The Soul of Japan

Irasshaimase (ee-rah-shy-mah-seh) - welcome - to Japan and to a travel experience that unveils serenity and unfolds adventure.

Fly into either Narita or Haneda airports. On arrival, hop into a taxi and head to the Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel in the Ginza neighborhood. We can also arrange for a private car and driver to meet you.

Relax and refresh—book a spa treatment for yourself—and then join your fellow travelers and trip host this evening for a welcome cocktail. Revel in the knowledge that all you must do is enjoy the journey—nothing else is required. 

At Zen House, right in our hotel, we’ll move on to an extraordinary dining experience of modern rural cooking, a fusion of Japanese food culture and contemporary cooking methods. Savor the flavors and company of new friends over dinner and realize you were always meant to be right here.

It's a new day, a new beginning. At Shinjuku Station, we board the first-class limited express train to Matsumoto, which offers award-winning service. We will enjoy appetizing Bento Boxes for an early lunch en route. Savor the stunning scenery and the gift of a new sisterhood. 

A driver will collect us at Matsumoto Train Station. Whisked away to explore the city known as the “place of the divine pine tree”, this location never fails to delight. This tour precedes a check-in at the Matsumoto Jujo Hotel, with a private, spring-fed bath in every room.

Additional highlights of today include visiting the famed Matsumoto Castle, built in 1952 and designated a national treasure. Japan's oldest extant castle, a “hirajiro” (flatland castle), is located on plains instead of a hill. Next, we'll visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, home to the renowned Matsumoto-born artist Kusama Yayoi, who is celebrated for her show-stopping works and the installation of Pumpkin at Naoshima Island.

Following the moving experiences of this day, unwind and partake in an in-house, bespoke dining experience amongst new friends.

We continue learning about this country steeped in tradition. Today brings a morning visit to the Ishii Miso Brewery. The Japanese people have long been lovers of fermented foods, and this particular brewery follows a method of fermentation in wooden barrels called “kioke” that dates back nearly 500 years. Following this refreshment, we depart the city.

Next, we head to the countryside to explore Azumino’s Daio Wasabi Farm, one of Japan’s largest producers of wasabi. Grown naturally along stream beds in the mountain river valley, this condiment offers a variety of tastes, from subtle to strong. 

Following the Wasabi farm tour, we travel to Takayama, consistently voted one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. Acclaimed for its location deep within the mountains of Central Japan, a visit to Sanmachi, its Edo Period (1603-1868) historical center, is slated. 

Our lunch comes next, featuring the region’s rich and diverse flavors. From an introduction to the renowned Hida beef to Hoba Miso and numerous other local delights, one is overwhelmed by the riches of this meal and company. 

After lunch, we arrive at the stunning Hotel Wood Takayama. This wooden hotel incorporates the concept of Zen for its guests so they may experience mindfulness and relaxation. How perfect for us! Enjoy your evening and unwind as you wish.

After breakfast, we'll be refreshed and filled with delectables as we embark on a walking tour of Takayama, widely considered the mountainous region’s crown jewel. The city and surrounding area boast traditional architecture, opulent festivals, and some of Japan's most picturesque mountains and onsen (hot springs and bathing facilities). 

Sights include the bustling Miyagawa Morning Market, the historical Takayama Jinya (a government house from 1692), and the quaint Sanmachi Street, where carefully preserved wooden houses from the Edo period stand next to impressive jazz bars and refined craft shops. A visit to a local sake brewery, Funasaka, is an opportunity to imbibe a classic example of the region’s renowned craftsmanship.

Still surrounded by the scenic countryside of the Japan Alps, we move on to the Kusakabe Folk Museum, a national cultural treasure, and Takayama Jinya, where this region’s unique history comes to life. 

Today’s lunch menu features an exquisite bowl of ramen. This is a dish you'll remember like no other sampled before. The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure. Choose to continue to stroll the fascinating streets or luxuriate in a spa. 

We'll enjoy a superb dinner this evening featuring renowned Takayama Hida Beef alongside other tempting culinary gifts.

After a delightful breakfast, we'll travel in our private van to the enchanting town of Hida-Furukawa, a hidden treasure nestled in the Japanese mountains. This picturesque destination transports you to a bygone era, featuring beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture, rich history, and vibrant artisanal traditions. 

As we wander along the historic Shirakabe Dozogai Street, iconic white plaster walls that dramatically contrast with dark wooden beams will greet you. This charming street, known as the “White Wall Warehouse District,” was once the bustling commercial center of Furukawa, filled with warehouses brimming with goods like rice, sake, and miso. Today, the well-preserved Edo-period buildings are a testament to the town's rich past.

Next, we’ll continue to Kanazawa for a delightful lunch featuring a simple yet incredibly delicious fish chirashi rice bowl. After lunch, we'll check into the Mitsui Garden Kanazawa Hotel, where comfort meets elegance.

After a big travel day, your evening will be free to relax and explore.

After a delightful breakfast, we gather in the lobby to begin our walking tour of Kanazawa. Our first stop is the vibrant Omicho Market, renowned for fresh seafood and exquisite sushi. With over 170 shops and restaurants, many fishmongers showcase their catches from the nearby Sea of Japan, and we'll indulge in tasty samples along the way.

Next, we stroll to the Higashi Chaya-Gai District, Kanazawa's largest historical geisha district, established in 1820 for geikos to entertain affluent merchants. Traditional buildings house cafes and craft shops today, with some remaining authentic geiko teahouses. Notably, Ochaya Shima Geisha House operates as a museum, offering a glimpse into the fascinating life of a geisha.

We pause at the historic Kaikarao Tea House for matcha and sweets. With over 200 years of history, Kaikarao features exquisite interiors and a stunning golden tearoom.

The area is rich in local arts and crafts, including Kanazawa Gold Leaf and Kutani ware, which make the perfect souvenir. We then cross the Asano-gawa River to explore the serene Kazuemachi Chaya Area, where a picturesque arcade of cherry trees awaits. A stroll along the riverbanks concludes our day before we return to the hotel for a restful break and a delicious shabu-shabu dinner in-house.

After savoring breakfast, we gather in the lobby to embark on a day filled with art and gardens. Our first stop is Nagamachi, the historic samurai district, where we can explore the Nomura-ke, a beautifully restored samurai house featuring artifacts from Japan’s warrior era alongside a stunning garden.

Next, we'll visit the 21st Century Museum of Art, an innovative circular structure designed for exploration from multiple angles. Captivating installations, including Leandro Erlich's "Swimming Pool," which creates an underwater illusion, and James Turrell's "Blue Planet Sky," which emphasizes the beauty of light, await us.

We then proceed to the D.T. Suzuki Museum, which honors Zen philosopher Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro. The intimate space, featuring a Contemplative Space and Water Mirror Garden designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, embodies Zen philosophy through its serene architecture, reflecting Suzuki's vision of beauty.

For lunch, we'll enjoy Kaga-ryori specialties and authentic Kanazawa cuisine. Our afternoon continues with a stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, renowned for its six essential attributes: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and magnificent views. In the evening, we return to the hotel for rest before indulging in outstanding local cuisine for our final dinner in Ishikawa, creating a memorable close to our day.

After a leisurely breakfast, we will gather in the lobby to meet our friendly guide. We’ll transfer to Kanazawa train station and board our First Class train to Tokyo, enjoying a comfortable journey.

We will purchase delicious Bento Boxes at the station to savor genuine Japanese cuisine on the go.

After transferring back to the familiar Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza, feel free to explore Ginza at your leisure. It is known for its upscale shopping, charming boutiques, and unique souvenir shops, perfect for grabbing last-minute treasures.

Later in the evening, we will reconvene in the hotel lobby for a fitting farewell meal at a nearby restaurant. This special dinner will allow us to reflect on our journey, share our favorite memories, and celebrate our connections during this incredible experience.

On departure day, it's time to bid farewell to the enchanting land of Japan. Take this opportunity to prepare for your smooth transfer to either Haneda or Narita Airport. 

Reflect on the memorable experiences and cherished moments from your journey through the Samurai Way. As you depart, carry with you the essence of Japan, the spirit of the samurai, and the warmth of its people. Until we meet again!