Top Hakone Events & Festivals in January 2026: Celebrate New Year’s Traditions, Hot Springs, and Winter Fireworks by Mt. Fuji
Hakone is one of Japan's premier resort destinations, long cherished as a hot spring town. Blessed with Japan's diverse natural environment including highlands, forests, rivers, and lakes, Hakone's famous Lake Ashinoko is also a spectacular viewpoint for Mt. Fuji.
The sight of Mt. Fuji quietly standing behind Lake Ashinoko presents a picture-perfect beauty.
You can enjoy the wonderful scenery created by nature throughout all four seasons, with seasonal events held regularly. With many historic temples and shrines, January in particular is packed with auspicious events to welcome the New Year 2026.
Although it gets cold enough for snow, the air is crystal clear, making it a perfect season to enjoy beautiful winter scenery. Let us introduce you to the must-see events in Hakone during this atmospheric winter season!
Throughout Japan, including Hakone, Magical Trip offers guided tours where you can explore local history, traditions, and food culture in depth with local guides.（Hakone Full Day Chartered Private Tour: Art & Nature）
Our most popular tour "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" was ranked as Tripadvisor's #1 tour in 2024.
For tourists visiting Tokyo, why not try a private car tour that lets you efficiently visit multiple attractions in a single day? With expert guides who know all the best spots, you can fully experience the region's traditions and rich food culture even in just one day.
These tours include hotel pickup and drop-off service, allowing you to visit attractions stress-free and efficiently. If you're interested in nature-rich destinations like Hakone and want to explore Japan's history and traditions while avoiding crowds, these tours are perfect for you.
・Hakone Full Day Chartered Private Tour: Art & Nature
・Mt. Fuji Full-day Nature Guided Tour with a Private Chartered Car & Guide
2026 Year-round Event Schedule in Hakone↓
・Top Hakone Events & Festivals 2026: Your Guide to Celebrations, Parades, and Seasonal Highlights
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Table of Contents
- Traditional Hakone Events in January 2026
- Hakone Natural Highlights for January 2026
- Special experiences only in January in Hakone
Traditional Hakone Events in January 2026
Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit)
Hatsumode is the tradition of making your first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year to pray for good health and peace throughout the year. It's common to visit the local ujigami (guardian deity) shrine or temple from New Year's Day (January 1st, midnight).
Hakone is famous for having some of the Kanto region's most prominent power spots, and many tourists visit early in the new year to open their fortune. There are also famous spots where you can enjoy the beautiful first sunrise of the year along with your shrine visit. With various ways to experience a traditional Japanese New Year, it's highly recommended for international tourists.
Sansha Mairi (Three Shrine Pilgrimage)
Sansha Mairi refers to visiting three shrines generally. In the Hakone area, visitors make pilgrimages to Hakone Shrine, Kuzuryu Shrine, and Hakone Motomiya.
From the historic Hakone Shrine with over 1,200 years of history to Hakone Motomiya atop Mt. Komagatake, and Kuzuryu Shrine situated by Lake Ashinoko, visiting these three major power spots of Hakone will surely fill you with positive energy. Enjoy this special journey to open your fortune early in the new year.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is an essential stop for enjoying Hakone's historical journey. With over 1,200 years of history, it's renowned as one of the most powerful spiritual spots in the Kanto region.
The landscape surrounded by mountains showing deep expressions throughout the seasons boasts unparalleled beauty. In winter, the entire Hakone Shrine area can be covered in white snow, enveloped in silence as if time has stopped. The mystical appearance of the torii gates and shrine buildings standing quietly in the snow captivates visitors.
Hakone Shrine is full of attractions, including rich nature surrounded by ancient trees and the "Peace Torii" floating on Lake Ashinoko. On clear days, the vermillion torii gate stands out brilliantly against the deep blue lake. The spectacular view of Mt. Fuji in the distance truly represents Japan's symbol of peace. Visit while praying for a peaceful new year around the world.
<Information>
Date: From January 1st, 2026
Access:
- From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
- From Kowakidani Station via mountain railway from Yumoto: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
- From Odawara Station (JR Tokaido Shinkansen/Main Line, Odakyu, Izu-Hakone Railway): Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Kuzuryu Shrine New Shrine
Source: Official website
The "Kuzuryu Shrine" has long been revered as the home of the "Great Kuzuryu Deity" (a dragon god with nine heads), the guardian deity of Lake Ashi.
Lake Ashi, protected by the Great Kuzuryu Deity, is considered a sacred lake and is believed to bestow various blessings, including business prosperity, financial fortune, and successful relationships. In recent years, it has become widely known especially as a deity for matchmaking.
Kuzuryu Shrine has two locations: the Main Shrine and the New Shrine. The Main Shrine is situated within the "Hakone Kuzuryu Forest" along Lake Ashi, located a short distance from the Hakone Shrine grounds. The deeply verdant shrine grounds are filled with a sacred atmosphere that emanates the powerful protection of the Great Kuzuryu Deity. If time permits, we recommend extending your visit to the Main Shrine to experience its positive energy.
<Information>
Date: From January 1st, 2026
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, take the Hakone Tozan Bus to Togendai bus stop, transfer to the Odakyu Hakone Express Bus, get off at Kojiri bus stop, then walk about 22 minutes
Admission: 600 yen (Hakone Kuzuryu Forest entrance fee)
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Hakone Moto Shrine
Source: Yahoo! Travel
"Hakone Moto Shrine" was established at the summit of Mt. Komagatake as the inner shrine of Hakone Shrine. Tracing its history, it actually predates Hakone Shrine, with a legacy spanning approximately 2,400 years.
It was once a center for mountain worship (religious practices that attribute spiritual significance to mountains and involve various rituals) and ascetic training. Today, it's renowned as a power spot that brings good fortune, wards off evil, fulfills wishes, and ensures traffic safety.
Hakone Moto Shrine consists solely of a worship hall facing Mt. Kamiyama, which is considered the sacred mountain. Experiencing this traditional mountain worship by paying respects to Mt. Kamiyama is one of the highlights of a Hakone trip.
The summit of Mt. Komagatake is accessible by ropeway. The 8-minute aerial journey offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Ashi and the entire Hakone region.
<Information>
Date: From January 1st, 2026
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, transfer at Senkyoro-mae bus stop to Hakone Tozan Bus, then transfer at Hakone-en bus stop to the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, get off at Komagatake Summit Station, then walk about 8 minutes
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Hakone Shrine New Year's Celebration Fireworks
Source: Hakone Navi
In the Hakone area, the New Year's Celebration Fireworks over Lake Ashi at midnight on January 1st mark the arrival of the new year. Approximately 1,000 fireworks illuminate the jet-black winter sky and the crystal-clear lake surface with a rainbow of colors, celebrating the beginning of the new year.
Hakone Shrine welcomes many visitors for their first shrine visit of the year (hatsumode), sharing in the joy of safely entering the new year. Come experience the festive atmosphere, which differs from the usual solemn ambiance.
The fireworks viewed through the vermillion "Peace Torii Gate" floating on Lake Ashi create an elegantly poetic scene. You'll be lucky to capture this perfect photo opportunity from the prime viewing spots. Even just this photo seems likely to bring good fortune in the new year.
<Information> *Information is for 2024
Date: January 1st, 2024
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, take the Izu Hakone Bus to "Moto-Hakone" or the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone-jinja Entrance," then walk a short distance
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/feature/8655
Hakone Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
Source: Hakone Navi
The Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) is a uniquely Japanese belief that became popular among common people in the late 16th century. These deities, each bringing different blessings - such as Ebisu (god of business prosperity), Daikokuten (god of good fortune), and Bishamonten (god of treasures) - are enshrined throughout Hakone. This is characteristic of Hakone, where numerous power spots can be found.
The Hakone Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage route includes visits to various shrines and temples, including Hakone Shrine, while allowing visitors to enjoy Hakone's rich natural environment. You can create a fulfilling day trip by relaxing in hot springs and visiting stylish cafes and folk craft shops along the way.
Welcome the New Year 2026 with this traditional Japanese good luck pilgrimage to Hakone's Seven Lucky Gods, which have been deeply venerated since ancient times.
<Information>
Schedule: Year-round
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
From Kowakidani Station via the Odakyu Hakone Railway (mountain train), take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
From Odawara Station (JR Tokaido Shinkansen/Main Line/Odakyu/Izu-Hakone Railway), take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Kuzuryu Shrine Main Shrine New Year's Festival
Source: Hakone Zenzan
The Monthly Festival (Tsukinamisai) held at Kuzuryu Shrine on the 13th of each month is so popular that bus tours are organized from Tokyo (Shinjuku).
In January 2026, the New Year's Festival will be held simultaneously with the Monthly Festival. During this ritual, it is said that the legendary dragon god of Lake Ashi descends and forms a spiritual connection with worshippers, bestowing them with mysterious power.
During the Monthly and New Year's Festivals, visitors can take a Lake Ashi cruise (not available on regular days) for a brief lake journey. The ceremony ends in the morning, and we recommend taking a leisurely walk afterward through the Kuzuryu Forest. The path leading to Kuzuryu Shrine, known as the "Therapy Road," offers many viewpoints of Mount Fuji. You'll be thrilled to see Mount Fuji peeking through the trees.
<Information> *2024 information
Date: January 13, 2024, 10:00 AM - Morning
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station (Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line), take the Hakone Tozan Bus to Togendai Bus Stop, transfer to Odakyu Hakone Express Bus, get off at Kojiri Bus Stop, 22-minute walk
*Special worship boats available from Moto-Hakone Port
Admission: 600 yen (Hakone Kuzuryu Forest entrance fee) *Free for festival participants
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/common/pdf/2024/20240113_info.pdf
For those who want to efficiently visit Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) and sightseeing spots in Hakone, we recommend an approximately 10-hour private hire car tour with a guide who knows the local area inside out.
In the Hakone area, where traveling by public transportation can be time-consuming, you can visit all the major spots in one day with a private vehicle. The attractive point is that you can receive a condensed tour of the highlights, including Hatsumode at Hakone Shrine, scenic viewpoints of Lake Ashi, and hot spring towns.
An English-speaking guide accompanies you, so you can learn in detail about proper etiquette for visiting shrines and Japanese New Year customs.
This allows you to deeply immerse yourself in Japanese culture and traditions. You can feel at ease knowing that any questions arising from cultural differences can be answered on the spot.
Additionally, during transit, you can listen to explanations about the scenery visible from the car window, deepening your understanding of Hakone's history and culture.
With hotel pickup and drop-off service included, you can visit without the hassle of arranging transportation.
Why not create special New Year memories on a private tour where you can explore at your own pace?
<Information>
Meeting point: Pickup at Shinjuku or your hotel
Tour area: Around Hakone
Start time: 8:00
The Author's Recommended Spots to Enjoy the First Sunrise of 2026 in Hakone
Komagatake Ropeway First Sunrise Operation
Source: Hakone Zenzan
Mount Komagatake, at 1,327 meters, is an excellent spot for viewing the first sunrise of the year. The observation deck at the summit offers simultaneous views of Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji, and Lake Ashi in the clear mountain air with unobstructed panoramic views.
On January 1st, the ropeway operates specially before dawn, offering a 1,783-meter aerial journey from Hakone-en Station to Komagatake Summit Station. The first sunrise of the year can be viewed around 7:00 AM, as it rises and colors the sea red. After enjoying the sunrise, visitors traditionally visit Hakone Motomiya Shrine, one of Hakone's power spots located at the summit.
<Information>
Date: January 1, 2026
Access: Take the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway from "Hakone-en Station" and get off at "Komagatake Summit" station
Admission: Round trip / Adults 2,500 yen, Children 1,250 yen
Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/ropeway/
Hakone Jukkoku Pass Panorama Cable Car Special First Sunrise Operation
Source:Official website
Jukkoku Pass is a mountain pass named for its summit views of 10 regions that were called "kuni" (provinces) in ancient Japan.
You can enjoy vast scenery spanning present-day Shizuoka Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture, Tokyo, and Chiba Prefecture.
To reach the summit at approximately 771 meters elevation, you take an approximately 3-minute aerial journey on the panorama cable car. The retro-style cable car, spanning 316 meters in length, is also popular for offering different scenery each season.
On New Year's Day, January 1st, the cable car operates specially from around 5:00 AM early morning, carrying visitors to the summit to see the first sunrise.
From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, and on clear days, you can see Suruga Bay, Miura Peninsula, Boso Peninsula, and even the Southern Alps.
I have visited here myself, and I was able to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery that made me truly glad I came early in the morning.
I also recommend enjoying warm drinks and sweets at "TENGOKU CAFE" located at the summit.
<Information>
Date: January 1, 2026
Access: From JR Atami Station, take the Izuhakone Bus bound for "Moto-Hakone/Jukkoku Pass" (approximately 40 minutes) and get off at "Jukkoku-toge Noborikuchi" bus stop
Admission: Round trip / Adults 730 yen, Children 370 yen
Website: https://www.jukkoku-cable.jp/index.html
Mount Kintoki and Ashigara Pass First Sunrise
Source:Official website
Mount Kintoki is the highest peak of the Hakone outer rim at 1,212 meters elevation, and is a popular hiking spot selected as one of Japan's 300 Famous Mountains.
This mountain is also known as a place connected to the legend of "Kintaro," a famous character from Japanese folklore. Kintaro is a child hero depicted as having superhuman strength, and is said to have grown up on this mountain.
Every year on January 1st, a first sunrise event is held at the summit of Mount Kintoki and at Ashigaratoge Pass, which leads up to it.
Especially recommended is the view of Mount Fuji dyed red by the morning sun, visible just before the first sunrise around 7:00 AM. This is called "Akafuji" (Red Fuji), and it is a truly mystical sight.
Additionally, on the day of the event, limited-edition original commemorative badges are distributed. Distribution begins around 6:30 AM before sunrise at the summit of Mount Kintoki, and around 7:00 AM at Ashigaratoge Pass, so please pick one up as a memento.
<Information>
Date: January 1, 2026
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (L Route) for approximately 25 minutes and get off at "Kintoki Tozanguchi" bus stop
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.fuji-oyama.jp/kankoubunka_news_latest_202512051646329.html
Special Seasonal Illumination Events to Enjoy in Hakone in January 2026
Winter is the season when illumination events are held throughout Japan. In Hakone, you can also enjoy illumination events unique to this time of year.
Here, we introduce recommended illumination events to enjoy in Hakone in January 2026.
Hakone Kowakien Lantern Night
Source:Official website
At the hot spring facility Hakone Kowakien, a magical event called "Lantern Night" is held where participants release lanterns filled with wishes into the night sky.
Participants write their wishes on lanterns and release them toward the sky. The lanterns use safe LED lights and are connected by strings, so they are collected after the event ends. You can also take them home as souvenirs.
The moment when all participants count down together and release their lanterns simultaneously is a magical and moving sight. I have participated myself, and the beauty was so overwhelming that I took many photos.
Another highlight is that the lantern colors change with each season, including orange, pink, and green.
Hakone Kowakien is a resort complex with multiple accommodation facilities centered around the day-trip bathing facility Hakone Kowakien YUNESSUN.
There are also great value plans available that combine Lantern Night with hot springs and meals, so you can fully enjoy the Hakone night.
<Information>
Dates: September 6, 2025 (Sat) – December 25, 2025 (Thu), January 4, 2026 (Sun) – March 31, 2026 (Tue)
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus or Izuhakone Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at "Kowakien Bus Stop," then a short walk
Admission: 3,300 yen (tax included) per lantern
Website: https://www.hakone-hotelkowakien.jp/activity/912/
Christmas Illumination at Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Source:Official website
At Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, a museum specializing in Venetian glass, the winter tradition "Crystal Illumination" is held.
Rather than using electric lights, this one-of-a-kind illumination features approximately 10-meter-tall trees made with about 150,000 crystal glass pieces that sparkle in seven colors as they catch sunlight and artificial lighting—a unique experience you can only see here.
We recommend visiting before sunset so you can enjoy both the vivid sparkle during the day and the magical scenery after dark.
Inside the museum, there is also a café-restaurant operated by UKAI, famous for teppanyaki. During lunch hours, you can enjoy steak, roast chicken, and more.
Another highlight is the workshop where you can experience glass art. When I visited, I tried "sandblasting," which involves carving patterns onto glass using sand. I brought the finished piece home and display it at home, and looking at it brings back wonderful travel memories and puts me in a happy mood.
<Information>
Dates: November 1, 2025 – January 12, 2026
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus (bound for Kojiri-Togendai) from Odawara Station to "Hakone Glass no Mori" (approximately 40 minutes)
Admission: Adults 1,800 yen, University/High school students 1,300 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 600 yen
Website: https://www.hakone-garasunomori.jp/garden/christmas/
Hakone-en Winter Illumination
Source:Official website
At The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko, a hotel nestled on the shores of Lake Ashi, a winter-only illumination event is held. During the event period, the hotel's courtyard overlooking Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi is magically lit with warm lights.
This hotel was designed by renowned Japanese architect Togo Murano with the concept of "harmony with nature."
The illumination carries on this spirit, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The spectacular collaboration of starry skies and illuminations in the crisp winter air is truly a luxurious sight unique to Hakone.
After viewing the illuminations, you can warm up your chilled body at the hotel's hot springs.
Non-guests can also enjoy the garden illuminations, so feel free to stop by.
<Information>
Dates: December 1, 2025 (Mon) – February 28, 2026 (Sat)
Access: Take the Izuhakone Bus from Odawara Station (Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokaido Line, Odakyu Line) for approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (get off at "The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko" or "Hakone-en")
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/the_prince_hakone/tennenirumi2025/
For Those Seeking a Special Experience: The "Stargazing & Night View Night Tour 'Hakone Soratabi'" is Also Recommended
Source:Official website
For those who want to spend an extra special winter night, we recommend the "Stargazing & Night View Night Tour 'Hakone Soratabi'" offered by The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko.
This is a luxurious night tour where you take the Komagatake Ropeway adjacent to the hotel to the mountain summit at 1,327 meters above sea level, enjoying both the starry sky and the night view below simultaneously.
Since the ropeway normally operates only until evening, riding it at night outside of regular hours is a special experience available only through this tour.
Upon arriving at the summit, a panoramic starry sky spreads before you. You can enjoy powerful stars that seem close enough to touch—something you cannot see in the city.
Below your feet, the night view of Hakone spreads out centered on Lake Ashi—truly a breathtaking sight.
The summit gets extremely cold in winter, so please make sure to dress warmly when participating.
<Information>
Dates: January 3, 2026 (Sat), January 10, 2026 (Sat), January 11, 2026 (Sun)
Access: Take the Izuhakone Bus from Odawara Station (Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokaido Line, Odakyu Line) for approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (get off at "The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko" or "Hakone-en")
Admission: Adults 2,200 yen, Children 1,100 yen
Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/autumn/ropeway.html
Special experiences only in January in Hakone
Hakone Ekiden
Source: Official website
The "Hakone Ekiden" has become a national sporting event that has been held over 100 times since its inception in 1920. It is an intercollegiate relay race between universities affiliated with The Inter-University Athletic Union of Kanto, covering the longest distance in collegiate long-distance racing - a 217.1km course divided into 10 sections from Tokyo to Hakone.
Many Hakone Ekiden alumni have gone on to become Olympic athletes in track and field. Starting from the founder's strong desire to "nurture runners who can compete globally," the Hakone Ekiden has become a New Year tradition in Japan. It has become customary for viewers across Japan to become emotionally invested in the race while watching the TV broadcast.
Along the course route, you have the chance to witness firsthand the passionate race where student athletes clash in competition - a moving event that never ends without tears. If you have the opportunity to watch it up close, please cheer on each runner.
(The Hakone Ekiden starts from Otemachi in Tokyo, heads to Hakone, then turns around and returns to Otemachi. Therefore, you can watch it along this route. Please check the official website for the detailed route.)
<Information>
Dates: January 2-3, 2026
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hakone-ekiden.jp/
Lake Ashi Opening Ceremony
Source: Josei Jishin
At Lake Ashi, the traditional New Year ritual "Kosui-biraki" (Lake Opening Ceremony) is held to pray for safety in the coming year.
In a unique style that has become tradition since the first ceremony, a Shinto priest performs purification rites while water skiing on the lake. In past years, members of the All-Japan Collegiate Water Ski Federation have served as representatives.
The dynamic and sacred ceremony is performed in temperatures below 5°C, praying for the safety of anglers and prevention of water accidents on Lake Ashi.
This is a rare Shinto ritual that cannot be seen elsewhere in Japan, making it a perfect photo opportunity for your trip memories. Those who enjoy water sports might want to watch while praying for their own safety as well.
<Information>
Date: January 5, 2024 (2024 information)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.ashinoko-gyokyou.com/post/
New Year Japanese Dance Performance
Source: Official website
"Nihon Buyo" is a dance form based on Kabuki dance techniques. A notable characteristic is its evolution from male-only Kabuki to include female dancers. It has become widely popular as a traditional art form that anyone can learn.
Japanese dance is characterized by three elements: dance, mai (graceful movement), and gestures. Dance emphasizes rhythmic elements keeping time with the beat, while mai focuses on gentle movements with internalized expression.
This Japanese dance performance will be held at the famous Hakone hot spring inn "Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu." The new stage production features a fusion of Japanese dance performances accompanied by both traditional shakuhachi and Western instruments (piano and violin) playing famous Japanese melodies. Enjoy this artistic creation where Eastern and Western cultures intersect to create new harmonies.
<Information>
Dates: January 1-2, 2026
Times: 16:30-17:00 / 19:10-19:50 (both days)
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, take the Izu-Hakone Bus to "Ten-yu" stop, immediate walk
Admission: Free viewing
Website: https://www.ten-yu.com/winter2024.html
Join a Local Tour in Tokyo or Kyoto to Deeply Experience Japanese Culture
When visiting Hakone, we also recommend joining local tours where you can experience Japanese culture in nearby Tokyo or by extending your trip to Kyoto.
Exploring with a guide who knows the local area well allows you to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
For example, in Asakusa, Tokyo, there are walking tours where you can casually experience traditional Japanese culture. You can visit Sensoji Temple and try making Matcha, a traditional Japanese drink made from powdered green tea—perfect as an introduction to Japanese culture.
English-speaking guides provide detailed explanations, so even first-time visitors to Japan can participate with confidence.
In Kyoto, tours offering authentic meditation experiences at Zen temples are popular. While gazing at gardens enveloped in tranquility, you can experience Zazen—sitting with crossed legs and unifying your mind—to refresh both body and soul.
Some tours include lunch of Shojinryori, a traditional Buddhist meal made without meat or fish, allowing you to enjoy food culture at the same time.
Magical Trip offers many other local tours related to food, traditional culture, pop culture, and more.
On their website, you can find pages introducing the local guides who lead these tours, including reviews, ratings, and information about their personalities and atmosphere, so be sure to check them out.
Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with traditional Sho-jin lunch
