The Soul of Japan

The trip officially begins tomorrow (September 6), but it's a long journey to Japan so consider arriving a day or two early to rest, relax and get acclimated to the local time zone. We will offer an Arrive 1 Day Early option that can been found in the Add-Ons section. (If it's not there yet, it's because the hotel in Tokyo hasn't yet released their fall 2025 rates - stay tuned)!

Fly into either Narita or Haneda airports. On arrival, hop in a taxi and head to the Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel in the Ginza neighborhood. If you prefer to be met by a private car and driver, we can arrange this service for you.

Irasshaimase (ee-rah-shy-mah-seh) - welcome - to Japan and to a travel experience that unveils serenity and unfolds adventure.

The Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel is awaiting your arrival. Relax and refresh - perhaps book a spa treatment for yourself - and then join your fellow travelers and trip host this evening for a welcome cocktail. Revel in the knowledge that all you need to do is enjoy the journey. Nothing else is required. 

We’ll move on to an extraordinary dining experience of modern rural cooking, a fusion of Japanese food culture and modern cooking methods at Zen House, right in our hotel. Savor the flavors and company of new friends over dinner and realize you were always meant to be right here

A new day, a new beginning. At Shinjuku Station, we board the first class limited express train to Matsumoto offering its award-winning service. Appetizing Bento Boxes prepared for an early lunch, stunning scenery and the gift of a new sisterhood, will be enjoyed. 

Our arrival at Matsumoto Train Station will find a driver waiting for us. Whisked away for an exploration of the city known as the “place of the divine pine tree”, this location never fails to delight. This tour precedes a check-in at the Matsumoto Jujo hotel with a private, spring-fed bath in every room.

Additional highlights of this day include visiting the famed Matsumoto Castle, designated as a national treasure and built in 1592, it's Japan's oldest extant castle. As a “hirajiro” (a flatland castle), it's located on plains instead of a hill. Next up is a visit to Matsumoto City Museum of Art, home to the renowned Matsumoto-born artist, Kusama Yayoi, celebrated for her show-stopping works and the installation, Pumpkin, at Naoshima Island.

Following the moving experiences of this day, unwind and partake in an in-house and bespoke dining experience amongst new friends.

We continue learning about this country steeped in tradition. Today brings a morning visit to the Ishii Miso Brewery. The Japanese people have long been lovers of fermented foods, and this particular brewery follows a method of fermentation in wooden barrels called “kioke” that dates back close to 500 years. Following this refreshment, we depart the city.

Next, we head out to the countryside to explore Azumino’s Daio Wasabi Farm, one of Japan’s largest producers of wasabi. Grown naturally along stream beds in this mountain river valley, this condiment offers up a complexity of tastes, from subtle to strong. 

Following the Wasabi farm tour, we transfer to Takayama, consistently voted as one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. Acclaimed for its location deep within the mountains of Central Japan, a visit to “Sannomachi,” its Edo Period (1603-1868) historical centre, is slated. 

Our lunch comes next with the region’s rich and diverse flavors in store. From an introduction to the renowned Hida beef to Hoba Miso as well as numerous other local delights, one finds themselves overwhelmed by the riches of this meal and company. 

Post lunch, we arrive at the stunning Hotel Wood Takayama. This wooden structure hotel incorporates the concept of Zen for its guests so they may experience mindfulness and relaxation. How perfect for us! Enjoy your evening and unwind as you wish.

Refreshed and replete from a breakfast filled with delectables, we embark on a walking tour of Takayama, widely considered the mountainous region’s crown jewel. The city and the surrounding area boast traditional architecture, opulent festivals and a range of the most picturesque mountains and onsen (hot springs and bathing facilities) in Japan. 

Sights include the bustling Miyagawa Morning Market, the historical Takayama Jinya (a government house from 1692), and the quaint Sanmachi Street where carefully preserved wooden houses from the Edo period stand next to impressive jazz bars and refined craft shops. A visit to a local sake brewery, Funasaka is one, finds us imbibing an example of the region’s renowned craftmanship.

Still surrounded by the scenic countryside of the Japan Alps, we move on to the Kusakabe Folk Museum, a national cultural treasure, and Takayama Jinya where this unique region’s history comes to life. 

On today’s lunch menu, an exquisite bowl of ramen, quite like no other sampled before, will be featured and remembered. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure. You might choose to continue to stroll the fascinating streets or luxuriate in a spa. 

This evening will find us experiencing a superb dinner that features renowned Takayama Hida Beef alongside other tempting culinary gifts.

After a delightful breakfast, we will travel to the enchanting town of Hida-Furukawa in our private van, a hidden treasure nestled in the Japanese mountains. This picturesque destination transports you to a bygone era, featuring beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture, rich history, and vibrant artisanal traditions. Hida-Furukawa offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of traditional Japan.

As we wander along the historic Shirakabe Dozogai Street, you will be greeted by iconic white plaster walls that dramatically contrast with dark wooden beams. This charming street, known as the “White Wall Warehouse District,” was once the bustling commercial center of Furukawa, filled with warehouses brimming with goods like rice, sake, and miso. Today, the well-preserved Edo-period buildings stand as a testament to the town's rich past.

Next, we’ll continue to Kanazawa for a delightful lunch featuring a simple yet incredibly delicious fish chirashi rice bowl. After savoring our meal, we will check into our hotel, the Mitsui Garden Kanazawa, where comfort meets elegance.

After a big travel day, your evening will be free to relax and explore at your leisure.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we gather in the lobby to begin our walking tour of Kanazawa. Our first stop is the vibrant Omicho Market, renowned for fresh seafood and exquisite sushi. With over 170 shops and restaurants, many fishmongers showcase their catches from the nearby Sea of Japan, and we indulge in tasty samples along the way.

Next, we stroll to the Higashi Chaya-Gai District, Kanazawa's largest historical geisha district, established in 1820 for geiko to entertain affluent merchants. Today, traditional buildings house cafes and craft shops, with some remaining as authentic geiko teahouses. Notably, Ochaya Shima Geisha House operates as a museum, offering a glimpse into the fascinating life of geisha.

We pause at the historic Kaikarao Tea House for matcha and sweets. With over 200 years of history, Kaikarao features exquisite interiors and a stunning golden tearoom.

The area is rich in local arts and crafts, including Kanazawa Gold Leaf and Kutani ware, perfect for delightful shopping. We then cross the Asano-gawa River to explore the serene Kazuemachi Chaya Area, where a picturesque arcade of cherry trees awaits. A leisurely stroll along the riverbanks concludes our day before we return to the hotel for a restful break and a delicious shabu-shabu dinner in-house.

After a delightful breakfast, we gather in the lobby to embark on a day filled with art and gardens. Our first stop is Nagamachi, the historic samurai district, where we explore the Nomura-ke, a beautifully restored samurai house featuring artifacts from Japan’s warrior era alongside a stunning garden.

Next, we visit the 21st Century Museum of Art, an innovative circular structure designed for exploration from multiple angles. Inside, captivating installations, including Leandro Erlich's "Swimming Pool," which creates an illusion of being underwater, and James Turrell's "Blue Planet Sky," which emphasizes the beauty of light, await us.

We then proceed to the D.T. Suzuki Museum, which honors Zen philosopher Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro. The intimate space, featuring a Contemplative Space and Water Mirror Garden designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, embodies Zen philosophy through its serene architecture, reflecting Suzuki's vision of beauty.

For lunch, we'll enjoy Kaga-ryori specialties, authentic cuisine from Kanazawa. Our afternoon continues with a stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, renowned for its six essential attributes: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and magnificent views. In the evening, we return to the hotel for rest before indulging in outstanding Kanazawa cuisine for our final dinner in Ishikawa, creating a memorable close to our day.

After a leisurely breakfast, we will gather in the lobby to meet our friendly guide. We’ll transfer to Kanazawa train station and board our First Class train to Tokyo, enjoying a comfortable journey.

We will purchase delicious Bento Boxes at the station to savor genuine Japanese cuisine on the go.

Upon arriving at Tokyo Station, we will be warmly welcomed and transferred to the Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza, an elegant hotel conveniently located near the vibrant Ginza area.

In the afternoon, feel free to explore Ginza at your leisure, known for its upscale shopping, charming boutiques, and unique souvenir shops—perfect for grabbing any last-minute treasures.

Later in the evening, we will reconvene in the hotel lobby for a fitting farewell meal at a nearby restaurant. This special dinner offers us a chance to reflect on our journey and share our favorite memories together, celebrating the connections we’ve made during this incredible experience.

On departure day, it's time to bid farewell to the enchanting land of Japan. Take this opportunity to prepare for your smooth transfer to either Haneda or Narita Airport. 

Reflect on the memorable experiences and cherished moments from your journey through the Samurai Way. As you depart, carry with you the essence of Japan, the spirit of the samurai, and the warmth of its people. Until we meet again!