12-Days in Tokyo and beyond
$3150 per person - double occupancy
Excludes airfare to and from Tokyo
Includes all lodging, breakfasts, 3 dinners & all domestic transportation.
Itinerary
We begin in Tokyo, our home base for 7 nights, where we'll experience everything from the amazing neon to the peaceful gardens, while enjoying the shopping, food and local shrines. We'll also take two day trips from the city, to see the best of the nearby sites.
Then it's off to the countryside in a bullet train, where we'll spend one unforgetable evening in an exquisite Japanese Ryokan (inn) in the mountains, sleep on the tatami floors, relax in the mineral springs baths and feast on a once-in-a-lifetime evening meal at our gracious inn.
Next, we'll spend two nights in Kanazawa - which means Golden Marsh. Our beautiful hotel is situated near everything we want to see - a castle, a massive Japanese garden, a traditional tea house area, with a chance to see a living, working geisha, and a sprawling local market. You're in for an incredible treat!
From Kanazawa, we'll take a private coach to Shirakawa-go, the intact ancient village in the mountains, with 400-year-old thatched roof homes. We'll wander at will through this amazing town that is as it was centuries ago, but families are still living there - still keeping everything going. It's incredible.
Then the bullet train will whisk us back to the big city for one last night in bright, bustling Tokyo. Our Sayonara Dinner will be at my good friend Shin's excellent yakitori restaurant, where we'll be treated like royalty.
Tokyo Highlights
Shinjuku
The hustle, the lights, the bustle, the park, the department stores, the food. It's all amazing!
Rikugien Garden
Wander, explore the streams and lake, have traditional tea in the tea house. My favorite Tokyo garden.
The Big Buddha
An hour from Tokyo - we'll visit the seaside town of Kamakura to see the temples and enormous ancient buddha. A must see.
Asakusa District
The famous temple entrance, street food, souvenier shops, kimonos - it's all wonderful and makes this one of the most popular spots in the city.
Ukai Toriyama
A quick train ride into the mountains, then dinner in our own private room in what must be one of he most beautiful restaurants in the world.
Kanazawa Highlights
The Hotel
Very spacious by Japan standards, this gorgeous gold-themed hotel is beyond gracious and close to everything we want to do in Kanazawa.
The Market
Seafood, fresh fruit, pastries - it's a half day's delightful culinary journey just steps from our hotel.
The Inn
Tatami floors, paper shoji screens, mineral spring baths, a feast of Japanese delicacies...a night to never forget.
(I will do my absolute best to book this particular inn, but it may not be possible. If not, I'll do my best to find something wonderful in it's place.)
The Sights
Tea houses, a castle, gardens, scenery and more - this lovely mountain city has so much to offer without the horrid crowds of Kyoto.
Shirakawa-go Village
This place is just beyond words. An hour's drive from our hotel, we'll take a private van into the sprawling village lost in time.
Incredible.
Bullet Train
It's sleek. It's immaculate. It's smooth and the views to Kanazawa are amazing. A great way to get around!
So who am I?
Born in Japan, I've lived there 9 years and speak conversational Japanese. I love the country and can't wait to show it to you!
That's me on the left in Japan, spring 2024.
I've previously led 4 small group tours to Japan and have loved every group and every adventure. It's so much fun for me to see people delight in all the wonders of Japan. I hope you'll join me!
Space on this tour is very limited so that we can still take the subways, and eat in the traditional tiny restaurants and pubs. 8 people maximum, including myself.
Airfare is separate and flying into Haneda Airport is preferred, so I can meet everyone at the airport easily. You need to book a flight ONE DAY IN ADVANCE of the tour date as you'll arrive one day after you depart. You'll make that day back on your return.
To hold your spot, a $500 deposit is required. The deposit is refundable if I'm given enough time to find someone to replace you. Email me when you're ready to put down your deposit.
Final payment is due November 17th for the May tour and May 1st for the November tour. This is 6 months prior to your tour because in Japan, 90% of hotels will take reservations exactly 6 months in advance and no sooner. Once made, some of the reservations will not be refundable.