Japan has a way of surprising you. Even if you've seen the photos, nothing quite prepares you for the scale of Tokyo, the stillness of a bamboo grove at dawn, or the weight of standing in Hiroshima. This 9-day group journey is designed to give you the real thing, not a rushed sampler, but a thoughtfully paced experience across three of Japan's most iconic destinations.

We'll spend time in Tokyo, take a day trip to the base of Mt. Fuji and through Hakone, ride the bullet train to Kyoto, explore Nara, dive deep into Kyoto's temple circuit, and end with a moving visit to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Every day has something worth showing up for. And because you'll have a local English-speaking guide with you throughout, you can stay curious without having to figure everything out on your own.

This trip is built for people who want to experience Japan with a great group of fellow travelers, have the logistics handled, and still have room to wander on their own terms. If that sounds like you, keep reading or click the button on the right to reserve your spot now.

• 8 nights of 4-star hotel accommodations (twin share/double occupancy)
• Welcome meet-and-greet at the airport upon arrival and departure assistance
• All transfers by private air-conditioned coach
• Local English-speaking guide and assistant throughout the entire trip
• Tourist/economy class reserved Shinkansen (bullet train) seats: Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima, and Hiroshima back to Tokyo
• Entrance fees to: Sushi Making experience, Mt. Komagatake Ropeway, Lake Ashi Cruise, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Itsukushima Shrine, round-trip Miyajima Island ferry, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and any other attraction listed in itinerary
• All guided tours: Tokyo city highlights, Mt. Fuji and Hakone full-day tour, Nara full-day tour, Kyoto half-day and full-day tours, Miyajima Island half-day tour, and Hiroshima half-day tour.
• 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner
• Government and local taxes at existing rates

Not included:

• International airfare, departure taxes, fuel surcharges, and seat selection
• Airport Transfers if arriving separate from the group
• Optional Maiko Performance Dinner on May 24 (additional cost)
• Meals not listed in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Early check-in or late checkout
• Personal expenses
• Changes in government or local taxes
• Visa and passport handling fees

Important note on attractions: Some entrance tickets cannot be guaranteed until the group is finalized and are subject to availability at late-release dates. I will do everything possible to secure all tickets.

Standard Double Occupancy (Twin Share) 4-star hotel rooms across three cities: Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro in Tokyo (3 nights), Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo in Kyoto (3 nights), Hotel Granvia Hiroshima in Hiroshima (1 night), and Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport on the final night before departure. Rooms are twin share (two beds). King size beds are generally not available at most hotels, though surcharges may apply if one is secured.

Single Supplement Traveling solo and want your own room? Contact me for single occupancy pricing.

Hotels are subject to availability. If a listed hotel needs to change, a similar property of comparable quality will be substituted.

Valid passport copies are required at the time of final payment.

• TeamLab Planets in Tokyo — an immersive, large-scale digital art installation that is genuinely unlike anything else
• Mt. Fuji and Hakone day trip — ride the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway and cruise Lake Ashi with views of the mountain behind you
• Bullet train travel across Japan 🚄 — the Shinkansen is iconic for good reason. Three legs of travel and every one of them is an experience in itself
• Two full days in Kyoto — between the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu Temple, a tea ceremony, and the Pontocho and Gion districts, Kyoto earns every bit of its reputation
• Miyajima Island and the floating torii gate — one of Japan's most photographed spots, and even more striking in person
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum — a sobering, important, and ultimately hopeful experience that stays with you
• Optional: Private Maiko Performance Dinner in Kyoto 🎎 — a rare, intimate evening with traditional Geisha entertainment and dinner

• Everything is handled. I'll prepare your for the adventure even before you even get to the airport until they are securely back home. You show up; I've done the planning.
• You'll have a real local guide. Not a recorded audio tour or a map app. An English-speaking guide who knows Japan and can answer your questions in real time.
• The group size is intentional. This isn't a massive bus tour. You'll travel with a community of like-minded people and actually get to know them before you ever get to the airport.
• I've vetted every piece of this trip. The hotels, the included experiences, the pacing. Nothing is filler.
• I'm here before, during, and after. If something comes up while you're in Japan, you have support. You're not on your own.

Travel insurance is worth taking seriously. You're traveling internationally to Japan, with a non-refundable deposit and a final payment due several months before departure. A lot can happen between now and May 2028. A good travel protection plan can cover things like trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical expenses abroad (your domestic health insurance likely won't help much in Japan), medical evacuation, and lost or delayed baggage. It won't cover everything under every circumstance, but it can make a real difference if something unexpected happens. I'll quote you a plan once you've reserved your spot. It's one less thing to worry about, and that peace of mind is worth something. Reach out if you have questions about what coverage looks like.

How do I reserve my spot? Click the button under the travel advisor information on the right side of this page. That will connect you directly with me to get started. Spots are limited, so sooner is better.

What is the deposit and when is it due? A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is due by March 31, 2027. However, you reserve your spot now with your deposit, you can ensure your place in this small group. Your final balance is due no later than February 19, 2028, which is 90 days before departure. Valid passport copies are also required at final payment.

How active is this trip? Can I participate if I have mobility concerns? This trip involves a fair amount of walking, including visits to temples, historic sites, and natural areas that may have uneven surfaces or steps. If you have specific mobility concerns or accessibility needs, please reach out to me before reserving so I can talk through what to expect at each stop.

What is the cancellation policy? The $500 deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation terms for the balance will be outlined in your client agreement. I strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of an unexpected cancellation.

Do I need a passport? Are there any visa requirements? Yes, a valid passport is required and must be provided at final payment. U.S. citizens currently do not need a visa for short-term tourism in Japan, but entry requirements can change. I'll communicate with you from the minute you say, "yes," and let you know if anything changes.

Are gratuities included? No. Tips and gratuities for your guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included in the package price. I'll share general guidance on customary tipping in Japan as your trip approaches.

What meals are included? The package includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. All other meals are on your own, which gives you plenty of room to explore Japan's incredible food scene at your own pace.

What if I want to attend the Maiko Performance Dinner? The Maiko Performance Dinner on the evening of May 24 in Kyoto is an optional add-on. It includes dinner and a private Maiko performance with traditional dancing and shamisen music. Pricing is confirmed upon reservation. Drinks are not included. Let me know when you reserve if you're interested and I'll add it to your booking.

Questions? Ready to join me? Click the button on the right side of this page under the travel advisor information, and let's get you to Japan. 🇯🇵