Sample Itinerary

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

Osaka

Today your airport pick up will meet you at Kansai International Airport (assuming your flight arrives after 8:00am and before 21:30) and taken to your hotel in Osaka by public transportation. They will give you an orientation, hand you your transportation tickets, check you into your hotel, and answer any of your questions. The train from Kansai Airport to Namba Station in Osaka will take about 45 minutes. You will be on your own for dinner but your airport pick up will make a few suggestions.

Kurashiki

Finish your exploration of Osaka before heading to nearby Kurashiki. After stopping by your ryokan, you can explore the nearby historic district, willow-lined canal area with storehouses preserved since the Edo Period (1600-1868), before returning to your lodging for some fine Japanese cuisine and a relaxing bath.

Takamatsu

Upon leaving Kurashiki, you will cross the Seto-Ohashi bridge, which was built in the late 1970s and 1980s in order to connect the main island of Honshu with Shikoku. It is one of the world’s longest bridges at 13.1 kilometers (8.14 miles). After crossing into Shikoku and checking in to your city center hotel in the seaside city of Takamatsu, you will head to the nearby town of Kotohira. Here you will have the chance to see Konpirasan (also known as Kotohira-gu), a popular Shinto Shrine located atop a huge staircase. Afterwards, you can see Kanamaruza, one of the oldest remaining Kabuki theaters in Japan (Kabuki is a traditional form of theater with elaborate costumes, stage devices and music). Afterwards, you can return to Takamatsu and sample the local specialty food, Sanuki Udon, which is a thick, wheat-based noodle dish served in a clear broth.

In the morning you will leave Takamatsu city and head for a part of Japan that few have seen. This unspoiled area is so remote that during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868) criminals would come her to hide from the law. You will spend 2 nights in a ryokan (Japanese inn) where you will be served dinner and breakfast. This is a great time to relax and connect to the quieter side of Japan.

Iya Valley

Today you explore the remote valley and enjoy the vine bridges that span the gorge.

Dogo Onsen

You will stay in the Dogo Onsen (Dogo Hot Spring) area today, one of the oldest hot spring areas in Japan, located in the heart of Matsuyama City. The location is convenient if you are interested in shopping for traditional crafts or souvenirs in the nearby Dogo Shopping Arcade. But before you begin shopping, you will head to Ishiteji temple, an impressive temple that is number 51 of the “88 Temple Pilgrimage”, the most famous religious pilgrimage route in Japan that circles around the entire island of Shikoku. The “Niomon” gate is at this temple is a national treasure, its three story pagoda and main hall are designated important cultural properties, and the architecture is in the style of the Kamakura Period (1192-1333).

Osaka

Today your return to Osaka for your final night in Japan.

Today will be your last day in Japan and your last chance for sightseeing and shopping. Please make sure you arrive at Kansai Airport or Itami Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Your tour personalized organizer will have exact directions to the airport.

What Our Customers Have To Say

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

John Moawad

Classical Japan Tour

It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...

Marina Boyer

North Central Exploration

Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...

Edan Ecker

Shoguns and Samurai

I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...

Our Team Of Local Experts

Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.

Jeff Aasgaard


Tour Sales Director

Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

Michiyo Kakiuchi

Tour Arrangement Manager

Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.

Izumi Yamauchi

Tour Arrangement team

Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

Why Rediscover Tours

Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.

Trips Made for You


Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you


Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour


Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements


Japan Experts


Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese


They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss


Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy


Finest Guides


Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour


We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience


Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds


With Confidence


Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you


Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000


You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away