2020 has been extremely difficult on a global scale and no country, company or individual is exempt from dealing with COVID-19. Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have received a number of emails and messages from both former and future tour participants encouraging us and wishing us well.
Japan has many unwritten social rules, but I believe the most important one to know is cell phone etiquette. What you might consider normal phone usage in your home country could come off as quite inappropriate in Japan. Read more
If you’re traveling to Japan and you plan on seeing more than Tokyo, then you’ll want to take advantage of the JR Pass (also referred to as the Japan Rail Pass). These JR Pass Tips will help you understand when, where and how to use your key to Japan’s ultra efficient train system. Read more
Dietary restrictions in Japan can often make finding something to eat very challenging. Going out to eat with dietary restrictions, food allergies, or dietary preferences can be troublesome in the US, but it’s not impossible. However, the situation is quite different in Japan. Read more
One of the best parts of giving tours of Japan is the excitement and eagerness our guests have to learn about this unique culture. I am always asked if there are any books I would recommend to gain a deeper insight into the people and their customs. The answer is always YES, and here is my personal Japan reading list. Read more
Japan is different. Some things will be similar and some will not. Here’s a short list of 5 things you won’t find in Japan. Read more
The Japanese convenience store is a businessman’s oasis as he navigates his daily commute through a concrete jungle. Called a konbini in Japanese, these meccas of sugary snacks and drinks appear to be on almost every corner and down every alley. Read more
Even though it’s one of the world’s most developed countries, free WiFi internet access in Japan is still very much a work in progress. They have a great internet infrastructure for people that live there, but as a visitor your options can seem limited. Read more
Whether you’re traveling to Japan for business or pleasure, you’ll eventually need to know what to do with your luggage on a Japanese train. Some travelers feel a tinge of frustration when they rush to board and then don’t know what to do with their bags. Read more
Japan prides itself on having four distinct seasons. Winter is dry and unforgivably cold. Summer is wet and Louisiana Bayou hot. Japan’s spring is world renowned for its brilliant pink and white cherry blossoms and temperate weather. However, fall may be one of Japan’s best kept secrets. Read more
Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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Privacy PolicyBecki or Shawn will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Free time to explore the area and view the architecture of Tokyo Station.
Start your adventure off by visiting Tsukiji’s lively and historic Outer Market with vendors selling fresh seafood and produce.
Then head over to Asakusa to explore Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple built in 645 AD.
Included Welcome Dinner at a Japanese Izakaya.
Ride the Japanese bullet train, or Shinkansen, one of the three fastest trains in the world.
Take a day-trip to Nikko and see the elaborately decorated tomb of Tokugawa at Toshogu Shrine. The World Heritage Site is covered in beautiful wood carvings and gold leaf.
View the vermillion painted Sacred Bridge.
Travel to Lake Kawaguchi to view the magnificence of Mount Fuji. Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, soak in a mineral-rich hot spring onsen (private bath available upon request), and have an authentic Japanese Kaiseki dinner. This will be a very memorable experience!
Included Dinner at Ryokan.
Travel to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle, one of only five original castles in Japan and a National Treasure.
See the nicely preserved shopping streets of the historic Nakamachi District.
Optional Homestay Dinner with a Japanese family (if available).
In the morning, visit Zenko-ji Temple, founded in the 7th century, and experience a Buddhist morning service.
Then, head to Kanazawa to see the restored Geisha entertainment district of Higashi Chaya, the Nagamachi Samurai district, Onomichi Market, and the Kenrokuen Garden, one of three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan.
Slip back to earlier time and enjoy the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago in the Kiso Valley. The towns used to serve travelers on the Nakasendo Trail, the route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period.
Walk a section of the Nakasendo Trail through the countryside of Japan with bamboo forests, rice terraces, and waterfalls.
Take a day trip to Kyoto. Visit the World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu Temple and walk the Higashiyama District with old wooden houses and shops.
Then, visit the geisha district of Gion and enjoy a delicious Included Kaiseki Dinner with geisha.
Included Farewell Dinner.
Travel back to Tokyo and enjoy some free time to explore the city or shop for souvenirs.
Check out of the hotel and head to Narita Airport.
