Six Unforgettable Experiences to Enhance Your Program to Tokyo with The J Team

Tokyo is a city of striking contrasts - hyper-modern yet steeped in centuries of tradition. With The J Team, on your next program to Japan, guests will experience a side of Tokyo that brings its culture and vividity to life.

From peaceful bonsai gardens and conversations with geisha to helicopter flights over the skyline and high-energy street karting, these six hand-picked activities offer a memorable way for your guests to connect with the city.

1. Bonsai Cutting & Garden Visit

Step into a serene world hidden in suburban Tokyo, where skyscrapers give way to quiet neighborhoods and ancient art lives on. Your guests will be welcomed into the private bonsai garden of a true master called “Mr. Miyagi,” who has over 30 years of experience and tends to over 1,000 bonsai trees, including one that’s 800 years old.

During your guests’ visit, they will tour a traditional Japanese home, meet local bonsai disciples, and most importantly, get hands-on with bonsai cutting techniques. Under expert guidance, guests will shape their own trees and gain insight into the discipline, patience, and philosophy behind this living art form.

2. Helicopter Flight Over Tokyo

There’s no better way to grasp the sheer scale of Tokyo than from above. Soar over the sprawling metropolis in a private helicopter and watch the sea of neon towers give way to distant mountains and coastlines.

Your guests’ journey begins with refreshments in a VIP lounge at the heliport, before taking off into the sky for an exhilarating and exclusive aerial adventure.

3. Interview with a Geisha

The art and culture of the geisha remain a deeply respected aspect of Japanese history. During this intimate evening, guests will dine and connect with Tokyo’s modern-day geisha, gaining rare insight into their lives, training, and artistry.

They will be encouraged to ask questions, join in classic tea parlor games, and even try playing the shamisen, a traditional three-stringed instrument. With dinner and drinks included in this experience, this is a night of elegance and connection.

4. Kimono Lesson

The kimono remains one of Japan's most recognizable and culturally rich garments. In this beautifully curated experience, guests will learn about the culture, history, and symbolism behind kimono-wearing in a private setting with expert guidance.

Guests will be dressed in authentic kimonos or samurai-style hakama (which many men find more comfortable) and discover how this traditional clothing continues to be relevant today. With plenty of photo opportunities and deeper insights into Japanese aesthetics and etiquette, it’s a graceful and enlightening experience. 

5. Street Kart

Ever dreamed of racing through a city dressed as your favorite video game character? Now you can. With Street Kart, guests will hit the actual roads of Tokyo - costume and all - behind the wheel of a custom-built kart.

This thrilling ride through areas like Akihabara and Shibuya is a mix of nostalgia, high-speed excitement, and pure fun. Guests will need a valid international driving permit, and the memories and photos will last forever.

6. Samurai Training 

Channel your inner warrior in this powerful experience. After a high-speed demonstration from a trained swordsman, guests will don traditional samurai attire and learn how to wield a katana - the revered Japanese long sword.

With the guidance of expert instructors, guests will practice sword techniques and even take part in a safe sparring challenge. It’s an empowering and unforgettable way to connect with Japan’s feudal past.

Ready to Experience Tokyo Like Never Before?

With The J Team - Japan’s first specialist DMC and a trusted partner for incentives, corporate events, and bespoke travel since 2009 - these six activities offer a rare mix of cultural depth, hands-on discovery, and pure fun. While these experiences highlight what’s possible, they are just a small part of what The J Team can create for your program. With deep local insight and a passion for crafting meaningful moments, The J Team opens the door to a much wider range of immersive and memorable journeys across Japan, introducing you to the little-known, constantly captivating sides of the country.