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Discover Japan Tour

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14 nights, 15 days

Small Group Tour

This fully escorted 15-day Discover Japan Tour takes you off the beaten path to see some of Japan’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Becki & Shawn travel with you to explore an ancient kiln town in Tokoname, see thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, enjoy sake at a traditional sake brewery, and visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park.

IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • 15 Days Fully Escorted – Becki & Shawn are there to help anytime you need it
  • Very Small Groups: 8 people or less – half the size of most small group tours!
  • 14 Nights Accommodations in central locations
  • Breakfast each morning and 4 evening meals
  • All Entrance Fees for the listed attractions
  • All Land Transportation including bullet trains
  • Personal Support: pre-departure advice and helpful tips

Becki & Shawn in Nara, Japan
Becki and Shawn

Join Us For An Adventure Of A Lifetime

On this trip you get the feel of independent travel without having to worry about the language, transportation, hotels, or reservations.

Our 20+ years of Japan travel brings you personal insights and special encounters you’ll never forget. You’ll travel in a small group, eat at local restaurants, ride public transportation, and enjoy a flexible schedule.

We take care of transportation and scheduling, so all you need to do is soak up the culture and enjoy your adventure of a lifetime.

DATES & PRICES

Our tours book fast! There is limited availability, so it’s best to secure your place as soon as possible.

Fall 2019
Start Date Features Price Details Status
Start Date: September 8, 2019 Features: Sumo Tournament Price: $6948 Closed
Start Date: September 24, 2019 Features: Geisha Dinner Price: $6948 Closed
Start Date: October 13, 2019 Features: Fall Colors Price: $6948 Closed
Start Date: November 3, 2019 Features: Best Fall Colors Price: $6948 Closed
Spring 2020
Start Date Features Price Details Status
Start Date: March 22, 2020 Features: Best Cherry Blossoms Price: $7498 Details: Customize
Book It!
Start Date: April 12, 2020 Features: Takayama Festival Price: $7498 Closed
Start Date: May 3, 2020 Features: Sumo Tournament Price: $7498 Closed
Start Date: May 17, 2020 Features: Japanese Gardens & Art Price: $7498 Closed
Fall 2020
Start Date Features Price Details Status
Start Date: September 6, 2020 Features: Samurai & Zen Gardens Price: $7498 Details: Customize
Book It!
Start Date: September 6, 2020 Features: Sumo Tournament Price: $7498 Closed
Start Date: October 11, 2020 Features: Fall Colors Price: $7498 Closed
Start Date: November 1, 2020 Features: Best Fall Colors Price: $7498 Details: Waiting List Closed
Start Date: November 22, 2020 Features: Fall Colors Price: $7498 Details: Customize
Book It!

Prices are per person based on double occupancy

Any scheduled tour can be made private. Your group, your dates.   GO PRIVATE

Samurai & Zen Gardens Itinerary

Our itineraries are flexible and can be modified according to the preferences of the group.

Day 0: Departure from Your Country

Fly to Tokyo Narita Airport.

Fall 2019 Discover Tour

Samurai & Zen Gardens Itinerary

Our itineraries are flexible and can be modified according to the preferences of the group.

Fall 2019 Discover Tour

Day 0: Departure from Your Country

Fly to Tokyo Narita Airport.

Day 1: Airport to Tokyo

Arrive in Japan. Becki 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.

Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station

Day 1: Airport to Tokyo

Arrive in Japan. Becki 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.

Day 2: Tokyo

Start your adventure off by visiting Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple built in 645 AD.

Stroll Tsukiji’s lively and historic Outer Market with vendors selling fresh seafood and produce.

In the evening, we will enjoy a fun Included Yokoso (Welcome) Dinner at a Japanese Izakaya.

Houzoumon Gate at Sensouji Temple in Asakusa Kannon
Houzoumon Gate at Sensouji Temple in Asakusa Kannon

Day 2: Tokyo

Start your adventure off by visiting Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple built in 645 AD.

Stroll Tsukiji’s lively and historic Outer Market with vendors selling fresh seafood and produce.

In the evening, we will enjoy a fun Included Yokoso (Welcome) Dinner at a Japanese Izakaya.

Day 3: Nikko

In the morning, we will take our first bullet train ride on the Shinkansen, one of the fastest trains in the world!

Take a day-trip to Nikko and see the elaborately decorated tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, at Toshogu Shrine. The World Heritage Site is covered in beautiful wood carvings and gold leaf.

View the vermillion painted Sacred Bridge.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Day 3: Nikko

In the morning, we will take our first bullet train ride on the Shinkansen, one of the fastest trains in the world!

Take a day-trip to Nikko and see the elaborately decorated tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, at Toshogu Shrine. The World Heritage Site is covered in beautiful wood carvings and gold leaf.

View the vermillion painted Sacred Bridge.

“This was a very personal, customized, small group adventure that covered a lot of ground in a short period of time. The hotels were excellent and the food was varied and delicious. I am a raving fan!”

Hal - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Day 4: Mount Fuji

Today, we will travel to Lake Kawaguchi to view the magnificence of Mount Fuji – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan and have an authentic Japanese kaiseki dinner. This will be a very memorable experience!

Dinner Included at Ryokan hotel.

Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji

Day 4: Mount Fuji

Today, we will travel to Lake Kawaguchi to view the magnificence of Mount Fuji – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan and have an authentic Japanese kaiseki dinner. This will be a very memorable experience!

Dinner Included at Ryokan hotel.

Day 5: Matsumoto

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.

Matsumoto Castle 2018
Matsumoto Castle 2018

Day 5: Matsumoto

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.

Day 6: Kanazawa

In the morning, we will visit Zenko-ji Temple, built in the 7th century, and watch monks perform a Buddhist morning service.

Then, we will head to Kanazawa and walk through the preserved Geisha district of Higashi Chaya and visit one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen Garden.

Kanazawa Kimono Girls
Kanazawa Kimono Girls

Day 6: Kanazawa

In the morning, we will visit Zenko-ji Temple, built in the 7th century, and watch monks perform a Buddhist morning service.

Then, we will head to Kanazawa and walk through the preserved Geisha district of Higashi Chaya and visit one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen Garden.

Day 7: Kiso Valley

Slip back to earlier time and enjoy the beautifully preserved post town of Tsumago in the Kiso Valley.

The town used to serve travelers on the Nakasendo Trail, the route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period.

Tsumago in the Kiso Valley
Tsumago in the Kiso Valley

Day 7: Kiso Valley

Slip back to earlier time and enjoy the beautifully preserved post town of Tsumago in the Kiso Valley.

The town used to serve travelers on the Nakasendo Trail, the route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period.

“Thank you for your warmth and perfect planning. The trip was wonderful and exceeded my expectations on every level.”

Susan – New York, NY

Day 8: Tokoname

Explore Tokoname, an ancient kiln town dating back to the 12th century. Walk through the hillside community that was the center of ceramics production during the Edo period.

Tokoname
Tokoname

Day 8: Tokoname

Explore Tokoname, an ancient kiln town dating back to the 12th century. Walk through the hillside community that was the center of ceramics production during the Edo period.

Day 9: Hiroshima

Today we will travel to Hiroshima, the City of Peace. We’ll ride Hiroshima’s streetcars, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the Peace Memorial Park and museum.

This is a good chance to try Hiroshima Okonomiyaki!

Atomic Bomb Dome - Hiroshima, Japan
Atomic Bomb Dome - Hiroshima, Japan

Day 9: Hiroshima

Today we will travel to Hiroshima, the City of Peace. We’ll ride Hiroshima’s streetcars, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the Peace Memorial Park and museum.

This is a good chance to try Hiroshima Okonomiyaki!

Day 10: Miyajima

This morning we’ll catch a ferry to Miyajima where 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.

Hiroshima Japan Travel
Hiroshima Japan Travel

Day 10: Miyajima

This morning we’ll catch a ferry to Miyajima where 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.

Day 11: Fushimi Inari

Travel to Kyoto and view thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Built in 711 AD, it is one of the oldest and most popular shrines in Kyoto.

Then, visit the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, founded in 1637. See the traditional techniques of making sake and taste several of the blends.

Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 11: Fushimi Inari

Travel to Kyoto and view thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Built in 711 AD, it is one of the oldest and most popular shrines in Kyoto.

Then, visit the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, founded in 1637. See the traditional techniques of making sake and taste several of the blends.

“I appreciated the attention to detail, the care and thoughtfulness of you both, and the good humor. It enabled me to relax and enjoy Japan so much more. Looking forward to Hokkaido!”

Sue – Queensland, AU

Day 12: Kyoto

Visit the World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu Temple and walk the Higashiyama District with old wooden houses and small shops.

Then, visit the geisha district of Gion.

Included Kaiseki Dinner with authentic Geisha Performance.

Kiyomizu Temple Fall 2018
Kiyomizu Temple Fall 2018

Day 12: Kyoto

Visit the World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu Temple and walk the Higashiyama District with old wooden houses and small shops.

Then, visit the geisha district of Gion.

Included Kaiseki Dinner with authentic Geisha Performance.

Day 13: Kyoto

Today we will continue to explore Kyoto and visit the beautiful World Heritage Sites and Zen gardens of Kinkaku-ji and Ryoanji. 

Kinkaku-ji is known as the Golden Temple because the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Ryoanji is known for its famous rock garden and beautiful walking trails.

Kinkakuji Temple - Kyoto, Japan
Kinkakuji Temple - Kyoto, Japan

Day 13: Kyoto

Today we will continue to explore Kyoto and visit the beautiful World Heritage Sites and Zen gardens of Kinkaku-ji and Ryoanji. 

Kinkaku-ji is known as the Golden Temple because the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Ryoanji is known for its famous rock garden and beautiful walking trails.

Day 14: Tokyo National Museum

Head back to Tokyo and visit the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum in Japan with over 110,000 items including 87 Japanese National Treasures.

Included Sayonara (Farewell) Dinner.

Tokyo National Museum - Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo National Museum - Tokyo, Japan

Day 14: Tokyo National Museum

Head back to Tokyo and visit the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum in Japan with over 110,000 items including 87 Japanese National Treasures.

Included Sayonara (Farewell) Dinner.

Day 15: Tokyo to Airport

After breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and head to Narita Airport.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time for sightseeing or shopping. Sayonara!

Becki and Shawn at an Izakaya Restaurant 2010
See Dates & Prices

Questions?

Becki and Shawn at an Izakaya Restaurant 2010

Day 15: Tokyo to Airport

After breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and head to Narita Airport.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time for sightseeing or shopping. Sayonara!

See Dates & Prices

Questions?

Becki & Shawn in Nara, Japan
Becki and Shawn

YOUR JAPAN SPECIALISTS

Becki and Shawn are Japan Travel Specialists with two decades of experience living, working and traveling in Japan. They’ve lived in Nagoya, Hamamatsu, Wakayama, Kitakyushu, and Shizuoka and worked at universities and private companies across Japan.

They both hold an M.A. in International Studies. Becki is a certified Japanese tea instructor and has passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

OUR DIFFERENCE

With Japan and More, you deal directly with the owners, Becki and Shawn, from the time you register for your tour until the day you depart Japan​. ​

They are Americans who know Japan, understand Japanese culture, and speak the language. They take care of every detail from knowing the best hotels, the quickest and easiest way to get around, and where to go off the beaten path.​ You will explore Japan in small groups, dine at family-run​ restaurants, and enjoy a flexible itinerary.

If you really want to experience Japan, then this is the tour for you!

Reserve Your Place on this Tour

Contact us toll free at 1-800-572-8123 or Click here to email us.

Contact Becki & Shawn

Start planning your adventure of a lifetime!

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Let’s Talk!

Call today 1-800-572-8123

TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Blythe©JAPAN and more
Blythe
Greenville, SC
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“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.”

John and Karen©JAPAN and more
John & Karen
Chicago, IL
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“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.”

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Peter
Charlotte, NC
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“Y’all are the best! Both of you are really what made this trip so fun! Thank you so much!”

Micheal Thumb©JAPANandmore.com
Michael
Houston, TX
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“Shawn and Becki are very helpful with Japanese culture and how to maneuver around Japan.”

Andy and Wanda©JAPAN and more
Wanda & Andy
Raleigh, NC
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“Becki & Shawn put together an incredible experience for us in Japan. They made everything fun, easy & I couldn’t have asked for more!”

Robert & Stephanie©JAPANandmore.com
Robert & Stephanie
Miami, FL
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“Becki and Shawn, thank you for a wonderful introduction to Japan, it’s culture, people, cuisine, and history…Thank you both for making this tour so special.”

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Trudi & Lou
Los Angeles, CA
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“Shawn and Becki are excellent guides and we recommend their tours highly.”

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Mary & Barry
Boston, MA
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“Becki’s exceptional Japanese took us through the intimate corners of Japan where we could interact in a relaxed atmosphere.”

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Judy
Cleveland, OH
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“Every detail seemed to have been taken care of. Most importantly they truly listen to your requests and they work really hard to fulfill them. We had so much fun. A trip to brag about forever.”

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Anita & Adam
Denver, CO
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“Thank you for your warmth and perfect planning. The trip was wonderful and exceeded my expectations on every level.”

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Susan
New York, NY
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“This trip exceeded our expectations. Becki and Shawn even accommodated our special interests in textiles and crafts. Their outgoing personalities and cheerfulness made everything fun. Thank you so much for everything!”

Elizabeth and David Thumb©JAPANandmore.com
Elizabeth & David
San Francisco, CA
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“This was one of the best tours I have ever taken so far. Really experienced Japanese culture and food.”

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Raj
Adelaide, AU
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“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.”

©JAPAN and more
Jennifer
Wilmington, NC
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“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.”

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Andy & Amy
San Francisco, CA
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“I have been on many many escorted tours and I can honestly say this has been the best one. You provided exactly what you promised and still exceeded my expectations.”

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Geri
Miami, FL
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“The main highlight was the energy and personalities of the tour guides, Becki and Shawn.”

Amaro Thumb©JAPANandmore.com
Amaro
Houston, TX
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“I appreciated the attention to detail, the care and thoughtfulness of you both, and the good humor. It enabled me to relax and enjoy Japan so much more.”

Sue-Thumb©JAPANandmore.com
Sue
Queensland, AU
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“Becki and Shawn are beautifully organized. Everything is done with charm and kindness. Can’t ask for more!”

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Lynn
San Luis Obispo, CA
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“This was a fabulously well organized tour and very well thought out. Becki and Shawn were also caring, thoughtful and insightful.”

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Fabienne
Durham, NC
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“This was a very personal, customized, small group adventure that covered a lot of ground in a short period of time. The hotels were excellent and the food was varied and delicious. I am a raving fan!”

Hal Wiggin
Hal
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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“Your well organized tour allowed us to see the culture, people and cities of Japan. We were relaxed and enjoyed all of it.”

Lise and Jeff Thumb©JAPANandmore.com
Lise & Jeff
Elkton, VA
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SEE MORE TOURS

Cherry Blossoms in Gion - Kyoto, Japan
Explore Japan Tour
19 Nights / 20 Days
See Details
Deer at Kasuga Shrine - Nara, Japan
Highlights of Japan Tour
9 Nights / 10 Days
See Details
Takayama Festival
Intro to Japan Tour
7 Nights / 8 Days
See Details
See our Google Reviews See our Facebook Reviews

Becki & Shawn in Nara, Japan

About

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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Highlights of Japan Tour

Fall 2019 – Takayama Festival

Day 1

ARRIVE IN JAPAN

Becki 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.

Day 2

TSUKIJI MARKET / ASAKUSA

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.

Day 3

NIKKO

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.

Day 4

MOUNT FUJI

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.

Day 5

MATSUMOTO

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).

Day 6

KANAZAWA

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.

Day 7

KISO VALLEY

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.

Day 8

KYOTO

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.

Day 9

TOKYO

Travel back to Tokyo and enjoy some free time to explore the city or shop for souvenirs.

Day 10

NARITA AIRPORT

Check out of the hotel and head to Narita Airport.

 

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May 7 Discover Japan Brochure

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Discover Japan Tour 2018 Brochure