Japan’s fascinating ninja culture is the focus of a new tour offered by Windows to Japan. The experience begins with a rail journey to a secret location about 1.5 hours beyond the city. Next, participants slip into classic ninja gear and discover the inner life of spies from feudal times, led by a martial arts professional during a two-hour class.

Other immersive tours include Art of Zen, an up-close primer on Japanese aesthetics, architecture, horticulture and all things Zen. Take in Kyoto sites including the city’s downtown marketplace, the stone garden at Ryoanji Temple, the Golden Pavilion and Shogun’s Castle.

During Dinner with a Geisha, visitors enjoy a performance by a geisha who spent years training and apprenticing in this iconic Japanese art. The venue is either a casual shabu-shabu establishment or a formal kaiseki dinner in a Japanese restaurant. The first part of the evening is devoted to the dance performance, after which the geisha will join the group to share details of the lifestyle.

Travelers can also choose to take part in a one-hour Private Tea Ceremony. Sip matcha green tea in the company of a tea ceremony master, while learning about the tradition, customs and connections to Zen and Buddhism.