Our journey takes us north from Tokyo to a landscape rich in spirituality and tradition. Though off the established tourist circuit, the sights of northern Japan rival anywhere in the country in their beauty and atmospheric grandeur. We visit both the better-known, magnificent destinations, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Toshogu shrine at Nikko and Dewa Sanzan, as well as the region’s more remote hot springs and beautiful national parks. We take exhilarating walks through beautiful scenery in the Oze Wetlands, Mount Gas-san, and the Tono Valley.
The Japanese poet Matsuo Basho traveled through this region in the 17th century, a journey subsequently published as The Narrow Road to the Deep North. We will visit several of the places which inspired his famous haiku poems. Our small group stays at traditional Ryokan and Minshuku inns in the countryside – always with wonderful service and beautifully-prepared regional cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients. Natural hot-spring baths are highlights of our journey. At Tochio near Oze our hot-spring Ryokan has open-air baths next to a rushing river, while at Nyuto near Lake Tazawako, the 300-year-old Tsuru-no-yu Ryokan has eight baths, some with the famous milky-white spring water. The tour begins and ends in Tokyo, with time for sightseeing and shopping.
July 1 to July 13, 2024
August 16 to August 28, 2024
Starting from US$4,930.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
This culinary small group tour visits famous locations like the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto, as well as hidden rural villages and the unique culture of Awaji Island in the fabled Inland Sea, where culinary traditions have been handed down from generation to generation. Foraging for wild ingredients, harvesting the bounty of the land, cooking with emblematic figures, and alongside members of local communities, this culinary adventure will show you how food is the most intimate way to uncover Japan’s history and culture.
Japan is blessed with rich natural products from the ‘Satoyama’ landscape, the border area between flat arable land where rice is grown, and the mountains. Managed sustainably over centuries, Satoyama is biologically diverse and supports a wide variety of wildlife throughout four seasons, offering a great variety of dishes and regional specialties. Japanese cuisine’s unique qualities are the product of a long tradition of respect for the harvest of ingredients and for nature itself.
Food culture in Japan is also closely related to festivals and rituals and reflects the way of life in each particular region. Traveling from mountain villages to fishing ports, staying in rural thatched-roof houses, and in the dazzling cities, you will taste the sake, experience the food and the culture, awaken your senses and share unforgettable moments with people you’ll meet on your journey.
Our adventure starts in Tokyo and takes us to the local food market in Kanazawa, then hunting wild plants with local villagers in Gokayama. Next, we travel to Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site, and Takayama, where a local community will host us in an old Kominca house. Here we learn about Okudo-san (earth oven) cooking and visit a sake brewery. In Asuka, the capital of Japan before Kyoto and Nara, we visit Era-san’s family of organic farmers for an “outdoor kitchen” experience, using locally-produced vegetables. We visit a fishing port on Awaji Island before heading to the imperial capital of Kyoto where we enjoy a Kaiseki dinner in the exclusive setting of a wonderful property not typically open to the public. Your Kaiseki dinner is prepared and explained by chef Taro Katayama who has over thirty years of experience.
September 22 to October 2, 2023 – almost full
October 20 to October 30, 2023
May 24 to June 3, 2024
September 30 to September 30, 2024
October 18 to October 28, 2024
Starting from US$5,020.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
This small-group tour takes you to the fourth-largest of Japan’s islands, Shikoku is home to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail. Fascinating aspects of this deeply spiritual route include how little is known of its origins, and its mysterious connection with Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Pilgrims have walked the trails for 1200 years and even today we will see pilgrims in their distinctive attire and white cloaks throughout the island. The full pilgrimage route encircles Shikoku and connects 88 Buddhist temples, covering more than a thousand kilometers. Pilgrims, known in Japanese as Ohenro, traditionally did the journey from temple to temple on foot over many weeks.
Our tour selects the best of the walking trails through lovely landscapes. We visit all four of Shikoku’s prefectures – Tokushima in the east, Kagawa in the north, Ehime in the west, and Kochi in the south. Each region has its own distinctive character, food, and scenery. In addition to the pilgrimage trail, our journey includes the remote Iya Valley, deep in the heart of Shikoku. We begin our journey with a stay on Mount Koya, the hilltop temple complex on Honshu established by Kobo Daishi, and an important location for Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage devotees. Public transport in the rural areas of Shikoku is limited and we will travel mainly by private chartered vehicle, but we will still enjoy walking along the ancient route from temple to temple through countryside and forest. We will stay in traditional country inns enjoying regional cuisine prepared from local ingredients from the island, soaking in natural hot springs, and enjoying the exceptional hospitality of our hosts.
October 15 to October 27, 2023
May 12 to May 24, 2024
October 13 to October 25, 2024
Starting from US$5,210.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
This small-group tour shows you the Kumano Kodo, or Kumano Ancient Trail, which is a pilgrimage route to Kumano, part of the mountainous Kii Peninsula that stretches south from the Kansai cities of Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. The well-maintained trail threads its way through deep valleys, mountains, and small villages to offer a wonderfully varied hike over four days.
Stay at comfortable family-run inns with excellent food, soak in natural hot springs, and visit the shrines along the way. The pilgrimage routes to the three great Kumano Shrines – Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Hayatama Taisha – were popularized during and after the Heian Period (794-1185), when the Imperial family and nobility began to seek salvation in sangaku shinko (a belief in the supernatural power of mountains), rather than through common religious practices. Emperor Gotoba (1180-1239) made no fewer than thirty pilgrimages to Kumano, recording his thoughts and feelings in the Kumano poems.
Our journey begins in the modern city of Kyoto, and we travel south by train along the coast and spend four days hiking the Nakahechi, one of the Kumano Kodo trails, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is a day mid-way to relax, with a gentle ride along the Kumano River to the Hayatama Taisha Shrine. We cross the Kii Peninsula on foot to its eastern coast, and the fishing town of Katsuura, with two nights at a hot-spring hotel and a further optional day of hiking. We finish by traveling on to Kyoto by train. On small-group guided tours, your guide takes care of luggage arrangements for you.
October 18 to October 26, 2023 – Full
November 1 to November 9, 2023 – Full
April 8 to April 16, 2024 – Full
May 8 to May 16, 2024
June 6 to June 14, 2024
September 25 to October 3, 2024
October 16 to October 24, 2024
November 9 to November 17, 2024
Starting from US$3395.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
Our Land of Fire small-group tour starts in Kyoto, the former imperial capital and repository of much of Japan’s cultural heritage. We visit Asuka, where Japan’s early Emperors are buried, then a boat journey through the Inland Sea brings us to the southern island of Kyushu. Known as the cradle of Japanese civilization, several locations are connected with the Japanese creation myths which inspired the Yokagura dances in Takachiho.
Kyushu is also known for its numerous active volcanoes, as well as the spectacular island of Yakushima to the south, a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Unique flora and fauna can be admired here, including giant Yakusugi cedars, Yakushima yakushika deer, and yakuzaru macaques. A natural by-product of the volcanoes is onsen hot springs and we will enjoy relaxing dips in their soothing waters, as well as the unforgettable hot sand baths at Yamakawa where we are buried in hot sand. View Mount Aso with the world’s largest volcanic caldera and visit the vibrant city of Nagasaki. Stay at traditional inns and guest houses, enjoying dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. Our tour ends amidst the crowds and neon of Osaka, Japan’s second city and culinary capital.
October 21 to November 4, 2023 – Full
March 11 to March 25, 2024
April 3 to April 17, 2024
September 25 to October 9, 2024
October 19 to November 2, 2024
Starting from US$5,160.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
Japan is a land of vast cultural diversity with ultra-modern cities, sparsely populated fishing islands, Buddhist mountain sanctuaries, feudal castles and cultural arts. Our Cultural Diversity Tour of the Kansai area will allow you to experience Japan unlike any other tour. Since this is a private tour which includes only your friends, family, and a tour guide, you will travel at your pace and select activities you like.
The tour combines the comfort of an organized tour while still offering you the freedom to explore the region by yourself. Your journey starts in Osaka, the modern city also called the Cuisine of Japan. Then in less than 2 hours, by train and cable car you will reach a complete different world where you will witness the spirituality and Shingon Buddhism of Japan. In Kameoka you will discover the rural side of Japan staying at a home stay. This will give you a unique chance to meet Japanese people.
On day 5 & 6 in rural Kyoto and in Kyoto on day 8, you will be escorted by our local liaisons. Fluent English-speakers and experts in their field, they will be glad to give you an insight into the local history, people and they will give customize your visits based on your interests. To conclude your tour you will take a day trip to Nara, the ancient capital which offers plenty of picturesque sights before you return home with memories you will keep for the rest of your life.
This tour can be fully customized.
The below itinerary is an example of a Classical custom tour.
Price per person based on double occupancy for two travelers:
Classical: from US$3,580
Superior: from US$4,690
Luxury: price upon request
This small-group tour explores the Nakasendo Trail which linked Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period. It was the ‘road through the mountains’ (as opposed to the Tokaido route which traveled the Pacific coast) traveled by feudal lords and their retinues, samurai, merchants, and travelers. Along the route were 69 ‘post towns’, where weary travelers could rest before continuing on the next leg. Our journey will start in Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the Shoguns. We will then spend four days walking along the Nakasendo. By day we will walk along the ancient route as it passes through beautifully preserved villages along an easy path, and by evening we will stay in traditional country inns enjoying exquisite regional cuisine prepared from the freshest ingredients, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy the warm hospitality of our hosts. The best walks will let you discover the beautiful villages of Tsumago, Magome, and Narai. Enjoy bathing in a hot spring bath (onsen) after a day on the trails!
September 25 to October 6, 2023 – Full
October 3 to October 14, 2023 – Full
October 13 to October 24, 2023 – Full
October 29 to November 9, 2023 – Full
November 5 to November 16, 2023 – Full
November 12 to November 23, 2023 – Almost Full
March 26 to April 6, 2024
April 4 to April 15, 2024
April 11 to April 22, 2024 – Guaranteed Departure
May 9 to May 20, 2024 – Guaranteed Departure
May 14 to May 25, 2024
May 22 to June 2, 2024
June 4 to June 15, 2024
September 10 to September 21, 2024
September 24 to October 5, 2024
October 1 to October 12, 2024
October 9 to October 20, 2024
October 15 to October 26, 2024
October 22 to November 2, 2024
November 1 to November 12, 2024
November 14 to November 25, 2024
November 19 to November 30, 2024
Starting from US$4,420.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
Central Japan is a region of tall mountain ranges and fast-flowing rivers and this small-group tour takes you there. It wasn’t until recently that roads reached the remoter villages, and today many remain remarkably well-preserved and evocative of centuries past. Our journey takes us through Japanese history from modern Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the Shoguns, to end near Kyoto, Japan’s capital for 400 years and the repository of much of the country’s cultural heritage.
From Tokyo, we head first to Yudanaka Onsen hot spring where the famous “snow monkeys” come to enjoy the natural hot spring baths just like humans. In feudal times people traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo would use the Nakasendo way – the road through the central mountains – one of a network of ancient highways. We will visit one of the best-preserved sections in the Kiso Valley, where the lovely villages of Tsumago and Magome have been immaculately restored.
October 31 to November 13, 2023
February 13 to February 26, 2024
March 26 to April 8, 2024
April 13 to April 26, 2024
May 17 to May 30, 2024
September 6 to September 19, 2024
October 15 to October 28, 2024
November 5 to November 18, 2024
Starting from US$4930.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)