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Insider’s Japan

From $7,184
total price from Los Angeles
$6,495 air & land inclusive plus $689 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
13 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

Tour Details

Insider’s Japan

From $7,184

total price from Los Angeles
$6,495 air & land inclusive plus $689 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
13 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
13 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

Your Tour at a Glance

Please note: We use a variety of distinctive hotels on this tour

Click on this icon in the Dates and Prices section below to view the hotel summary for selected departure date

Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference. Unrated hotels may be too small, too new, or too remote to be listed.

Day
Day
Itinerary
Hotel
Rating
1
1
Depart U.S. for Tokyo
6-7
6-7
Takayama
First Class
8-9
8-9
Kanazawa
First Class
10-12
10-12
Kyoto
First Class
13
13
Depart Osaka for U.S.

Small Group Highlights

  • Tokyo touring, including Imperial Palace District and Meiji Shrine
  • Stunning scenery of Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
  • Overnight stay in traditional ryokan
  • Takayama’s ancient streets and houses
  • Hands-on cooking class
  • Culturally rich Kanazawa
  • Tour of Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital
  • Traditional tea ceremony

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Tokyo, Japan
Depart U.S. for Tokyo, Japan
2
Arrive Tokyo
Arrive Tokyo

Upon arrival in Tokyo, Japan’s financial, commercial, and political capital, we transfer to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary, we have no scheduled activities or meals planned.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, Japan’s financial, commercial, and political capital, we transfer to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary, we have no scheduled activities or meals planned.

3
Tokyo
B
D
B
D
Tokyo

After a briefing about the journey ahead, we set out to discover a small part of this amazing city that covers a staggering 847 square miles. Tokyo has managed to successfully merge the old and the new to become a fascinating and cosmopolitan destination, as we see during our stay. Our sightseeing features the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful enclave of Shinto temples and gardens. We also visit the gallery of preeminent calligrapher Koshun Masunaga, where we learn about the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy and browse the collection. Our tour ends in the Ginza District, Tokyo’s famed shopping, dining, and entertainment hub, where we can stay to explore as we wish or return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

After a briefing about the journey ahead, we set out to discover a small part of this amazing city that covers a staggering 847 square miles. Tokyo has managed to successfully merge the old and the new to become a fascinating and cosmopolitan destination, as we see during our stay. Our sightseeing features the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful enclave of Shinto temples and gardens. We also visit the gallery of preeminent calligrapher Koshun Masunaga, where we learn about the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy and browse the collection. Our tour ends in the Ginza District, Tokyo’s famed shopping, dining, and entertainment hub, where we can stay to explore as we wish or return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

4
Tokyo
B
B
Tokyo

Our tour of Tokyo continues this morning at the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and ramparts and home of the Japanese Imperial Family. Here we visit the East Gardens, part of the innermost circle of defense of the historic Edo Castle that housed the Tokugawa shogunate from the 17th to mid-19th centuries. We continue on to the Buddhist Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo’s oldest temple (c. 645 CE), and the adjacent Nakamise shopping arcade, dating to the 17th century. Lastly, we visit the Tokyo National Museum, one of Japan's most extensive museums, housing a vast collection of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries. This afternoon is free for independent exploration. We are at leisure for both lunch and dinner on our own today, and the choices are endless. Tokyo of course features excellent sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine, while also housing world-class French, Italian, Cantonese, and Thai offerings, as well as endless low-key, grab-and-go options. Your tour director will be happy to pass along restaurant suggestions.

Our tour of Tokyo continues this morning at the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and ramparts and home of the Japanese Imperial Family. Here we visit the East Gardens, part of the innermost circle of defense of the historic Edo Castle that housed the Tokugawa shogunate from the 17th to mid-19th centuries. We continue on to the Buddhist Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo’s oldest temple (c. 645 CE), and the adjacent Nakamise shopping arcade, dating to the 17th century. Lastly, we visit the Tokyo National Museum, one of Japan's most extensive museums, housing a vast collection of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries. This afternoon is free for independent exploration. We are at leisure for both lunch and dinner on our own today, and the choices are endless. Tokyo of course features excellent sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine, while also housing world-class French, Italian, Cantonese, and Thai offerings, as well as endless low-key, grab-and-go options. Your tour director will be happy to pass along restaurant suggestions.

5
Tokyo/Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park/Hakone
B
D
B
D
Tokyo/Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park/Hakone

Japan’s pastoral side is on tap as we leave Tokyo for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Here sits imposing Mount Fuji, (or Fuji-san, as it is known by locals) a dormant volcano last active in 1707 with a perfectly symmetrical cone that rises to 12,388 feet. We learn about environmental and conservation efforts on the mountain at the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center and then enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi, with Mount Fuji in the background. Leaving the park, we travel to the town of Hakone, where we spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn where we take off our shoes upon entering. After enjoying a Japanese-style Kaiseki dinner, a serene experience featuring multiple courses and focusing on artistic plating and presentation, we spend the night sleeping on one of the ryokan's futon beds.

Japan’s pastoral side is on tap as we leave Tokyo for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Here sits imposing Mount Fuji, (or Fuji-san, as it is known by locals) a dormant volcano last active in 1707 with a perfectly symmetrical cone that rises to 12,388 feet. We learn about environmental and conservation efforts on the mountain at the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center and then enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi, with Mount Fuji in the background. Leaving the park, we travel to the town of Hakone, where we spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn where we take off our shoes upon entering. After enjoying a Japanese-style Kaiseki dinner, a serene experience featuring multiple courses and focusing on artistic plating and presentation, we spend the night sleeping on one of the ryokan's futon beds.

6
Hakone/Takayama
B
D
B
D
Hakone/Takayama

Today we take advantage of Japan's train system, one of the finest in the world, as we travel first by bullet train then by Limited Express Hida. Our destination is lovely Takayama in the Japanese Alps, considered one of the country’s most attractive places with its beautifully preserved Old Town and historic buildings. Our explorations center on three narrow streets in the San-machi-suji district of Takayama where, in feudal times, merchants lived amidst the authentically preserved small inns, teahouses, and sake breweries. Before we leave, guests will have the option to buy a bento box lunch, a food box artfully packed with Japanese specialties. This afternoon we attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony here, a historic ritual of form, grace, and spirituality.

Today we take advantage of Japan's train system, one of the finest in the world, as we travel first by bullet train then by Limited Express Hida. Our destination is lovely Takayama in the Japanese Alps, considered one of the country’s most attractive places with its beautifully preserved Old Town and historic buildings. Our explorations center on three narrow streets in the San-machi-suji district of Takayama where, in feudal times, merchants lived amidst the authentically preserved small inns, teahouses, and sake breweries. Before we leave, guests will have the option to buy a bento box lunch, a food box artfully packed with Japanese specialties. This afternoon we attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony here, a historic ritual of form, grace, and spirituality.

7
Takayama
B
L
B
L
Takayama

We pay an early visit to the riverside Miyagawa Morning Market in Takayama, a blaze of dazzling colors and foodstuffs. Here we’ll gather ingredients for lunch which we will prepare together at a nearby kitchen. After enjoying the fruits of our labors, we embark on a walking tour, visiting Takayama Jinya, an historic government house; the local sake brewery to taste Japan's unique rice wine liquor; and Takayama’s Old Town, whose well-preserved buildings and homes date to the Edo Period (1600–1868).

We pay an early visit to the riverside Miyagawa Morning Market in Takayama, a blaze of dazzling colors and foodstuffs. Here we’ll gather ingredients for lunch which we will prepare together at a nearby kitchen. After enjoying the fruits of our labors, we embark on a walking tour, visiting Takayama Jinya, an historic government house; the local sake brewery to taste Japan's unique rice wine liquor; and Takayama’s Old Town, whose well-preserved buildings and homes date to the Edo Period (1600–1868).

8
Takayama/Shirakawa-Go/Kanazawa
B
L
D
B
L
D
Takayama/Shirakawa-Go/Kanazawa

We leave Takayama this morning for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-Go Gassho-zukuri Village. Comprising buildings re­located from authentic villages nearby that were razed for a dam, the village is also a vibrant community whose residents work together to preserve the Gassho style architecture here. This unique traditional building style features simple lines supporting a steeply pitched thatched roof; 'Gassho' translates approximately to 'praying hands', and the angle of the roof's eaves are said to represent two hands coming together in Buddhist prayer. Then we visit Gokayama Village to see how traditional Japanese washi paper is made. Late this afternoon we reach the castle town of Kanazawa, an alluring coastal city that survived the ravages of World War II. We dine tonight at a local Japanese restaurant.

We leave Takayama this morning for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-Go Gassho-zukuri Village. Comprising buildings re­located from authentic villages nearby that were razed for a dam, the village is also a vibrant community whose residents work together to preserve the Gassho style architecture here. This unique traditional building style features simple lines supporting a steeply pitched thatched roof; 'Gassho' translates approximately to 'praying hands', and the angle of the roof's eaves are said to represent two hands coming together in Buddhist prayer. Then we visit Gokayama Village to see how traditional Japanese washi paper is made. Late this afternoon we reach the castle town of Kanazawa, an alluring coastal city that survived the ravages of World War II. We dine tonight at a local Japanese restaurant.

9
Kanazawa
B
B
Kanazawa

Today's tour of culturally rich Kanazawa begins with Hakukokan, a museum celebrating the art and craft of gold leaf technology. Next, we visit the Kutani Kosen Kiln, the famed, 150-year-old ceramics workshop where artists fashion prized, highly decorated pottery. We continue to Omicho Market — Kanazawa's largest food market — before our touring concludes at Kenrokuen Garden, a landmark traditional garden dating to 1676.

Today's tour of culturally rich Kanazawa begins with Hakukokan, a museum celebrating the art and craft of gold leaf technology. Next, we visit the Kutani Kosen Kiln, the famed, 150-year-old ceramics workshop where artists fashion prized, highly decorated pottery. We continue to Omicho Market — Kanazawa's largest food market — before our touring concludes at Kenrokuen Garden, a landmark traditional garden dating to 1676.

10
Kanazawa/Kyoto
B
D
B
D
Kanazawa/Kyoto

We depart this morning by train for Kyoto, formerly Japan’s Imperial Capital and now the country’s cultural and artistic center with more than 1,600 temples, hundreds of shrines, artful gardens, and historic architecture. Upon arrival, visit Nijo-jo Castle (ca. 1603), the extravagant residence of the shoguns who ruled Japan for some 250 years. Featuring imposing stone walls and deep moats, the castle has many interior security measures as well, including hidden rooms for the shogun’s bodyguards and “nightingale floors” which purposely squeak when stepped on to alert occupants of intruders. We also visit the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design (Fureaikan), showcasing all of Kyoto's 74 different métiers in one place.

We depart this morning by train for Kyoto, formerly Japan’s Imperial Capital and now the country’s cultural and artistic center with more than 1,600 temples, hundreds of shrines, artful gardens, and historic architecture. Upon arrival, visit Nijo-jo Castle (ca. 1603), the extravagant residence of the shoguns who ruled Japan for some 250 years. Featuring imposing stone walls and deep moats, the castle has many interior security measures as well, including hidden rooms for the shogun’s bodyguards and “nightingale floors” which purposely squeak when stepped on to alert occupants of intruders. We also visit the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design (Fureaikan), showcasing all of Kyoto's 74 different métiers in one place.

11
Kyoto
B
B
Kyoto

More of Kyoto is on tap today, with visits to the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the stalks of bamboo reach three stories into the air; Ryoan-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple whose acclaimed dry garden epitomizes the simplicity of Zen meditation; and Kinkaku-ji Temple, the beloved lakeside Temple of the Golden Pavilion, set on pillars suspended over the water. This afternoon, we enjoy a traditional performing arts show in the famous Gion theater district. Dinner tonight is on our own in this traditional, yet modern city. Kaiseki cuisine has its roots here, and you're sure to find elevated Japanese restaurants to suit your taste, as well as a variety of udon shops, vegan offerings, and takeaway options.

More of Kyoto is on tap today, with visits to the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the stalks of bamboo reach three stories into the air; Ryoan-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple whose acclaimed dry garden epitomizes the simplicity of Zen meditation; and Kinkaku-ji Temple, the beloved lakeside Temple of the Golden Pavilion, set on pillars suspended over the water. This afternoon, we enjoy a traditional performing arts show in the famous Gion theater district. Dinner tonight is on our own in this traditional, yet modern city. Kaiseki cuisine has its roots here, and you're sure to find elevated Japanese restaurants to suit your taste, as well as a variety of udon shops, vegan offerings, and takeaway options.

12
Kyoto
B
D
B
D
Kyoto

We continue our encounter with Kyoto today. On tap: the important Fushimi Inari shrine, with its trails straddled by some 1,000 red torii gates and Sanjyusangendo Hall (c. 1266), an important Buddhist temple housing 1,000 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon deity. Then this afternoon is at leisure; tonight we toast our Japan adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

We continue our encounter with Kyoto today. On tap: the important Fushimi Inari shrine, with its trails straddled by some 1,000 red torii gates and Sanjyusangendo Hall (c. 1266), an important Buddhist temple housing 1,000 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon deity. Then this afternoon is at leisure; tonight we toast our Japan adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

13
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

This morning we travel by motorcoach to the Osaka airport, where we board our return flight to the United States.

This morning we travel by motorcoach to the Osaka airport, where we board our return flight to the United States.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
  • 11 nights’ accommodations: 10 nights in Deluxe and First Class hotels; 1 night in traditional Japanese ryokan
  • 19 meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Rail transportation as described
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next ­Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Mar Apr May Aug Sep Oct Nov
Tokyo 54 62 72 86 78 70 60
Kyoto 53 65 75 87 82 74 62

Average Temperature (°F )

  Mar Apr May Aug Sep Oct Nov
Tokyo 54 62 72 86 78 70 60
Kyoto 53 65 75 87 82 74 62

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Hiroshima: City of Peace

3 days, 2 nights
From
$1,195
+ $245 Single Supplement

Hiroshima: City of Peace

3 days, 2 nights
From
$1,195
+ $245 Single Supplement

Discover the city reborn from the atomic destruction of World War II, now a modern and cosmopolitan urban center whose residents warmly welcome American visitors.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • Rail transportation Kyoto/Hiroshima, Hiroshima/Osaka
  • 2 nights’ accommodations at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (First Class)
  • 3 meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
  • Extensive included sightseeing: excursion to Miyajima Island and Daisho-in Temple; Hiroshima touring by local “Hiroden” train; visit to Peace Memorial Park and Museum; Atomic Bomb Dome
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Gratuities for dining room servers, hotel porters, and all drivers

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Atsuko Iketsu

“Absolutely OUTSTANDING. Patient, professional, organized, and knowledgeable.”

Rigoberto & Eva Dapena, Lisa Sciacca
Miami, FL

Tomomi Shimazu

“What a delightful person. Graciously insightful with an encyclopedic knowledge of history and culture with a charming sense of humor and great interpersonal skills.”

Louise & Craig Ripley
New Orleans, LA

Ako Miyazaki

"Ako was amazing. She worked tirelessly to answer questions and attend to all the disparate needs of our group. She was relentlessly cheerful, kind, and generous with her time and attention."

Jill Rasler
Spokane, WA

Andy Sakata

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Kondo Kiyotaka

“Kondo was a delight! A true professional!”

Andy & Dianne Ross
Baltimore, MD

Akira Sato

Wonderful tour director. Very knowledgeable and efficient. Made things run smoothly without any effort (though did much behind the scenes).”

Peter & Mardine Sibley
Kentfield, CA

Yukino "Akiko" Iso

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Rie Oka ("Oka")

“Oka was superb – wish there was a category of 'Beyond Excellent' for us to check! Every day in every way, she went above and beyond to meet everyone’s needs.”

Darrell & Susan Mahler
Topanga, CA

Yumi Ueda

“Yumi probably was the best Odysseys tour director we’ve had (and we’ve had some good ones). She is knowledgeable and energetic.”

Blaine O’Connell
Mainville, OH

Masako Takenaka

"She is an exceptional guide, historian, and very knowledgeable of all the areas we visited. … She is the best guide we have ever had and we have traveled a great deal."

James & Judith Roach
Studio City, CA

Mariko Hirata

“Ms. Hirata was exceptional, providing personal perspective on living in Japan and going out of her way to acquaint us with the sites we visited.”

Karen Kessel
Cotati, CA

Machiko Maruta

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Akiko Shimada

“We have been on many tours during our retirement years and Akiko is our number one.”

Anita & Ray Chavez
San Dimas, CA

Taketoshi "Tak" Sagisaka

"Tak was an excellent tour guide. … He is well organized, kind, and responsive to the needs of the group."

Gary Kass
Sandy Hook, CN

Sammy Tanida

“Sammy is a jewel. He went above and beyond to share his knowledge, pride, and love of Japan.”

Debra Ankeles & Bob Freedman
Swampscott, MA

Michio Akutsu

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Emiko Sakurai

“Emiko was excellent in every way. … We felt we were well cared for at all times. Emiko is one of the very best if not the very best guide I have had in my 9 Odysseys trips.”

Carol Skornicka
Milwaukee, WI

Kazuko Watanabe

“Kazuko-san was a perfect host – informative, thoughtful, and charming. Her attention to detail was impressive and … put everyone at ease that we were to be in very capable hands.”

Dr. Rhonda Karp
Wynnewood, PA

Izumi Takigawa

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Chika Kurosaki

"Extraordinary! While all Odysseys Unlimited tour directors have been strong, I'd rank her … as being highly memorable for [her] outstanding performance."

Drs. Carol Nackenoff & James Greer
Swarthmore, PA

Sumiyo Terai

“Cannot speak too highly about Sumiyo! Fantastic tour director; made the country, culture, and history come alive for us. Shared personal experiences and was great with recommendations.”

Robert Rando
Monroe Township, NJ

Emiko Fukao

"She was simply terrific! Great expertise, warmth, humor. Took good care of all travelers. One of the best guides we have ever experienced."

Lawrence Levin & Patricia Wheeler
Atlanta, GA

Sam Okada

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Madoka Matsumura

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Saeko Yamashita

“Sae was an excellent tour manager. She is smart, friendly, and very organized. We really enjoyed our travels with her. She is a keeper!”

Wayne & Barbara Jarosh
Nevada City, CA

Kenji Murakami

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Rumi Yamaguchi

"Rumi was a joy, always upbeat, able to impart excellent cultural and historical information, having a infectious personality, full of laughter, and going above and beyond the call of duty."

Donald & Agnes Leathe
Needham, MA

Makiko Kumazawa

“Makiko is very professional, knowledgeable, and extremely courteous, caring for all guests’ individual needs.”

Michele Macauda & Richard Burke
Monroe, CT

Naoko Takahashi

“Naoko was excellent! A real star in your organization. She was calm; clear in her explanations of Japanese history; a delightful and friendly person to know.”

Ron & Anne Taylor
Lake Forest, IL

Minoru Asai

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Akane Shinohara

“Akane was superb in all aspects. Her humor, adaptability, and personal sharing were a bonus!”

Peter Lam
Sunnyvale, CA

Yoko Ozawa

"Yoko was amazing. I only have wonderful statements about her. Very detailed oriented. … Her help was invaluable."

Bonnie Loewenstein
Rye Brook, NY

Hiroko Kara

“Hiroko was fabulous. Couldn’t ask for a better tour director. Funny, patient, knowledgeable, and omnipresent to help! Loved her!”

Bonnie Phillips
Edina, MN

Tomoko Sugimoto

“Sharing her personal lifestyle was exceptional. She was very attentive, efficient, and knowledgeable.”

Deborah Gandt
Setauket, NY

Akihiro Kasagi

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Tour Directors

Chika Kurosaki

"Extraordinary! While all Odysseys Unlimited tour directors have been strong, I'd rank her … as being highly memorable for [her] outstanding performance."

Drs. Carol Nackenoff & James Greer
Swarthmore, PA

Minoru Asai

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Kenji Murakami

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Yoko Ozawa

"Yoko was amazing. I only have wonderful statements about her. Very detailed oriented. … Her help was invaluable."

Bonnie Loewenstein
Rye Brook, NY

Mariko Hirata

“Ms. Hirata was exceptional, providing personal perspective on living in Japan and going out of her way to acquaint us with the sites we visited.”

Karen Kessel
Cotati, CA

Andy Sakata

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Izumi Takigawa

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Saeko Yamashita

“Sae was an excellent tour manager. She is smart, friendly, and very organized. We really enjoyed our travels with her. She is a keeper!”

Wayne & Barbara Jarosh
Nevada City, CA

Tomomi Shimazu

“What a delightful person. Graciously insightful with an encyclopedic knowledge of history and culture with a charming sense of humor and great interpersonal skills.”

Louise & Craig Ripley
New Orleans, LA

Akiko Shimada

“We have been on many tours during our retirement years and Akiko is our number one.”

Anita & Ray Chavez
San Dimas, CA

Rumi Yamaguchi

"Rumi was a joy, always upbeat, able to impart excellent cultural and historical information, having a infectious personality, full of laughter, and going above and beyond the call of duty."

Donald & Agnes Leathe
Needham, MA

Michio Akutsu

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Madoka Matsumura

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Makiko Kumazawa

“Makiko is very professional, knowledgeable, and extremely courteous, caring for all guests’ individual needs.”

Michele Macauda & Richard Burke
Monroe, CT

Akane Shinohara

“Akane was superb in all aspects. Her humor, adaptability, and personal sharing were a bonus!”

Peter Lam
Sunnyvale, CA

Sammy Tanida

“Sammy is a jewel. He went above and beyond to share his knowledge, pride, and love of Japan.”

Debra Ankeles & Bob Freedman
Swampscott, MA

Atsuko Iketsu

“Absolutely OUTSTANDING. Patient, professional, organized, and knowledgeable.”

Rigoberto & Eva Dapena, Lisa Sciacca
Miami, FL

Sumiyo Terai

“Cannot speak too highly about Sumiyo! Fantastic tour director; made the country, culture, and history come alive for us. Shared personal experiences and was great with recommendations.”

Robert Rando
Monroe Township, NJ

Sam Okada

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Naoko Takahashi

“Naoko was excellent! A real star in your organization. She was calm; clear in her explanations of Japanese history; a delightful and friendly person to know.”

Ron & Anne Taylor
Lake Forest, IL

Rie Oka ("Oka")

“Oka was superb – wish there was a category of 'Beyond Excellent' for us to check! Every day in every way, she went above and beyond to meet everyone’s needs.”

Darrell & Susan Mahler
Topanga, CA

Yumi Ueda

“Yumi probably was the best Odysseys tour director we’ve had (and we’ve had some good ones). She is knowledgeable and energetic.”

Blaine O’Connell
Mainville, OH

Taketoshi "Tak" Sagisaka

"Tak was an excellent tour guide. … He is well organized, kind, and responsive to the needs of the group."

Gary Kass
Sandy Hook, CN

Tomoko Sugimoto

“Sharing her personal lifestyle was exceptional. She was very attentive, efficient, and knowledgeable.”

Deborah Gandt
Setauket, NY

Ako Miyazaki

"Ako was amazing. She worked tirelessly to answer questions and attend to all the disparate needs of our group. She was relentlessly cheerful, kind, and generous with her time and attention."

Jill Rasler
Spokane, WA

Kondo Kiyotaka

“Kondo was a delight! A true professional!”

Andy & Dianne Ross
Baltimore, MD

Emiko Fukao

"She was simply terrific! Great expertise, warmth, humor. Took good care of all travelers. One of the best guides we have ever experienced."

Lawrence Levin & Patricia Wheeler
Atlanta, GA

Hiroko Kara

“Hiroko was fabulous. Couldn’t ask for a better tour director. Funny, patient, knowledgeable, and omnipresent to help! Loved her!”

Bonnie Phillips
Edina, MN

Kazuko Watanabe

“Kazuko-san was a perfect host – informative, thoughtful, and charming. Her attention to detail was impressive and … put everyone at ease that we were to be in very capable hands.”

Dr. Rhonda Karp
Wynnewood, PA

Akira Sato

Wonderful tour director. Very knowledgeable and efficient. Made things run smoothly without any effort (though did much behind the scenes).”

Peter & Mardine Sibley
Kentfield, CA

Emiko Sakurai

“Emiko was excellent in every way. … We felt we were well cared for at all times. Emiko is one of the very best if not the very best guide I have had in my 9 Odysseys trips.”

Carol Skornicka
Milwaukee, WI

Yukino "Akiko" Iso

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Machiko Maruta

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Akihiro Kasagi

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Masako Takenaka

"She is an exceptional guide, historian, and very knowledgeable of all the areas we visited. … She is the best guide we have ever had and we have traveled a great deal."

James & Judith Roach
Studio City, CA

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

The pace and the guide both contributed greatly to the tour. I especially enjoyed the cultural experiences, such as the calligrapher, making the gold leaf-decorated plates, and the cooking.
Dr. Rhonda Karp
Wynnewood, PA
The entire trip was so enjoyable that it is difficult to single out any one or two particular aspects as being the most enjoyable.
James & Suzette Hodges
Abingdon, VA
The pace and the guide both contributed greatly to the tour. I especially enjoyed the cultural experiences, such as the calligrapher, making the gold leaf-decorated plates, and the cooking.
Dr. Rhonda Karp
Wynnewood, PA
The entire trip was so enjoyable that it is difficult to single out any one or two particular aspects as being the most enjoyable.
James & Suzette Hodges
Abingdon, VA
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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