The Soul of Japan

We welcome you on an exciting adventure exploring the ageless mysteries of the Orient. We’ll spend our first night at the Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel. 

After you have checked in, you’ll have time to relax, unpack, and get to know the hotel before we meet for a welcome cocktail.

We'll indulge in a delightful dining experience at Zen House, the esteemed restaurant at the hotel. You'll have plenty of time to get to know your fellow travelers over dinner.

This morning, we will begin our journey at Shinjuku Station, boarding a luxurious First Class, Limited Express train to Matsumoto. The scenic 2.5-hour ride offers us the chance to enjoy delicious Bento Boxes from the station, perfect for an early lunch.

Upon arrival at Matsumoto Train Station, our friendly driver will greet us. Before checking into the elegant Matsumoto Jujo, we will explore the charming sights of the city. A highlight of our day will be visiting the stunning Matsumoto Castle, known as one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. This "hirajiro" structure, unique for its location on the plains rather than a hill, is one of Japan's five designated National Treasures and features the oldest existing five-tiered, six-story castle tower.

We will also visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, showcasing artists linked to the city, including renowned Matsumoto-born artist Kusama Yayoi, famous for her vibrant works and installation, Pumpkin, at Naoshima Island.

After our cultural exploration, we will transfer to the hotel, check in, and unwind. To conclude the day, we will enjoy a delightful in-house dinner, featuring a crafted menu designed for an exquisite dining experience.

Our first trip of the day is to the Ishii Miso Brewery. Perhaps we'll also sneak in an early morning miso ice cream. Ishii Miso is one of the few remaining breweries that still crafts its miso using wooden barrels in the traditional way instead of using modern methods to quicken fermentation. 

Next, we head out of the city to explore Azumino’s Daio Wasabi Farm – one of Japan’s largest producers of wasabi, a beautiful destination well worth a visit. Known in the West for its nasal-clearing heat, real wasabi has a much more subtle and versatile taste than many people realize. Wasabi needs large amounts of clear water to grow, and the streams and pools across the farm form a picturesque and idyllic setting. 

After the Wasabi farm tour, we transfer to Takayama, located deep within the mountains of Central Japan. Takayama is famous for preserving its Edo Period (1603–1868) historical centre, known as the ‘Sannomachi’.

We will savor a delectable lunch featuring the renowned Hida beef and Hoba Miso, offering a delightful introduction to the region's rich flavors.

Following lunch, we will arrive at Hotel Wood Takayama, a stunning design hotel boasting a serene Zen Room and a spacious public bath to wash away the day’s fatigue. After settling in, your evening will be free to relax and unwind as you wish.

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After a delightful breakfast, we will embark on an enchanting Walking Tour of Takayama, a city renowned for its rich traditional heritage. Known for exquisite yew-wood carving, Shunkei lacquerware, and charming wooden architecture, Takayama invites exploration through its vibrant streets where age-old traditions flourish.

Our tour will include the lively Miyagawa Morning Market, the historical Takayama Jinya, and picturesque Sanmachi Street, where beautifully preserved wooden houses from the Edo period stand alongside stylish jazz bars and elegant craft shops. We will also visit a local sake brewery, such as Funasaka, to experience the region's renowned craftsmanship.

Next, we’ll explore the Kusakabe Folk Museum, a National Important Cultural Treasure, and delve into the rich history at Takayama Jinya. Takayama’s culinary scene is captivating, particularly its famous Hida beef and Takayama ramen—today's lunch promises a bowl of ramen that may just be the best you’ve ever tasted.

After our adventures, enjoy free time to stroll the charming streets or relax at the hotel. As evening approaches, prepare for a delightful dinner featuring the renowned Takayama Hida Beef, a true culinary highlight of the day.

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!