Transform the way you travel and make it as much about the people you meet as the places you see. Get a welcome to Kyoto from a local host eager to share all the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your stay. Meet at your hotel or accommodation and get familiar with your local neighborhood. Learn about the best places to eat, buy groceries and the easiest ways to get around. Alternatively, arrange to meet at a central landmark or intersection to start your walking tour. Hear about the top things to do, customized to your interests. By the end of the tour, you will feel more comfortable navigating the city on your own with all the information you need.

Expand your knowledge about Japanese culture and learn how to do a traditional Ikenobo style flower arrangement in this class. Arrange plants that are removed from the nature and fill them with new beauty and place them in a new environment. You can re-create the shape of the plant it had in nature with branches, leaves, and flowers.  Dive into the history of Ikenobo, which  is the history of ikebana. Ikebana began with Ikenobo and although over 550 years many other schools have branched off from Ikenobo, Ikenobo is said to be the origin of ikebana. Arranging flowers and finding beauty in flowers are linked to a heart that values nature and cares for other people - this is the spirit of Ikenobo Ikebana.

Explore the glorious city of Kyoto. Led by an authentic Samurai guide, Joe Okada knows the city as well as he knows his own swordsmanship! Kyoto was the 2nd capital of Japan from 794-1868, with a legacy of 72 Emperors and 3 Shoguns. The site still retains much of its history among more modern developments. The tour starts at the Kyoto City Hall Plaza, from there visiting a variety of traditional arts and crafts shops, including a wood engraver and a brush & ink maker. Visit a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine before heading to the Kyoto Imperial Palace Forest.  Continue onward to a typical Japanese market to sample the produce and enjoy a light lunch. Afterwards Samurai Joe will demonstrate his skills, and he'll need a volunteer to help!