Exploring Japan can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and for those seeking a deeper and more immersive adventure, guided trips offer an exceptional way to discover this fascinating country. For our own journey to Japan in 20@9, we opted for a blend of a small group tour with an adventure travel company alongside some independent exploration, leveraging resources like those previously mentioned. Our positive experience has led us to book a similar combination for the upcoming year, partnering with the same travel company and extending our trip with stays in Kyoto and near Tokyo.
Our chosen tour was designed to be active, incorporating daily walks ranging from 2 to 9 miles. The group size was intentionally small, consisting of just seven travelers plus our guide. Accommodation was carefully selected, featuring charming small inns in rural areas and comfortable hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo. One of the standout aspects was the food, which was consistently amazing. Beyond the physical activity, we were also immersed in rich cultural experiences. These included an overnight stay in a Buddhist temple lodging on Mt. Kona, two nights in an upscale ryokan complete with a delightful onsen for traditional bathing, and interactive culinary experiences such as a “make your own sushi” lunch and another memorable lunch where the innkeeper serenaded us. We also enjoyed a sake tasting and a traditional tea ceremony, among other activities.
https://www.mtsobek.com/trips/asia/japan/japan-kyoto-to-tokyo-walking/
While these guided trips may represent a higher price point compared to larger group tours like Odyssey’s Unlimited tour, the value lies in the distinct nature of the experience. The smaller group setting fosters a more intimate and personalized journey. It never felt like we were simply following a guide through crowded tourist hotspots alongside dozens of others. Instead, it felt more akin to traveling with a close-knit group of friends, where one knowledgeable member expertly handled all the logistics and provided invaluable insights into the local culture and history.
When evaluating tour options, it’s important to pay close attention to the details of tour dates and pricing structures. For example, Odyssey’s “Insiders Japan” tour is advertised as 13 days, but this duration includes three days dedicated to travel, accounting for airfare and the day lost when crossing the international date line. In reality, the time spent actively experiencing Japan is closer to 10 days, although it does include 11 nights of lodging. Similarly, the MTS tour we participated in was described as 11 days, which also encompasses arrival and departure days. The actual tour activities spanned 9 days with 10 nights of accommodation. This method of calculating tour days is fairly standard across the industry, but understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate price comparisons and managing expectations.
