Optional Tours in Japan

Should you wish to fill in a little of the free time on your tour, ViaJapan staff can prearrange one or more optional tours for you. The list below includes both sightseeing tours & cultural activities so you can choose to learn about the history of this fascinating country while visiting temples, shrines and castles or you can take a more hands on approach by participating in an experience or class which will provide an insight into life in Japan today.

Sightseeing Tours in & around Tokyo

Tokyo Morning Tour Daily, approx. 9:00-13:00 CHF50 Visit Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace East Garden & the Ginza shopping district.

Tokyo Grand Full Day Tour Daily, approx. 9:00-18:00 CHF110 Visit Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, Akasaka Guest House, National Diet Building, Imperial Palace East Garden, Ginza shopping district, Tasaki Pearls Gallery & Sumida River Cruise.

Mt. Fuji & Hakone Full Day Tour Daily, approx. 9:00-20:00 CHF160 Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station & Owakudani Boiling Valley. Take in the view from a boat on Lake Ashi & from a cable car. Return to Tokyo by Bullet Train.

Nikko Full Day Tour Daily, approx. 9:00-20:00 CHF155 Visit Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji & Kegon Waterfall.

Kamakura Full Day Walking Tour Daily, approx. 9:00-18:00 CHF115 Visit Hase Kannon Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine & the Great Buddha.

Cultural Activities in Tokyo

Make Your Own Sushi Class Monday, 2 hours CHF185 Learn how to make sushi from a sushi chef in a sushi restaurant.

Kimono Workshop Friday, 3.5 hours CHF198 Learn how kimono & yukata (summer kimono) are made. Learn how to dress in yukata. The yukata is yours to take home!

Taiko Drumming Course & Asakusa Walk Thursday, 3 hours CHF105 Learn the history of and how to play Taiko (Japanese drums).

Ninja Experience Wednesday, 2.5 hours CHF158 Unravel some of the mystery surrounding the Ninja. Learn armed & unarmed combat skills.

Discover the Secrets of Soba Making Saturday, 2.5 hours CHF158 Learn how to make soba, a type of noodles, & how to best appreciate their flavour.

Edo-Yuzen Silk Dyeing Experience Friday, 2.5 hours CHF155 Learn the history of this ancient silk dyeing techinque & make your own masterpiece!

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 3 hours CHF210 Experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony to gain an insight into traditional Japanese culture.

At Home with Mrs Shinobu Tuesday & Thursday, 4.5 hours CHF240 Visit a typical Japanese home for a glimpse of everyday life including grocery shopping & preparing lunch.

Japanese Traditional Cooking Class Friday, 4 hours CHF310 Make a traditional Japanese meal under the tutelage of a Michelin starred chef.

Aikido Experience Tuesday & Thursday, 4 hours CHF110 Try your hand at this Japanese martial art. Experience all aspects of an Akido disciple's training including preparing a healthy meal.

Sightseeing Tours in & around Kyoto

Kyoto Morning Tour (from Kyoto or Osaka) Daily, approx. 8:00-14:00 From Kyoto CHF65 From Osaka CHF95 Visit Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion & Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Kyoto Afternoon Tour (from Kyoto or Osaka) Daily , approx. 13:00-18:30 From Kyoto CHF65 From Osaka CHF95 Visit Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo & Kiyomizu Temple.

Kyoto 1 Day Tour (from Kyoto or Osaka) Daily , approx. 09:00-20:00 From Kyoto CHF125 From Osaka CHF155 Visit Nijo Castle, Golden Pavillon, Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo & Kiyomizu Temple.

Nara Afternoon Tour (from Kyoto or Osaka) Daily , approx. 13:00-19:00 From Kyoto CHF75 From Osaka CHF105 Visit Todaiji Temple, Nara Park & Kasuga Shrine.

Kyoto Maiko Night Tour Wednesday & Friday April - November CHF115 Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal & a dance performance by a Maiko (apprentice Geisha).

Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery Full Day Tour Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday CHF175 Outbound journey by Bullet Train. Visit Himeji Castle & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery.

Sightseeing Tours in & around Hiroshima

Miyajima & Hiroshima Full Day Tour Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday CHF480 Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Visit the Peace Memorial Park & A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima.

Please note:

• Operation days are a guide only as there are exceptions. Please contact us to confirm exact operation dates.
• It is not possible here to list all the Optional Tours which we can arrange. Please contact us for further suggestions.
• The contents of each Optional Tour are subject to change due to local circumstances and conditions.
• Not all Optional Tours include pick up from and drop off to hotels. Please contact us for precise details.