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Featured Tours
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JAPAN UNFOLDED
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Saturday, November 7, 2026
Thursday, November 19, 2026
Join us for an extraordinary small-group journey through Japan – an intimate and thoughtfully curated exploration designed to reveal the country’s living culture in all its depths and contrast.
Created as a meaningful deep dive, the journey invites genuine engagement with the philosophies, aesthetics, and rituals that shape daily life in Japan. Our time in Hiroshima and Nagasaki will be approached with care and context, woven into a broader exploration of resilience, creativity and renewal. The itinerary was designed in collaboration with acclaimed writer and peace advocate Ari Beser, who will accompany us through some of the journey, offering insight and throughtful dialogue that deepen the experience. This is more than a tour - it is a refined and intimate passage into the heart of Japan for travellers seeking substance, beauty and connection.
DAY 1 – NOVEMBER 7 – TOKYO
Arrival in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan!
There will be a private group transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy time at leisure before gathering for a Welcome dinner followed by an expert guest speaker for an orientation to the country.
Overnight: Park Hotel, Tokyo
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 – NOVEMBER 8 – TOKYO
Modern & Traditional Tokyo
Your day in Tokyo begins with a step back in time at Tokyo Station, an architectural gem from the 1920s that elegantly reflects Japan’s Meiji-era modernization. From there, you’ll travel to Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most culturally significant Buddhist temple.
Wander through the lively Nakamise shopping street, where centuries-old traditions come alive in the form of handmade crafts and street snacks. This part of the city offers a quiet reverence amid Tokyo’s urban bustle, grounding you in Japan’s spiritual and architectural roots.
Next enjoy a hands-on lunch at Sakura-tei, a colourful, artsy restaurant in Harajuku known for its interactive okonomiyaki experience – where you cook savoy pancakes right at your table.
In the afternoon, visit Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto sanctuary set within a forest of over 100,000 trees. Then walk through Harajuku and Omotesando, Tokyo’s contrasting neighbourhoods of eclectic youth fashion and sleek, high-end architecture.
The day ends high above the city of Shibuya Sky, a breathtaking observation deck offering sweeping views of Tokyo’s skyline at sunset. Dinner is at your leisure, with local recommendations available from your guide to suit your tastes and interests.
Overnight: Park Hotel, Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3 – NOVEMBER 9
Tokyo – History of Edo
This morning, engage in a thought-provoking session with a local journalist, offering firsthand insight into contemporary issues in Japan through the lens of media, politics and public discourse.
Today’s focus is on Tokyo’s historical transformation from the Edo period to the modern metropolis it is today. Begin with a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which offers a deep dive into the city’s evolution-from samurai-era Edo to contemporary Tokyo – through immersive exhibits and architectural models*.
After lunch on your own and some time at leisure, reconvene in the afternoon for a dramatically different encounter with Tokyo’s present and future: a visit to teamLab Planets. This renowned digital art museum immerses visitors in interactive, body-engaging installations of light, sound, and water – a sensory journey unlike any other, reflecting Tokyo’s embrace of technology and innovation.
In the evening, enjoy a unique and theatrical dining experience at Inakaya, a traditional robatayaki restaurant where chefs grill fresh seafood and vegetables over open flames and serve them to guests via wooden paddles – a deliciously fun end to a day that blends the past with the hyper-modern.
Overnight: Park Hotel, Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 – NOVEMBER 10
From Tokyo to Kanazawa – Markets, Sake, and Geisha Traditions
This morning, prepare for your journey west. Our driver will meet us in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Tokyo Station. Board the Shinkansen (bullet train) for a scenic ride to Kanazawa. Enjoy the smooth and scenic ride as you travel approximately 2.5 hours across the Japanese countryside. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk to our accommodation located near the station.
Begin your Kanazawa experience with some free time to have lunch at Omicho Market, the city’s vibrant food hub renowned for fresh seafood and local specialties.
In the afternoon, take part in a guided tour of a traditional sake brewery, where you’ll learn about the fermentation process and sample regional varieties.
Conclude the day with a visit to Chayamachi, Kanazawa’s historic geisha district, known for its preserved wooden teahouses, cobblestone lanes and timeless atmosphere. Then step back in history with a visit to Shima Teahouse in the Higashi Chaya District, one of the city’s most picturesque geisha neighbourhoods, where preserved wooden buildings and narrow streets evoke the elegance of old Japan. The day ends with a locally loved dinner at Appare, where you’ll enjoy regional specialties like sashimi and oden, served in warm, inviting atmosphere.
Overnight: Sanraku, Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 – NOVEMBER 11
Kanazawa – Castles, Gardens and Living Traditions
Enjoy the day uncovering the Kanazawa refined beauty and rich cultural heritage. Begin with a visit to Kanazawa Castle, a meticulously reconstructed complex that reflects the city’s Edo- period prestige as a powerful feudal domain.
Then stroll through the adjacent Kenrokuen Garden, regarded as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan,” known for its seasonal beauty, thoughtfully designed landscapes, and tranquil ambiance. November is a prime opportunity to see autumn colours and considered one of the best times to visit for fall foliage.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the historic charm of the Samurai District, with preserved residences and quiet lanes.
Explore the Kagayuzen Museum, dedicated to the region’s vibrant silk-dyeing traditions. Later, participate in a Kagayuzen dying experience to create a Furoshiki (cloth). This hands-on workshop is a way to gain deeper insight into this intricate local art form.
Overnight: Sanraku, Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6 – NOVEMBER 12
West Kyoto – Temples, Bamboo Forest & Geisha Traditions
This morning, depart Kanazawa and begin your journey to Kyoto. After settling in, begin a half-day exploration of West Kyoto, home to natural beauty and iconic cultural landmarks. Visit the famous Kinkaku-ji (Goldne Pavilion) a Zen Buddhist temple known for its shimmering golf-leaf exterior reflected in a tranquil pond.
Hear a lecture on Kyoto’s Geisha culture. In the evening, gather for a special group dinner accompanied by a Maikoand Geisha performance, offering rare insight into the elegance, art and traditions of Kyoto’s most iconic cultural ambassadors.
End the day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari shrine, famous for its atmospheric trail of 1,000 bright torii gates stretching into the forested hillside.
Dinner is a leisure, with recommendations available from our guide.
Overnight: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sanjo Premier, Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7 – NOVEMBER 13
Kyoto East – Castles, Ceramics and Cultural Traditions
Today’s full-day tour focuses on Kyoto’s eastern heritage, where art, spirituality and craftsmanship converge. Begin with a visit to one of Kyoto’s treasured temples – either Sanjusangendo, home to 1,001 serene statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, OR Kennin-ji, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple and a significant birthplace of Japanese tea culture. Each site offers a powerful window into the religious and aesthetic foundations of Japan. Which one we visit will be determined by our local guide.
Next, enjoy an intimate visit with a local family engaged in a traditional craft, where you’ll spend two hours learning firsthand about their artistry and way of life. Take a break to explore Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s kitchen,” where you can sample a variety of street food and quick lunch bites.
Step into the timeless world of the Japanese tea ceremony at a historical tea master’s house, considered one of the oldest of its kind in the country. This 400-year-old setting – still functioning as a tea house – offers a refined, guided mediative experience.
From there, visit the vibrant Yasaka Shrine and the towering Chion-in Temple Gate, the largest wooden gate in Japan. As the day softens into evening, stroll through the historic lanes of Ninenaka and Sannenaka, with time to browse shops, enjoy street snacks and capture the golden light near the iconic Yasaka Pagoda. Dinner this evening is at Tempura Endo, where you can savour seasonal ingredients prepared in the refined Kyoto tempura tradition.
Overnight: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sanjo Premier, Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 – NOVEMBER 14
Bearing Witness in Hiroshima – Memory, Resilience, and Peace
Today, embark on a powerful and reflective day trip to Hiroshima via Japan’s renowned bullet train.
Upon arrival, begin a powerful exploration of Hiroshima’s message of peace with visits to the Atomic Bomb Dome,Peace Memorial Park, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, each offering a unique and sobering perspective on the devastation and its aftermath.
At midday, deepen the experience with a private discussion over lunch, with a family member OR a Denshosha, a legacy messenger officially entrusted with conveying the testimony of a Hibakusha (survivor). This is a powerful way to preserve firsthand accounts for the future generations, especially when direct survivors are no longer available.
Afterward, stop at the Aioi Bridge, which marked the target point for the atomic bombing due to its unique T-shape.
Return to Kyoto for the night.
Overnight: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sanjo Premier, Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9 – NOVEMBER 15
Journey to Nagasaki – Arrival in Japan’s Gateway to the World
Check out of our hotel and head to the airport for your domestic flight to Nagasaki.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided introduction to the city. Whether historical or cultural in focus, this first encounter with Nagasaki will begin to illuminate the city’s unique legacy as Japan’s window to the outside world, shaped by international trade, faith and resilience.
In the evening, enjoy an exceptional culinary experience at Shiseki Ryotei Kagetsu, one of Nagasaki’s most historic and refined dining establishments. Known for its traditional shippoku cuisine, Kagetsu blends
Chinese, Japanese and Western influences – a nod to Nagasaki’s role as a gateway to foreign culture during Japan’s isolationist era.
Overnight: Hilton, Nagasaki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10 – NOVEMBER 16
Nagasaki: Port of Peace, Culture, and Global Dialogue
Your day in Nagasaki begins with a walk through Nagasaki’s Chinatown, one of Japan’s oldest and a vibrant reminder of the city’s historical role as a gateway for international exchange. The colourful streets, shaped by centuries of Chinese influence, set the state for understanding Nagasaki’s unique blend of cultural traditions.
From there, head to Glover Garden, a beautiful preserved hillside enclave of 19thcentury Western-style homes once occupied by foreign merchants and diplomats. With panoramic views over Nagasaki Harbour, the garden offers a powerful visual of the city’s maritime legacy and its role in Japan’s modernization.
After lunch, explore the serene and striking Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the museum showcases Japanese and International works and invites quiet contemplation along its waterfront promenade.
Later in the afternoon, take part in a private meeting at the Research Centre for Nuclear Weapons Abolition(RECNA) at Nagasaki University. Engage with a leading scholar to learn how Nagasaki continues to shape the global conversation on nuclear disarmament and peace policy.
Overnight: Hilton, Nagasaki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11 – NOVEMBER 17
Nagasaki to Unzen – History, Healing, and Hot Springs
Begin the morning with a guided tour of Nagasaki. Then, meet our driver for a transfer to Unzen Onsen, a scenic mountain town famed for its volcanic steam vents and healing hot spring waters. Located in the heart of a national park, Unen has long been a destination for rest and reflection, both for locals and international visitors.
Arrive in the afternoon and check into your traditional ryokan accommodation for a relaxing afternoon off.
Overnight: KAI Unzen Onsen, Nagasaki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12 – NOVEMBER 18
Osaka
This morning, check out and begin your journey to Osaka. Meet your driver for a private bus transfer to Nagasaki Airport for your domestic flight. Upon arrival in Osaka, a private bus will transfer the group to our accommodations for check in.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to relax. Join your group this evening for a Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Osaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13 – NOVEMBER 19
Group transfer to the airport for your international flight home
Meals: Breakfast
JOURNEY SUMMARY
Intimate setting limited to no more than 22 guests
13 Days | 24 Meals | Deluxe Accommodations | Professional English-Speaking Guide
Included:
12 nights mix of 4* and 5* accommodations
English speaking guide and tour leader throughout
13 days of private bus transportation, including airport transfers on arrival and departure days
Domestic flight Osaka to Nagasaki return
Shinkansen (bullet train): Tokyo/Kanazawa, Kyoto/Hiroshima
Meals: 12 breakfast, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
Entrance fees, site visits and guest speakers
Cultural experiences
Not Included:
International air tickets, travel insurance, driver/guide gratuities, optional pre/post nights, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature or anything not listed. (inquire)
Tour Price: Canadian $14,990 per person | Single Room Supplement $3,050
All Prices in Canadian dollars
Deposit: C$750 per person (credit card accepted)
2nd Deposit: $1500 per person (June 15, 2026) e-transfer or cheque.
Balance Due: (August 7, 2026) e-transfer or cheque.
Deposit by credit card accepted. Additional deposit and balance payment by e-transfer or cheque. Credit card fees of 2.25% apply when use of a credit card for secondary deposits and balance payments on all groups. Availability is subject to change.
Personalize your Vacation: There is plenty of opportunity to personalize your travel arrangements. Further Afield Travel and Tours can provide group airfare, additional nights at the beginning or end of your tour and prepaid gratuities. Please inquire.
The advertised price is in Canadian Dollars and includes security & local taxes per the itinerary.
Group price is based on minimum of 18 guests. Groups with less than 18 may be subject to cancellation.
We reserve the right to deviate from the tour itinerary, inclusions or hotels should circumstances dictate. If a hotel is not available, we reserve the right to substitute a hotel of similar rating.
Cancellations: 91 days and over prior to departure – loss of per person deposit, 90 – 70 days prior to departure – 40% per person of the total trip cost, 69 – 46 days prior to departure 50% per person of the total trip cost, 45 – Day of departure/no show – 100% per person of the total trip cost.
Additional supplier penalties may apply depending on the date of cancellation.
Amendments: An administration fee of $125 per person may apply to any changes made to your booking once confirmed, including but not limited to changes in pre/post trip accommodation and transfers. Please note that name changes are not allowed and flight changes are subject to availability and airline policies. Additional change fees may be charged by suppliers.
Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the trip has commenced or in respect to any trips, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized.
Itinerary Changes & Trip Cancellation: Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. Hotels listed may be replaced with similar accommodation should the noted hotel not be available at time of confirmation. The advertised tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met, Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to cancel arrangements.
Trip Membership: Any person less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Travel Director may at his/her discretion, require any person to withdraw from any trip if he or she deems the person’s acts or conduct offensive or a nuisance to other passengers, and we shall have no further liability.
Air: Airfare is NOT included and is an additional cost.
Complimentary Group Transfer - one group transfer will be provided at the start and end of the tour - those arriving or departing at a different time then others in the group, arrangements can be provided at an additional cost. Inquire.
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per supplier(s).
Further Afield Travel and Tours is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulations 26/05
Thank you for travelling with
We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you again soon.