Top Asia Unique Experiences

Seeking out the well-concealed back-alley bars of Tokyo's Shinjuku district is notoriously tricky for outsiders. Take the guesswork out of your trip on this guided tour that takes you barhopping to Izakaya bars in two different alleyways in Shinjuku with a small group. Experience the backstreets of Tokyo and authentic street food and drinks (included) while your guide shares insights into local culture in this atmospheric part of the city.

See the highlights of the DMZ stress-free on a half-day sightseeing tour from Seoul. After comfortable transfer from convenient pickup locations, your group will visit Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park and the Bridge of Freedom. Next, tour the DMZ, Third Tunnel, and Dora Observatory. From beginning to end, your guide will provide detailed commentary to ensure an immersive and informative experience. Return to Seoul with plenty of time to enjoy the evening as you wish.

This full-day sightseeing tour of Seoul showcases the best of Korea’s history, culture, and traditions. Led by a guide, see the city’s major landmarks, including Jogyesa Temple and Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum, N Seoul Tower, and Namsangol Hanok Village. Watch the changing of the guards during a stop at Gwanghwamun Gate and enjoy a traditional Korean lunch with your fellow travelers in Insadong. Your full-day tour also includes a stop at a traditional ginseng center.

Savor the after-dark pleasures of Bangkok’s legendary street food scene during this evening food and sightseeing excursion by tuk-tuk. Travel aboard one of these iconic 3-wheeled taxis, stopping to sample sizzling roadside favorites like charcoal-fried noodles. You also experience attractions like the flower market.

Exploring the historic city of Kyoto with a local guide gives you an experience you won’t get by following a guidebook itinerary. Discover local neighborhoods, see iconic attractions, and get recommendations from a guide who creates a personalized route based on your interests and needs.

Master the basics of Thai cuisine on this tour, with this cooking class with a professional chef in Bangkok. The morning class starts off with a guided visit to Khlong Toei market to shop for ingredients, while the afternoon and evening classes feature a mango carving workshop. After, get your hands dirty by making curry paste from scratch as well as traditional Thai dishes during a hands-on cooking class. Then sit down to feast on a delicious homemade lunch or dinner.

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture during this 2-hour samurai experience at a traditional Kyoto Samurai House. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior" handle a real katana sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Eat, train, and fight like a real Japanese sumo wrestler during this sumo demonstration and authentic ‘Chanko Nabe’ (hotpot) meal. Discover the history, training, and rules behind the typical sumo match as you watch real clashes. You can even try it yourself during a skirmish with a retired wrestler. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, dig into a tasty Chanko Nabe, a filling meal of hotpot, rice, miso, salad, French fries and more, used by these hulking fighters to gain weight. Admission to the demonstration and meals are both covered.

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, receive a cultural introduction to the country during a tea ceremony in traditional kimonos. During the ceremony, learn about Japanese history and sample matcha green tea, a local specialty. Plus, wearing a traditional kimono means you leave the experience with fantastic photographs to commemorate your time in Kyoto.

Spend the day with one of our hosts to discover the true nature of Osaka - head’s up, it’s got a wild sense of humor and is obsessed with food. Explorer (not tourist) is what we’re aiming for here, and in that spirit, you could explore neighborhoods like the fashionable Shinsaibashi or crazy Dotonbori and maybe you’ll discover hidden gems like the smaller shrines and historic streets. Grab a quick bite to eat and see why Osaka is known as the ‘Nation’s Kitchen’ before continuing your adventure through the neon streets of this enigmatic port city. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You'll also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do

Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony dressed in a ceremonial kimono during this cultural experience in Kyoto. Learn about the meaning of different kimono patterns and the history behind the tea ceremony from your guide, then watch the professional tea master prepare a cup of tea. Sip your tea and learn about Japanese manners during a tea ceremony, then enjoy the opportunity to try your hand at brewing your own.

While most cooking classes give you the chance to create a few dishes, this experience lets you learn to prepare nine Balinese classics, making it the ultimate choice for food lovers. As well as mastering the basics of Balinese cuisine, you’ll benefit from the insider knowledge of your guide. Opt for the morning tour to include a market visit and shop for ingredients like a local.

Tour Tokyo’s highlights in an unforgettable way—dressed up in costume, traveling by go-kart. Your tour is both fun and safe, with a safety briefing, and a guide to lead the way so you don’t get lost. During the tour, drive past many Tokyo landmarks including the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, and access views of Tokyo Bay.

Immerse yourself in Korean culture and enjoy an authentic home-cooking experience with a local chef at her home. Enjoy a guided visit to the local market to purchase fresh ingredients, sample tasty street food snacks, and learn about typical herbs and spices. Then, get hands-on as you create a selection of popular Korean dishes and master traditional cooking techniques. Finally sit down to enjoy a ‘Hanjeongsik’ dinner including your homemade dishes, along with additional side dishes and dessert.

Gain a better understanding of sake during this tour that explores the Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto. Visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, one of the largest sake breweries in Fushimi, and end your visit with a sake-tasting session. Not only will your guide be able to explain the basics of sake and introduce you to new kinds you may have never tried, but your tastings will also be paired with Japanese snacks that enhance the tasting experience. 

Understanding Tokyo can seem like an impossible wish for foreign travelers. Take the mystery out of your visit on this guided tour with a local. Before your tour, your guide contacts you to get a feel for what interests you. On your customized tour, they take you to see the city's must-see sites, as well as underexplored local neighborhoods and hidden gems. Along the way, they share insights into local life giving you a better sense of Tokyo culture.

Thai cuisine is delicious but, with the unusual ingredients and balance of strong flavors, trying to cook it yourself can be intimidating. Learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes just like a local during this small-group cooking class in Phuket. The menu is adapted to your preferences and dietary needs. If you take the morning class, you also visit a traditional market.

With its neon-lit alleys and bustling crowds, Hong Kong can be a disorientating place to visit for the first time. Kickstart your time in HK on a private, custom tour that allows you to create your own sightseeing schedule. Rather than visiting sights that don’t interest you, you’ll tailor an itinerary to your personal interests, whether they lie in food and fashion or culture and history. Plus, a private guide provides personalized recommendations to last your entire trip.

Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate, during this 4-hour sushi-making class and a visit to the outer Tsukiji fish market. Tour one of the world’s largest seafood markets with a guide as you learn how fish is caught, distributed, and sold. Then turn your attention to sushi-making, learning to prepare nigiri sushi with the help of a sushi master. Finish your experience by enjoying your creations for lunch.

Taipei is renowned for its futuristic skyscrapers and modern shopping malls, but few visitors get to discover the natural wonders just outside the city. This tour visits the beautiful Thousand Island Lake and includes a tour of the Pinglin Tea Museum and the Bagua Tea Garden.

Enjoy a night out in Osaka without stressing over where to go with this nightlife tour of the city. With visits to at least three bars and one club included, the crawl showcases the city’s most happening venues and introduces you to like-minded travelers at the same time. Enjoy discounted drinks and free shots, and explore Osaka after dark with a group of up to 50 people, aged mostly between 21 and 38 years old. Drinkers must be at least 20 years old, and ID is required.

See a spirited side of the South Korean capital you won’t find in the tourism brochures on this evening ghost tour in Seoul. Follow your guide on a meandering walk through Seoul’s hidden alleyways and hear tales to send shivers down your spine! Visit Gyeonghuigung Palace, the most haunted place in South Korea, discover hidden secrets in Pimatgol Alley, explore the birthplace of Korean independence at Tapgol Park and more.

Experience the daily goings-on of the Damnoen Saduak floating market and the MaeKlong railway market with a dedicated guide on this private tour from Bangkok. Learn about the markets' history, origins, and current iterations through insightful commentary and take a long-tail boat tour on the canal. Taste some traditional Thai desserts and get free time to shop. Round-trip private transportation from Bangkok hotels is included.