Himeji, Japan – April 3, 2016: Himeji Castle with beautiful cherry blossom in spring season. It is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture
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There are plenty of destinations around the world where spontaneity and simply ‘winging it’ is perfectly acceptable.
Japan is not one of those destinations.
Tourism in Japan reached an all-time high in 2025. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), demand for immersive experiences has not only surged significantly in recent years, but as inbound tourism hits record highs, travelers who plan ahead and secure their spots to the hardest-to-book reservations and museum tickets will be glad they did.
If you’re planning a visit to Japan in the coming months, or if you’re looking to give the gift of a highly immersive and memorable moment to someone you love, from karate classes with a martial arts master in Okinawa to a behind the scenes snack bar tour in Tokyo, here are some great gift-able reservations, tours, and experiences to book in advance.
Forbes10 Essential Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors To JapanBy Michelle GrossThe gift of Japanese kintsugi
Woman repairing broken pottery at home. Kintsugi.
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A centuries-old Japanese art form that dates as far back as the 15th century, kintsugi is rooted in the philosophy of embracing life’s imperfections. Led master craftsman Daisuke Shimizu, TOKINOHA ceramic studio in Kyoto is a memorable hands on experience. For guests of HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a new and exclusive kintsugi tour includes a studio visit and chance to commission a one-of-a-kind, custom-made piece. Guests can also participate in the process of making their own unique piece to take home for a truly memorable souvenir. The three hour kintsugi experience and tour includes one repaired piece of pottery per-person and starts at $1,630 for a group of four.
ForbesHow To Eat Your Way Across Japan Without Leaving HomeBy Michelle GrossteamLab Planets Tickets in Tokyo
teamLab Planets’ highly anticipated expansion increases its footprint by 150% with more than 20 new pieces of artwork.
teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets is not only one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions, but the interactive creative art museum expanded recently and now includes an extensive space that’s themed entirely around education. New exhibits include a multi-dimensional creative Athletic Forest, a Catching and Collecting Extinct Forest where visitors can capture and study extinct animals, and a collaborative space for co-creation at Future Park. You can purchase tickets in advance starting at $25 per person. Children ages 4-12 is $10 per person and children under 3 are free.
Karate and spa package in Okinawa
Led by master Ippei Yagi, a practitioner of Goju-ryu, a traditional Okinawan style, this signature program at Halekulani Okinawa immerses guests in the birthplace of karate.
Halekulani
Okinawa is considered the birthplace of karate, and led by master Ippei Yagi, guests Halekulani Okinawa will learn the basic techniques of this ancient martial art. This bookable package, called Discover The Islands Soul, includes lunch, dinner, and a signature spa treatment at Halekulani’s destination spa, as well as your very own karate gear that comes embroidered with your name on it. While the movements and techniques are easy to learn, this experience will create a lasting connection to Ryukyu culture. $890 per person.
A traditional snack bar tour in Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan – April 3 , 2018 : Famous place Japanese local steet food at Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku tokyo in spring season , decorated with sakura cherry blossom very beautiful scene
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Japan’s snack bar culture is alive and well in cities across Japan. Now, guest’s of Andaz Tokyo can experience a behind the scenes guided walking tour called The Nostalgic Soul of Tokyo Today that explores the music, flavors and nightlife of Tokyo’s bygone era. From paying a visit to a local vinyl record bar spinning 70s city-pop classics, to visiting an intimate Obanzai (home cooking) restaurant that serves family-style comfort food, and joining a lively karaoke session at a local bar, your English-speaking guide will take you behind the scenes to explore a side of Tokyo that very few foreigners have a chance to see. $783.64 (excluding service charge and taxes) per room.
A bike tour across the Japanese Alps
Cycling in Kyoto, Japan
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Ideal for the outdoor enthusiasts, tour company EF Adventure’s new Japan Multi-Adventure: The Japanese Alps & Shikoku is a 12-day guided biking tour that takes travelers beyond the well-trodden Tokyo–Kyoto route and into Japan’s countryside.
Travelers will have a chance to hike through Kamikochi’s alpine valley, raft Oboke Gorge, cycle the world-famous Shimanami Kaido, soak in Dōgo Onsen, and dine on traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine along the way. $6,299 per person including guided experiences, accommodations, most meals, and cultural activities.
ForbesHotels Across Japan Are Gearing Up For Cherry Blossom SeasonBy Michelle GrossA sweet treat experience
Monaka reflecting the image of cherry blossom petals. The monaka is a Japanese traditional cake
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Traditional Japanese sweets, there no better way to experience the seasonality of Japan like sampling wagashi. For travelers interested in making these sweet and delicate treats themselves, Simply Oishii Wagashi School is a great place to hone your skills. The two and half hour class starts at $155 per person and includes a cup of matcha.
The gift of train travel across Japan
SHIZUOKA, JAPAN – April 13, 2019: Shinkansen run pass through Mt. Fuji and Shibazakura at spring. Shinkansen, super high speed railway, operated by Japan Railways companies.
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A Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a a great gift idea for travelers who are planning on spending time exploring Japan. It’s best purchase train passes in advance. Seven day JR Pass starts at $341, and 14 day JR Pass starts at $546 per person.
ForbesThese Gorgeous Photos Will Make You Want To Book A Trip To Japan ASAPBy Michelle GrossA Japanese ninja experience
Samurai ready for action
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History lovers and fans of Shogun will appreciate a visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum now open in both Toyko and Kyoto. This unique tour experience includes a 30 minute guises tour in English and gives you a first hand look at what it was like to be a samurai and ninja in Japan’s sengoku and edo periods. Part of the interactive experience, you’ll also have a a chance to dress in traditional ninja garments and practice ancient sword techniques in a training area against an opponent or watch a samurai sword demonstration. Tickets are $17 per person and should be purchased in advance.
A pizza omakase dinner
The Pizza Bar on 38th is one of the most coveted reservations in Tokyo right now, so make sure to make your reservations well in advance.
Michelle Gross
Pizza is having a major moment in Japan right now. At the top of The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Tokyo, Pizza Bar on 38th is an intimate, eight-seat culinary experience that is not to be missed. Currently ranked the #1 pizza in Asia Pacific, the hotel’s executive chef Daniele Cason has curated a memorable omakase-style tasting experience that has quickly become one of the most coveted reservations in town. Dinner includes two glasses of beer or wine or non-alcoholic beverages. $215 for two people and gift certificates can be purchased in advance.
A cultural walking tour in Kyushu
Japanese female friends hiking in Kamakura to enjoy walking in nature covered with fresh green leaves and viewing the scenery from the top.
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Over the course of 10 days and 9 nights, tour company Walk Japan recently introduced a new Saga and Nagasaki: Cultural Crossroads tour that explores two historic prefectures in western Kyushu.
Available year round, this fully-guided, easy walking tour winds its way from coastal sea towns to the rural countryside where you’ll stay in traditional Japanese ryokans (inns) and soak in local onsens (hot springs) along the way. Saga and Nagasaki tour prices starting at $4,244 per person (based on double occupancy).
An IKON Pass in Hokkaido
Yotei, Niseko Hokkaido Japan
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Hokkaido is considered a ski and snowboarders paradise, and now with the The IKON Pass, sports enthusiasts can maximize their time on the slopes. Ikon pass holders now have access to some of Japan’s most famous mountains including Niseko United, Arai Mountain Resort, Shiga Kogen, Myoko Suginohara, Mount T, Furano, APPI Resort, NEKOMA Mountain, and Zao Onsen. The Ikon Base Pass starts at $1,099.
READ MOREForbes10 Essential Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors To JapanBy Michelle GrossForbesHotels Across Japan Are Gearing Up For Cherry Blossom SeasonBy Michelle GrossForbesThis Luxury Hotel Brand Is Opening Its First Hotel In JapanBy Michelle Gross
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