TRIP TYPES
Unlike other companies, we don’t run the same schedule year after year. While some trips happen frequently, each year we endeavor to push the envelope and do something a little different.
Below are some of our more popular trips that come and go onto the schedule. Want to see the list of ALL the trips we’ve ever run? Hit up the archive.
All adventures include:
All accommodations, planned transport within Japan, and admission to activities
Professional guide for the entire trip!
Pre-trip travel prep kit + online Q&A
Concierge service to help you arrange any private travel in Japan before and/or after your journey
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Taste of Japan
Japanese cuisine has never been limited to just one kind of food or flavor. Our culinary offerings put the focus on all aspects of the cuisine we’re exploring - from traditional multi-course kaiseki, ramen, and sushi to unique interpretations of world cuisines using local ingredients. It’s a variety of flavor you truly won’t find anywhere else. And if you’re on one of our “Taste of Japan” trips, all meals are included standard. The culinary landscape of Japan is incredibly diverse, which is why we’re already adding more variations on the theme. Some of the previous trips include:
Taste of Japan
Walk in the footsteps of the samurai along the historic Nakasendo walking road. This itinerary features everything from savory steak and seafood to delicate matcha and miso ice cream. You'll explore historical post towns, visit the temples and shrines of Kyoto, feel the energy of Tokyo and Kobe, and enjoy a restful night in the picturesque Yatsugatake Mountains near the stunning Doryu Waterfall.
Taste of Japan North
Celebrate the best cuisine from the Joetsu, Tohoku, and Hokkaido regions. This journey is packed with unforgettable experiences, from sampling premium sake flights and bottomless Soba, to feasting on Jidori Chicken Kiritanpo, renowned Hakodate crab, and legendary Sapporo ramen. Beyond the cuisine, you'll explore samurai towns, historic castles, Aomori's apple orchards, and enjoy a private onsen on the shore of scenic Lake Toya.
Taste of Japan Shikoku Kyushu
Escape the typical tourist route by exploring the stunning Iya Valley and the Seto Inland Sea. This unique adventure blends familiar favorites—like Fukuoka ramen, seaside sushi, and Kobe steak—with regional delicacies such as kurobuta pork, Nagasaki champon, and citrus-infused cocktails. Beyond the plate, you'll discover mountain views, explore the abandoned island of Gunkanjima, and relax at unique, breathtaking onsen resorts.
Taste of Japan Nihonkai
Dive into the rich food culture along the Sea of Japan, starting in the rice-growing region of Niigata with visits to premier sake, miso, and soy sauce breweries. The journey continues through Kanazawa for sweets, the Mikata Lakes for fresh seafood, and concludes in Kinosaki Onsen for its legendary crab. Beyond the plates, you'll explore stunning sights like the Saito Villa, historic tea houses, and the breathtaking Amanohashidate sandbar.
Upcoming trips
AnimE-CENTRIC
As a company founded by Anime industry veterans, trips for Anime fans have always been part of our identity. Our first trip, Animated Spring, is the ultimate anime fan journey, offering an in-depth experience beyond the usual shopping stops. This trip covers all the famous hubs—Akihabara, Harajuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Nakano Broadway—while focusing on local connection, unique shopping arcades, and customization. The itinerary also includes the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka's Otaku Road, Kobe) and a special two-night stay in Nagoya to visit Ghibli Park.
Of course, there’s much more to Japan than just the popular spots, which is why the Anime De-Tour (our partner trip with Minnesota's longest-running anime convention Anime Detour) is so unique. The trip changes location every year, offering destinations way beyond what you’d expect from an Anime trip. We’ve hit all four of Japan’s main islands, partied at countless festivals, learned Taiko drumming, and even had a giant snowball fight in Hokkaido (hey, we’re Minnesotans… what did ya expect?). It’s a trip that’s all about community and sharing in an appreciation for the link between Anime and Japanese culture… and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Upcoming trips
Pawprint Pathways
Pawprint Pathways is a unique journey blending Japan's must-see destinations with delightful animal encounters. The itinerary begins with the friendly deer of Miyajima and a visit to Okunoshima, the famous "Bunny Island," in the Seto Inland Sea. The adventure continues north to Jigokudani Onsen to watch the local snow monkeys, includes two nights of relaxation in a hot spring, and concludes with a stop at Tashirojima, the famed "Cat Island." Beyond the wildlife, this comprehensive trip explores the vibrant cities and historical sites of Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and Sendai, making it one of our most extensive Central Japan offerings.
Upcoming trips
Rural Relaxation
Rural Relaxation is a highly exclusive, small-group trip dedicated to exploring the serene and authentic side of Japan. Traveling by private car and staying in upscale ryokans and hot spring resorts, this journey invites guests to participate in local life, from roasting tea to enjoying local beers by the river. The itinerary focuses on deep immersion, starting in Kochi (with its castle and Bonito grilling), moving to the remote Iya Valley (home to breathtaking vine bridges), and concluding with a stay in a temple on Mt. Koya and visits to the ancient onsen of Shirahama and the Kumano Kodo region.
Upcoming trips
Summer Matsuri
The Summer Matsuri trip offers a unique chance to experience the legendary summer parties of Northern Japan, focusing on three of the country's most iconic festivals. This small-group adventure begins in Hakodate for its lively Port Festival and firework display. It then moves into the Tohoku region to witness the massive illuminated floats of the Nebuta Festival in Aomori and the gravity-defying pole balancing of the Kanto Festival in Akita. The itinerary also includes visits to historic sites like the Goryokaku Fortress, Hirosaki Castle, and the samurai town of Kakunodate, with a finale back in Tokyo.
Upcoming trips
Japan Holiday
The Japan Holiday trip is a complete re-imagining of the holiday season, designed for night owls and centered around spectacular festivals and winter illuminations. Starting later in the day and ending later at night, the journey begins in Tokyo, covering classic spots while venturing off-path to witness the lantern jousting of the Koga Chochin Festival and the rolling lights of the Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations. The trip also includes a visit to the Chichibu Festival and uses Kobe as a base to explore Kyoto and Osaka's vibrant night scenes and street food, concluding with a relaxing stop at a hot spring resort on the shores of Lake Biwa.
Upcoming trips
Omakase
Our Omakase trips (Japanese for "I leave it up to you") are our annual, highly popular mystery adventure where travelers don’t know the destination or itinerary until they arrive! Designed for those who want to fully trust their guides, the trip's plan is built entirely around the personal preferences and interests you share during the booking process. Omakse trips feature unique, off-the-beaten-path locations, high-quality experiences, and many included meals. These trips offer an immersive, fun, and completely stress-free way to explore the unexpected sides of Japan.
May 14/15* - 29, 2026
NIIGATA • SAKATA • KAKUNODATE • MORIOKA • AOMORI • HIROSAKI • HAKODATE • LAKE TOYA • SAPPORO
🍜 Two-week culinary feast across Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Joetsu
🏯 Explore a samurai town, onsen resort, and historic fortress
🍎 Indulge in sake flights, crab, ramen, and apple specialties
💎 Premium 4-star lodging, all meals, and transport included
CANCELED (LACK OF SIGNUPS)