Museums · JAPAN
The good museum tours in Japan sell their time slots weeks ahead. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Enter teamLab Planets TOKYO barefoot and move through vast rooms of light, water, flowers, sound, and mirrored surfaces. Your movements affect parts of the art. A timed ticket costs $25, lasts one day, and requires an official voucher plus ID. Wear trousers that roll above your knees.
“Amazing. Immersing yourself within the art will have you smiling and in tears. Worth it.”
Use a QR code to enter Osaka Castle Tower and the Toyotomi Ishigaki Museum. Explore Toyotomi and Tokugawa exhibits, see buried stone walls, and enjoy Osaka views from the top. The ticket is valid for one month, with no fixed visit time, though the tower closes at 6:00 PM.
“Was able to bypass the super long line and jump into the rebook ticket spot”
Spend about an hour with an English-speaking guide such as Nami, Kenny, or Shin, examining samurai armor, helmets, swords, and ninja equipment. You’ll hear how these figures shaped Japan, throw ninja stars, then dress in samurai gear with a real helmet and metal sword for photos.
“We had such a fantastic time visiting the Samurai Museum with Ken (I think!) as our guide. The visit was super engaging and fun for the kids — they were captivated from start to finish — and we adults also learned a lot along the way. The format was just right: not too short, not too long, and really well balanced. Even though we were part of a big group, Ken managed it perfectly so that everyone felt included and comfortable. Highly recommended!”
At Chazuna in Uji, learn how tea becomes matcha, grind tencha by hand, and whisk your own cup with an English-speaking instructor. Hideko, Keiko, Yano-san, and others have led warm, clear sessions. Your ticket also covers the interactive tea museum and its playful photo displays.
“Amazing experience! It was so informative and well designed. Exceeded expectations!”
Spend about an hour at Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum with a guide such as Nobu, Raito, Saku, or Naromi. You’ll hear a clear introduction to samurai and ninja culture, see swords and armor, try on a costume, pose with a replica sword, and throw ninja stars. It is lively, compact, and best for families and first-time visitors.
“The session was very interesting and the practice sessions were fun . The Instructor was great. The history very fascinating”
Meet at the Samurai Ninja Museum in Asakusa for a one-hour English-guided visit featuring samurai armor, swords, costumes, a sword lesson, and a shuriken competition. Guides such as Kenny, Akira, Hikaru, and Mimu bring the displays to life, though activities can vary by session.
“I worked with two other people to find small ninja stickers in one room. They found them and I got a sticker. It was fun dressing up as a Samurai.”
At Samurai Ninja Museum TOKYO, you’ll learn about Japan’s ninja and samurai past, dress in ninja clothing, practice with ninja stars and other weapons, pose for photos, and join a treasure hunt. The 75-minute activity suits families, but children under three cannot take part.
“Was a great experience. Very enjoyable and entertaining. Staff were very friendly and interactive. Good experience and highly recommended”
Spend about 8.5 hours visiting Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, and Ghibli Museum Mitaka. A guide such as Mika, Michiko, or Yoko may lead the day, while you explore the Ghibli Museum on your own. Lunch, admission, and coach transport are included.
“Our guide was awesome, we basically got off our flight and did this trip and it was great. Super informative and lovely. Will remember it for a long time”
See two Kyomai dances performed by a Kyoto geiko or maiko in the Inoue style, then explore costumes, obi, hair ornaments, makeup, photographs, a water garden, art cafe, and shop. The performance lasts about 15 minutes, but you may remain in the museum afterward.
“I enjoyed the performance and taking a picture with Maiko, highly recommended if you’re in Kyoto”
Dress in hakama, armor, and a helmet, then learn a short katana routine with an English-speaking instructor such as Ryo or Koki. Your two-hour visit also includes a samurai and ninja museum tour, photo time, and shuriken practice. Children under six cannot enter.
“From the moment we stepped in, we were transported into the world of the samurai. The 2-hour experience flew by, filled with excitement, hands-on learning, and immersive storytelling. It wasn’t just a lesson—it was a journey back in time. You don’t just watch—you become a samurai. Holding a real sword, learning precise movements, and performing a traditional sword dance at the end made us feel like true warriors. It was thrilling, empowering, and something we’ll never forget. The guides were incredibly friendly and patient, making sure everyone, from adults to young kids, felt comfortable and engaged. They took their time answering questions and guiding us through each step with care…”
At Art Aquarium Museum GINZA, you’ll see goldfish presented as living art through dramatic tanks, colored light, music, and scent. The compact museum takes about an hour and changes some displays with the seasons. It suits photographers, families, and anyone seeking a calm indoor stop in central Tokyo.
“This was a great addition to my last day in Tokyo. Located inside a department store, it was easy to find. I spent maybe 30 minutes walking around and take pictures. I had tickets midweek and at 1030am so only few other people were present and I was able to take beautiful pictures without interrupting others. The gift store had wonderful souvenirs.”
Spend one hour with an English-speaking guide such as Miu, Akiko, or Sayo exploring samurai and ninja history in Kyoto. You can wear samurai armor, try a replica sword, throw ninja stars, and pose for photos. The tour is wheelchair accessible and designed for small groups.
“Wonderful! So interesting and so fun! It is the perfect balance between keeping the people interested and letting them interact ! It was honestly so nice”
Spend three hours with a local guide exploring Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter, and castle. Guides such as Maria, Ihsan, Leo, Mehak, and Bilal explain the bombing, daily life, recovery, samurai culture, and the meaning behind the memorials.
“Having a tour guide makes this important stop in Hiroshima much more worthwhile than trying on your own. Maria provided an informative insight to understanding this complicated time in history. She met our needs and knew her information”
At Osaka’s Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum, choose a beginner, intermediate, or advanced printing course and create a multicolor ukiyo-e on Japanese paper. An English- or Japanese-speaking instructor, including the warm and patient Saya, guides you through painting, baren rubbing, and pressure control in a private tatami-room class.
“We had a great time making our wood block prints. Doing this exercise gave us a greater appreciation of other work on display in the gallery which had taken many more wood blocks to complete. I would highly recommend doing wood block printing when in Osaka”
At Tokyo Samurai and Ninja Museum in Asakusa, you’ll wear a full ninja outfit, learn basic ninja techniques, throw ninja stars, use a blowgun, and join a treasure hunt. An English-speaking guide leads the 75-minute activity, with time for photos and a museum visit.
“We got to do the ninja experience. It was so cool and our instructor was amazing!”
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