Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most iconic cultural attractions, but for group tours and MICE programs, adding hands-on and interactive experiences can make an itinerary even more memorable.
Recently, the FREEPLUS team visited Kyoto to explore two unique experiences that can be enjoyed by international groups: a hands-on ramen-making experience and a restaurant featuring a traditional maiko performance.
Both facilities can accommodate groups, making them interesting options for overseas travel agencies looking to add authentic Japanese food and cultural experiences to their clients’ itineraries.
In this FAM trip report, we’ll share what we discovered during our visit and why these experiences could be a great fit for group tours and MICE programs.
Award-Winning Ramen Making Experience: More Than Just a Lunch
Our first stop was a ramen-making experience where participants can make their own noodles and experience the entire cooking process from start to finish.
Starting with the dough, guests make and cut their own noodles, cook them, add the soup and toppings, and finally enjoy the ramen they have created themselves. It is not just a cooking activity—the finished ramen can also be enjoyed as part of lunch, making this experience an easy addition to a daytime itinerary.
Another advantage for group tours is the flexibility of the program. Depending on the itinerary and available time, groups can choose between a short course of approximately 75 minutes and a full course of approximately 100 minutes. The facility can accommodate groups of up to 50 people, making it suitable for both leisure groups and MICE programs.
Dietary requirements can also be discussed, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, which is an important consideration when arranging group travel.
The experience has also received international recognition. In 2025, it was selected as one of Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best, ranking 7th in the world in the Food & Drink Experiences category.
For detailed pricing and location information, please contact us through the inquiry form below.
A Authentic Maiko Experience : A Closer Look at Traditional Culture
Our second stop was a venue in Kyoto offering a private maiko experience on a spacious traditional stage.
For overseas travel agencies, arranging an authentic maiko experience can be particularly challenging. Unlike many standard sightseeing activities, maiko arrangements are not always something that can simply be booked through a regular reservation channel. Without a long-standing relationship with an ochaya (exclusive traditional restaurant), arranging a genuine maiko experience can be difficult.
During our visit, we were able to learn more about how these experiences can be arranged for groups and how they can be incorporated into Japan itineraries.
One of the highlights of this experience is the stage itself. Guests can enjoy a maiko performance from close range in a spacious setting, creating an intimate and memorable cultural experience.
For detailed pricing and location information, please contact us through the inquiry form below.
A Flexible Option for Group Tours and MICE
The maiko experience can be combined with lunch, with both Japanese and Western cuisine available.
This flexibility is particularly useful when planning group itineraries, allowing travel planners to choose a dining option that best suits their clients while incorporating a unique Japanese cultural experience.
For group tours and MICE programs, a private maiko experience combined with dining can offer travelers an opportunity to enjoy Kyoto’s traditional culture in a more personal and memorable way.
What We Discovered on This FAM Trip
This FAM trip gave us the opportunity to discover two different sides of Kyoto—through Japanese food and traditional culture.
Making ramen from scratch and enjoying the finished dish as part of a group lunch is a fun and interactive way to experience Japanese food culture. A private maiko performance, meanwhile, offers a more intimate introduction to Kyoto’s traditional culture. Both experiences offer something beyond traditional sightseeing.
For overseas travel agencies, finding authentic experiences that can accommodate groups is not always easy. Visiting these venues ourselves allowed us to see firsthand how each experience works, what they can offer to groups, and how they could be incorporated into different types of itineraries.
At FREEPLUS, we regularly visit destinations, hotels, restaurants, and experience providers throughout Japan, with a particular focus on the Kansai area (around Osaka and Kyoto), to discover new opportunities for our clients. Whether you are planning a leisure group tour, a MICE program, or a tailor-made Japan itinerary, we can help you find experiences that fit your clients’ needs.
