Ryogoku is the heart of Japan’s sumo world. Located in Tokyo, this historic district is home to the national sumo stadium, numerous training stables, traditional chanko restaurants, and a variety of sumo-related attractions. Deeply connected to the sport’s rich traditions, Ryogoku offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of rikishi (wrestlers), who live, train, and dine together in their heya, or sumo stables. Experience the intensity and discipline of sumo firsthand as you attend asa geiko, the wrestlers’ morning training session, and witness these remarkable athletes in action.

It’s time to dine like a sumo wrestler with a traditional meal of chanko nabe. This hearty Japanese hotpot features chicken, fish, tofu, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavourful broth. While naturally nutritious, the generous portions enjoyed by wrestlers help support the intense demands of their training. Many of Ryogoku’s chanko nabe restaurants are owned and operated by former sumo wrestlers, making this an authentic and memorable culinary experience.

Enter a boundless world of digital art inspired by nature and the elements. Wander through ever-changing displays of flowers, animals, and immersive installations that respond to your movements. Specially designed scents enhance select exhibits, creating a truly multi-sensory experience that engages sight, sound, touch, and smell.

Enjoy a delicious, hands-on experience as you learn to make your own sushi!

Escape to Hakone, a favourite retreat for Tokyo locals, where lakes, gardens, and shrines create a scene like a living watercolour. Cruise across Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji, then ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Boiling Valley, where sulphur vents and hot springs mark the volcanic landscape. Conclude with a visit to Hakone Shrine, hidden among towering cedars along the lakeshore.

One of Japan’s most impressive fortresses, Matsumoto Castle features a five-tiered, six-story main tower built in the late 16th century, the oldest surviving castle tower in the nation. Surrounded by a broad moat, graceful swans, and cherry blossoms each spring, it is also among the country’s most photogenic landmarks.

Discover the tradition of Sarubobo, a beloved folk doll from Japan’s Hida region that symbolises good luck, protection, and happiness. During a hands-on workshop, create your own Sarubobo to take home as a unique keepsake and reminder of this local tradition.

Explore Takayama with a guided tour that begins at the lively Morning Market, where vendors sell local crafts and fresh produce. Then wander the Old City, with its preserved wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and narrow streets that evoke the charm of Edo-period Japan.

Step into traditional rural Japan as you explore distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Learn about the village’s unique architectural heritage and take in the surrounding mountain scenery at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover Nara, where history and tradition come to life. At Todai-ji Temple, marvel at the 50-foot bronze Buddha, dedicated in AD 752, and learn the story of its symbolic “eye-opening.” Continue to Kasuga Grand Shrine, famed for its thousand bronze lanterns. Conclude with a stroll through Nara Deer Park, home to wild deer once regarded as messengers of the gods and still protected as a national treasure.

One of Japan’s best-preserved imperial cities, Kyoto, is home to more than 2,000 temples and shrines. Visit Kinkaku-ji, the famed Golden Pavilion, whose top floors gleam with gold leaf above a reflective pond. Continue to Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of bright red torii gates wind up the hillside. Conclude at Sanjusangendo Temple, with its hall of 1,000 life-size guardian statues.

Osaka’s 16th-century castle, renovated in 1997, anchors the city’s historic past even as futuristic architecture pushes it forward. Take in sweeping views from the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory, rising 168 metres above the skyline. Then dive into the city’s vibrant food culture at Kuromon Market before strolling through the neon lights and lively canals of the Dotonbori District.

Enjoy an okonomiyaki dinner and experience one of Japan’s popular culinary traditions. This savoury dish combines a batter with a variety of ingredients cooked together and topped with flavourful sauces for a memorable taste of Japanese cuisine.

Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan with a one-day park pass. Experience thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and live entertainment inspired by popular movies, characters, and stories, with plenty of opportunities to explore the park at your own pace.