PRIVATE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN
Step deeperinside Japan.
Rare private experiences found only in Japan, with local guides in your language.
PRIVATEYour own experience
LOCAL CONNECTIONSMeet the people behind the craft
24 HOURSA personal reply
THE TAKUMI COLLECTION
Meet the people. Enter places rarely open to visitors.
Spend time with the people who protect and carry on Japan’s culture. Discover Japan’s depth.
Sumo
Inside a working sumo stable
Feel the intensity of morning practice, just a few steps from the ring.
Japanese sword
Meet swordsmith Genrokuro Matsunaga
Watch the master work at his forge in Kumamoto. Then take the hammer yourself.
ART BONSAI
The world of artist Kiyomi Tatsumoto
Shape a landscape on natural driftwood. Take a piece of Japan home with you.
FEATURED DESTINATIONS
A different Japan, in every place.
EXPERIENCES IN TOKYO
Special moments in Tokyo
Sumo Morning Practice — The Real Thing, Not a Show
Dawn inside a working sumo stable, a few steps from the ring.
Sushi-Making with a Chef
Watch a chef up close, then shape your own nigiri at the counter.
Private Head Spa
A Japanese head spa in a private room, from 20 to 90 minutes.
Mochi Pounding and Tasting in Ten Flavours
Pound steamed rice with a wooden mallet and taste the mochi fresh.
Create Your Own Art Bonsai
Finish your own art bonsai on a natural driftwood trunk, and take it home the same day.
EXPERIENCES IN KYOTO & KANSAI
Tradition, quietly alive.
Wear the Armour of a Samurai
Wear samurai armour and learn how a warrior handled the sword.
Fushimi Inari Local Walk
Walk the torii tunnels with a local guide, away from the busiest paths, with the stories behind the shrine.
Four Varieties of Ramen — A Tasting Experience
Taste four varieties of ramen near Kiyomizu-dera, with the story behind each bowl.
Private Taiko Workshop
Learn one piece from a professional drummer and perform it together.
OMAKASE PRIVATE TOURS
Your day.
Your pace. Your guide.
Tell us about your ideal trip. Across Japan, a private guide creates a route just for you, books the tables and sets the pace.
MOMENTS TO SHARE
Pound the rice.
Share the moment.
The sound of a wooden mallet. The taste of freshly made mochi. Join us in Shibuya, as a family or a group of up to 20. We can also come to your hotel or event.
Discover mochi pounding
THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOUR JOURNEY
Local connections. Lasting memories.
Japan, in your language
Our local guides share the stories behind each place, connecting you with the people who make it special.
Directly connected
We work directly with the stables, forges and ateliers, so you meet the people behind the craft.
A reply within 24 hours
No fixed plans yet? Tell us your interests and dates. We will help you find your way.
FOR OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
Connecting Japan and the world.
For travel agencies, hotels and brands. From cultural journeys to new business connections.
Business interpreting
For trade shows, negotiations and delegations. Your language, understood.
Explore the serviceChinese visitor marketing
Authorised advertising agency for Amap (Alibaba Group). Amap, Fliggy, Alipay and RED.
Explore the serviceTravel partnerships
Bring our experiences and local guides into the journeys you create.
Explore the serviceCraft for trade
ART BONSAI and Japanese swords, for hotels, retailers and brands.
Explore the serviceTHE TAKUMI SHOP
Take a piece of Japan home.
Crafted by the people you meet. One-of-a-kind pieces, commissions and trade enquiries.
Japanese swords
From a government-certified swordsmith. Purchases and commissions on request.
View swordsEnjoyed by over 500 guests.
LET’S CREATE YOUR JOURNEY
A journey that stays with you.
Tell us your dates and interests. We reply within 24 hours.