13 Shows to Build a Day Around

1.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7,413 reviews · from $149Our pick

Join an English-guided day trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji’s 5th Station, Lake Ashi, and Mt Komagatake. You’ll ride a coach, cruise the lake, watch a wadaiko drum performance, and return by non-reserved Kodama Shinkansen. Lunch is optional, and weather can change the route.

“How deeply compassionate the Host and the Bus Operator were in a time when my child was not feeling well, and they were sensitive to her condition.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Reykjavik: LAVA SHOW – Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,360 reviews · 50 - 75 minutes · from $54Best value

Reykjavík’s Lava Show brings real molten lava into a safe indoor setting. An English-speaking host explains Icelandic eruptions, geology, and volcanic risks as you feel the heat up close. Choose Classic or Premium, which adds a drink, balcony seating, a furnace-room visit, and a lava souvenir.

“a fantastic, informative show. Definitely recommend this unique experience. Samantha was extremley knowledgable and answered all questions.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Lava Show Reykjavik Admission Ticket – Optional Premium Upgrade

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,278 reviews · 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $54Top rated

At Reykjavik’s Lava Show, a host such as Mariana, Samantha, Neil, or Ian explains Icelandic volcanism before pouring superheated real lava in front of you. Expect a 50 to 70 minute English presentation, a hot showroom, audience questions, and an optional Premium upgrade with lounge access, a drink, backstage visit, and lava souvenir.

“Definitely worth doing the upgraded experience! The back show program and the additional information plus getting a souvenir piece of lava was pretty cool!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Flamenco Show at Tablao El Arenal with Drink and Optional Dinner or Tapas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,415 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Spend 75 minutes at Tablao El Arenal, founded in 1975 by flamenco dancer Curro Vélez. Choose a drink, tapas, or three-course dinner, then watch up to 15 singers, guitarists, and dancers perform in an intimate Seville venue.

“Very enjoyable Flamenco show. I didn't think I would enjoy it but it was one of the highlights of our trip to Sevilla. Good seats with a glass of wine and wonderful performers.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bus 1 Day from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,287 reviews · from $122

Take a guided coach trip from Shinjuku to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, enjoy a Lake Ashi cruise, ride the Komagatake Ropeway, and watch a Japanese drum show. You can add a Japanese lunch, with vegetarian, Muslim-friendly, and Indian thali choices available.

“We had a great time and our guide Mr.Joe was the best guide ever. Thank you so much Mr.Joe (viator). I love Japan”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Lava Show Vik Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,177 reviews · 55 minutes (approx.) · from $54

At Lava Show Vík, a live host explains Icelandic volcanoes, Katla, and the 1918 eruption before bringing real molten lava into the room. You will see it flow, hear it sizzle, feel its heat, and touch a cooled piece. The English show lasts about 55 minutes and includes a Q&A.

“Loved this show! It was very informative and engaging. Adults and kids 12-19 all enjoyed it which says a lot. To keep a teenager interested when it’s not a phone is quite a feat these days. Dress cool as it gets pretty warm.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Vik: LAVA SHOW – Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 974 reviews · 50 min · from $54

At Icelandic Lava Show in Vík, a Lava Master explains Iceland’s eruptions before pouring real lava at 1,100°C just meters away. You will see it meet ice, crackle, hiss, bubble, and cool in a small English-language theater. Allow 50 minutes, dress in breathable clothing, and arrive early for front-row seats.

“We learned a lot about Vulcanos and the Guide Louis was professional and funny. We really enjoyed the Show! Thank you a lot.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Private South Coast Fire and Ice: Glacier viewpoint & Lava Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 451 reviews · 11 hours (approx.)

Spend about 11 hours with a private guide exploring Iceland’s South Coast by luxury minivan. Walk to Solheimajokull Glacier, visit Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, explore Reynisfjara, and watch real molten lava at the Lava Show in Vik. Guides such as Einar, Levi, and Atli are known for lively local stories.

“My husband and I took this tour in early Oct '24. It was us and one other couple. We saw so many waterfalls, the black beaches and Lava show in Vik. The glacier is so amazing to see close up. Our guide was in-depth, kept us on time, and was so knowledgeable about the area. We had a fun and amazing time. We highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bus 1 Day from Tokyo Sta. Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 295 reviews · from $123

Leave Tokyo at 7:35 a.m. for Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, a Lake Ashi cruise, and the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway. The $123.36 tour includes transport, admission fees, an English guide, and optional Japanese, vegetarian, Muslim-friendly, or Indian thali lunch. Guides may include Shin, Joe, or Marie.

“Sunday received confirmation of trip. Wednesday arrived to meeting point only to be told by bus station staff trip was canceled. NO CONTACT was made by Viator or tour company. BETTER GET REFUND.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Rotorua Highlights Tour inc. Te Puia Tour, Lunch & Cultural Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · from $260

Travel from Auckland to Rotorua in a small group of up to 15, with a 6:30 a.m. pickup, Waikato countryside views, a guided Te Puia visit, Māori concert, hangi buffet, geothermal sights, and a Rotorua city tour. Guides such as John, Simone, Alessandro, and Cameron have led this experience.

“John was a great guide, knowledgeable, entertaining and took care of our needs. Good excursion, provided water and snacks, not your normal ridged tour! Thank John!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Reykjavik: Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay & Live Lava Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 29 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $154

You’ll sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and rare killer whales, then make your own way to Fiskislóð 73 for a 50-minute live lava show. English-speaking guides, warm flotation overalls, WiFi, and heated cabins are included.

“Both the whale watching and the lava show were excellent. It was not clear that the 2 events are separate and occur in different locations in Reykjavik. The customers have to provide their own transportation from one activity to the other.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.From Reykjavík: Vík Lava Show & South Coast Waterfalls Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · 11 hours · from $202

Travel from Reykjavík to Vík for a one-hour Lava Show, free time at the black-sand beach, and visits to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. English-speaking guides such as Beggi, Monika, and Addi have added local music, photo stops, and helpful commentary along the way.

“Excellent tour of the south coast! Our guide Beggi was 10/10! Very informative and helpful! Even sang a lullaby before nap time on journey home! Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Te Puia: Tuku Iho Trail with Cultural Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours · from $89

Walk Te Puia’s geothermal paths with a Māori guide, taste sweetcorn cooked in a hot pool, visit the kiwi centre and Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, then watch pōhiri, waiata, poi, and haka at Te Aronui a Rua. Guide Paul is praised for making the experience warm and informative.

“A wonderful all-round experience led by a very knowledgeable Maori guide who told us all about the area and its history and cooked us some yummy sweetcorn in the geothermal water. The cultural performance was very moving and it was amazing to see the kiwis too. A very efficient way to get a flavour of many of the interesting sides of Rotorua in a short time!”

Check availability →Read our full review