Our Tours

A small collection of what we offer

A Touch of Japan – Authentic Journeys, Crafted from Within

As a Japan-based DMC with deep local roots, we create journeys that go far beyond the expected, from meeting the last makyo (magic mirror) artisan in Japan to scuba diving in Okinawa’s untouched waters.

Our offerings include:

FIT (Fully Independent Traveler) tours
SIT (Special Interest Tours)
Tailor-made tours for both small and large groups
Group package tours
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)
Accessible travel experiences
Diet-specific tours (including kosher and halal)

Each itinerary is entirely custom-built, shaped around your clients’ pace, interests, and goals. We don’t repeat cookie-cutter routes. Instead, we strive to create personal, meaningful journeys that offer true discovery, the kind of Japan few ever get to see.

Some of our past tours have included

Hike the Ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Combining nature and culture in the spiritual heartland of Japan, participants hiked the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodo, treading paths walked by pilgrims for over 1000 years.

11 Days / Fully Guided / Group Tour
Osaka → Koyasan → Omata → Miuraguchi → Totsukawa Onsen → Kumano Hongu Taisha → Yunomine Onsen → Shingu → Koguchi → Nachi Taisha → Katsuura → Osaka

Far beyond the neon lights of Japan's cities, a deeper path winds through forested mountains, timeless temples, and quiet villages. This is the Kumano Kodo—an ancient pilgrimage route and UNESCO World Heritage site, where emperors once walked in search of spiritual renewal.

This group tour begins in Osaka and leads your guests through the sacred heartland of Wakayama and Nara, weaving together forest hikes where guests will discover hidden shrines tucked into mountain passes, hot spring stays, and temple lodging complete with morning meditation.

Each step is supported with seamless logistics, luggage transfers, private transport, and expert bilingual guides who bring the mythology and mystery of the Kumano region to life. This tour is ideal for active travelers seeking a blend of nature, history, and spiritual depth.

Highlights:

Temple stay at Mt. Koya, including Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and morning prayers
Multi-day hiking along the Nakahechi and Kohechi routes
Traditional log rafting experience on the Kumano River
Visit sacred sites including Kumano Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha, and Kamikura Shrine
Nightly stays in traditional inns and onsen lodges nestled in the mountains
Soy sauce brewery tour in the historic town of Yuasa
Tuna auction and morning market visit in Nachikatsuura

An Artful Journey Around Japan: Setouchi’s Art Islands

This small group FIT tour took guests from Osaka and Kyoto to the idyllic islands of the Seto Inland Sea, where the blue ocean sparkles and there’s a quirky art exhibition around every corner.

17 Days / Fully Guided / FIT Tour
Osaka → Nara → Kyoto → Wazuka → Naoshima → Teshima → Inujima → Tomonoura → Onomichi → Hiroshima → Tokyo

Guests travel through the cultural heart of Japan to the avant-garde art islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The adventure begins in the vibrant city of Osaka before delving into the serene beauty of Nara, home to the monumental Todai-ji Temple with its giant Buddha and the park’s famous deer. The cultural immersion continues in Kyoto, where guests experience a private tea ceremony donned in kimono, and visit the Eriko Horiko showroom where they will learn all about modern washi paper making.

The itinerary also includes opportunities to explore iconic sites such as the shimmering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the meditative Ryoan-ji zen rock garden, as well as try their hand at green tea picking on a matcha farm in Wazuka.

The heart of this artistic pilgrimage lies in the Setouchi region, an archipelago transformed into a stunning contemporary art landscape. Guests will be captivated as they island-hop between Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima, each a testament to the harmonious dialogue between art and its environment.

On Naoshima, travelers will experience the architectural brilliance of Tadao Ando at the Benesse House Museum and the subterranean Chichu Art Museum. The latter, built mostly underground to preserve the island's natural beauty, creates a profound space where works by Claude Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell are illuminated by natural light.

Guests will travel to the smaller island of Teshima, where the ethereal Teshima Art Museum awaits. This singular, drop-of-water-shaped structure by architect Ryue Nishizawa and artist Rei Naito is an artwork in itself, offering a meditative space where water, air, and light converge. The journey through the art islands continues to Inujima, home to the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum. This remarkable project revitalized a former copper refinery, transforming it into a space that reflects on Japan's modernization through visionary art and architecture.

The artistic exploration is further enriched by visits to the Murou Art Forest, where the monumental sculptures of Dani Karavan harmonize with the landscape, and the Sagawa Art Museum, housing masterpieces of modern Japanese art.

Beyond the art islands, the tour ventures to the historic town of Tomonoura and the poignant city of Hiroshima, offering moments of reflection at the Peace Park and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, as well as a visit to the Simose Art Museum, where guests have the option to spend the night.

The final leg of the journey unfolds in the dynamic capital, Tokyo. Here, guests will experience the cutting-edge digital art of TeamLab Borderless and explore the city's diverse districts, from the traditional to the ultramodern. In Japan’s biggest city, guests will experience a fire ceremony at a temple, a taiko drum lesson and visit some of the best art museums in the world.

Highlights:

Discover Japan's celebrated art islands, including the architectural marvels of Naoshima, the serene Teshima Art Museum, and the unique industrial heritage of Inujima.
Private Taiko Drumming Session: In Tokyo, your guests will feel the vibrant pulse of Japanese culture with an energetic and private hands-on Taiko drumming lesson.
Authentic Green Tea Harvest: Your guests will enjoy a memorable agricultural experience in Kyoto's countryside as they participate in a traditional green tea harvest.
Witness Japan's most revered sites, from Nara's Great Buddha and Kyoto's Golden Pavilion to the thousand torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Experience powerful moments of reflection at Hiroshima's Peace Park and witness the breathtaking "floating" torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.

Hokkaido: A Journey Through Nature's Masterpiece

This tour took the guests through Hokkaido's diverse landscapes, blending natural wonders with Hokkaido’s unique cultural heritage.

18 Days / Fully Guided / Small Group Tour
Tokyo → Hakodate → Lake Toya → Noboribetsu → Lake Shikotsu → Sapporo → Otaru → Furano & Biei → Asahidake → Sounkyo Onsen → Lake Akan → Shiretoko Peninsula → Tokyo

The journey starts in the historic port city of Hakodate, exploring the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and enjoying panoramic views from Mount Hakodate's ropeway.

The tour continues to Lake Toya, where guests will traverse walking trails shaped by Mount Usu's volcanic activity. In Noboribetsu, they will experience the geothermal marvels of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and relax in natural hot springs.

In Sapporo, guests will visit the Hill of the Buddha, a serene space designed by Tadao Ando, and explore the city's vibrant markets. A day trip to Otaru offers a stroll along the picturesque canal and visits to historic sites in this once thriving port town.

The journey takes guests through the flower fields of Furano and the rolling hills of Biei, showcasing some of Hokkaido’s most beautiful nature in the strikingly blue “Blue Pond” and field after field of flowers and hay bales.

After some peace and relaxation amongst the farms, guests will be in for some adventure as they ascend Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak, via ropeway, and explore the dramatic gorges and waterfalls of Sounkyo Gorge.

Hokkaido is home to the Ainu people who have their own history and culture distinct from mainland Japanese. At Lake Akan, guests will engage with Ainu culture through traditional dance performances and crafts, and cruise the lake known for its unique marimo algae.

The tour ventures into the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where guests may observe diverse wildlife (maybe even a bear!) and enjoy a whale-watching cruise.

Highlights:

Volcanic discovery around Lake Toya and the geothermal ‘Hell Valley’ of Noboribetsu.
Visit to Tadao Ando’s serene Hill of the Buddha and the historic Otaru canal.
Scenic journey through the flower fields of Furano and the rolling hills and Blue Pond of Biei.
Ascend Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak, and explore the waterfalls of Sounkyo Gorge.
Watch a traditional Ainu dance performance by Lake Akan.
Wildlife and whale-watching cruise in the remote UNESCO World Heritage Shiretoko Peninsula.

Paths of Clay: Pottery, Tradition, and Art Across Japan

This special interest tour was designed for guests with a deep interest in pottery and ceramics, who wanted to explore Japan while delving into their hobby through tours and activities in some of Japan’s most famed kilns.

15 Days / Fully Guided / FIT Tour
Tokyo → Kyoto → Bizen → Ohara → Iga → Tokoname → Tajimi → Nagoya → Mashiko → Tokyo

Guests will journey through the rich ceramic heritage of Japan—from Kyoto’s serene temple gardens to the smoky kilns of Tokoname, Bizen, and Tajimi. Designed for special interest travelers, this tour offers an insider’s look at Japan’s most storied pottery towns.

In Kyoto, guests explore avant-garde garden design, moss-covered temples, and the refined artistry of kaiseki cuisine. A trip to Bizen offers a rare look at one of Japan’s oldest kilns, with time to meet contemporary artists and wander the historic clay-rich streets of Imbe. The tour continues with private visits to master studios in Iga, Tokoname, and Seto, where guests can speak with the master potters and learn about their techniques.

Guests will ride scenic railways, cruise rivers, and step into historic homes and museums. They will be able to see the highlights of Japan while also exploring their passion for pottery.

Highlights:

Explore the hidden side of Kyoto, including Katsura Imperial Villa and Saiho-ji (Kokedera)
River cruise through the forested canyons of Hozugawa
Studio visits and gallery time with ceramic artists in Bizen, Tokoname, Iga, Seto, and Tajimi
Pottery path walks and hands-on exploration in traditional kilns
Overnight at Nipponia Iga with French fine dining in a renovated heritage building
Historical boat ride in Shibamata, Tokyo’s old town

Accessible Tour Around Japan’s Highlights

This barrier-free tour allowed our guests to comfortably explore Japan despite mobility constraints. Every detail was considered to ensure the tour was fully wheelchair accessible – from hotels, to restaurants, to activities and sightseeing spots.

12 Days / Fully Guided / Private FIT Tour
Osaka → Kyoto → Odawara → Hakone → Mt. Fuji/Kawaguchiko → Tokyo

Guests begin their adventure in the bustling foodie city of Osaka where they see sights such as Umeda Sky Building and Kuromon Market.

After touring Osaka, guests head to Kyoto, stopping en route for a VIP tour of the Yamazaki Whisky Distillery. In Kyoto, the golden pavilions of Kinkakuji and tranquil gardens of Ryoanji are paired with a private, accessible tea ceremony.

In Kawaguchiko, guests enjoy views of Mt. Fuji from an accessible lakeside retreat, with visits to the renowned Open-Air Museum and Owakudani via scenic ropeway. Guests will also enjoy a kiriko glass making experience, fully barrier free.

In Tokyo, days are filled with a blend of tradition and modern art—from Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple to a private kintsugi workshop and the striking Nezu Museum.

Throughout the journey, guests stay in premier hotels such as Four Seasons Osaka, Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Fufu Kawaguchiko and the Four Seasons Otemachi Tokyo, each offering vetted accessible rooms. This tour initially used private transportation for the entire tour, but it is also possible to organize an accessible tour of Japan using public transportation.

Highlights:

Guided tour of Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky Building with full accessibility
Cultural heritage sites in Kyoto including Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, and Nijo Castle
Art lovers can pay a visit to Enoura Observatory and the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Traditional kintsugi gold-repair workshop in Tokyo (wheelchair accessible)
Private transportation, accessible sightseeing, and 5-star accommodation throughout

Japan Gastronomy Tour
A Culinary Adventure Around Japan

This culinary tour through Japan’s highlights offers a tapestry of refined tradition, craftsmanship, and culinary artistry on this journey from Osaka to Tokyo.

13 Days / Fully Guided / Large Group Tour
Osaka → Kyoto → Naoshima → Kurashiki → Nagoya → Nakasendo → Lake Suwa → Kawaguchiko → Hakone → Tokyo

From a private geisha dinner with three geisha in Kyoto to a tea ceremony at the historic Kosho-ji Temple, each stop offers guests a mix of Japanese cultural and culinary traditions. Along the way, guests will visit a generational swordsmith in Seki, hike the ancient Nakasendo Trail, and harvest organic vegetables in Kyoto by the Sea. Savor a high-end kaiseki experience at Byaku Narai, taste artisanal soba by Lake Suwa, and enjoy an exclusive whisky pairing in the shadow of Mt. Fuji.

This adventure commences in Osaka, where guests will tour the lively Kuromon Market before heading to Kyoto, a city where time-honored traditions are a living art form. Guests will reside in the refined elegance of The Hiramatsu Kyoto or the serene wellness sanctuary of Six Senses Kyoto. The tone is immediately set with a truly unforgettable evening: a private dinner at Takeshigero in the company of three geishas. This rare and intimate performance offers a glimpse into the floating world of Gion's revered entertainers, a cultural highlight of profound grace.

The days in Kyoto are a perfect blend of iconic beauty and private indulgence. Guests will partake in a private tea ceremony at the historic Kōshō-ji Temple, explore the Zen tranquility of Ryoan-ji's rock garden, and witness the shimmering splendor of Kinkaku-ji, while also exploring hidden parts of Kyoto away from the crowds of tourists. A hands-on Ikebana workshop at Ami Kyoto provides a personal connection to the delicate art of Japanese flower arrangement, while the culinary exploration continues with a masterfully prepared tempura dinner made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The tour then takes guests to the art-infused island of Naoshima, a striking contrast of contemporary design against the serene backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea. Here, they will stay at the luxurious Naoshima Ryokan Roka, exploring world-renowned art sites like the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House, where art and nature exist in perfect harmony.

The adventure continues into the heart of Japan's history, where guests will experience the spirit of the samurai with a private demonstration and tour at the Seki Sword Museum, meeting a master swordsmith. The itinerary includes a hike along a portion of the ancient Nakasendo trail between the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago before they retreat to the upscale Byaku Narai hotel, a collection of historic houses transformed into an exclusive private inn.

Before heading to Tokyo, guests will experience a luxury whisky pairing guided by a master of the craft. Once in Japan’s lively capital metropolis, they will partake in a private dinner at the theatrical Ninja Tokyo and have the chance to explore the vibrant districts of Ginza and Shibuya, with a final ascent of the Tokyo Tower for a glittering farewell view. This tour can be adjusted to fit the budget of the guests, with even more exclusive experiences possible for your high-end FIT or group travelers.

Highlights:

Private geisha dinner in Kyoto – An exclusive evening with three geisha, featuring traditional performance, conversation, and refined Kyoto cuisine.
Tea ceremony at Kosho-ji Temple – Experience the quiet beauty of this ancient ritual in a historic temple setting rarely open to visitors.
Swordsmith visit in Gifu – Witness the art of Japanese sword-making by a craftsman whose family has preserved the tradition for generations.
Hike along the Nakasendo Trail – Walk a preserved section of this Edo-period postal route, passing through scenic mountain towns and forests.
Luxury culinary encounters – From a seasonal kaiseki at Byaku Narai to organic vegetable harvesting and a premium whisky pairing by Mt. Fuji.

A Touch of Japan is a Japan-based DMC specialized in customized FIT, group and incentive tours. From the “Golden Route” to off-the-beaten-path, we have the expertise and connections to curate an unforgettable itinerary for your guests with full on-the-ground support provided.