Dine with a trainee geisha in Kyoto, spend the night at a temple with Buddhist monks & meet an atomic bomb survivor<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":119122,"menu_order":281,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":"JP2","duration":12,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JP2_HERO1-1000x620.jpg","continent":"Asia","country":"Japan","countries":["Japan"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a34190","max":"\u00a35350"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac4875","max":"\u20ac6215"},"usd":{"min":"$5240","max":"$6685"},"cad":{"min":"$6885","max":"$8785"},"aud":{"min":"$7705","max":"$9835"},"nzd":{"min":"$8910","max":"$11365"},"hkd":{"min":"$39105","max":"$49980"},"aed":{"min":"DH18320","max":"DH23385"}},"about":"
Prepare to be disoriented by a sensory world, where ancient customs meet futuristic cities and quirky trends. But once in Japan, where to begin?<\/strong><\/p>\n Enter Flash Pack. Let us show you \u2013 in just 12 days \u2013 the Japan we know you\u2019ll love.<\/span><\/p>\n On this adventure, you\u2019ll take in iconic sights, like Tokyo\u2019s neon-lit Shibuya and Kyoto\u2019s bamboo forest, but it\u2019s those can\u2019t-do-by-yourself encounters that will leave the deepest impression. Like staying overnight at a Buddhist temple and joining the monks for prayers, experiencing an authentic kaiseki meal hosted by an apprentice geisha, and meeting an atomic bomb survivor to hear their extraordinary stories.<\/span><\/p>\n Together with your group, you\u2019ll master the art of making steaming fresh ramen \u2013 so much more delicious than you\u2019ll ever find at home. You\u2019ll experience the meditative beauty of a matcha tea ceremony steeped in centuries-old tradition. You\u2019ll even dine with a sumo wrestler<\/a> and feel the raw power of these giant athletes demonstrating their moves a few feet before your eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n Along the way, there\u2019ll be sushi, sake, kimonos and karaoke, and, as always, some beautiful places to stay. In just under two weeks, you\u2018ll experience the true essence of this highly addictive destination. Are you ready for another world?<\/span><\/p>\n","highlights":{"Stay overnight in a temple with Buddhist monks, joining them for dinner and attending morning prayers":"Stay overnight in a temple with Buddhist monks, joining them for dinner and attending morning prayers","Gain a rare insight into the world of sumo wrestlers, with up-close demonstrations and a chanko sumo lunch":"Gain a rare insight into the world of sumo wrestlers, with up-close demonstrations and a chanko sumo lunch","Experience an authentic kaiseki meal, hosted by a real Kyoto maiko (trainee geisha) who will entertain your group":"Experience an authentic kaiseki meal, hosted by a real Kyoto maiko (trainee geisha) who will entertain your group","Meet an atomic bomb survivor to hear first-hand their extraordinary stories and hopes for the future":"Meet an atomic bomb survivor to hear first-hand their extraordinary stories and hopes for the future","Take a ramen masterclass led by one of the best in the business, before eating what you\u2019ve made":"Take a ramen masterclass led by one of the best in the business, before eating what you\u2019ve made","Wander through the famous bamboo forests of Arashiyama":"Wander through the famous bamboo forests of Arashiyama","Learn the art of preparing matcha in a meditative ceremony steeped in centuries-old tradition":"Learn the art of preparing matcha in a meditative ceremony steeped in centuries-old tradition","Setsugetsuka Ryokan, Gora":"Setsugetsuka Ryokan, Gora","Shukubo, Koyasan":"Shukubo, Koyasan","Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda":"Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda","The General Kyoto":"The General Kyoto","Hotel Vista Hiroshima":"Hotel Vista Hiroshima"},"lang":"us","trip_type":[{"term_id":9074,"name":"City Breaks","slug":"city-breaks","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":9074,"taxonomy":"style","description":"The places you\u2019ll visit on a Flash Pack city break are varied, colorful and unique. As you\u2019d expect, Europe reigns in this department. Find your next city adventure here.","parent":0,"count":26,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":11528,"name":"Escape The Crowds","slug":"escape-the-crowds","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11528,"taxonomy":"style","description":"Volcanic islands, black deserts, remote oases\u2026 Sometimes, you just need to get as far away as possible and escape the crowds. If that\u2019s the case, let us take you on an off-grid adventure.","parent":0,"count":32,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":11873,"name":"Group Bookings","slug":"group-bookings-us","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11873,"taxonomy":"style","description":"","parent":0,"count":9,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":8456,"name":"Wellness","slug":"wellness","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8456,"taxonomy":"style","description":"From Tuscany to Croatia and beyond, our wellness adventures are all about decompressing. With yoga, surfing, food, wine and beautiful landscapes all on offer, how you do that is purely down to you.","parent":0,"count":7,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"}],"hidden":false,"seasons":["spring","summer","autumn"],"scenery":["city","mountain"],"activities":["boat_trip","cooking_class","cycling","hiking","local_culture","nightlife","tasting","water_sports"],"activity_level":["relaxed"],"key_locations":"Tokyo, Old Hakone Trail, Hakone Mountains, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Miyajima, Osaka","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Osaka (ITM or KIX) | Food tour","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Welcome to Osaka","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" Welcome to the bright lights and bustling streets of Osaka \u2013 Japan\u2019s street food capital and a perfect introduction to the country. On arrival, you\u2019ll transfer to your boutique hotel, where you\u2019ll have time to freshen up before meeting your group and getting excited about the adventures to come. To celebrate your first evening together, you\u2019ll sample some Japanese specialties on an immersive local food tour. Accompanied by a local food expert, you’ll try everything from okonomiyaki and tempura to wagyu beef. The city really comes to life after dark, so if you\u2019re not too jet lagged you might be tempted to stay out and soak up the buzzing nightlife. Your guide will be able to advise on the best places to go to party the night away.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Welcome to Osaka","text":" Welcome to the bright lights and bustling streets of Osaka \u2013 Japan\u2019s street food capital and a perfect introduction to the country. On arrival, you\u2019ll transfer to your boutique hotel, where you\u2019ll have time to freshen up before meeting your group and getting excited about the adventures to come. To celebrate your first evening together, you\u2019ll sample some Japanese specialties on an immersive local food tour. Accompanied by a local food expert, you’ll try everything from okonomiyaki and tempura to wagyu beef. The city really comes to life after dark, so if you\u2019re not too jet lagged you might be tempted to stay out and soak up the buzzing nightlife. Your guide will be able to advise on the best places to go to party the night away.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Osaka (ITM or KIX) | Food tour","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/JP1-Itinerary1.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Hiroshima | Peace Memorial Park ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Hiroshima history ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" After breakfast, you\u2019ll experience your first ride on Japan\u2019s futuristic bullet train, which will speed you cross-country to Hiroshima in a little under two hours. Once reduced to ashes by the world\u2019s first atomic bomb, today you\u2019ll arrive at a cosmopolitan city of wide leafy boulevards, modern high rise buildings and a vibrant nightlife scene. But memories of the past are never far away. At the tranquil Peace Memorial Park, you\u2019ll learn about the impact of this unprecedented tragedy through sculptures, monuments and an incredibly moving museum. You\u2019ll even meet with an atomic bomb survivor to hear first-hand their personal stories and powerful messages of peace to people around the world. Later, you\u2019ll be free to explore Hiroshima\u2019s lively restaurants, shops and bars. Don\u2019t miss trying an okonomiyaki savory pancake \u2013 the soul food of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Hiroshima history ","text":" After breakfast, you\u2019ll experience your first ride on Japan\u2019s futuristic bullet train, which will speed you cross-country to Hiroshima in a little under two hours. Once reduced to ashes by the world\u2019s first atomic bomb, today you\u2019ll arrive at a cosmopolitan city of wide leafy boulevards, modern high rise buildings and a vibrant nightlife scene. But memories of the past are never far away. At the tranquil Peace Memorial Park, you\u2019ll learn about the impact of this unprecedented tragedy through sculptures, monuments and an incredibly moving museum. You\u2019ll even meet with an atomic bomb survivor to hear first-hand their personal stories and powerful messages of peace to people around the world. Later, you\u2019ll be free to explore Hiroshima\u2019s lively restaurants, shops and bars. Don\u2019t miss trying an okonomiyaki savory pancake \u2013 the soul food of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Hiroshima | Peace Memorial Park ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JP2-Itinerary21.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Miyajima | Oysters & chablis","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Oysters & a floating shrine","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" It\u2019s a short hop by train and ferry to the small island of Miyajima, where you\u2019ll visit the World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine \u2013 one of the most photogenic structures in Japan. Dating back to the 12th century, the giant vermilion torii gate rises grandly out of the sea against a backdrop of forested mountains. Connected to the main complex by boardwalks and pillars, which disappear at high tide, the shrine gives the impression that it\u2019s floating above the water. For lunch, you’ll be treated to an indulgent tasting of fresh locally farmed oysters washed down with a glass of cold, premiere cru Chablis \u2013 a match made in heaven. There’ll be time to explore the town before returning to Hiroshima for a relaxed afternoon.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Oysters & a floating shrine","text":" It\u2019s a short hop by train and ferry to the small island of Miyajima, where you\u2019ll visit the World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine \u2013 one of the most photogenic structures in Japan. Dating back to the 12th century, the giant vermilion torii gate rises grandly out of the sea against a backdrop of forested mountains. Connected to the main complex by boardwalks and pillars, which disappear at high tide, the shrine gives the impression that it\u2019s floating above the water. For lunch, you’ll be treated to an indulgent tasting of fresh locally farmed oysters washed down with a glass of cold, premiere cru Chablis \u2013 a match made in heaven. There’ll be time to explore the town before returning to Hiroshima for a relaxed afternoon.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Miyajima | Oysters & chablis","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JP2_ITINERARYSHRINES.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Kyoto | Fushimi Inari | Ginkakju temple ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Sacred temple icons","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" Back on the bullet train, you\u2019ll be whisked away to Japan\u2019s cultural capital: Kyoto. Famed for its Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, wooden townhouses and Zen gardens, it\u2019s an incredibly atmospheric city. Once settled into your new hotel, you\u2019ll transfer by train to Fushimi Inari, perhaps Japan\u2019s most iconic Shinto shrine, where you\u2019ll find thousands of vermilion torii gates winding a path over a wooded mountain. There’ll be time for lunch, before your afternoon visit to another of Kyoto’s celebrated sights:\u00a0Ginkakju, the Silver Pavilion.\u00a0Set in immaculate grounds, dotted with ponds, moss gardens and raked sand, it embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi \u2013 the art of finding beauty in imperfection.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Sacred temple icons","text":" Back on the bullet train, you\u2019ll be whisked away to Japan\u2019s cultural capital: Kyoto. Famed for its Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, wooden townhouses and Zen gardens, it\u2019s an incredibly atmospheric city. Once settled into your new hotel, you\u2019ll transfer by train to Fushimi Inari, perhaps Japan\u2019s most iconic Shinto shrine, where you\u2019ll find thousands of vermilion torii gates winding a path over a wooded mountain. There’ll be time for lunch, before your afternoon visit to another of Kyoto’s celebrated sights:\u00a0Ginkakju, the Silver Pavilion.\u00a0Set in immaculate grounds, dotted with ponds, moss gardens and raked sand, it embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi \u2013 the art of finding beauty in imperfection.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Kyoto | Fushimi Inari | Ginkakju temple ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JP2-Itinerary4.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Koyasan | Temple stay with monks","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Temple stay & hot water bathing","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" Today, you\u2019ll be swapping fast-paced city life for the peaceful beauty of Koyasan\u2019s forested mountains. With its endless Buddhist temples and monasteries, Koyasan is one of the holiest sites in the country and an ancient place of pilgrimage. Journeying through narrow valleys and undulating woodlands is like stepping into another world. You\u2019ll be spending the night here in a temple, sleeping on traditional tatami mats, joining the monks for prayers and experiencing their unique dining practices. Through back-to-basics living surrounded by nature, you\u2019ll be encouraged to reflect on life\u2019s simple pleasures. Soaking in a shukubo communal hot water bath (if you\u2019re willing\u2026 each bath is single-sex but nakedness is mandatory) is a quintessential Japanese experience. <\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Temple stay & hot water bathing","text":" Today, you\u2019ll be swapping fast-paced city life for the peaceful beauty of Koyasan\u2019s forested mountains. With its endless Buddhist temples and monasteries, Koyasan is one of the holiest sites in the country and an ancient place of pilgrimage. Journeying through narrow valleys and undulating woodlands is like stepping into another world. You\u2019ll be spending the night here in a temple, sleeping on traditional tatami mats, joining the monks for prayers and experiencing their unique dining practices. Through back-to-basics living surrounded by nature, you\u2019ll be encouraged to reflect on life\u2019s simple pleasures. Soaking in a shukubo communal hot water bath (if you\u2019re willing\u2026 each bath is single-sex but nakedness is mandatory) is a quintessential Japanese experience. <\/span><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Koyasan | Temple stay with monks","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JP1-Itinerary3.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Kyoto tea ceremony | Geisha dinner","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Tea ceremony & geisha dinner","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" Wake early for dawn meditation and to learn more about the life of your generous hosts. Then, it\u2019s back to Kyoto to experience a softer side to the city: one of traditional teahouses in lamp-lit alleyways and glimpses of geishas disappearing into hidden doorways. You\u2019ll gain an insight into this mysterious world by taking part in a formal tea ceremony. The whole experience feels mindful and meditative as the tea is prepared according to centuries-old tradition. Later, you\u2019ll sit down to a private meal at the atmospheric Ganko Nijoen. This former townhouse, looking out over a beautiful Zen garden, is the perfect place to experience an authentic kaiseki (multi-course dinner). While you enjoy the small, intricate dishes, you\u2019ll be entertained by your own maiko (trainee geisha) who will dance, sing and play music for your group. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Tea ceremony & geisha dinner","text":" Wake early for dawn meditation and to learn more about the life of your generous hosts. Then, it\u2019s back to Kyoto to experience a softer side to the city: one of traditional teahouses in lamp-lit alleyways and glimpses of geishas disappearing into hidden doorways. You\u2019ll gain an insight into this mysterious world by taking part in a formal tea ceremony. The whole experience feels mindful and meditative as the tea is prepared according to centuries-old tradition. Later, you\u2019ll sit down to a private meal at the atmospheric Ganko Nijoen. This former townhouse, looking out over a beautiful Zen garden, is the perfect place to experience an authentic kaiseki (multi-course dinner). While you enjoy the small, intricate dishes, you\u2019ll be entertained by your own maiko (trainee geisha) who will dance, sing and play music for your group. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Kyoto tea ceremony | Geisha dinner","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JP2_ITINERARYTEMPLESTAY.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Hozugawa River | Bamboo forest | Ramen making","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Boat tour & a ramen masterclass","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" After breakfast, you\u2019ll head to the outskirts of Kyoto to the base of the western mountains. Against a colorful natural backdrop (think cherry blossoms in spring and maple-foliage in autumn), you\u2019ll board a traditional wooden boat for a trip down the Hozugawa River. Expertly steered with long bamboo poles, your boatman will guide your flat-bottomed vessel through steep forested canyons before arriving at Arashiyama. Here, you\u2019ll visit the famous bamboo forest \u2013 a bright green wonderland of giant swaying stalks – and have free time to explore other sights in this scenic area. Back in Kyoto, it\u2019s time to learn the art of making ramen noodles from scratch. Led by a private chef, you\u2019ll learn the intricacies of this popular dish before enjoying the delicious broth. Now for the best way to end a day in Kyoto: karaoke.<\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Boat tour & a ramen masterclass","text":" After breakfast, you\u2019ll head to the outskirts of Kyoto to the base of the western mountains. Against a colorful natural backdrop (think cherry blossoms in spring and maple-foliage in autumn), you\u2019ll board a traditional wooden boat for a trip down the Hozugawa River. Expertly steered with long bamboo poles, your boatman will guide your flat-bottomed vessel through steep forested canyons before arriving at Arashiyama. Here, you\u2019ll visit the famous bamboo forest \u2013 a bright green wonderland of giant swaying stalks – and have free time to explore other sights in this scenic area. Back in Kyoto, it\u2019s time to learn the art of making ramen noodles from scratch. Led by a private chef, you\u2019ll learn the intricacies of this popular dish before enjoying the delicious broth. Now for the best way to end a day in Kyoto: karaoke.<\/span><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Hozugawa River | Bamboo forest | Ramen making","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JP2-Itinerary7.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Hakone Tozan Railway | Gora ryokan ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Railways & ryokans","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" This morning, you\u2019ll take one final bullet-train east to the historic castle town of Odawara. Here, the pace will slow substantially as you zigzag up the mountain on Japan\u2019s oldest mountain railway. Winding your way through narrow densely wooded valleys, over deep ravines and through tunnels, you\u2019ll stop at six quaint local stations en route to the beautiful hot springs resort of Gora. You\u2019ll be spending the night here in a hillside ryokan (Japanese inn), sleeping on futons and soaking in a traditional bathhouse.\u00a0Relax with your group and as you’re soothed by the free-flowing natural spring water, drawn from two different hot springs.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Railways & ryokans","text":" This morning, you\u2019ll take one final bullet-train east to the historic castle town of Odawara. Here, the pace will slow substantially as you zigzag up the mountain on Japan\u2019s oldest mountain railway. Winding your way through narrow densely wooded valleys, over deep ravines and through tunnels, you\u2019ll stop at six quaint local stations en route to the beautiful hot springs resort of Gora. You\u2019ll be spending the night here in a hillside ryokan (Japanese inn), sleeping on futons and soaking in a traditional bathhouse.\u00a0Relax with your group and as you’re soothed by the free-flowing natural spring water, drawn from two different hot springs.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Hakone Tozan Railway | Gora ryokan ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JP2_ITINERARYRYOKAN.jpg"],"day":8},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Lake Ashinoko | Arrival in buzzing Tokyo","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Mt Fuji views & Tokyo calling","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" You\u2019re finally off to the capital today, but there\u2019s plenty to see along the way. You’ll spend much of the day at the mountain town of Hakone, exploring by train, cablecar, ropeway, boat and bus. Famed for its onsen and stunning views of Mount Fuji, you’ll soak up the tranquility of this national park with its cobalt-blue crater Ashinoko Lake, before moving on to the metropolis of Tokyo. Having checked into your hotel, you\u2019re free to explore the city. We recommend making your way to neon-lit Shibuya for your first taste of Tokyo madness. Take some time to explore at your own pace, perhaps finding dinner at a local izakaya restaurant, joining young locals and office workers as they feast on simple yet delicious fare.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Mt Fuji views & Tokyo calling","text":" You\u2019re finally off to the capital today, but there\u2019s plenty to see along the way. You’ll spend much of the day at the mountain town of Hakone, exploring by train, cablecar, ropeway, boat and bus. Famed for its onsen and stunning views of Mount Fuji, you’ll soak up the tranquility of this national park with its cobalt-blue crater Ashinoko Lake, before moving on to the metropolis of Tokyo. Having checked into your hotel, you\u2019re free to explore the city. We recommend making your way to neon-lit Shibuya for your first taste of Tokyo madness. Take some time to explore at your own pace, perhaps finding dinner at a local izakaya restaurant, joining young locals and office workers as they feast on simple yet delicious fare.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Lake Ashinoko | Arrival in buzzing Tokyo","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JP2-Itinerary91.jpg"],"day":9},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Exclusive sumo experience","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Sumo wrestling & lunch","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" You\u2019re in for a special ‘only in Japan’ experience today, as you enter the world of the country’s sacred national sport: sumo wrestling<\/a>. The rules are simple \u2013 the wrestler who gets the other outside the ring, wins – but the ancient rituals and intense discipline of the fighters, make this a spectacle like no other. Your group will meet with a retired wrestler who will explain the history, etiquette and <\/span>rigorous training regime required to compete as a professional athlete, before demonstrating some moves and joining you for a traditional (and very high calorie) chanko nabe lunch.<\/span>\u00a0For the rest of the day, the time is yours to have an adventure of your own. From fish markets and anime exhibits to Samurai museums and Japanese gardens, there are endless sights to uncover.<\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Sumo wrestling & lunch","text":"