Sample Itinerary

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

Tokyo

Your airport pick up will meet you at Narita or Haneda Airport and will take you to your hotel in Tokyo by public transportation. They will validate your JR Rail Passes, make seat reservations, answer any of your questions and hand you your pocket WIFI device to use during your trip. In the evening you will be free to have dinner as you like though your airport pick up will make a few recommendations. Your accommodations will be carefully selected based on your budget and taste.

Tokyo

After breakfast you will travel to Omiya village in the suburbs of Tokyo where you will visit some of the finest bonsai nurseries in Japan and the superb Omiya Bonsai Museum founded in 2010 which presents the various aspects and styles of bonsai and accompanying elements such as pots and stones.

Tokyo

Your private local guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will show you Tokyo. They will take you to sights that interest you and will also make suggestions. We can work on the sightseeing itinerary before you go to Tokyo and possibly include bonsai related activities. Some places you might enjoy are Shinjuku, Harajuku, Asakusa or many other options. Your guide will also make suggestions for things to do in the evening and the following day.

Hotel in Nagoya

Today you will travel from Tokyo to Nagoya where you will sped the night by bullet train and drop off your luggage at your hotel. You will then visit the neighboring town of Tokoname famous for its pottery and especially for its bonsai pot production. This town is a great opportunity to explore kilns, galleries or shops as you request.

Kyoto

Your private local guide will meet you just outside of your train in Kyoto Station and will show you around the ancient capital. Your guide will take you to Japan’s most beautiful and historic temples and shrines, and you will walk down ancient streets where Japanese nobles strolled. There is too much to see and do but you want want to focus on Higashiyama to see Kiyomizudera, Gion to see geisha walking to their next appointment or head north to Kinkakuji. Your guide will work with you so you see the sights you are most interested in visiting. We can work on the sightseeing itinerary before you go to Kyoto to better tailor your sightseeing.

Kyoto

Explore the city at your leisure. Numerous temples and shrines are located throughout the city and walking along canals, next to traditional wooden houses and through the small streets really gives you an idea of the ancient imperial culture. In addition to the must visit sights like Kyomizudera, we suggest you to visit the Daitoku-ji complex for the beautiful Zen gardens and bonsai gallery.

Nara

Nara is located in the central west of Honshu, the Japanese main island. Formerly known as Heijo-kyo, this city occupies an important position in the history of Japan as the first capital from 710 until 784. During this period, a large number of shrines and temples were erected under the protection of the imperial family and aristocrats. However, when the monks in the surrounding hills started gaining too much influence and eventually tried to seize power, it was decided to move the capital to Heian-kyo, nowadays known as Kyoto. Many of the temples built at the height of Heijo-kyo, like the Todai-ji and Horyuji temples, are currently registered as World Heritage Sites. Both Japanese and foreign tourists visit the city to see these temples, to walk among the free-roaming deer of Nara park or to visit some of the beautiful scenic mountains surrounding the city. The train from Kyoto Station to Nara Station will take about 45 minutes.

Osaka

At your leisure you will explore Osaka and discover the dynamic city of Osaka. Possible sights in Osaka include:
*Osaka Castle: though it has been rebuilt with concrete it still provides a great view over Osaka.
*Dotonbori: best enjoyed in the evening when all the neons are lit.
*Doguyasuji: a narrow merchant street where restaurants owners buy all their tools (knifes, dishes,…)
*Shinsaibashi: the fashion district.
*Tsutenkaku: “deep Osaka”

Feel free to ask any request to our Japan Travel Expert.

Osaka

After breakfast in Osaka, you will take a train for about 30 minutes and head to the Fujikawa Kouka-en nursery where international apprentices usually practice their art. This is a unique opportunity to talk with these passionate people, listen to them explaining what they are doing on the spot. Later we recommend you to take a short taxi ride to explore the fantastic Yoshoen bonsai nursery featured in our video.

Today will be your last day in Japan and your last chance for sightseeing and shopping. Please make sure you arrive at Kansai Airport or Itami Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight.

What Our Customers Have To Say

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

John Moawad

Classical Japan Tour

It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...

Marina Boyer

North Central Exploration

Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...

Edan Ecker

Shoguns and Samurai

I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...

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Our Team Of Local Experts

Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.

Jeff Aasgaard

Tour Sales Director

Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

Michiyo Kakiuchi

Tour Arrangement Manager

Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.

Izumi Yamauchi

Tour Arrangement team

Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

Start to Design Your Trip To Japan

Why Rediscover Tours

Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.

Trips Made for You

Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you

Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour

Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements

Japan Experts

Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese

They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss

Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy

Finest Guides

Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour

We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience

Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds

With Confidence

Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you

Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000

You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away