Ancient cultural practices still thrive amid the hustle and bustle of the forward-thinking Japanese capital, where visitors can glimpse the country’s timeless soul.

Visitors try their hand at sumo training at the Ajigawa Sumo stable.

Tokyo never rests, and neither does its culture. Steeped in history, the dazzling megalopolis offers boundless opportunities for visitors to delve into the local heritage, be it quiet activities that engender mindfulness and introspection, or more physical pursuits that active travelers will love. Any holiday in Japan’s capital city can be made even more rewarding through immersive, hands-on experiences tied to the traditional culture. Here are seven things to try out on your next trip to Tokyo.

Sumo Wrestling

Japan’s oldest professional martial art, sumo stands out for the deep sense of honor and self-discipline it fosters and its unique roots in ancient Shinto customs. In Tokyo, Ajigawa Sumo is a professional sumo stable that offers visitors an immersive experience into this ancient tradition, where they can witness intense training sessions, observe the sheer power and precision of wrestlers, and gain insight into the profound cultural significance of the sport. Guests even have the rare opportunity to try sumo themselves under the expert guidance of master Ryuji Suginomori and briefly train alongside professional wrestlers, before enjoying a hearty meal of chanko nabe — a nourishing, protein-rich stew regularly eaten by sumo athletes to bulk up. Visitors are reminded to dress appropriately and show respect for the stable’s rules, as sumo is regarded as a sacred sport in Japan.

Hoshinoya Tokyo offers a kenjutsu training class atop a 160-meter-tall building. — HOSHINOYA Tokyo offers a *kenjutsu* training class atop a 160-meter-tall building. ©Hoshino Resorts

Kenjutsu (Sword Training)

Channeling the heartfelt service and refined elegance of a ryokan in a modern high-rise luxury hotel, HOSHINOYA Tokyo also honors Japanese culture through its guest experiences. A must-try is the Sky-High Morning Kenjutsu Practice, which involves sword training on a rooftop helipad 160 meters above the ground, where the panoramic views encompass landmarks like the iconic Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. Using wooden training swords known as bokken, you’ll learn the basics to a breathtaking backdrop of the Tokyo skyline. Back at the hotel, guests can enjoy year-round performances of gagaku, ancient court music that has echoed through the generations since the seventh century. Sip on a refreshing drink while witnessing the elegant motion of gagaku dancers, overseen by master musician Fumihiko Yamada on a stage in the lobby.

Visitors can try Kyudo archery firsthand while dressed in hakama clothing. — Visitors can try Kyudo archery firsthand while dressed in *hakama* clothing.

Kyudo Archery

Rooted in kyujutsu — the ancient art of archery once practiced by samurai for warfare, hunting, and rituals — kyudo has since evolved into a martial art that emphasizes spiritual depth and philosophical insight. Deeper Japan, a boutique travel operator that connects visitors with authentic Japanese traditions, can arrange a two-hour archery class for up to four guests in a kyudo dojo — a specialized training hall for Japanese martial arts — located in the Suginami ward, a 45-minute train ride from Tokyo station. After donning a hakama, the traditional martial arts uniform, you’ll be introduced to the history and fundamentals of kyudo. Then, you can take on the role of an archer and test your skills in both short and longer-distance target practice using a traditional Japanese bow and arrow. The experience includes a photo session, and a Deeper Japan guide will be on hand to interpret the teacher’s instructions into English. Classes are open to adults and children who are at least 13 years old.

Koju offers an immersive incense-making experience in a tranquil setting. ©J-CAT

Incense-Making

Amid the captivating mix of old and new that characterizes the downtown Ginza district, Koju is a 440-year-old incense shop that has long served the Imperial Palace and Japanese aristocracy. These days, it offers travelers the rare opportunity to craft their own personalized incense pouches by blending a curated selection of over a dozen fragrant ingredients. Through a special workshop arranged by Wabunka, a purveyor of private insider tours and experiences, you can partake in the art of monko — the ancient practice of “incense listening” — where you’ll discern and appreciate three distinct, evocative scents and learn the fundamentals of Japanese incense etiquette. Guests will come away from the experience not only with new knowledge, but also with a gift of seasonal incense and a delicately crafted mini-incense holder.

A small-group Zen meditation session at Denchuji Temple.

Zen Meditation

A serene oasis northeast of the world’s busiest train station at Shinjuku, the storied Denchuji Temple is a hidden gem where you can practice zazen, or Zen meditation, in its purest form. Rooted in the Soto tradition — a traditional school of Japanese Buddhism — this practice embodies shikantaza or the art of “just sitting,” where meditation is not merely a path to enlightenment but the very realization of it. Since its founding in 1628 under the blessing of Tokugawa Iemitsu, third shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty, Denchuji has been an important place for the propagation of Soto Zen Buddhism. The temple offers private, tailor-made sessions led by an English-speaking monk. It’s an ideal way to train the mind by cultivating stillness and mental clarity in the heart of the atmospheric Kagurazaka district. Zazen meditations at Denchuji can be organized through small-scale tour operators like Ninja Kotan.

Through a kintsugi workshop, travelers can restore broken ceramics in an artful way. — Through a *kintsugi* workshop, travelers can restore broken ceramics in an artful way.

Kintsugi Workshops

Kintsugi, the traditional Japanese art of mending broken pottery using lacquer infused with powdered gold, does more than restore — it elevates the piece by embracing its imperfections, turning its cracks into a testament to its history. In the heart of Tokyo, both the Ebisu and Asakusa studios of local brand Tsugu Tsugu hold 60-minute kintsugi workshops. Participants will be treated to a hands-on experience that acquaints them with the intricacy of traditional kintsugi repair via time-honored methods and natural urushi lacquer. Upon completion of the masterclass, you can either take home your finished piece in a special drying box, retrieve it from the studio after a day, or have it shipped directly to your hotel or home country (with an additional shipping fee involved). Simpler “kintsugi-style” workshops use synthetic resin and brass in a similar manner to create chopstick rests and other accessories.

An outdoor performance by members of Taiko-Lab.

Taiko Drumming

For over 1,500 years, wadaiko — traditional Japanese drums widely known abroad as “taiko” — have been an integral part of Japanese culture. The art of taiko drumming is deeply intertwined with the nation’s history, religious practices, and performing arts. Once used in rituals and military settings, wadaiko has since evolved into a celebrated form of musical expression, captivating audiences both in Japan and across the globe. Curious to further explore the world of wadaiko? Tokyo-based wadaiko drumming school Taiko-Lab offers private sessions in English at its locations in Akihabara and Aoyama. These hourlong classes not only promise travelers the thrill of playing the drums, but also offer insights into their origins, including when they first emerged and the traditional materials used to craft them.

To fully immerse yourself in Japan’s rich heritage, Tokyo offers an array of experiences that range from invigorating physical pursuits to tranquil, soul-nourishing moments. Whether you’re drawn to the powerful tradition of sumo, the introspective art of Zen meditation, or hands-on crafts like kintsugi, each activity provides a unique connection to Japan’s ancient culture. Tokyo invites you to explore its long-standing history and enduring spirit through these traditional practices.

A gagaku musician in the lobby of Hoshinoya Tokyo. — A *gagaku* musician in the lobby of HOSHINOYA Tokyo. ©Hoshino Resorts

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7 Ways to Immerse Yourself in Tokyo’s Traditions

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