Experiences You Cannot Find on a Tour Website
Go beyond the usual Japan itinerary with experiences built around local people, places, food, crafts and traditions. Japan Hand helps you discover the Japan that most visitors never get to see.
Select a Experience You Need.
Sake Tasting
Discover Japanese sake styles, regional bottles and what actually suits your palate.
Craft Beer Experience
Explore Japanese craft beer through specialist bars, breweries and favourites.
Umeshu Tasting
Try traditional, dry and barrel-aged Japanese plum wines with a local guide.
Japanese Whisky
Explore remarkable Japanese whisky, rare bottles, specialist bars and local distilleries.
Shochu Tasting
Discover sweet potato, barley, rice and regional shochu styles with local guidance.
Ramen Experience
Taste regional ramen styles and discover the broth, noodles and traditions behind them.
Working Seafood Market
See a real working seafood market and discover Japan’s freshest local catch.
Fishing Port Day
Meet fishing communities, See working ports and experience seafood where it begins.
Japanese Home Cooking
Cook and share an everyday Japanese meal inside a real local home.
Yatai Street Food
Spend an evening eating, drinking and meeting locals at Japanese street stalls.
Store Food Hall Tour
Explore Japan’s extraordinary food halls, regional specialities, sweets and food gifts.
Soba and Udon Making
Make traditional Japanese noodles by hand with a local maker, then enjoy them.
Wagashi Sweet Making
Create seasonal Japanese sweets with a maker, then enjoy them with tea.
Matcha and Tea Farm Day
Visit tea fields, learn production, taste matcha, and discover regional tea traditions.
Fish Auction Access
Enter a working fish auction early, understand the process, and enjoy breakfast.
Omakase Sushi Counter
Secure a hard-to-book sushi counter and enjoy expert etiquette and support.
Kaiseki Dinner Access
Experience kaiseki dining with courses explained and dietary requirements arranged before visiting.
Sushi Making Class
Learn sushi making with a chef, then enjoy what you have made.
Wagyu & Yakiniku Evening
Enjoy premium wagyu or yakiniku with grades explained and ordering handled for you.
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Experience Japanese tea ceremony while learning its philosophy, utensils, and seasonal traditions.
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of experiences does Japan Hand arrange?
We arrange experiences focused on Japanese food, drinks, crafts, local life, traditions and regional communities. Many are designed around places and people that are difficult to discover or access independently.
Are these private experiences?
Many experiences can be arranged privately or around your own group. The exact format depends on the experience, location and the local people involved.
Can you arrange experiences outside Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka?
Yes. We can arrange experiences across Japan, including regional and rural areas. Availability depends on the location, season and the experience you want.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No. A local helper can accompany you and interpret throughout the experience, including conversations with makers, hosts, shopkeepers and local communities.
Can you create an experience that is not listed?
Yes. Our Custom Experience service is for unusual or specific requests. Tell us what you are interested in, where you will be staying and what you would like to do, and we will see what can be arranged.
How much do the experiences cost?
Pricing varies depending on the experience, location, duration, group size, language and what needs to be arranged. Tell us what you are interested in and we will provide a price before anything is agreed.