Kansai × Japanese Culture Tour

Discover amazing Japanese Culture experiences in areas.Kansai

Showing 7 experiences
Nara Todaiji Temple Guided Walking Tour
4 hours

Nara Todaiji Temple Guided Walking Tour

◆Introduction Uncover the charm of Japan’s ancient capital, Nara, in just half a day with this walking tour. Visit iconic landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Todai-ji Temple and Kofukuji Temple, and learn about the freely roaming deer in Nara Park. You can even try hand-feeding the friendly deer with optional deer crackers! Enjoy a stop at a local sake brewery and experience the best of Nara. Perfect for travelers coming from Kyoto, just a 30-minute train ride away. ◆Included ・Guide ◆Excluded ・Drink and Food ・Admission fees ・Transportation fees ◆Itinerary ■Meeting point: Nara Station ■Nara Park In Nara can you witness hundreds of deer roaming freely. These friendly deers often follow tourists, hoping for a treat of deer crackers. You'll have plenty of time to interact with them and capture memorable photos. ■Nigatsu-do Nigatsudo Hall, with its charming wooden terrace and lantern-adorned roof, offers a stunning backdrop for photos. Perched above the city, it’s a hidden gem where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Nara. ■Hokke-do Hokke-do Hall, believed to be the oldest structure at Todaiji Temple, houses remarkable 8th-century Buddhist statues, showcasing unique craftsmanship from ancient Japan. ■Great Buddha Hall This magnificent structure, the world's largest wooden building, showcases the grandeur and influence of the temple during the 8th century. ■Kasuga Grand Shrine Take a serene stroll through the tranquil forest surrounding Kasuga Grand Shrine. The vibrant vermillion shrine buildings, ancient stone lanterns, and hanging lanterns provide stunning photo backdrops. ■Kofuku-ji Temple The five-storied pagoda at this temple, built approximately 600 years ago, showcases remarkable craftsmanship. ◆Additional Information ・Comfortable shoes ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_7ee97d347b7b47c3ab9ac0dd9e172f9d~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_6ac3d3c14e3745739d04df04a0f128a9~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_31b51f2cd10943c385d31b7a41cfeffb~mv2.jpeg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_cc4c9b649e5d4c1584fb59ba4e23100b~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_1c432bb9ca3c41989b82598d4a0db642~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_7921ee1d25d242e7b3bbba17186467c5~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_c553000536154e1c803e18a25464d0b2~mv2.jpg)

Nara Shrine / Temple Japanese Culture
¥20000~
Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour, Tasting 22 Sake
3 hours

Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour, Tasting 22 Sake

◆Introduction Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum for an in-depth look at sake, followed by tastings of a variety of sake styles at local bars. Discover the history, brewing process, and flavor profiles of sake as you sample several types produced in Kyoto. Visit the museum to explore sake history, and walk through Kyoto's sake brewing district to learn more. ◆Included ・Sake Tasting (18 varieties at a sake restaurant) ・Tour photos included ・Entry fee to Gekkeikan Okura Museum *Guests under 20 can substitute sake tasting with food or light snacks. ◆Not Included ・Additional meals or drinks (available for purchase) ◆Itinerary ・Chushojima Station (Pass through) Begin your Kyoto sake brewery and tasting tour in Fushimi. ・Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum Learn about the sake-making process at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Duration: 30 minutes, includes admission. ・Teradaya (Pass through) ・Kappa Gallery Discover the art of sake-making at the Kappa Gallery. Duration: 30 minutes, includes admission. ◆Additional Info ・Wheelchair inaccessible ・Not recommended for pregnant individuals ・Not suitable for those with heart conditions or other serious illnesses ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_1785f125e3fb4743bef00fc6360cf1a6~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_e00696c1ae594057b0fd8a5ed8e26823~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_c70f2c793a6e4bbe97796b93255201c6~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_d7180a173b4e41be950b681fff3c8934~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_acff9d4f4115472b8c76ef0a93aed1f7~mv2.jpg)

Kyoto Japanese Culture Bar Hopping
¥14400~
Nara Small Group Tea Discovery Tour
45 minutes

Nara Small Group Tea Discovery Tour

◆Introduction ・Quiet and luxurious time This time and space in a traditional Japanese house will allow you to forget the fatigue of traveling and enjoy and learn about Japan with all five senses. ・Tea Tasting Discover your perfect cup among various types of tea. Experience the depth of Japanese tea culture while savoring the unique characteristics of each tea. ・Interaction with Locals Spend time with local Nara shopkeepers and learn about Nara's culture and history from their perspective. The friendly conversation with the shopkeepers will deepen your understanding of Nara. ・Historical Exploration Explore the history of Nara with the shopkeepers. Under their guidance, you will gain a deep understanding of Nara's historical sites and the stories behind them. ・Memorable Souvenirs: Once you find your preferred tea, you can take it home as a souvenir. Relive your special memories of Nara with each tea time. ◆Included ・Specialty Tea Snacks Enjoy local snacks specially made to pair with our tea. Taste a piece of Nara's culinary history. ・5 types of Japanese tea Embark on a tasting adventure through five different Japanese teas. Discover a world of flavors from sweet to umami. ・Traditional Japanese Sweets We have several kinds of traditional Japanese sweets carefully selected by the master. You can choose one of them to enjoy. ◆Itinerary ・This restaurant is located in a renovated traditional Japanese house. Here, you can compare five types of Japanese tea and even make your own matcha. Find your favorite Japanese tea. ・Some teas are aromatic, such as matcha, while others are easy to drink with roasted tea leaves. By tasting five different kinds of Japanese teas, you will be able to find the one you like best. The tea is then served by the master in a way that brings out the best flavor of the tea leaves. For accompaniments, we serve traditional Japanese sweets. Time in a traditional Japanese house surrounded by silence makes you forget time. ・Everything in this restaurant is made in Nara, from the serving utensils, trays, tea leaves, sweets, and furnishings. In particular, we use traditional crafts that have been handed down for hundreds ◆Additional Info ・This tour/activity will have a maximum of 3 travelers ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_01247de7d07d4694ae633d664450ebd5~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_bfa8c940a5634c18bfd12d42af823ac0~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_d433cba6875a46c4b12ca0335c4acada~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_e42bd3d5355945b8bfa0a7dad8967615~mv2.jpg)

Nara Japanese Culture
¥3500~
Nara Private Customizable Full-Day Tour
8 hours

Nara Private Customizable Full-Day Tour

◆Introduction This customizable private tour in Nara is perfect for guests who want to plan their itinerary based on interests and preferences, allowing them to experience the city at their own pace. ◆Included ・An 8-hour fully customized tour made on your behalf with reservations ・Tour guide ・Hotel pick-up and drop-off ・Transportation within the city only ◆Not Included ・Tips (optional) ・Fees for optional tours, activities, and tour guide for guests ・Meals, food, and drinks not specified ◆Itinerary: ・Yakushi-ji Temple (Pass by) Address: 457 Nishinokoguchi-cho, Nara City, 630-8563, Japan ・Heijo Palace Museum (Pass by) Address: 3-5-1 Nijouji Minami, Nara City, 630-8012, Japan ◆Additional Info ・Hotel Pickup (for hotels located in the city center) Transportation options include public transportation (utilizing the excellent train and bus systems). ・Planning and arranging a trip takes a considerable amount of time. Additionally, if bookings are made on your behalf, it can be very difficult to cancel the reservation requests. ・Once we receive your booking and responses from the custom tour form, we will begin organizing the itinerary, arranging the tour guide, purchasing tickets, and making venue reservations for the tour. Please note that if the trip is canceled after planning has started, a service fee may apply. ・If you have any specific requests or preferences regarding the tour, please feel free to include them in the input form. ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_31b51f2cd10943c385d31b7a41cfeffb~mv2.jpeg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_1c432bb9ca3c41989b82598d4a0db642~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/d3ae06_c553000536154e1c803e18a25464d0b2~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_6ac3d3c14e3745739d04df04a0f128a9~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_7921ee1d25d242e7b3bbba17186467c5~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_7ee97d347b7b47c3ab9ac0dd9e172f9d~mv2.jpg) ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/experiences/2e8e17_3b1e58e03bc44be38f96cd5def19028e~mv2.jpg)

Nara Japanese Culture
¥72600~
Step Inside a Secret Sake Estate: Hakushika Brewery Tour, Nishinomiya
2 hours

Step Inside a Secret Sake Estate: Hakushika Brewery Tour, Nishinomiya

**Welcome to a secret sake estate, hidden for a century.** Nada Gogo — Japan's most celebrated sake-producing region. In Nishinomiya, at the very heart of this district, a door to a normally closed world opens just for you. Gishun-en, the former headquarters of Tatsuuma Honke Brewing (Hakushika), was built over 100 years ago and remains closed to the general public. On this exclusive tour, you'll step inside this extraordinary space, learn the history and culture of sake from the brewery's own staff, and enjoy a guided tasting of three premium sakes. A dedicated interpreter guide accompanies the group throughout to ensure a smooth multilingual experience. Your journey begins at the Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake (Sake Museum), housed in an actual Meiji-era brewery. Next, visit the birthplace of Miyamizu — the legendary spring water essential to Nada sake brewing. At the site where water has flowed unchanged since the Edo period, discover the deep bond between Nishinomiya and the art of sake making. Then comes the highlight: Gishun-en, located within the brewery company grounds. Listen to a special lecture on Nada sake from the brewery's facility staff while savoring a tasting flight of three carefully selected sakes. After the tour, browse the brewery's direct shop for exclusive souvenirs. **Included** - Visit to the Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake (Sakagura-kan) - Visit to the Birthplace of Miyamizu monument and Miyamizu well - Exclusive entry to Gishun-en, Tatsuuma Honke's historic former headquarters - Sake lecture and tasting of 3 selected sakes at Gishun-en, led by facility staff - Interpreter guide accompanying the group throughout the tour - Free time to explore Sake Museum (Kinen-kan) and direct shop **Not Included** - Transportation to and from the venue - Personal purchases at the direct shop - Premium upgrade options (available upon request) **Schedule** - 00:00 Gather at Sake Museum (Sakagura-kan) and orientation (5 min) - 00:05 Visit to the Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake, Sakagura-kan (30 min) - 00:35 Walk to and visit the Birthplace of Miyamizu monument and Miyamizu well (25 min) - 01:00 Sake tasting and lecture at Gishun-en on the brewery grounds (60 min) - 02:00 Dismiss — free time to explore Sake Museum (Kinen-kan) and direct shop **Additional Info** - Facility staff of Tatsuuma Honke Brewing will guide you through the experience, with one interpreter guide accompanying the group. - Participants must be 20 years of age or older, as the tour includes alcohol tasting. Non-drinkers are welcome but pay the same fee. - Reservation only. Tour dates are subject to availability (closed on Tuesdays and during the New Year holiday period). - The tour runs rain or shine. In the event of a weather warning, the tour will be cancelled. - The museum shop and other on-site shops may be closed due to special events. The Sake Museum (Kinen-kan), available for self-guided viewing after the tour, may also be temporarily closed during exhibit change periods. - If you select the food pairing upgrade option, allergy information is required in advance. - Premium options are available upon request: upgraded sake selection for tasting and/or upgraded food pairing. - Minimum 6 participants, maximum 40 participants.

Kobe/Hanshin Japanese Culture
¥20000~
Nagoya Portrait Photo Session by mer Photo Session

Nagoya Portrait Photo Session by mer Photo Session

**mer Photo Session (mer撮影会)** is a Nagoya-based portrait photo session operator that organizes 1-on-1 shoots between photographers and models across Aichi and the Kansai region. For visitors to Japan who want to enjoy an authentic Japanese portrait photo session with a clear understanding of the rules and a smooth experience, **Holiday Travel provides full support — from booking assistance (availability check) to interpreter accompaniment on the day**. **[Important: Content varies by date]** mer's **model lineup, shooting locations, time slots, and campaign pricing** change with each event date. This page provides an overview of the series. Upcoming confirmed dates are posted on mer's schedule page, so please reach out with your preferred dates and we will check availability. We also accommodate requests such as "Can I join a photo session that fits my travel dates and area?" so feel free to inquire. --- **About mer Photo Session** Based in Nagoya (Aichi) with additional events in the Kansai region, mer runs **1-on-1 private portrait shoots** at carefully chosen locations — city parks, historical sites, flower gardens, and seasonal spots — with models trained in expression, posing, and portrait technique. --- **[Past Performers (Selected Examples)]** The model lineup changes with each mer event. Active models have included (partial list): - 1st generation: Jikimaru, KUBO, Nunu, Nono, Rako - 2nd generation: Waka - 3rd generation: Konatsu Seto, Emi, Miyu Otosaka, Haruka Minami, Oyu - 4th generation: Saki Tachibana, Yumeno Ishihara, Momo Momose, Miyami, Momona Shirakawa, Miyuki Kurage, Utane - 5th generation: Mol, Asuka Tsukimori, Serina Morimoto, Rena Hayami, Yuina Hanasaki, Asuka Tachibana, Mei Sayama, Sui Minase, Mai, Hiyori Arisu - 6th generation: Ana Chigasaki, Akira Hasegawa, Risa Sakurai, Yuika, Haru Ichinose *Please refer to individual event date pages on mer's website for the latest performer information.* --- **About Shooting Formats** **1) Weekend / Holiday Scheduled Sessions** - Scheduled photo sessions held on weekends at set locations (parks, gardens, historical sites) - Select your preferred time slot from the available slots for that day - Format is **1-on-1 private shooting** between the photographer and model **2) Weekday Request Shoots (Personal Shooting)** - A fully customizable format where you can **request the date, time, and location** - Minimum 2-hour booking, with plans available up to 8 hours - Accepted up to approximately 2 weeks before the shooting date - Time-based pricing with discounts for longer packages (4h / 6h / 8h plans) --- **[Pricing Guide]** Participation fees depend on the **date, model, time package, and whether it is a weekend or weekday**. Weekend / holiday shoots are subject to a 20% surcharge on base rates, and out-of-hours shoots (before 9:00 or after 19:00) may include an additional 20% surcharge. A travel fee may also apply when the shooting location is more than one hour from Nagoya Station. Park admission, kimono / yukata rental, and dressing fees are paid separately by the participant. **[Cancellation Policy]** - Within 168 hours of the event: 50% of the participation fee - Within 72 hours of the event / no-show: 100% of the participation fee - Experience times are based on local time Reference: https://mer-photo.com/terms --- **[What Holiday Travel Provides (Booking Assistance + Interpreter Accompaniment)]** This product is a service where **Holiday Travel** supports international visitors who wish to participate in mer photo sessions. Holiday Travel provides the following: **1) Availability Check for Slots Matching Your Preferences** - Based on your preferences (date/time, model, location, time package, etc.), we **check whether suitable slots are available** - Availability fluctuates constantly, so **securing a spot is not guaranteed** (slots close once filled, and reservations open on a set schedule two weeks before the event) - If no availability exists, we will suggest alternative options with similar conditions **2) Interpreter Guide Assignment for the Day (On-Site Accompaniment)** - On the day of the photo session, we **arrange and accompany one interpreter guide** - We support reception, understanding of rules and notices, meeting points, transportation, and time management so even first-time participants can enjoy the experience with peace of mind *Available languages may vary depending on the plan/date.* **3) Pre-Event Rule Explanation + Troubleshooting Support** - We **organize and clearly explain in advance** the rules specific to mer photo sessions (e.g., permitted shooting areas, pose direction, no-contact policies, photo data handling, social media posting policies, cancellation terms, etc.) - On the day, we provide **on-the-spot interpretation and confirmation** as needed to prevent misunderstandings about rules - In case of any miscommunication (late arrivals, venue confusion, differences in understanding with organizers, etc.), we organize the situation and **provide support for smooth resolution** *However, final decisions and rule enforcement follow the organizer's regulations.* --- **[Request for Participants]** Photo sessions are operated under rules set by mer. For a safe and enjoyable experience, **please be sure to follow the on-site guidance and rules.** Holiday Travel provides careful support from booking to the day of the event so that everyone can enjoy the experience with confidence.

Nagoya Kansai Photo Session Cosplay / Gravure / Portrait Japanese Culture
¥50000~