JAPAN
Japan's classics.
The 15 most popular show tours in Japan. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Tokyo sumo show with geisha dance, English-Japanese commentary, all-you-can-eat chicken hot pot, and ring-side photo. 2 hours.
“Such a great experience, very entertaining, interactive & informative. Would highly recommend.”
Sumo up close in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. Watch and participate at Tokyo Sumo Room with optional training and a chanko-style meal. 90–120 min.
“Amazing amazing show! Great hosts and sumo wrestlers were very entertaining and funny! We went for my husband’s birthday and everybody was so welcoming, friendly, and consistently wishing him greetings which was very kind of them. Happy we chose this dojo!!!!!!”
A 90-minute Tokyo sumo show with retired wrestlers, interactive sparring, and a tonkatsu plus chanko soup lunch. Great value.
“This was a fun and entertaining experience. The host was great and the wrestlers were entertaining and friendly. I wouldn't say it was a deep dive of sumo but a cursory history and overview which I didn't mind and knew going into it. I appreciated the opportunity to engage as much or as little, along…”
A 90-minute Shinjuku sumo show with pro wrestlers, bilingual explanations of rituals, a dohyō challenge, and an included photo.
“This was a great introduction to the world of Sumo! The MC was fantastic and the wrestlers were so happy to share their art form with the audience. Totally worth it!”
Tokyo’s Samurai Restaurant show in Shinjuku blends neon samurai theater with dancers and 2 included drinks, lasting about 90 minutes.
“5* experience, do not miss this! The performers were sensational, full of energy and charisma. Staff were extremely friendly, all round great time!”
Coach day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Lake Ashi cruise, and Hakone Komagatake ropeway, with optional lunch.
“Loved our guide. I was afraid there might be a lot of walking but no, it was great. Wonderful to see the countryside during the bus ride. Lunch was really good. Beautiful mountains!”
A 90-minute Shinjuku sumo show with live sparring, English explanations, and a chance to wear a sumo outfit and challenge wrestlers.
“The best show I’ve seen all year! I really appreciate how friendly they are and how well they explain their techniques. Thank you wake and Mauri and team! My whole family truly enjoyed the experience.”
Osaka sumo show plus audience bouts, kimono haori try-on, wrestler photos, and optional chanko nabe hot pot at Ochiizumibeya.
“Great. Wished we had gotten the meal with our ticket.”
VIP Asakusa sumo show with geisha dance, bilingual commentary, A5 wagyu sukiyaki, chanko nabe, drinks, and a ring challenge.
“Amazing show. Everyone involved made it as entertaining as possible. Business seats are expensive but 100% worth the money for the high quality food and drinks.”
A small-group Gion walk and Maiko performance in Kyoto, with a real chat and optional lunch, tea, or dinner. Respectful and practical.
“This tour surpassed our highest expectations! Ken is a knowledgeable and engaging guide. The walking tour took us to major locations within the historical district and along the way we learned about the history as well as the current functioning of the geisha culture. The dinner was at a local restaurant in kaiseki style, each…”
A guided Gion walk in Kyoto plus a maiko show and Q&A, with culture stops, temples, and optional dining—small group, easy pace.
“Kenta was a wonderful guide. We gained so much insight into the world of geishas. Sitting with the Maiko at the end of the tour and being able to ask her questions was priceless”
A close-up maiko performance in Kyoto with two short dances, Q&A, photos, green tea, and a traditional game in a tea house or Gion Theater.
“An enjoyable unique experience, communication was excellent prior to the event with easy instructions on where to meet. Once we got there everything was explained and the dance, Q & A and learning about Maiko’s was very interesting. The game was fun and I would recommend this experience although it was a little expensive.”
Watch Kenbu sword dancing in Kyoto, then try basic katana and fan moves in a short interactive mini-lesson for $32.
“Great show with very professional and attentive performers!”
Watch samurai drama at Kanda Myojin Shrine with dinner, drinks, and a live performance plus photos with the cast in Tokyo.
“Great show with a very friendly cast who made us feel very welcome and explained the show to us. Food was great and very reasonably priced and drink package was very good.”
Watch former sumo pros on an elevated stage in Osaka, enjoy a bento or snack and drink, then meet the wrestlers for a commemorative photo.
“We learned about Sumo and the history. It was interactive at points and fun learning some Sumo excercises, some people even challenged the Sumo Wrestlers. Could have been a little cheaper but was still a worth while experience!”
