Explore Japan Tour - 11 nights, 12 days | JAPAN and more
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Explore Japan Tour

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11 nights, 12 days

Small Group Tour

This fully escorted 12-day Explore Japan Tour is perfect if you want to see the beauty of Japan and experience its unique culture.

Becki & Shawn travel with you to visit the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, explore the beautiful island of Miyajima, hike the historic Nakasendo Trail, and enjoy the enchantments of a Geisha Performance with a Kaiseki dinner.

IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • 12 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!
  • 11 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.

Spring 2025

Start Date Features Price Details Status
Start Date: March 12, 2025 Features: Early Cherry Blossoms Price: $6948 Closed
Start Date: April 9, 2025 Features: Late Cherry Blossoms Price: $6948 Closed
Start Date: May 7, 2025 Features: Sumo Tournament Price: $6948 Closed
Start Date: May 28, 2025 Features: Low Season Price: $6748 Closed
Fall 2025

Start Date Features Price Details Status
Start Date: September 10, 2025 Features: Sumo Tournament Price: $6748 Closed
Start Date: October 1, 2025 Features: Autumn Festival Price: $6748 Closed
Start Date: October 22, 2025 Features: Early Fall Colors Price: $6748 Closed
Start Date: November 26, 2025 Features: Best Fall Colors Price: $6748 Details: 2 Spots Left
Book It!
Spring 2026

Start Date Features Price Details Status
Start Date: March 18, 2026 Features: Early Cherry Blossoms Price: $7248 Closed
Start Date: April 15, 2026 Features: Late Cherry Blossoms Price: $7498 Closed
Start Date: May 6, 2026 Features: Sumo Tournament Price: $7248 Closed
Start Date: May 20, 2026 Features: Low Season Price: $6948 Closed
Fall 2026

Start Date Features Price Details Status
Start Date: September 16, 2026 Features: Sumo Tournament Price: $6948 Closed
Start Date: September 30, 2026 Features: Autumn Festival Price: $6948 Details: Customize
Book It!
Start Date: October 21, 2026 Features: Early Fall Colors Price: $6948 Closed
Start Date: November 11, 2026 Features: Fall Colors Price: $6948 Closed

Prices are per person based on double occupancy

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

Sample 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.

Explore Cultural Heritage Tour Spring 2021

Sample Itinerary

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

Explore Cultural Heritage Tour Spring 2021

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.

See the famous Shibuya Crosswalk and experience the sights and sounds of Tokyo.

Shibuya Crosswalk
Shibuya Crosswalk

Day 1: Airport to Tokyo

Arrive in Japan. Becki or Shawn will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

See the famous Shibuya Crosswalk and experience the sights and sounds of Tokyo.

Day 2: Tokyo

In the morning, visit Asakusa to explore Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple built in 645 AD.

Then, enjoy a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional washoku cuisine.

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

Sensoji Gate
Sensoji Gate

Day 2: Tokyo

In the morning, visit Asakusa to explore Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple built in 645 AD.

Then, enjoy a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional washoku cuisine.

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

“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’.”

Peter - Charlotte, NC

Day 3: 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 3: 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 4: Inuyama Castle

Today we will ride the Japanese bullet train, or Shinkansen, one of the three fastest trains in the world.

Visit the 480 year old Inuyama Castle, one of only 12 original castles in Japan and a designated National Treasure.

Inuyama Castle
Inuyama Castle

Day 4: Inuyama Castle

Today we will ride the Japanese bullet train, or Shinkansen, one of the three fastest trains in the world.

Visit the 480 year old Inuyama Castle, one of only 12 original castles in Japan and a designated National Treasure.

“You made every one of us feel like a special guest (and friend). Can’t thank you enough.”

Joy & Mark – Cincinnati, OH

Day 5: Kiso Valley

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

These towns used to serve travelers as they journeyed between Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period.

Hike a section of the Nakasendo Trail and experience the countryside of Japan with bamboo forests, rice terraces, and waterfalls.

The Nakasendo Trail
The Nakasendo Trail

Day 5: Kiso Valley

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

These towns used to serve travelers as they journeyed between Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period.

Hike a section of the Nakasendo Trail and experience the countryside of Japan with bamboo forests, rice terraces, and waterfalls.

Day 6: 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 6: 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!

“A cultural kaleidoscope enjoyed all the more by Becki and Shawn’s great organizational skills and their lovely company. Thank you so much for a really epic trip.”

Peggy & Tony – Ringwood, UK

Day 7: 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 7: 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 8: Kyoto

Walk up to Kiyomizu Temple, 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.

Explore the Higashiyama District, enjoy an authentic tea ceremony, and visit the geisha district of Gion.

Included Kaiseki Dinner with geisha entertainment.

Hokanji Black Pagoda
Hokanji Black Pagoda

Day 8: Kyoto

Walk up to Kiyomizu Temple, 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.

Explore the Higashiyama District, enjoy an authentic tea ceremony, and visit the geisha district of Gion.

Included Kaiseki Dinner with geisha entertainment.

“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.”

Anita & Adam - Denver, CO

Day 9: Kyoto

In the morning, visit the Kyoto Shibori Museum and learn the ancient techniques of dying silk fabrics. Then experience making your very own souvenir Shibori silk scarf from a Shibori Master.

Then, visit the beautiful World Heritage Sites and Zen gardens of Kinkaku-ji and Ryoanji.

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

Day 9: Kyoto

In the morning, visit the Kyoto Shibori Museum and learn the ancient techniques of dying silk fabrics. Then experience making your very own souvenir Shibori silk scarf from a Shibori Master.

Then, visit the beautiful World Heritage Sites and Zen gardens of Kinkaku-ji and Ryoanji.

Day 10: Nara

Take a day trip to Nara and visit Nara Park, home to the World Heritage Sites of Todai-ji, Kasuga Shrine, and lots of wild deer!

Todai-ji Temple is the largest wooden structure and houses the largest bronze Buddha in the world!

Nara Todaiji Temple
Nara Todaiji Temple

Day 10: Nara

Take a day trip to Nara and visit Nara Park, home to the World Heritage Sites of Todai-ji, Kasuga Shrine, and lots of wild deer!

Todai-ji Temple is the largest wooden structure and houses the largest bronze Buddha in the world!

“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 & Karen - Chicago, IL

Day 11: Tokyo National Museum

Today, we will visit the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum in Japan with over 110,000 items including 87 Japanese National Treasures.

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore other sights and catch up on last minute shopping.

In the evening, we will conclude the trip with a memorable Included Sayonara (Farewell) Dinner.

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

Day 11: Tokyo National Museum

Today, we will visit the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum in Japan with over 110,000 items including 87 Japanese National Treasures.

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore other sights and catch up on last minute shopping.

In the evening, we will conclude the trip with a memorable Included Sayonara (Farewell) Dinner.

Day 12: 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 12: 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

Amaro Thumb©JAPANandmore.com

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

Amaro
Houston, TX
©JAPANandmore.com

“Without a doubt, you have made this trip one of the most special visits we have taken.”

Alan & Cristina
Chicago, IL
Erica - Detroit©JAPAN and more

“Thank you Becki and Shawn for an amazing trip! Every day was a new adventure!”

Erica
Detroit, MI
Ben & Tif - Washington©JAPAN and more

“Thank you for taking us on a wonderful and memorable tour of Japan!”

Ben & Tif
Washington, DC
Anita and Adam©JAPAN and more

“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.”

Anita & Adam
Denver, CO
©JAPANandmore.com

“We loved this trip so much. You both helped with everything and more. We did so many things and it never felt rushed or hectic. We look forward to having you show us Japan (and more) in the future.”

Liana & Lauren
Tyler, TX
Lee - Tallahassee©JAPAN and more

“This small group tour was a perfect fit for us. Shawn & Becki are a great team. Everything ran smoothly because of their attention to detail.”

Lee
Tallahassee, FL
John and Karen©JAPAN and more

“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 & Karen
Chicago, IL
©JAPANandmore.com

“Becki and Shawn are super knowledgeable, experienced, and so welcoming and nice. They made every one of us feel like a special guest (and friend). Can’t thank Japan and more enough!”

Joy & Mark
Cincinnati, OH
©JAPAN and more

“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.”

Jennifer
Wilmington, NC
Keko & Julie - Reno©JAPAN and more

“A+ well done! Thank you so much Becki and Shawn. You were fantastic!”

Keko & Julie
Reno, NV
©JAPAN and more

“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.”

Andy & Amy
San Francisco, CA
Raj in Fushimi Inari©JAPAN and more

“This was one of the best tours I have ever taken so far. Really experienced Japanese culture and food.”

Raj
Adelaide, AU

“This trip went above and beyond any expectations we had, especially not having to worry about travel logistic, having guided time balanced with private time, and your guidance on Japanese customs and culture that would have taken years to learn.”

John & Krista
Philadelphia, PA
©JAPANandmore.com

“This wasn’t a tour… this was traveling with friends. Feeling totally like a Japanese resident, not like tourists looking at the country but being of one with the people in the country.”

Bob & EJ
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sri & Anne - Greensboro©JAPAN and more

“Traveling with you guys was like traveling with local family – easy & stress-free so we could simply experience all of the wonderful places you took us.”

Sriyesh & Anne
Greensboro, NC
Allan & Patricia - Miami©JAPAN and more

“The attention to detail, the organization and the flexibility made for a perfect experience. Thank you!”

Allan & Patricia
Miami, FL
Burt and Willa Kay w/ Maiko©JAPAN and more

“Having two such knowledgeable and personable guides really made the trip!”

Burt & Willa Kay
Kansas City, KS
©JAPANandmore.com

“Thank you for your many kindnesses, tireless explanations, endless stories and sharing of experiences, and fine preparation. It is a great itinerary.”

Bob
Boston, MA

“Thank you for sharing your love and passion for this amazing country, and for making this trip one that will forever be in our hearts!”

Lindsey, Jake, and Gavin
Charlotte, NC
Elizabeth and David Thumb©JAPANandmore.com

“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 & David
San Francisco, CA

“Thank you so much for this amazing trip. You two made this past week one of the most memorable times in my life and exceeded any expectations I had. Your love and respect for Japan is contagious.”

Amanda
Newark, NJ
David & Linda - Orlando©JAPAN and more

“Your interest in Japan and knowledge made all the difference. And your love for what you do is very special. We loved seeing Japan with you!”

David & Linda
Orlando, FL
Trudi and Lou Thumb©JAPANandmore.com

“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.”

Trudi & Lou
Los Angeles, CA
Robert & Stephanie©JAPANandmore.com

“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
Miami, FL
Lora & Ryan©JAPANandMore.com

“We can’t thank you enough for all your planning, organizing, & guidance. You’re both such genuine people, and it’s obvious that you cherish Japan – it is visible how much you enjoy sharing its culture.”

Lora & Ryan
Birmingham, AL
Ilene - Fort Lauderdale©JAPAN and more

“The small group tour exceeded all expectations. We would not have been able to experience all that we did on our own.”

Ilene
Fort Lauderdale, FL
©JAPANandmore.com

“A cultural kaleidoscope enjoyed all the more by Becki and Shawn’s great organizational skills and their lovely company. Thank you so much for a really epic trip.”

Peggy & Tony
Ringwood, UK
Micheal Thumb©JAPANandmore.com

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

Michael
Houston, TX
Susan-and-Becki-Thumb©JAPANandmore.com

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

Susan
New York, NY
©JAPANandmore.com

“Japan and More is hands down the best! Becki and Shawn rock! Everywhere we went was unique and fun to explore.”

Alexis & Eric
Salt Lake City, UT
Alan & Leah - Austin©JAPAN and more

“We are so happy with our decision to use Japan and More! They helped us maximize our time and savor each moment stress-free!”

Leah & Alan
Austin, TX
Blythe©JAPAN and more

“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
Greenville, SC
Geri Thumb©JAPANandmore.com

“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.”

Geri
Miami, FL

“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.”

Peter
Charlotte, NC
Sue-Thumb©JAPANandmore.com

“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
Queensland, AU

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See our TripAdvisor Reviews See our Google Reviews See our Facebook Reviews

About

Becki & Shawn in Nara, Japan

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!

Accreditations

Japan Travel Specialist Advanced Certificate
ARC Verified Travel Consultant Certification
State of California Seller of Travel Certificate of Registration
JATA Membership Certification

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