SMALL GROUP TRAVEL · A limited EDITION
Edition JP26
A country that reveals itself slowly, and only if you are introduced.
11 DAYS
LIMITED TO 16 TRAVELLERS
TOKYO · NIKKO · HAKONE · THE JAPANESE ALPS · TAKAYAMA · KYOTO · OSAKA
Japan rewards those who look beyond the obvious. Beyond Tokyo’s neon and immaculate order lies a quieter country: kintsugi repaired with gold, a blessing beneath Nikko’s cedars, an onsen after a day in the mountains, tea poured by a geisha in Kyoto. Over eleven days, we travel from Tokyo through the Japanese Alps to Kyoto and Osaka, discovering the landmarks, certainly, but also the rituals, encounters and moments between them. Very often, that is where Japan reveals itself.
The Journey, Slowly
Peak Moments
A few moments from the journey. The rest is best discovered along the way.
01 · TOKYO
The Art of Kintsugi
Repair a broken ceramic with gold and encounter a philosophy that considers its history part of its beauty.
02 · NIKKO
A Sacred Introduction
Among the cedars of Nikko, receive a special blessing at Toshogu Shrine and enter a spiritual tradition that has endured for centuries.
03 · MATSUMOTO & hida
Japan by Hand
Sake made with mountain water. Timber houses built for deep winter snow. Woodcraft passed from one generation to another. A journey through the skills and traditions of the Japanese Alps.
04 · KYOTO
After the Doors Close
Enter Ryosokuin after public hours for private Zazen with a resident monk. Later, change into kimono and sit for tea with a geisha, two very different introductions to the rituals of Kyoto.
05 · mount koya
The Sacred Mountain
Walk beneath ancient cedars through Okuno-in, following a pilgrimage landscape shaped by more than a thousand years of Buddhist tradition.
05 · Autumn Kaiseki Experience
The Flavours of Autumn
Savour a seasonal kaiseki experience, where autumn’s finest ingredients are transformed with the artistry and precision of Japan’s master chefs.
Why This Japan Is Different
Millions visit Japan each year. Far fewer are introduced to Japan that exists beyond what is publicly accessible.
That distinction shaped this journey from the beginning. A shrine visit becomes a private blessing. A Zen temple is entered after its doors close. Sake is understood where it is made. Traditions are encountered through the people who still practise them.
It was intentional. Not to show you more of Japan, but to take you further inside it.
The Journey, Slowly
Travel slowly in Japan.
Arrive
Tokyo After Dark
Neon, movement, and a city running several seconds ahead.
Mend
Gold Between the Cracks
Kintsugi, and a different way of seeing what has been broken.
Ascend
Into Sacred Japan
Cedar forests, mountain roads and a blessing at Toshogu.
Soak
The Alps, Then Onsen
Mountain landscapes, sake and the welcome ritual of hot springs.
Quieten
Kyoto in Another Rhythm
A Zen temple after its doors close to the public.
Listen
One Last Japan
Osaka in full voice, after the stillness of Mount Koya.
The Journey at a Glance
Tokyo · Nikko · Fuji · Kamikochi · Takayama · Shirakawa · Nagoya · Kyoto · Mt Koya · Oaka
11 days, 10 nights
10 to 16 guests, private basis
Five
1 to 3 nights per base
Tokyo (TYO)
Osaka (OSA)
Gentle to moderate — Shrines and villages includes steps or uneven ground
Premium and boutique hotels throughout the journey
JAPAN: ELEVEN DAYS BETWEEN TWO JAPANS
The full journey, day by day.
Journey Privileges
What’s part of your journey.
Every element is considered so that once Japan begins, you can simply be in it.
Your Journey
Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
Premium private vehicles throughout the journey
Expert local guides
Dedicated Absolute Journey Tour Leader
Your Experiences
Kintsugi · Hands-on workshop in the art of repairing with gold
Sumo · An encounter with Japan’s ancient wrestling tradition
Nikko · Special Shinto blessing at Toshogu Shrine
Matsumoto · Sake experience and tasting
Japanese Alps · Shinhotaka Ropeway
Hida · Folk Village and the old streets of Sanmachi
Kyoto · Private Zazen at Ryosokuin after public hours
Kyoto Hanamachi · Kimono, tea ceremony and an evening with a geisha
Mount Koya · Kongobu-ji and the sacred mountain paths
Local Expertise · English-speaking guide throughout
Entrance Fees · All listed monuments, gardens and cultural sites
At the Table
Daily breakfast
Select curated lunches and dinners
Personal privileges — those that remain entirely your own.
International airfare, visa formalities, travel insurance, gratuities and personal expenses remain outside the journey arrangement, allowing for individual preferences and requirements.
International Travel
International airfare to and from your primary departure city
Visa fees and associated formalities, where applicable
Travel insurance
Personal Discretion
Gratuities for guides, drivers and at meals
Beverages with meals, unless otherwise specified
Luggage handling at airports and hotels
Laundry, minibar, telephone charges and other personal expenses
Before You Go
The practical part, kept short.
Entry and documents
For most travellers, visiting Japan needs a visa or other entry authorisation depending on your nationality. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival and hold two blank pages for immigration formalities. As entry requirements can vary by nationality and may change, we’ll confirm the requirements specific to your passport in writing when you book your journey.
Money
Japan’s currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Cards are widely accepted, though cash is still useful at smaller restaurants, local shops and markets. ATMs are readily available, particularly at convenience stores, and are generally convenient for withdrawing yen with international cards.
Connectivity and health
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and generally reliable throughout Japan. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, although we recommend being up to date with routine immunisations. Medical facilities and pharmacies are readily accessible in cities and along the main travel routes should you need assistance.
What to bring
Comfortable layers are ideal for Japan in autumn, with light clothing for milder days and a warm jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings. Temperatures can vary between cities and mountain areas, so a versatile waterproof layer is useful.
Transportation
The Japan journey will be operated by private microbus, offering a comfortable and convenient way to travel between destinations. For groups of more than 16 guests, transportation will be upgraded to a private mini coach to ensure everyone travels comfortably throughout the journey.
Climate on this route
Destination
November
March
Tokyo
13–18°C
Cool and pleasant, crisp mornings and evenings
Kamikochi
0–8°C
Cold, with a possibility of early snow
Takayama
4–12°C
Chilly, with cold mornings and evenings
Nagoya
12–18°C
Mild and comfortable during the day
Kyoto
11–18°C
Cool and crisp, with autumn colours
Osaka
12–19°C
Mild and generally dry, with cooler evenings
Booking Terms & Payment Schedule
Booking terms, and if you must cancel.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we will always do our best to assist. As arrangements are made well in advance, the following applies.
If you must cancel
Charge
Deposit retained
60% of the fare
85% of the fare
100% of the fare
Payment schedule: a non-refundable deposit secures your seat at booking; the balance is due as set out in your Booking Confirmation. Placeholder — exact deposit amount and balance date to be confirmed by the client.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, repatriation and cancellation is a condition of travel. Please send us the policy number once issued.
Group size
The journey operates on a private basis for ten to sixteen guests. Vehicle allocation follows group size: a sixteen-seat Sprinter for ten to twelve adults, a private coach for larger groups.
Fare validity
Placeholder — fare validity terms to be confirmed by the client.
Changes to the itinerary
Weather, religious observance and road conditions in the Atlas may occasionally reorder a day. The balloon flight in particular depends on conditions and is confirmed twenty-four hours ahead. The substance of the journey is never reduced.
FAQs
Questions, answered.
How many guests travel on the journey?
What is the pace of the journey?
How much walking should I expect?
What will the weather be like in November?
What should I pack?
Are all meals included?
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Is transportation private?
Will we have a guide throughout Japan?
Are the special experiences guaranteed?
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Who is this journey best suited to?