 

For the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games 2020, there will be a total of 42 venues hosting the games. It is also one of the first times in Olympics history that foreign-born designers aren’t the ones designing the main venues for Olympics (all of the venues for Tokyo Olympics 2020 are designed by Japanese architects). 

Another fact that’s very unique and special for Tokyo Olympics 2020 is that most of the architecture for the games is old. Out of the 42 venues, 25 of them already exist in Tokyo, thanks to Japan’s plans to repurpose a number of the buildings constructed for the 1964 Summer Olympics (the last time Tokyo hosted the Games). 

In this 4 hour Olympics Old and New Architecture Tour, you’ll not only visit the most highly-anticipated and decorated Olympic Stadium by famous architect, Kengo Kuma, but you’ll also visit a few other structures—most of them inspired by Japanese tradition—that will put Tokyo’s architecture on the world’s stage by the summer of 2020.

Availability: Everyday from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM (except some holidays)

Location: Tokyo Bay (the directions to the meeting point will be provided after booking)

Price:
–     Standard: ¥13.000 per person

       Private: See pricing at checkout

The private experience is for your group only (others cannot join this experience). Maximum number of people for the private experience is 15 people.

       Add-on: 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour: See pricing at checkout

The 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour will include an English-speaking guide. This tour can be conducted before the Olympics Old and New Architecture Tour from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Public transportation costs are included. Admission fee or other optional activity fees for guests and tour guides are not included.

Included:

• English speaking guide
• Photo opportunities

Excluded:

• Food and drinks
• Souvenirs (available for purchase)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests, and the cost is the same for all ages.

Payment

All bookings is payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or PayPal. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Standard Cancellation Policy:

Will we enter the venues?

The Olympics Old and New Architecutre Tour will visit some of the most important Olympics venues in Tokyo, but guests will not be able to enter the venue (there may be openings for venues after the Olympics is but not before). You can marvel at the architecture of the venues and learn about their cultural significance from outside the venues.

The Sumo Tournament Experience in Tokyo with Japan Awaits is an experience at the famous Grand Sumo Tournament that occurs only three times a year in Tokyo (January, May, and September). The experience allows guests to learn about sumo traditions and culture with an English-speaking tour guide (expert in sumo wrestling) while watching one of the most exciting sports in Japan.

Sumo originated in Japan and is one of Japan’s most well-known sports. It is considered as a gendai budo (Japanese martial art) with a history spanning many centuries. The sport is known for its highly regimented rules and strict traditions for its wrestlers. Most sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal heya (sumo training stables) with all aspects of their daily lives, including their meals and how they dress, closely monitored.

The Sumo Tournament Experience is a 4-hour experience at the official basho (sumo tournament) with a group of up to 17 people. On this tour, not only will you learn about many ancient Japanese traditions that have been preserved in sumo, including ritual elements such as the use of salt purification, you’ll also get to cheer on and greet the most famous sumo wrestlers in Japan as they are entering the stadium for their big match. Once you are inside of the stadium, you’ll be seated at B-class reserved seats (or C-class in some cases), which has the a great overview of the match with chair seatings in the stadium. You’ll learn about the history and culture of sumo wrestling, as well as learn about some of the most famous sumo wrestlers throughout history and today in Japan. Enjoy the intense matches with explanations from your expert guide and cheer on your favorite sumo wrestlers along with dedicated local fans.

Availability: Tour from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on available dates during the Sumo Tournaments

Location: Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo

–     The directions to the meeting point will be provided after booking.

Price: ¥20,000 per person

Add-on: Additional ¥4,800 per person – Dinner at chanko hot pot or sukiyaki restaurant (experience and understand what sumo wrestlers normally eat with an English-speaking tour guide)

Included:

• B-class reserved seats or C-class reserved seats
• English-speaking tour guide (local sumo expert)
• Sumo information and/or pamphlet
• If selected, dinner at a local chanko hot pot restaurant to experience what sumo wrestlers eat (with explanations from tour guide). Sukiyaki or vegetarian option is available upon request (at least one week in advance).

Excluded:

• Hotel pick-up not included
• Meals and drinks are not included (unless dinner option is selected at checkout).

Dinner available (optional)

Chanko nabe, also known as “sumo stew”, is a Japanese stew (hot pot) that contains chicken stock as the soup base with various vegetables. Chanko originated from the Ryokoku area and sumo wrestlers are known to eat a lot of it because a large amount of chanko can be cooked at once and many people can eat at the same time, perfect for sumo wrestlers who are hungry from training.

If dinner option is selected at checkout, the chanko hot pot dinner will be the default meal (please let us know if you would prefer sukiyaki, vegetarian, or if you have any other special dietary requirements on the “Special Requirements” field at checkout. Please understand that once we have accepted your dinner request, changes cannot be made one week before the tour date.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement. Children must be accompanied by adult (18 or older). Adult pricing applies to all guests of any age, except infants and toddlers between age 1 and 3, which are free of charge, as long as they do not occupy a seat (infants must sit on parents’ laps). Please note you may be required to show your ID for proof of age at the venue.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Before the tour, please notify us if you or someone in your group will be in a wheelchair. Please note that there is a wheelchair storage area on the first floor of the stadium; however, your seats will be on the second floor. Guests must be able to climb up the stairs on their own (or with the help from a family member) as staff from Ryogoku Kokugikan will not be able to assist guests.

Food at the arena

No outside food or drinks are allowed in the arena, but food is available for purchase from vendors within the arena.

Seating Arrangement

B-class seats are usually reserved for this event (the seats will be on the second floor B chair seats, from rows 7 to 11). On some occasions, especially on the busiest days of the Sumo Tournament, B-class seats may not be available and the seats will be in the C-class section.

The tour will have a maximum of 17 people sitting in the same location with the English-speaking tour guide.

Crowds at the Arena

Please note that there may be a wait prior to seating, as we must wait for all sumo matches to end before entering. There may also be congestion at the Sumo Museum, in which the tour guide may ask guests to visit on their own since it would be difficult to walk around with a large group in a congested area.

Cancellation Policy

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

When do the sumo tournaments take place in Japan?

The official basho (tournaments) take place six times a year at various locations with each tournament lasting 15 days (start date and end date both land on Sundays). The exact dates vary, but takes place on the same months each year:

• January Tournament: Tokyo
• March Tournament: Osaka
• May Tournament: Tokyo
• July Tournament: Nagoya
• September Tournament: Tokyo
• November Tournament: Fukuoka