Experiencing Japan's unique history is an essential part of any trip into the country. And when it comes to Japan, perhaps there is no image stronger than that of the samurai and ninja.

The spirit of the samurai is known as Bushido, or "the way of the warrior." And now, there are authentic experiences where you can learn all about the spirit and etiquette of bushido, and the art of sword fighting. There are also a variety of other experiences to suit your schedule and needs, from simple photo shoots wearing samurai armor or kimono, or posing with katana, to others that include learning the techniques!

Similarly, the ninja experience will immerse you deep into Japanese culture, complete with technique instruction and photo opportunities, transporting you right back into the past. Most experiences typically last from one to two hours.

One of Japan's distinctive culinary experiences is the izakaya, a style of dining in which a variety of foods, from light snacks to hearty meals, is served along with alcoholic beverages. It is one of those fascinating parts of culture that is so routine for the locals, one would never expect it to be such a hit with so many international visitors! And indeed, the izakaya is one of the essential parts of Japan's food and drinking culture.

Izakaya culture is not about going to just one restaurant, however. Rather, it’s customary to go "izakaya hopping” by enjoying one or two drinks in one spot before heading off to the next. However, if you are not familiar with the area and its shops, it may be difficult to navigate which restaurants to go to, what to order, and whether you can even get there in only three hours in the first place. That’s where an Izakaya Experience Tour comes in, which will introduce you to the way of the izakaya, as well as recommend all the delicious dishes you’ll want to try during your visit.

These tours are held in various locations, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yotsuya, as well as local areas. Just choose the one that’s closest to you!

Thanks to its high quality and diversity, Japanese cuisine has become super popular all around the world. But we recommend not just eating them, but learning how to make them yourself! That way, you can continue to enjoy the taste of Japanese cooking well after you’ve returned back home.

Sushi and ramen noodles are amongst the highest ranking of foods people want to try in Japan, and now, you can learn how to cook it on your own. Other kinds include traditional Japanese dishes, character bento, and Japanese sweets, all of which can be considered distinct parts of Japanese culture.

If you’ve ever wanted an up-close look at the daily life of an ordinary Japanese family, to know more about Japan’s daily food culture, or an experience that sightseeing alone cannot provide, then Japanese cooking classes are a must-try!

Japan is home to a number of wonderful traditional crafts and artisan techniques, many of which are highly regarded all around the world. These crafts feature a quality that cannot be achieved through machines or mass production with their own unique value and charm, as no two pieces are the same!

So why not experience these time-honored traditions and artisan skills for yourself? It’s an incredible opportunity to witness the work of professional artisans who have honed and refined their craft over the course of many years.

There are many words in Japanese culture that end in the suffix, “do (道),” such as kado (華道/flower arrangement), shodo (書道/calligraphy), chado (茶道/tea ceremony), and budo (武道/martial arts). The word "do" signifies a path of dedication and daily refinement, expressing a distinctive Japanese philosophy.

Among these, calligraphy, flower arrangement, and tea ceremony are collectively known as the “san-do (三道/the three do),” as they are the three most widely recognized. San-do offers a way to connect with the values and spirit that Japan has held dear since ancient times, including graceful conduct, attention to detail, and the way of looking at things and nature.

All the experiences featured here can be completed within three hours, with some lasting as little as one. When time is limited, joining an experience tour just might be the safest bet. Because while, of course, physical souvenirs are indeed wonderful, nothing quite beats the precious gift of a unique experience that you’ll only have in Japan!