Discover Japan Tour
14 nights, 15 days
Small Group Tour
Dive deeper into Japan’s traditions and culture on our fully escorted 15-day Discover Japan Tour. This adventure takes you off the beaten path to see some of Japan’s most beautiful hidden gems.
See the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara. Travel back in time to the preserved mountain villages of Takayama and the Kiso Valley. Relax at some of Kanazawa’s traditional tea houses. Explore Hiroshima and see the famous floating Torii gate on the sacred island of Miyajima.
Each tour is limited to only 8 participants.
What’s Included?
- 15 Days Fully Escorted – Becki or Shawn travel with you and are there to help anytime you need it
- 14 Nights Accommodations in central locations – including 2 nights at a traditional Japanese Ryokan
- Land Transportation – rail, subway and city buses
- All Entrance Fees for the listed attractions
- Breakfast each morning at accommodation
- 4 Evening Meals – including a Welcome dinner, a Farewell dinner, and 2 Kaiseki dinners
- Personal Support – pre-departure advice and helpful tips
Becki and Shawn
Join Becki and Shawn on an Adventure of a Lifetime
If you have a genuine interest in learning about Japanese culture and want to see it from the point of view of a resident rather than a tour bus, this is the trip for you.
Becki and Shawn are Americans that have 10+ years of experience living and traveling throughout Japan. Their strong belief in responsible tourism means they often eat at small, locally owned establishments, encourage meaningful connections with local people and travel via trains, subways and city buses.
You will travel to each of these amazing places in a small group with Becki and Shawn. They take care of transportation and scheduling, so all you need to do is soak up the culture and enjoy your adventure of a lifetime.
Travel with us for a unique, intimate and real Japan experience. Our knowledge gives you personal insights and special encounters you’ll never forget.
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 4, 2018 | October 18, 2018 | $6148 | 7 Spots Remaining |
Prices are per person based on double occupancy
2018 Fall Itinerary
Our itineraries are physically active. Japan is a walking country, so it is an essential part of the experience.
Day 0: Departure from Your Country
Fly to Tokyo Narita Airport.
Day 1: Tokyo
Arrive in Japan. Becki or Shawn will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Have free time to explore the sights and sounds of Tokyo and see the famous Shibuya Crosswalk.
Hotel 3 nights: Shibuya Excel Tokyu, 4-star
Day 2: Tokyo
We will start the adventure off at Ueno Park and then make our way down to the tiny shopping alleys of Ameya Yokocho.
Later, we will visit Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo built in 645 AD.
In the evening, we will enjoy a fun Included Yokoso (Welcome) Dinner at a Japanese Izakaya (alcohol included at dinner).
Day 3: Nikko
In the morning, we will visit Tsukiji Market, the largest fish market in the world, on one of its last days before the market closes and moves to a new location.
After a sushi lunch, we will take a day-trip to Nikko and see the elaborately decorated tomb of Tokugawa at Toshogu Shrine. This World Heritage Site is covered in beautiful wood carvings and gold leaf.
“Becki and Shawn really go beyond providing a ‘tour’, and allowed us insights into another culture we likely would never have experienced if we were simply ‘tourists’.”
Day 4: Matsumoto
We will take our first bullet train ride to Nagano. The Shinkansen is one of the fastest trains in the world!
After dropping off our luggage at the hotel, we will take a local train to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle. The castle is one of only five original castles remaining in Japan and considered a National Treasure.
Hotel 2 nights: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano, 4-star
Day 5: Kanazawa
In the morning, we will visit Zenko-ji Temple, built in the 7th century, and experience a Buddhist morning service.
Then, we will head to Kanazawa and walk through the preserved Geisha district of Higashi Chaya and one of three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen Garden.
Day 6: Takayama Festival
We will begin the day by taking a scenic view train through the Japanese Alps to Takayama to see the Takayama Festival, said to be one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. Centuries old floats parade the streets full of autumn leaves.
Visit the old-fashioned streets of the mountain town and try mitarashi dango mochi and delicious Hida Beef.
Hotel 2 nights: Nagoya Gate Tower, 4-star
Day 7: Kiso Valley
Slip back to an 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.
“Becki and Shawn are a fun and energetic couple. They are highly knowledgeable about the country, culture, language, and people of Japan, and they are passionate about sharing it with others.”
Day 8: Hiroshima
Back on the bullet train, we will travel to Hiroshima, the City of Peace. Take in a streetcar ride, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the Peace Memorial Park and museum.
This is a good chance to try Hiroshima Okonomiyaki!
Hotel 2 nights: Hiroshima Granvia, 3-star
Day 9: Miyajima
Catching a ferry to Miyajima, we will have the opportunity to see the world famous floating torii gate.
We will leisurely stroll the streets and paths of Miyajima and visit the World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine.
Then, we will relax in the Shukkeien Garden.
Day 10: Nara
In the morning, we will take the train to Nara, home to some of Japan’s largest and oldest temples.
After checking in to our traditional Ryokan hotel we will explore Nara Park, home to lots of deer and the World Heritage Sites of Todai-ji and Kasuga Shrine.
Todai-ji Temple is the largest wooden structure and houses the largest bronze Buddha in the world!
Kaiseki Dinner included at Ryokan.
Japanese Ryokan 2 nights: Hakushikaso, 3-star
Day 11: Nara
We will enjoy a leisure bicycle ride on a paved bike path along a small river and through residential areas.
Hop on and off to explore the World Heritage Sites of Toshodai-ji and Yakushi-ji, some of the oldest temples in Japan.
Kaiseki Dinner included at Ryokan.
“The trip was amazing. It was everything I could have hoped for! I would not have been able to see and learn so much if it weren’t for Becki and Shawn!”
Day 12: Kyoto
We will travel to Kyoto and walk up to Kiyomizu Temple, built in 780 AD, stopping along the way at the many souvenir shops on both sides of the street. At the top, the temple offers stunning views of the city.
Then, we will walk through the Higashiyama District, have a Kaiseki lunch, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, and visit the geisha district of Gion.
Hotel 2 nights: Shin-Osaka Courtyard, 4-star
Day 13: Kyoto
We will continue to explore Kyoto visiting the beautiful World Heritage Sites of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Temple; and Ryoan-ji Temple, the most famous Zen Rock Garden.
In the evening, we will explore the very exciting walking streets of Dotonbori. This is a good chance to try Osaka’s famous takoyaki!
Day 14: Tokyo
After arriving back to Tokyo, you can enjoy some free time to explore the city or shop for souvenirs.
In the evening, we will conclude the trip with a memorable Included Sayonara (Farewell) Dinner (alcohol included at dinner).
Hotel 1 night: Shibuya Excel Tokyu, 4-star
Day 15: Tokyo to Airport
Sayonara, Japan! Check out of the hotel and head to Narita Airport to catch your flight.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time for sightseeing or shopping in the morning.
Itinerary and hotels subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Becki and Shawn?
Becki and Shawn are a married couple and have been together for more than 20 years.
They both attended Clemson University and have Master’s Degrees in International Studies with a focus on East Asia.
Becki and Shawn lived and worked in Japan for the majority of their adult lives. They know how to get around, understand the culture and speak the language.
Today they live in Charleston, South Carolina and travel back to Japan in the Spring and Fall to show others the beauty of Japan.
Why should I join Becki & Shawn’s small group tour?
First of all, we only do tours of Japan. We’ve been going to Japan since 1997 and have lived and worked in Nagoya, Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Wakayama, and Kitakyushu for over 10 years.
We know where to go, what to see, and how to travel, so you don’t have to worry about food, hotels, restaurants, or transportation. With us by your side, all you have to do is get to Japan, and we take care of the rest!
How is this tour different?
In our experience, the most memorable things people talk about is visiting the small towns and seeing everyday life in Japan.
We design our tours so you not only visit the major sites, but also experience everyday life by dining at locally owned restaurants, walking neighborhood streets, and riding the unbelievably clean trains and subways.
If you really want to experience Japan, this is the tour for you!
How flexible is this itinerary?
We know you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. That is why we keep our groups so small. We limit each tour to only 8 participants. This allows us to have more flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to customize tours to match the preferences of the group.
It is your choice to stay with the group as much or as little as you like. You are free to go out on your own at anytime.
Who leads the tours?
Becki and/or Shawn lead all the tours. We will personally meet you at the airport, show you around Japan, and share our extensive first-hand knowledge of the country and its culture.
This is not a bus tour. Becki and/or Shawn will be with you from the time you land until the day you depart. Be prepared to do a lot of walking!
What are the physical demands?
Japan and More tours are physically active! It’s an essential part of the tour experience. On our tours you’ll need to happily…
- Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement, on escalators and possibly up or down stairs to reach your hotel.
- Lift your luggage into overhead storage compartments on trains.
- Be on your feet, walking and standing, for several hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
Can I do this itinerary on my own?
Yes, you can. However, while living in Japan it came to our attention that many travelers were not having good experiences. There are various reasons: language barrier, difficulty in getting around, cultural misunderstandings, inability to order food, etc.
Our extensive experience in Japan allows you to get the most out of your trip and do much more than you could if you did this trip on your own or on a larger tour.
What does the tour price include?
The price includes all accommodations, land transportation, entrance fees for the listed attractions, breakfast each morning, and 4 dinners.
The price does not include airfare to and from Japan, travel insurance, or meals other than those specified in the itinerary.
We recommend budgeting $60 per person per day for meals, entertainment, and souvenir shopping.
What are the accommodations like?
The hotels are modern with western amenities. The rooms may be smaller than in your country, but they are clean, quiet, and comfortable. All double occupancy rooms have two beds and private bath. Single occupancy rooms may have one or two beds and private bath.
The traditional Japanese ryokan has tatami flooring, futon beds (on the floor), and a private bath.
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
It is best to book your tour as soon as possible. There is limited availability and we offer spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours close 60 days before the starting date.
Can I do a private tour?
Yes! We’d love to show your group Japan and share our personal insights. All of our scheduled tours can be turned into customized private tours. Call us to discuss your trip.
Which airport should I fly into?
We meet all tour members at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT). If you prefer to fly into a different airport, please contact us and we can discuss it in further detail.
I’m ready! What do I do next?
If you are ready to join a tour, please fill out and submit the online Registration Form.
Contact Becki
Interested in discussing your trip of a lifetime? Start here.
Let’s Talk!
Call today 1-800-572-8123
“Going on this tour was like spending time with old friends, even though we only met Becki and Shawn a week ago. Thank you for an authentic expat experience.”
“The trip was amazing. It was everything I could have hoped for! I would not have been able to see and learn so much if it weren’t for Becki and Shawn!”
“Our trip to Japan with Becki and Shawn was absolutely amazing! Their knowledge of Japan and ability to speak the language made everything so much easier.”
“I was able to see so much, cover so much ground and experience places I would not have even considered without Becki’s guidance. She is truly an expert on the country and culture! It’s a magical place.”
“I cannot recommend Japan and More highly enough! Our family of five spent about three weeks in Japan with Shawn and Becki, and we had an extraordinary experience of a lifetime.”
“Becki’s exceptional Japanese took us through the intimate corners of Japan where we could interact in a relaxed atmosphere.”
“Becki and Shawn are beautifully organized. Everything is done with charm and kindness. Can’t ask for more!”
“Shawn and Becki are very helpful with Japanese culture and how to maneuver around Japan.”
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