Want something extra for that ultimate authentic experience? - these optional tours are recommended ...

Magical Japan has an extensive booking network in the Far East which enable us to provide comprehensive add-on options. Most of these tours are operated on a daily basis.

Optional Tour Excursions

Imperial Palace (drive by), Tasaki Pearl Gallery, Sumida River Cruise, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Nakamise Shopping street, Kappabashi (drive through), Ueno and Akihabara (drive through). Traditional Japanese lunch at Ginza Isomura included.

Full day guided tour to Nikko National park, a designated World Cultural Heritage site. Nikko is a gem of natural beauty and home to some of the most spectacular examples of ancient architecture in Japan. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Toshogu shrine, which houses the Mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. We also visit the stunning Tamozawa Imperial Villa, constructed in 1899 and which served as the Tokyo residence of the Tokugawa family and later a summer retreat for the Imperial Family. Afterwards we visit the spectacular Kirifuri waterfall. Japanese style Lunch included.

With our professional tour guide we take local trains to Kamakura, the small and fascinating former capital city. Your professional guide will take you on a walking tour of Kamakura including visiting the Great Buddha, Hase Kannon Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Includes Japanese style lunch.

Our English speaking guide will take you to the famous Ghibli Museum, to see Hayao Miyazaki's Animation world of wonder.

Guided Afternoon tour available Mon, Wed, Frid. Pickup service included.

Experience the traditional Japan's sport of Sumo. With our english speaking Guide visit Tokyo's Sumo Museum & Ryogoku Kokugikan and view historic sumo-related objects from the Edo period to present day.

Afterwards enjoy the spectacular Dohyo-iri (entering the ring ceremony) by the Sumo's and see exciting sumo Tournament matches from your reserved seat. English commentary is available on radios which will be provided by our guide.

Departs Jan 8-22, May 6-20 Sep 9-23 Daily

Relaxing evening cruise along the Sumida River, which runs through central Tokyo. See the neon lights of Tokyo whilst enjoying a special evening dinner (Japanese Western style). Meet our english speaking assistant near the pier, who will help you board your boat. Taxi drop off services to your hotel after the tour is included. Dinner may be changed to western style buffet on Friday, Sat & Sun. Includes tea & coffee, other beverages will incur additional charge. Vegetarian options can be provided, please specify at time of booking.

2 nights tour including all transport between destinations including bullet train, local trains, Nohi bus and meeting assistant at Nagano to help board train to Yudanaka.

Departs from Tokyo to Yudanaka via Nagano by bullet train, where you stay one night in a traditional Ryokan with outdoor spa facilities (incudes dinner in Ryokan). Later visit the nearby snow monkey park on your own (entrance fee not included).

After breakfast in your Ryokan transfer by train to Matsumoto where you are free to visit the famous 'crow' castle. stay overnight in Matsumoto. The next day travel by train & Nohi bus to Takayama.

Option available for both our Japan Explorer & World Heritage tours.

Lake Kawaguchi, is one of the Mt Fuji lakes nestled near the base of the famous mountain. Your stay will be in a Ryokan (tradition Japanese style Inn) in a Japanese style room. Relax in indoor and outdoor 'Onsen' baths and hot spring spa's with spectacular views of Mt Fuji. Later enjoy a traditional Japanese meal served with fresh local seasonal ingredients. Fishing and hiking is also possible along the lakeside. This a completely unforgettable experience, and can be incorporated into all our Japan holiday Packages and tailor-made itineraries.

Include breakfast and dinner at your Ryokan. Round trip from Tokyo by Highway bus (approx travel time 1.45 hour)

Tsukiji Outer Fish market & Sushi workshop (Departure Mon* & Frid*) £150

Tokyo Authentic Kimono Tour (Depart Mon* & Frid*) £95 -£120

Become a Ninja & Samurai warrior Tour (Depart Wed*) - £140

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (Depart Wed* & Frid*) - £75

* Availabilty will be confirmed upon request. Pick up service from hotel incl.

We can also arrange a hotel upgrade or Ryokan accommodation in Hakone, staying in either a western style or traditional Japanese style room. Both opens available with outdoor 'Onsen' spa facilities. Ask for details.

Nara is the ancient capital city of Japan and is known as the cradle of Japan's arts & crafts. This restful and rural city was were Buddhism first flourished in Japan and is therefore home to many ancient temples and historic relics.

Our tour departs from Kyoto and includes Japanese style lunch: Itinerary includes visiting Todaiji Temple, Nara Deer Park, Kasuga Shrine. (tour price increases during the weekend & on special dates).

This option is available for most tours visiting Kyoto. However the tour operates on certain days per week only, therefore please enquire when booking.

Our guided coach tour includes visiting Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall & the magnificient Kiyomizu Temple. Kiyomizu temple is simply unmissable and is a must visit location, made even more famous by the film 'Memory of Geisha'.

Attend a traditional Tea ceremony, enjoy the most nutritious Zen style Tempura supper. Later visit Gion Corner and watch a a delightful pageant of seven Japanese traditional arts with Geisha and Maiko. (Available on certain days only please check before booking).

Enjoy watching and arranging the unique Japanese styles of flower arrangement and compare them with Western styles.

Origami is the Japanese art of folding papar into various shapes. Try many kinds of folding papers “Crane” which is well known in the world, for display and practical one you can use in your daily life.

For women this is a great chance to wear a beautiful and authentic furisode style Kimono and for the men a chance to wear a haori and hakama.

Afterwards our teacher explains the secrets of Origami and we learn how to make many kinds animals for display such as the “Crane” and also practical Origami creations that can be used in daily life.

Learn the techniques and traditionals of the tea ceremony, which is such an important part of Japanese culture. Learn about the customs and hospitality of tea ceremony, and prepare a bowl of powdered green tea for yourself.

Afterwards our teacher explains the secrets of Origami and we learn how to make many kinds animals for display such as the “Crane” and also practical Origami creations that can be used in daily life.

Learn how to cook typical Japanese dishes such as tempura, sushi and other healthy home favorite at a Japanese private home with recipes written in English. Later you will also have chance to taste your culinary creations!

A full day tour with english speaking guide includes visiting Miyajima (Sacred Island) and the famous floating red Torii gates and also Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & museums.

This option is available for tours staying in Hiroshima, such as our '15 days Wonders of Japan tour'. However the tour operates on certain days per week only, therefore please enquire when booking.

Optional evening tour to Gifu to watch traditional Cormorant Night Fishing.

The custom has been preserved on the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture, where the fishing takes place at night under torch light. Japanese style box dinner included. Operates on certain days between May to October.