Culture in Tokyo: 8 Cultural Tokyo Experiences You Have to Try

Tokyo is often described as futuristic, fast-paced, and overwhelming, but look a little closer and you’ll discover a city deeply rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and centuries-old culture. This is a side of culture in Tokyo that few people take the time to experience when they’re visiting Japan and only staying for a week of two. But its so worth taking the time out to explore! And it’s also much more accessible to families with kids (like my own) than you might think too.

In my opinion, one of the best ways to truly experience Tokyo is not just by sightseeing, but by actively taking part in its cultural experiences. In fact, this is something we intend to do much more of when we return to Japan this year.

Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or returning with your family like us, these are 15 cultural Tokyo experiences that offer meaningful insight into Japanese life. I’ve put together a list of the cultural experiences that we love, or the ones that we haven’t tried yet, but we can’t wait to try for ourselves:

Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!

Kimono or Yukata Dressing Experience

Wearing a kimono is a big part of ancient culture in Tokyo.

I’ve always been too nervous to hire a kimono in Tokyo (and honestly? A bit worried about appropriation) but on our last trip we saw so many people in kimonos, and after wearing hanbok in Korea, I knew this was something I wanted to try. Wearing a kimono is a great way to experience Tokyo. Many cultural studios offer professional dressing, styling, and will even give you guidance on how to walk and move comfortably once you’re all dressed up.

I’m the only girl in the family, and my husband and sons have no interest in wearing kimono, sadly. So it’s ‘kimono for one’ in our family! But if your family is a little more amenable then this experience would be perfect for a family photo shoot.

l’ll be hiring my kimono and wearing it for wandering around historic neighbourhoods like Asakusa.

👘I recommend Hana Kimono because they offer single kimono hire (adults and children) or a family experience, with a discount available for families booking 2 adults and 2 kids.
👉 You can check availability and book online in advance here
🎁 Use our reader code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an extra discount

Traditional Tea Ceremony Experience

A tea ceremony is one of the most iconic Japanese cultural experiences, and Tokyo offers intimate, beginner-friendly sessions where you’ll learn the etiquette, history, and symbolism behind every movement.

I’d always assumed that the calm, meditative nature of the tea ceremony experience meant that it wasn’t an option for families. But I’ve recently discovered that Wabunka offer inclusive private tea ceremonies that are suitable of children aged 6 and over.

I think this is a great opportunity for travellers of all ages to leave with a deeper understanding of Japanese values like mindfulness, respect, and simplicity.

🍵 I love the look of the Tsukudani & Sencha Green Tea Pairing Experience at a Long-Running Shop in Tokyo at a Long-Running Shop in Tokyo. Not only will you drink the tea, you’ll experience brewing it yourself.
👉 You can check availability and book this experience with Wabunka today

Private Sushi Making Experience

What’s better than eating sushi in Japan? Learning how to make sushi in Japan, with a master of the art! That’s a skill you can take home with you and use forever.

I think that learning to cook traditional Japanese food, such as sushi, is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in Tokyo. These classes usually take place in small groups, but i’ve found a private family-friendly class thats suitable for families with children aged 6+. It is a little more experience as you’ll be working one-on-one with a master sushi chef trained at an emminent sushi restaurant, but that makes it worth every penny!

🍣 A 90 minute Private Sushi Making Experience with a Master Sushi Chef Trained at an Eminent Sushi Restaurant will see you work with a chef who has star in the Michelin guide! You really are learning from the best!
👉 Find out more about the epic experience, and how to book, here

Japanese Vegetarian Cooking Class

Love the idea of learning to cook with a Japanese master, but don’t eat meat or fish? Don’t worry, i’ve found the perfect vegetarian equivilant for you. And this exciting class is also suitable for the whole family!

On the grounds of the tranquil Jokokuji Temple in Akasaka, Tokyo is Akasaka Teran, a cooking school where you’ll learn all about shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, from a temple monk. First, learn the Buddhist teachings and mindset behind this cuisine, then make a shojin ryori meal of your own with seasonal ingredients. Enjoy your meal at the temple’s main hall, then reflect on the experience over tea and sweets.

🥕 Embrace the opportunity to Learn Shojin Ryori Vegetarian Cuisine from a Monk in Tokyo
👉 You can check availability and book this experience with Wabunka today

Make A Traditional Edo Paper Lantern

This traditional art form played a huge role in Japanese history. Workshops explain the process and let you create your own design. I think this is a great activity for crafty kids and adults alike!

At Namidabashi Oshimaya Chochin, a distinguished shop that has been in business for over 100 years, create your own hand-painted Edo paper lantern: either a traditional lantern or the shop’s original Oto Chochin, a modern twist on the paper lantern. Under the guidance of artisan Kenichiro Murata, learn time-honored techniques and use traditional tools to inscribe kanji characters or a design of your liking onto your lantern. Then, right after the experience, take home your finished creation as a tangible reminder of your handiwork.

🏮 This is a Wabunka-exclusive experience, and one of the ones that I think is the most exciting on this list!
👉 Find out more, check availability, and book now

Samurai Cultural Experience

Tokyo offers immersive samurai and ninja experiences where you can learn about armour, swordsmanship, and historical roles.

These sessions include demonstrations, storytelling, and interactive elements that children find fascinating. On our session we tried our hands at throwing ninja stars as well as learning samurai swordsmanship. This was such a highlight for our boys, they loved every minute! We even ended up buying throwing stars for them to bring home and play with in the garden.

🐱‍👤 An engaging Samurai experience is such a great experience if you have active boys like mine, and one that I highly recommend.
👉 Book this experience here
🎁 Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK to get an extra exclusive reader discount

Sumo Culture Experience

Sumo is Japan’s national sport, and Tokyo is the best place to learn about its traditions. Cultural experiences may include demonstrations, historical explanations, or even stable visits.

We’re SO excited, because when we return to Japan this year (in just a couple of months) we’re going to the Asakusa Sumo Club sumo show. Something that’s been on Mike’s bucket list for years. This is a dinner show meaning you’ll enjoy a traditional sumo-prepared dish too.

🍜This unique cultural experience allows you to enjoy powerful matches by former sumo wrestlers up close. Fun for adults and children alike.his unique cultural experience allows you to enjoy powerful matches by former sumo wrestlers up close. Fun for adults and children alike.
👉 Check availability and book with Klook here
🎁 Use our exclusive reader code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an extra discount

Make Your Own Chopsticks

When I first stated looking at cultural experiences and culture in Tokyo, the one I found first and was most excited about was woodworking your own chopsticks. However, most classes have a minimum age of 10 to try this: finally, on this trip, both of our boys will hit this age limit!

Founded in 1912, the Mogami Kogei workshop boasts 110 years of Edo sashimono woodworking history.  Choose from a variety of precious woods to shave down and finish with oil into a one-of-a-kind pair of chopsticks. When your chopsticks are finished, take them home in a chopstick box of real Aizu paulownia wood. This is a unique chance to see the workshop and tools of a traditional artisanal woodworker up close.

🥢 This is such an exciting opportunity. Learn chopstick making from traditional Edo sashimono craftsman Yutaka Mogami, the third-generation master of Mogami Kogei, or his son and future successor, Ryo Mogami.
👉 You can check availability and book this experience with Wabunka today

Why Booking Cultural Experiences in Tokyo Is Worth It

Cultural experiences allow you to slow down, connect, and truly understand Japan. I’m not going to lie, some can be pricey (you’re paying for exclusive access to masters of their craft) but many are surprisingly affordable, especially compared to similar private experiences in Europe or the US.

Booking through trusted platforms ensures:

• English-friendly guidance
• Small group or private settings
• High-quality, authentic experiences

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to experience the real Tokyo, these cultural experiences are the answer. They turn a busy city break into something meaningful, educational, and unforgettable. The theme parks, shopping, and skyscrapers are a lot of fun, but the reminder that there’s more to Japan is so important, especially when travelling with children.

If you’re planning a family trip to Japan, I highly recommend building at least one or two cultural experiences into your itinerary. Which ones will you choose?

Looking for more tips on planning the perfect trip to Japan? I recommend writing these articles next:

🗼 Check out my ultimate 14 day Japan itinerary for first time travelers
🍜 Ultimate 5-Days Tokyo Itinerary for Families: Full Guide For Travelling With Kids
🎴 18 Essential Things You Need To Do Before You Visit Japan

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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!