Follow the footsteps of samurai and Japanese lords! You will discover the classics, Tokyo, Kyoto, but also other cities full of history and tradition such as Matsumoto, Kanazawa or Okayama. Stay in quality and well located accommodation, and spend an unforgettable night at the foot of the majestic Mount Fuji!

Our Offers

7-Night In the Footsteps of the Samurai Tour in 3* or 4* Hotels

9-Night In the Footsteps of the Samurai Tour in 3* or 4* Hotels

12-Night In the Footsteps of the Samurai Tour in 3* or 4* Hotels

14-Night In the Footsteps of the Samurai Tour in 3* or 4* Hotels

7-Night / 9-Day Tour

Day 1: UK - Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji
Day 6: Matsumoto
Day 7: Kyoto 
Day 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto - UK

9-Night / 11-Day Tour

Day 1: UK - Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji
Day 6: Matsumoto
Day 7: Matsumoto
Day 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto 
Day 10: Kyoto
Day 11: Kyoto - UK

12-Night / 14-Day Tour

Day 1: UK - Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo
Day 6: Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji
Day 7: Matsumoto
Day 8: Matsumoto
Day 9: Kanazawa
Day 10: Kyoto 
Day 11: Kyoto
Day 12: Kyoto
Day 13: Kyoto
Day 14: Kyoto - UK

14-Night / 16-Day Tour

Day 1: UK - Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo
Day 6: Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji
Day 7: Matsumoto
Day 8: Matsumoto
Day 9: Kanazawa
Day 10: Okayama
Day 11: Okayama 
Day 12: Kyoto
Day 13: Kyoto
Day 14: Kyoto
Day 15: Kyoto
Day 16: Kyoto - UK

Please Note: 20 days before departure you will receive the following items:

- Your Japan Rail Pass

- Airport shuttles tickets for Tokyo

Please Note: In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your mini travel-guide.

Day 1: UK - Tokyo

Flight from UK (Narita or Haneda airport).

Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo

Upon arrival in Tokyo at Narita or Haneda airport, you will enjoy a transfer to the hotel.

Days in Tokyo

Enjoy free time in the city or opt to add one of our optional excursions as listed below.

Our Suggestions in Tokyo:

• Asakusa district and Senso-ji temple
• The Tokyo Skytree, 634 metres high, and Tokyo Tower, the symbol of the city
• Ueno Park with its many museums
• Shibuya and Shinjuku districts
• The Imperial Palace Garden
• Meiji-jingu Shrine

Day trips from Tokyo:

• Nikko, with its temples and shrines in the heart of the forest. Trains to Nikko are covered by the JR Pass (2 hours).
• Kamakura and the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). The train to Kamakura is covered by the JR Pass (1 hour).

Day 5, or 6: Tokyo - Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji

On this day, transfer to the station by subway (not included) and enjoy a train journey from Tokyo to Otsuki covered by your JR Pass, from where you can reach Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji (extra 1 hour train that is not covered by JR Pass - additional 10.00€). Check into your hotel before enjoying free time in Kawaguchiko, at the foot of Mount Fuji, the symbol of Japan and in the famous five lakes region.

Our Suggestions in Kawaguchiko:

• Observe the Mount Fuji from the many points of view of the region
• Take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway funicular to see the superb panoramic view, on one side of the lake, and on the other side of Mount Fuji

Day 6, 7 and/or 8: Matsumoto

Embark on a train journey to Matsumoto. (approx 2 hours 45 min). Check into your hotel. Matsumoto has kept many vestiges of its prosperity during the feudal period. But the most striking thing about visiting the city is the imposing castle, nicknamed by the Japanese "the crow" because of its black colour. It is the oldest of its kind in Japan and its dungeon offers a breathtaking view in all seasons. A fortified town, Matsumoto was also an industrial and commercial centre, and has preserved its warehouses typical of the Meiji era in the Nakamichi district. 

Included:

Enjoy a private half-day guided tour in Matsumoto in English (Or French). You will discover the feudal castle, the historical districts and other sites according to your preferences. Please note that it is possible that on very rare dates in the high season, this half-day guided tour in Matsumoto may be replaced by a half-day guided tour in Tokyo or Kyoto. Also note that your additional costs (transport, meals or paid entrance to tourist sites) are not included. The service and additional costs of your guide are included. 

Our suggestions in Matsumoto:

• Try samurai combat with a Master of this martial art!

Day 9 (not available in the 7 or 9-night option): Kanazawa 

Embark on a train journey to Kanazawa included with the JR Pass (2 hours 45 minutes). Check into your ryokan, traditional Japanese accommodation. Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast in your accommodation (included in your offer). You will discover the city's rich gastronomy. Then you have a free day for you to explore Kanazawa, a picturesque traditional city on Japan Sea, close to Japanese Alps. 

Our suggestions in Kanazawa: 

• Geisha and Samourai districts
• Kanazawa Castle
• Kenrokuen, one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens"
• The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the most famous in Japan
• The Seisonkaku Villa, built in 1863
• Famous large fish market, everyday in the city

Day 10 & 11 (not available in the 7, 9 or 12-night option): Okayama

Enjoy a Shinkansen journey to Okayama (1 hour, covered by your JR Pass). Check into your hotel. Then you will have free time in Okayama to explore its surroundings. At the crossroads between two islands, Okayama, former seigneurial city, reflects the nobleness of a past kingdom.

Our suggestions in Okayama:

• The impressive "crow" castle of Okayama city
• The Kôrakuen garden, one of the three most beautiful in Japan

Examples of excursions from Okayama city (less than 1 hour one way, included in your Japan Rail Pass):

• Kurashiki, an old merchant city bordered by canals. Do not miss the Ohashi house, representative of the former Japanese nobleness
• Naoshima island, world famous for its Modern Art museums and the works of Tadao Ando. From Uno (50 min by JR train from Okayama, 20min by boat (subject to a charge) to get to the island. Details in your travelogue)
• Bizen, specialized in ceramics and katana forges

You will then return to Kyoto the next day, morning or afternoon for your last nights.

Free Days in Kyoto

After breakfast in your hotel, transfer to the station (not included) and journey to Kyoto by express train. Kyoto, the former imperial capital, combines the past with the present, and the present with the future. Millennium, artistic, spiritual and gourmet: visiting Kyoto is an opportunity to discover the origins of the Japanese soul and is the essential stopover of a stay in Japan. 

Upon arrival, enjoy free time in the city or opt to add one of our excursions as seen below.

Our suggestions in Kyoto:

• Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
• The Gion district and the Philosopher’s Path
• Nishiki Market, where you can find typical food from Kyoto
• Nijo Castle and its nightingale floors
• Arashiyama’s bamboo groves

Day trip suggestions from Kyoto:

• Himeji and its famous white castle, one of the most beautiful of Japan. 
• Nara - Trip covered by the Japan Rail Pass (30 to 45 minutes) , with Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrine and its thousands of vermilion torii gates on your way back from Nara. Trip covered by the Japan Rail Pass (5 minutes)
• Hiroshima, a historical city and its island Miyajima, "the island of the gods", world famous, easily accessible on the day by train from Kyoto (free with your Japan Rail Pass if it is active, 1h45/go). Note : the Miyajima torii is under renovation but the island is full of other treasures.

Final Day of Stay: Kyoto - UK

Take a transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport from your hotel (included).

Our members will stay at the following 3* or 4* hotels in Standard Rooms with meals included as per itinerary.

3* Hotels

Tokyo: B Akasaka Mitsuke Hotel 3* or Similar

Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji: Hotel Mystays Fuji Onsen Resort 3* or Similar

Matsumoto: Hotel Premier Cabin 3* or Similar

Kanazawa (not valid with 7 or 9-night tour): Ryokan Sumiyoshiya 3* (traditional Japanese style rooms) or Similar

In a traditional 10m2 room, you will sleep on comfortable futons placed on the tatami mat. The bedroom has a private sink and toilet. As is customary in ryokans in Japan, the "onsen" bathroom is shared and not mixed.

Okayama (not valid with 7, 9 or 12-night tour): Okayama Koraku Hotel 3* or Similar

Kyoto: New Hotel Tsugu 京都三条 3* or Similar

4* Hotels

Tokyo: Metropolitan Ikebukoro Tokyo 4* or Similar

Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji: The Garden Hotel 4* or Similar

Matsumoto: Hotel Buena Vista 4* or Similar

Kanazawa (not valid with 7 or 9-night tour): Ryokan Kanazawa Chaya 4* or Similar

You will sleep either on comfortable futons or on western beds in a traditional tatami room. Bathroom and toilets are private in 4 * ryokans.

Okayama (not valid with 7, 9 or 12-night tour): Hotel Granvia Okayama 4* or Similar

Kyoto: The General Kyoto (Bukkoji Tominokoji) 4* or Similar

These rooms sleep up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.

Like all traditional accommodation in Japan, the ryokan offered at Kanazawa has single-gender Japanese collective baths (onsen). By subscribing this option, you will enjoy a private bathroom in your room and a bigger room (20m2 compared to 10m2). Recommended for mixed couples, families, modest people or people with clearly visible tattoos.

Enjoy a guiding day with one of the local! Example of visits: Visit Meiji-jingu shrine in the center of Tokyo and Harajuku. Then explore Shinjuku, its garden and the Government Building for a breathtaking view. Meals, transportation and site entrance charges for yourself are not included in the price. All our guides are bilingual English speakers. French, Spanish or Italian depending on availabilities.

Learn how to prepare some typical Japanese dishes with the help of a chef. At the end of the course, you will eat what you prepared. In English.

Discover all the secrets of sake, traditional japanese alcohol (15 degrees, different from the chinese sake well-known in Europe) in the city of Kyoto. You will start with a visit of a sake brewery where you will see the traditional brewing processes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Then, during a tasting session with experts, you will learn about the unique characteristics of the different varieties of sake. Finally, you will taste traditional Japanese "otsumami" snacks and discover how the taste of sake can completely change when combined with different dishes. Included in the price: Snacks and drinks, entrance fees to the distillery and museum, tasting of 10 different sake. In English only.

Enjoy a guiding day with one of the local! Example of visits: Explore Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Then onto Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and the Gion district. Meals, transportation and site entrance charges for yourself are not included in the price. All our guides are bilingual English speakers. French, Spanish or Italian depending on availabilities.

Enjoy walking with a guide in this amazing historical area at night (Around 1h30, from 7pm to 8.30pm). All our guides are bilingual English speakers. French, Italian or Spanish depending on availabilities. Max 10 people group.

Experience a traditional japanese tea ceremony in an authentic district of Kyoto. Taste the delicious matcha tea and understand the complexity of its service in one of the best tea houses of the city. English only. Max 12 people group. 45 minutes.

Renting a Pocket WiFi in Japan is ideal if you’re looking for fast and unlimited internet access for the entire duration of your trip. Lightweight and with a long battery life, its nationwide coverage guarantees internet access wherever you are, on any kind of device (iPhone, Android smartphone, laptop). Pick it up at the airport and return it at the end of your trip by using the prepaid envelope included. The envelope can be mailed from any Japanese post box.
We recommend 1 pocket wifi from 1 to 4 people. No data limit.
Pocket wifi will be delivered directly to your hotel in Tokyo.

This card is a prepaid top up card that allows you to use in several of Japan's major cities public transport (metro, trains and buses).
The Card is already topped up with 1500 yen ready for use (on top of a 500 yen deposit). The price of your journey is deducted automatically after every single use. If you all of the credit on the card, you can top up easily at train stations; same as Oyster card in London.

It can also be used as a sort of electronic wallet to pay for small purchases in convenience stores, vending machines, or even to pay for parking. One card for each person.

Tokyo is a big city, sometimes a little confusing. With this airport welcome, you will get to your hotel easily and make your first steps in the city. Our guide will wait for you at the airport, at the customs exit, and will take you to your hotel. He will also give you useful advice for the rest of your stay. The transportation cost for your guide is not included and has to be paid on spot (about 25€ from Narita or 9€ from Haneda). All our guides are bilingual English or French speakers. Spanish or Italian depending on availabilities.

One of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its modernity, neon-lit landscape and towering skyscrapers, it is also home to sprawling parkland, peaceful shrines and temples and lovingly tended gardens.

Despite its love affair with manga pop culture, fashion, high-tech trends and conspicuous consumption, below the surface is a city that has its roots in ancient heritage. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples stand close to skyscrapers as a reminder of a more contemplative time and at the heart of the hyperactive centre lies the serene Imperial Palace, the home of the ruling emperor that provides a tangible link to the city’s historical past. 

Behind the shopping, entertainment and commercial emporia can be found quaint wooden houses, private gardens with meticulously clipped bonsai trees and the Zen-like calm of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Discover the fascinating and exquisite culture of Japan where the ancient and modern worlds collide. The city’s reputation as a mega-expensive metropolis is ill-conceived and visitors can take advantage of inexpensive izakaya bars and neighbourhood cafes that serve delicious noodles and rice dishes. 

Discover this charming mountain city located on Japan's main island, Honshu. The city is most well known for the Matsumoto Castle and being a base for travellers looking to head into the Japanese Alps. The castle was built over 400 years ago and features six stories which still retain their original wooden structure. There are a variety of museums in Matsumoto that are worth visiting to learn a little more about the history and culture here. This area is perfect for culture-vultures and nature lovers alike offering stunning mountain views and intriguing walking trails to follow.

Touched with the grand allure of its past, Kanazawa prides itself on being a historical jewel of Japan. It is best known for being home to one of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens - Kenrokuen - a castle garden originating from the 17th century. 

It's easy to discover this nostalgic city in a few days, admiring its celebrated penchant for the traditional arts, including hand-painted silks and lacquerware, ceramics and delicate gold leaf work. Spot a geisha at work, discover authentic tea houses and inns, and wade your way through the market.

Okayama is the largest city in the Chugoku Region right after Hiroshima. It has its own charm and, like Matsumoto, is known for the 16th-century Okayama Castle with its intriguing black exterior. As well as being an important transportation hub, the city is also home to stunning natural places including the expansive Korakuen Garden, which is popular with locals and tourists alike.

If you're looking for old Japan, Kyoto is a must: tranquil gardens, sublime temples and colourful shrines can be found in abundance. While the rest of Japan has embraced modernity, Kyoto still keeps traditions alive.

Take a stroll through the Nishijin district and spy some of the older residents emerging from the machiya (traditional townhouses) to ladle water onto their porch. If you go by an old shōtengai (shopping street) you can admire the ancient speciality shops: tofu sellers, fishmongers, pickle vendors and tea merchants.