5 best virtual tours to celebrate the Olympics 2021

The long-awaited Olympics 2021 in Tokyo kicked off on July 23 and while this Olympic Games will be different from past editions, there are still many ways to enjoy the international sporting event. 

In line with celebrating the host country of Japan, Beeyonder is throwing the spotlight on our best virtual tours that’ll transport you to the Land of the Rising Sun. 

Explore the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku 
Deliver yourself right into the hustle and bustle of Tokyo with an in-depth virtual presentation of the busy Shibuya and Shinjuku districts. 

An experience that can be as exhilarating as it can be confusing, the streets are flanked by towering skyscrapers and neon billboards, filled with all forms of shops, sushi restaurants, and jazz bars, packed with people going about their day and night. 

Arigato Travel’s expert guide will point out all the best spots and nuances of local life and culture on display - they’ll even introduce you to some famous mascots (we’ll give you a hint, one involves a dog) and provide a post-tour resource guide packed with handy insider tips, do’s and don’ts and where to find the best ramen and yakitori spots.

Transport yourself to Tokyo in this virtual tour. 

Walk the grounds of Osaka Castle
Erected on the site of a temple and former imperial palace, Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a powerful feudal lord, and warrior during the Sengoku period (1467-1615), and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century Azuchi-Momoyama period.

Today, the gold-accented five-story “Osaka-jo” remains one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and is a shining example of traditional Japanese architecture. While the castle's interior begs exploring - each floor holds curated showcases detailing its prominent history - the surrounding grounds are equally significant. 

Let Spirit of Japan expert guide Richard "Hawk" Hawkins regale you with the history and stories of Osaka Castle, how it was attacked, rebuilt, and attacked again. He’ll explain the importance of the impressive castle wall and moat, bring you to the actual spots where stones were broken and shaped while breaking down the intricacies of the castle defense system and take you to visit a shrine dedicated to the Shogun.  

Join a walk back in time via this virtual tour. Coming Soon.

Admire Mount Fuji without climbing it 
For the Japanese, taking in the picturesque beauty of Mount Fuji is a scenic activity done everywhere from their Shinkansen seat traveling from Tokyo to Osaka to the viewing deck of Tokyo Tower, or while relaxing on Isshiki Beach. 

A stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707, it is regarded as a sacred mountain for practitioners of the Shinto faith since the 7th century, with numerous Shinto shrines dotting the base and ascent of Mount Fuji.

To learn about the majestic peak’s deep connection to the culture of Japan, join this virtual experience with Arigato Travel as they share information about the iconic mountain and the surrounding Shizuoka prefecture, its fascinating history, culture, activities, and cuisine. 

Join the experience here.

Sip a nourishing cup of green tea 
Rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, drinking green tea has become a global custom for its curative properties. For the Japanese though, imbibing in a humble cup of sencha holds much symbolic meaning. 

Discover the rich history of green tea, how it arrived in Japan, the different varieties (matcha, sencha etc..), and the art of brewing the perfect cup. Your expert guide from Arigato Travel will also share green tea’s unusual pairings, its relationship with nori (seaweed), and tips on how to source the best leaves. 

Learn about green tea’s special place in Japanese culture on this tour. 

Discover the secrets of Kiyomizudera Temple 
Situated in the wooded hills east of Kyoto lies the famous Kiyomizudera Temple. Founded in 778 AD on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, the “Pure Water Temple” is one of Japan’s most celebrated temples and the main place of worship for the Kita-Hosso Buddhist sect who practice the teachings of Kannon, the Bodhisattva (enlightened being) of mercy and compassion. 

Spirit of Japan’s Richard "Hawk" Hawkins will take you on an insightful tour of this UNESCO heritage site, dispensing nuggets of information about the beautiful three-story pagoda down to the small temples, while stopping at important sites like the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. 

For an up-close and personal look at Kiyomizudera Temple, join this tour (Coming Soon).