Our specialty tours are small escorted group tours that include the same travel style as our popular escorted tour packages. But they have a unique focus and a one of a kind itinerary with one of a kind experiences.
Specialty Tours
These are small, escorted group tours that enable our guests to travel as “temporary Japanese” and to experience a true cultural immersion into Japanese traditions and hospitality. Our groups are small (maximum of 8 to 16 tour members depending on the itinerary) allowing us to stay in centrally-located, family-run lodging, use public transportation and eat in smaller, intimate restaurants that are off-limits to large groups.
We prefer to use traditional, Japanese style ryokans and smaller hotels that blend into the neighborhood rather than staying at large tourist hotels. We carefully select ryokans and hotels in the middle of the sights and culture rather than convenient to transportation hubs. (All of the ryokans and hotels we use, with the exception of the Buddhist temple on Koya-san have en-suite bathrooms with western-style toilets.)
We use only public transportation for these tours. We use the same trains, subways, buses, taxis and ferries that millions of Japanese use every day. By traveling this way, you will get much closer to the people and culture you traveled thousands of miles to discover. You won’t view Japan through a tour bus window on a whirlwind bus tour. And no trip to Japan is complete without at least one ride on the fast and convenient Shinkansens (bullet trains).
Since all of your group transportation costs, admission fees, all breakfasts, half of your lunches and dinners, tips and more are included, there are no hidden costs. And with our included tour cancellation/interruption protection coverage, your travel investment is protected giving you peace of mind.
These packages feature:
Small groups (maximum of 8 to 16 tour members depending on the itinerary) with a friendly atmosphere
Well-rounded and creative itineraries
Experienced guides and tour leaders
Centrally-located, family-run lodging
Public transportation
Well-balanced cultural activities
Guaranteed prices with no hidden costs
If the fun, friendliness and flexibility of small, escorted group travel appeals to you, join us!
Enjoy the sand baths of Ibusuki Onsen, the rural Yufuin Onsen, the 1,000 year old Dogo Onsen, the remote Iya Valley Onsen and the charming onsen town of Kinosaki where guests commonly stroll around in their "yukata" (cotton kimono).
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims from the Kyoto Imperial Court 1,000 years ago as you visit the Kumano Sanzan, the ultimate destinations of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. Soak in the waters of Kii-Katsuura Onsen with its sea-side cave bath. Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Kamikochi, with its numerous gentle trails. Experience the world-famous “snow monkeys” of Japan. And […]
Leave the megalopolis of Tokyo behind as you travel farther and farther north through the beautiful regions of Tohoku and Hokkaido. Learn the Samurai history and traditions at Aizu-Wakamatsu and Kakunodate. Enjoy the secluded beauty of Lake Akan and Shiretoko National Park. And Hokkaido has become synonymous with great food among the Japanese.
Kumano has long been considered the heart and soul of Japanese spirituality, and has been blessed with a rich and cultural and natural heritage, friendly locals, soothing hot springs and delicious cuisine. It is the perfect destination for those people searching for an active, off-the-beaten-path, culturally immersive Japanese experience.
