Japan Crafts & Culture Journey
Ideal for families interested in Japan's traditional crafts and culture, this 10-day self-guided tour takes you through Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, and Nara, where you'll experience hands-on workshops for all ages and interests, and discover the artistry behind Japan's most beloved traditions.
With hotel arrangements included, featuring a stay at a traditional ryokan and travel by Shinkansen, the journey blends cultural highlights with workshop options like calligraphy, omamori making, traditional dyeing and more, while giving you free time to explore at your own pace.
Curated by
Tour Highlights
Traditional Craft Workshops
Experience hands-on Japanese crafts like calligraphy, omamori making, and traditional dyeing, among others.
Iconic Cultural Destinations
Explore Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, and Nara, visiting temples, historic streets, and scenic cultural landmarks.
Authentic Ryokan Stay
Spend a night in a traditional Japanese ryokan near Mt. Fuji, including a relaxing atmosphere and traditional dinner.
Where you'll stay
Take a look at the stays included in your tour, all inspected and guaranteed by Untold Japan.
The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku
Boutique hotel facing Shinjuku Central Park, with in-house bakery, grill, and tapas lounge, a short walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station.
Ryokan Style Stay near Mount Fuji
A unique ryokan stay in Kawaguchiko area, with access to hot springs, and Mount Fuji views.
CANDEO HOTELS Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku
Four-star hotel in central Kyoto, 3 minutes from Karasuma-Oike Station, with a rooftop sky spa.
Properties shown are representative, your actual accommodation will be those or equivalent quality, all vetted by Untold Japan.
Premium upgrade available
Upgrade to superior hotel stays, hand-picked by Untold Japan for an elevated experience and higher room categories.
What's Included
- •Shinkansen tickets: Return bullet train transfers between Tokyo and Kyoto.
- •Train / bus transfer: From Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, Mt. Fuji area.
- •Airport pickup and drop-off.
- •9 breakfasts: On days 2–10.
- •1 dinner: At your ryokan near Mt. Fuji on day 5.
- •Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto (premium upgrade available).
- •Ryokan stay in Fujiyoshida / Kawaguchiko, Mt. Fuji area.
- •Local guided tours in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara.
- •Hands-on craft workshops like calligraphy, omamori making, traditional dyeing and more.
- •Exclusive discounts on additional tours through the TOMOGO! app.
- •Entry to temples, cultural sites, and experiences included in the itinerary.
- •Welcome package including your full itinerary, tickets, and travel guide for the trip.
What's Not Included
- •International flights to and from Japan.
- •Visa fees and Japan entry registration (requirements vary by nationality).
- •Travel insurance: Please arrange for insurance for yourself and all companions before arriving in Japan.
- •Meals not listed in the itinerary (lunches, dinners, and drinks unless specified).
- •Optional activities and tours not included in the itinerary.
- •Transportation costs outside of included transfers.
- •Hotel city taxes if applicable.
- •Personal expenses: Snacks, drinks, shopping, etc.
Standard Tour
¥1,000,000
Up to 4 travelers: 2 adults & 2 children
Curated by
Itinerary
- Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, make your way to your hotel in Tokyo by public transit or private transfer (available as an add-on). The Skyliner Limited Express takes around 35–40 minutes to Nippori Station.
- After checking in, the evening is yours. Restaurant recommendations provided, or browse day tours in the TOMOGO! app to get a head start on Tokyo.
- Meet your local expert at Asakusa Station for a guided morning in Tokyo's oldest district, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and the Kaminarimon Thunder Gate.
- Choose between two TOMOGO! tours: the Calligraphy Experience, a spiritual walk through the historic Shitamachi streets ending in a hands-on calligraphy session, or the Asakusa Timeless Charm Tour, shaped around your interests before you arrive.
- Afternoon and evening free with restaurant recommendations.
- Morning free to explore at your own pace.
- In the afternoon, choose between activities like Tenugui Towel dyeing or Omamori charm making, where you'll craft your own traditional Japanese souvenirs to take home.
- Evening free with restaurant recommendations.
- Send your luggage ahead to your Kyoto hotel via luggage transfer before checking out.
- Make your way from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station by choice of train or private car (approx. 2 hrs).
- Afternoon highlights include Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba traditional village, the Dragon Cave, and Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine.
- Check in to your accommodation in Kawaguchiko for the evening.
- Check out of your accommodation and take a taxi to Mishima Station (approx. 50 min), then board the Shinkansen to Kyoto Station (approx. 2 hrs).
- After hotel check-in, your local expert meets you in the lobby for the Kyoto Omakase Tour, an afternoon shaped entirely around your interests, from cultural landmarks and hidden streets to street food and upscale dining.
- Evening free with recommendations.
- Meet your local expert at Kyoto Station for the Kyoto Heritage Walk: temples, shrines, and the hidden streets of the city's historic heart, with personal restaurant recommendations along the way.
- In the evening, visit teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, Japan's largest permanent teamLab museum, with over 50 immersive artworks that respond to your presence and movement.
- Evening free with recommendations.
- Travel from Kyoto to Nara by train (Nara Line) and meet your local expert at Nara Station. Walk through Nara Park, home to over 1,000 freely roaming sacred deer, and visit Tōdai-ji Temple, housing one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues.
- Afternoon free to explore the Nara National Museum or the preserved machiya townhouses of Naramachi historic district.
- Evening free with recommendations.
- Check out of your hotel and board the Shinkansen back to Tokyo (approx. 2 hrs 10 min).
- After hotel check-in, choose between activities like a guided painting session or a calligraphy class, among others.
- Evening free with recommendations.
- A full day to revisit anywhere you missed, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or simply wander.
- Browse available tours in the TOMOGO! app to make the most of your final day in Japan.
- Check your room thoroughly before checkout and transfer to Narita or Haneda for your departure flight.
- Thank you for travelling with TOMOGO! Pathways, we hope to see you back in Japan soon!
“Highly recommended”
This was perhaps one of the best tours I've been on. Completely devoid of the typical tourist traps and gave a taste of local life.
Juan Lansang
“We had a great time”
We wished the tour was longer because we really had a great time. We learned a lot about the culture and the areas we were going.
Jeanne Swart
“An amazing experience”
Had an amazing time learning local history and exploring hidden neighborhood gems I wouldn't have discovered on my own!
Eunice K.
10-Day Japan Nature & Heritage Escape
Discover Japan's natural beauty through temples, mountains, villages, and stunning seasonal scenery.
Up to 4 travelers for
¥1,000,000
2 adults & 2 children
10-Day Japan Pop Culture Adventure
Dive into Japan's fun side through anime, arcades, street food, and entertainment everyone will love.
Up to 4 travelers for
¥1,000,000
2 adults & 2 children