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Japan in
Grand Luxury
Spring 2026
March 17th to April 3rd, 2026
See you soon - We can't wait for you to discover Japan
Day 1: TOKYO
Departure from your home and flight to Tokyo in Business Class to begin your incredible trip around the breathtaking country of Japan.
Day 2: TOKYO
Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun! Your English-speaking guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day TOKYO
This morning, admire the fascinating metropolis from the heights of the Tokyo Sky Tree before exploring the popular district of Asakusa and its Senso-ji Temple. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms at Ueno Park and discover the charm of "Old Tokyo" by strolling through Yanaka. End the day with a visit to the Imperial Palace and Chidorigafuchi Park, famous for its Sakura.
Day 4: TOKYO
The morning will begin with a peaceful visit to the Shinto Meiji Shrine nestled in the woods, before heading to the eccentric district of Harajuku, a shopping paradise for fashionistas. You will continue your immersion in Tokyo's fashion world on the elegant Omotesando Avenue. Once again, the cherry blossoms will offer their pastel colors at Shinjuku Gyoen and along the Meguro River. You will conclude the day with a culinary tour around Taiko Bridge.
Day 5: TOKYO - KAMAKURA - TOKYO
The day will be dedicated to Kamakura, the former capital of the country nestled between the Pacific Ocean and wooded hills. Rocked by the sound of waves and the ringing of bells from its Buddhist temples, Kamakura has a special charm. Explore the Shinto shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu and stroll around the bustling street of Komachi-dori. After admiring the Great Bronze Buddha at Kotoku-in, return to Tokyo for a traditional Japanese dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: TOKYO - HAKONE
This morning, you will have the opportunity to discover the enchanting digital world of Team Lab Planets and experience a unique, creative, and surprising sensory journey. Then, you will leave the Japanese capital for peaceful Hakone, renowned for its natural hot springs. You will enjoy a stroll in the Mount Fuji Park and the Owakudani Valley where you will discover the curious black eggs with beneficial properties. Settle into your luxurious ryokan before a traditional kaiseki dinner.
Start the day with a visit to the famous open-air contemporary art museum in Hakone before heading to Osaka in First Class aboard the Shinkansen train, with lunch on board. Today, you will have the incredible opportunity to experience one of the last rounds of the Osaka sumo tournament! Thus, you will have the unique opportunity to witness the most important fights of this rare event, usually reserved for Japanese, an unusual and typically Japanese experience. The day will end with dinner in Kyoto, at your beautiful hotel, which will be your haven of peace for the next four nights.
Day 8: KYOTO
Today, discover the charms of Kyoto with a visit to the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. Then stroll through the traditional Higashiyama district to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Along the way, let yourself be enchanted by the picturesque streets of Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka, known for their preserved architecture and charming shops. You will end this day with an authentic tea ceremony in a private temple, an initiation into the heart of Japanese culture. In the evening, explore the lively Gion district, where a traditional dinner awaits you.
Day 9: KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO
The morning will be dedicated to Nara, a jewel of ancient Japan. Explore the birthplace of Japanese arts, from the Shinto Kasuga Shrine with its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns to the famous five-story pagoda of the Todaiji Temple, which houses the impressive golden Buddha, the Daibutsu. You will then stroll through the streets of the ancient capital before heading to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Finally, return to Kyoto for a gourmet dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 10: KYOTO - ARASHIYAMA - KYOTO
Today, you will explore the famous bamboo forest of Arashiyama, an especially enchanting walk. Visit the Tenryuji Temple and its beautiful garden. After lunch, return to Kyoto for further exploration of this true museum city. Among the treasures on the agenda: the iconic Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion and the Ryoanji with its famous Zen garden. To cap off your imperial stay in Kyoto, we have arranged a traditional and gourmet dinner in the presence of a geisha and a maiko, who will introduce you to the heritage of their unique world.
Day 11: KYOTO - HIROSHIMA - MIYAJIMA
Aboard the Shinkansen, you will speed towards Hiroshima in First Class, with lunch on board. Today, you will visit the Peace Memorial Park with a stop at the Dome to recall the Bomb, before continuing to the museum dedicated to it. Finally, you will reach the sacred island of Miyajima, an opportunity to admire a peaceful sunset before dinner and an overnight stay in the calm Japanese countryside.
Day 12: MIYAJIMA - BEPPU
This morning, you will explore the Itsukushima Shrine, not missing the chance to capture a photo in front of the torii, the famous gate built on water which symbolizes Japan. Continue with the Daisho-in Temple before taking the ferry and proceeding by train to the Kyushu Peninsula, a land of legends and the cradle of Japanese civilization. Here, a deep dive into traditional Japan awaits you. Your journey will begin in Beppu and its astonishing natural hot springs. After a traditional onsen bath, you will enjoy dinner at the hotel, renowned for its spectacular view of the bay.
Day 13: BEPPU
You will start the day with the striking natural spectacle of Beppu's "hells," which boil and spew geysers. Then, Kyushu will surprise you with a geothermal relaxation experience: today you will try... a hot sand bath! You will then enjoy a private onsen to prolong this moment of relaxation. The rest of your day will be free to conclude in complete tranquility.
Day 14: BEPPU - ASO - KUMAMOTO
Today your journey will take you to Mount Aso, a perfect cone that stands at the center of the world's largest and most impressive caldera. After lunch, you will head to the charming city of Kumamoto. Check into your hotel before immersing yourself in the local ambiance during a Japanese dinner in the city.
Day 15: KUMAMOTO – KAGOSHIMA
You will start the day with a visit to the feudal Kumamoto Castle, one of the three largest in the country. After lunch, you will travel to Kagoshima aboard the Shinkansen. In a setting that blends lush subtropical vegetation with lunar landscapes, the tip of Kyushu offers a breathtaking view of Mount Kaimon, nicknamed the "Fuji of Satsuma." The afternoon will feature an approach to the Sakurajima volcano from the beautiful historic Sengan Gardens. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 16: KAGOSHIMA – OKINAWA
This morning, you will fly to Naha, on the subtropical island of Okinawa. On your day of exploration: a look back on the Pacific War at Okinawa Senseki and the Sogenji Temple. In the late afternoon, check into your stunning hotel on a white sand beach. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 17: OKINAWA
Today's excursion will take you to Motobu where you will visit Okinawa Churaumi and its aquarium, home to 21,000 species including whale sharks and manta rays. After visiting a traditional village, you will enjoy a succulent local lunch based on the famous Okinawa diet, an island known for the longevity of its inhabitants and its many centenarians!
Return to the hotel to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 18: OKINAWA
A full-board day of relaxation, the perfect opportunity to fully enjoy the activities offered by your hotel and its enchanting setting on the Pacific shore. Meals and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 19: OKINAWA - TOKYO
Depart during the day for Okinawa Airport, then long-haul flight in Business class and return home by private chauffeur.
… Unless you decide to extend your discovery of Japan by signing up for the extension to Kanazawa and the Japanese Alps.
3 nights exploring Japan's hidden treasures
Day 20 to 23
Extend your Japanese exploration with a 3-night journey into the preserved soul of traditional Japan. This timeless voyage will transport you from Kanazawa, a jewel of the Edo period, to the serenity of Yamashiro Onsen, passing through the majestic Japanese Alps. Let yourself be enchanted by a captivating blend of culture, nature, and relaxation for a gentle conclusion to your Japanese adventure.
Day 20: TOKYO - KANAZAWA
Today you will travel to the picturesque Kanazawa for a unique dive into feudal Japan. You can admire its castle, savor local flavors, and stroll through Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. Finally, wander the streets of Nagamachi, the former samurai district that has preserved all its past charm. Your day will end with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 21: KANAZAWA - SHIRAKAWA-GO - GOKAYAMA – KANAZAWA
The day will be dedicated to the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, gems of the Japanese Alps where time seems to have stood still. Let yourself be immersed in the authentic atmosphere of rural Japan, where the thatched roofs of gassho-zukuri houses stand proudly among rice fields and lush forests. Discover the ancient practices of mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming, before concluding in Kanazawa with a refined sushi dinner.
Day 22: KANAZAWA – YAMASHIRO ONSEN
Your final morning in Kanazawa will allow you to explore the bustling Omicho Market and the old geisha district, revealing the elegance of teahouses where the gentle sound of the koto still resonates. Then, head to Yamashiro Onsen and your traditional ryokan, where the ancient thermal waters promise an interlude of gentle serenity. Your Japanese odyssey will end with a kaiseki dinner, a true symphony of the senses celebrating the quintessence of Japanese gastronomy.
Day 23: YAMASHIRO ONSEN – KOMATSU - TOKYO - HOME
Early this morning, you will fly home (via Tokyo) and be escorted by a private chauffeur.
Rates & Conditions
Prices and what is included?
Prices to be confirmed...
This price includes:
- Round trip pick-up by private chauffeur from your home in the continental US and with long-haul commercial flights in Business Class from the closest international airport to Tokyo and back home.
- Economy Class domestic flights during the trip and Shinkansen train in First Class.
- Accommodation in double rooms to share in the hotels and ryokans mentioned in the program (or similar).
- Full board based on 3 meals a day, including some meals during flights or on the train.
- Common drinks (water, wine, and soft drinks) at lunch and dinner.
- All transfers, excursions, and visits planned by minibus, train, and boat, with the services of local English-speaking guides.
- All gratuities.
- Luggage handling.
- All taxes (airport, security, etc.).
- Assistance/luggage/repatriation insurance.
This price does not include:
- Personal expenses (telephone, laundry, etc.).
- Drinks outside the program (bar, minibar, etc.).
- Optional cancellation multi-risk insurance: 7.5% of the amount of the trip (for residents outside the EU, please contact us for more information).
Options and extras
If you prefer, you may book your own flights:
- Meet us in Tokyo on Day 2 (March 18th, 2025) and finish the trip in Tokyo on Day 19 (April 4th, 2025): price reduction of $4,000 USD.
Formalities
As an indication (as of June 27th, 2024) for US citizens: passport valid for 6 months after the return date.
Registration conditions
- Completed and signed registration form
- 30% deposit upon booking
- Balance due 60 days before departure
Insurance
- Assistance / baggage / repatriation: usually included in the price of the trip for participants - please contact us for more information.
- Optional cancellation insurance to be contracted at the time of booking: 7,5% of the trip price. See conditions in the policy provided upon subscription.
- Professional Liability Insurance taken out by Safrans du Monde with GENERALI IARD, 2 rue Pillet Will, 75009 PARIS, up to 2,000,000 euros, policy AT875345, to cover the consequences of professional liability that Safrans du Monde may incur as a travel operator, within the limits of the aforementioned policy.
Cancellation policy
All cancellations must be communicated by email or registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt and will incur the following cancellation fees according to the date of receipt:
- 6 months and more before departure : no cancellation fees ;
- From 179 to 120 days before departure: 30% of the amount of the trip ;
- From 119 to 60 days before departure: 40% of the amount of the trip ;
- From 59 to 30 days before departure: 50% of the amount of the trip ;
- From 29 to 8 days before departure: 75% of the amount of the trip ;
- Less than 8 days before departure: 100% of the amount of the trip.
Conditions of application
Our prices are based on 2 people traveling together, within a group of a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 14, with reference to the economic conditions in force as of June 27th, 2024, including accommodation rates, transportation, fuel, various taxes (stay, security, airport, etc.), and the exchange rate of the Japanese Yen (1 USD = 160 Yen). This trip is planned based on long-haul flights in Business Class. Depending on the date of registration for the trip, the booking classes on one or more flights of the above program may no longer be available; in this event, the price of the trip may be modified. The customer will be informed according to the terms set out in the general terms and conditions of sale in the brochure appendix, on the back of the Registration Form. Furthermore, the airlines are mentioned for informational purposes and may be subject to change without notice. Safrans du Monde cannot be held responsible for this, and no compensation can be claimed in this event. Given the complexity of this trip, one or more activities may be subject to change or replacement, justified by an external and unforeseen event at the time of publication of the brochure (June 27th, 2024). Any interruption of the trip that is not the fault of the organizer will not be subject to any refund, either partial, for transportation services, or for other services, except for partial or total coverage by an insurance company within the limits of the insurance contract taken out. Our prices, payable in US Dollars (or the equivalent in Euros), are firm; however, they may be revised according to the conditions described below and the terms of the General Conditions of Sale. If the minimum of 10 participants for this program is not reached, the trip may be canceled, or it may be proposed on an individual basis, with a supplement applicable for this purpose. Regarding significant modifications such as the cancellation of the departure due to failure to reach the minimum number of participants, change to the price of the trip, or significant change to the itinerary, the customer will be informed no later than 21 days before departure. In each of these three cases, the customer will have a period of 8 days upon receipt of the notification to accept the new proposal or request the cancellation of their registration. In this case, the amounts paid by the client will be refunded, but no compensation can be claimed. Similarly, if the trip is canceled due to an epidemic, pandemic, force majeure, or exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, the client will not be entitled to any compensation.
Customer service
Any claims must be addressed as soon as possible and no later than 20 days after the return date by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt, attaching the supporting documents to:Safrans du Monde – 39 Boulevard des Capucines – 75002 PARISRCS Paris 504 235 854 - SAS with a capital of €18,000 - NAF 7911Z - IM 075140076 - Financial Guarantee Accelerant Insurance Europe SA.
