Japan in Grand Luxury

from November 13^th to November 29^th, 2024

From 53,000 USD per person, All-inclusive

An incomparable journey! Vast, fascinating, refined, exotic, futuristic. The Japan you will discover with us stretches from the Temples of Kamakura to the Japanese "Land of Fire". The Land of the Rising Sun you will discover will be exhilarating in Tokyo and zen in its rock gardens. In the midst of the beautiful autumn colors, admire nature in its different facets: vermilion and gold in Kyoto, bucolic and populated with deer in Miyajima, volcanic and lunar in southernmost Kyushu. With this unparalleled, prestigious journey to Japan, let yourself be transported through its regions, traditions, cuisine, extravagances and, of course, in the elegance of its most beautiful luxury hotels and ryokans.

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ITINERARY 

November 13^th: TOKYO

Departure from your home and long-haul flight to Tokyo in Business Class to begin your incredible trip around the breathtaking country of Japan.

November 14^th: 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.

November15^th: TOKYO

This morning, admire the fascinating metropolis from the heights of the Tokyo Sky Tree before exploring the popular Asakusa district and its Senso-ji Temple. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to Ueno Park, an urban oasis brimming with colorful foliage. The bright colors of the trees in the Rikugien Garden will then immerse you in an autumnal dream before you experience the royal serenity of the Imperial Palace and its magnificent garden.

November16^th: TOKYO 

The morning begins with a peaceful visit to the Meiji Shinto Shrine, nestled in lush greenery, followed by a visit to the eccentric Harajuku district, a shopping paradise for fashionistas. Immerse yourself in the world of Tokyo fashion on the elegant Omotesando Avenue, where luxury and fashion harmonize perfectly. In the afternoon, the ginkgo-lined streets of Meiji Jingu Gaien Avenue will glow with golden radiance, while Shinjuku Gyoen Park will dazzle you with its stunning fall colors. At nightfall, dive into the excitement of Shibuya before concluding the day with a gourmet culinary exploration.

November17^th: TOKYO - KAMAKURA - TOKYO

Today is dedicated to Kamakura, the former capital of Japan nestled between the Pacific Ocean and wooded hills. Lulled by the sound of waves and the bells of its Buddhist temples, Kamakura exudes a special charm. Explore the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shinto Shrine and stroll around the bustling Komachi-dori street. After admiring the great bronze Buddha at Kotoku-in, return to Tokyo for a traditional Japanese dinner and overnight stay.

November18^th: TOKYO - HAKONE

This morning, dive into the enchanting digital world of Team Lab Planets for a unique and surprising sensory experience. Then, leave the Japanese capital for the peaceful Hakone, renowned for its natural hot springs. Time to settle into your luxurious ryokan and relax in the onsen baths before enjoying a traditional kaiseki dinner.

November19^th:HAKONE - KYOTO

Begin the day at the famous Hakone Open-Air Museum of Contemporary Art. Continue with a stroll through the Fuji Park and the Owakudani Valley, where you'll discover the curious black eggs with beneficial properties. After lunch, travel to Kyoto in First Class aboard the Shinkansen train. Check-in at the Four Seasons Kyoto, a verdant oasis nestled in the historic Temple district. You'll have time to explore its 800-year-old traditional garden and relax in your room before dinner at your luxurious hotel's "Brasserie".

November20^th: KYOTO - ARASHIYAMA - KYOTO

Today, explore the famous bamboo forest of Arashiyama, a particularly enchanting stroll. Visit the Tenryuji Temple and its beautiful garden. After lunch, return to Kyoto for an afternoon exploration of the city. Romantic and picturesque, the former imperial capital, the city itself is a truly like a museum. Among the treasures on your agenda are the iconic Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoanji for a zen, contemplative pause in front of its famous dry rock garden. Finally, enjoy a gourmet dinner before returning to the comfort of your hotel for the night.

November21^st: KYOTO

Today, discover the charms of Kyoto with a visit to the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. This afternoon, stroll through the traditional Higashiyama district to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Then, wander through the picturesque streets of Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka, known for their preserved architecture and charming shops. End the day with an authentic tea ceremony in a private temple, an initiation into Japanese culture. In the evening, explore the lively Gion district, where a traditional dinner awaits.

November22^nd: KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO

The morning is dedicated to Nara, the jewel of ancient Japan. Explore the birthplace of Japanese arts, from the Kasuga Shinto Shrine with its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns to the famous five-story pagoda of Todaiji Temple, which houses the impressive golden Buddha, Daibutsu. Then, stroll through the streets of the former capital before heading to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. As the culmination of your imperial stay in Kyoto, enjoy a traditional and gourmet dinner in the presence of a geisha and maiko, who will introduce you to the legacy of their unique world.

November 23^rd: KYOTO - HIROSHIMA - MIYAJIMA

Board the Shinkansen for a high-speed journey to Hiroshima in First Class. Today, visit the Peace Memorial Park with a stop at the Dome to remember the Bomb, followed by a visit to the museum dedicated to it. Finally, head to the sacred island of Miyajima, to admire a peaceful sunset before dinner and a quiet night in the Japanese countryside.

November24^th: MIYAJIMA - FUKUOKA (Sumo Tournament) 

This morning, explore Itsukushima Temple, making sure to capture the iconic torii gate, which symbolizes Japan itself. Continue to Daisho-in Temple before taking the ferry and train to the Kyushu Peninsula, a land of legends and the cradle of Japanese civilization (lunch on board). Discover its picturesque atmosphere, preserved nature, and fascinating volcanic landscapes. Arrive in Fukuoka, where you'll have the extraordinary opportunity to experience one of the final rounds of the sumo tournament season! Witness the most important matches of this rare event, usually reserved for the Japanese spectators, for a unique and local experience.

November25^th: FUKUOKA - BEPPU

This morning, discover the tranquility of Ohori Park, famous for its large lake formed on the former moats of Fukuoka Castle. Its calm waters reflect beautiful waterfalls and connect charming small islands with stone bridges, testifying to a rich past. Then, drive to Beppu and its amazing natural hot springs. On the way, enjoy a meditative stop at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, an invitation to contemplation in one of the most important Shinto shrines in the archipelago. In the late afternoon, settle into the comfort of your hotel in Beppu. Prepare for a relaxing evening with a traditional onsen bath before enjoying dinner with a stunning view of the bay.

November26^th: BEPPU

Start the day with the striking natural spectacle of Beppu's "hells," boiling and spouting geysers. Then, experience a geothermal relaxation session with a hot sand bath! Afterward, enjoy a private onsen to extend this moment of relaxation. The rest of your day will be free for peaceful leisure.

November27^th: BEPPU - ASO - KUMAMOTO 

Today, your journey takes you to Mount Aso, the perfect cone that sits at the center of the world's largest and most impressive caldera. After lunch, head to the charming city of Kumamoto. Check-in at your hotel before immersing yourself in the local ambiance at a Japanese dinner in the city.

November28^th: KUMAMOTO – KAGOSHIMA

Begin your day with a visit to Kumamoto's feudal castle, one of the three largest in the country. Then, board the Shinkansen train to Kagoshima (lunch on board). In a setting halfway between lush subtropical vegetation and lunar landscapes, the tip of Kyushu offers breathtaking views of Mount Kaimon, nicknamed the "Fuji of Satsuma." Take a stroll in the Tenmonkan district, ideal for a bit of shopping before dinner and your night at the hotel.    

November29^th: KAGOSHIMA - TOKYO - PARIS

This morning, approach the Sakurajima volcano from the beautiful historical gardens of Sengan. After a short ferry ride, you'll get close to this impressive embodiment of nature's power dominating the entire city of Kagoshima. In the late afternoon, depart for the airport then Business class flight 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.

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Optional Extension

KANAZAWA & THE JAPANESE ALPS

3 nights exploring Japan's hidden treasures
From November 29^th to December 2^nd, 2024

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.

November 29^th: KAGOSHIMA - TOKYO – KOMATSU - KANAZAWA

In the late morning, depart for the airport and fly Business Class to Komatsu, via Tokyo. Today you will travel to the picturesque Kanazawa for a unique dive into feudal Japan. In the late afternoon, stroll through the streets of Nagamachi, the former samurai district that has preserved all its past charm. Your day will end with dinner and a night at the hotel.

November30^th: 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.

December 1^st: KANAZAWA – YAMASHIRO ONSEN

This morning, wander through Kenroku-en, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and admire Kanazawa Castle and its impressive fortifications. Then, explore the hustle and bustle of Omicho Market to sample local flavors before delving into the former geisha district, revealing the elegance of tea houses where the gentle sound of the koto still resonates. Then, head to Yamashiro Onsen and your traditional ryokan, where ancient thermal waters promise an interlude of gentle serenity. Tonight, enjoy a kaiseki dinner, a true sensory symphony celebrating the quintessence of Japanese cuisine.

December 2^nd: YAMASHIRO ONSEN – KOMATSU - TOKYO

Your Japanese odyssey will conclude with a final day of relaxation in Yamashiro Onsen, soaking up the tranquility of this thermal haven. In the late afternoon, depart for Komatsu Airport then long-haul flight in Business class and return home by private chauffeur.

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 YOUR HOTELS & RYOKANS

HOTELS & RYOKANS :

TOKYO: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo 5* or Peninsula Tokyo 5*

HAKONE: Ryokan Hakone Suishoen 5*  or Ryokan Karaku 5* 

KYOTO:  Four Seasons Kyoto 5*

MIYAJIMA:  Ryokan Iroha 5* 

FUKUOKA: The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka 5* 

BEPPU: ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa 5*

KUMAMOTO: The Blossom Kumamoto 4*

KAGOSHIMA: Shiroyama Hotel 4*

EXTENSION :

KANAZAWA: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa 4/5*

YAMASHIRO ONSEN: Ryokan Araya Totoan 5* or Ryokan Shikitei 5* 

For more information, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.s!

PRICE AND CONDITIONS

All-inclusive price (see details below*) per person

53,000 USD per person

Kanazawa Extension: +5,250 USD per person

*Price calculated based on 2 people traveling together, within a group of at least 10 people. Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Solo Traveler Supplements: +14,000 USD for the base program /  +1,850 USD for the extension to Kanazawa

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 your home to and from Tokyo.
• Economy Class domestic flights during the trip and Shinkansen train in first class.
• Accommodation in double rooms to share according to the program (see description 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: 9% of the amount of the trip (for residents outside the EU, please contact us for more information).

Option:

If you prefer, you may book your own flights. Meet us in Tokyo on Day 2 (November 14^th, 2024) and finish the trip in Tokyo on Day 17 (November 29^th): price reduction of 3,000 USD.

Registration and payment conditions: 

• Completed and signed registration form.
• 30% deposit upon booking ;
• Balance due 60 days before departure.

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 or 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. 

Insurance:

Assistance / baggage / repatriation: included in the price of the trip for participants who are citizens and residents of the European Community. For citizens and/or residents outside the countries of the European Community, assistance and repatriation insurance must be taken out in their country of residence (not included in the price of the trip). Optional cancellation insurance to be contracted at the time of booking: 9% 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.

Formalities:

As an indication (as of June 27^th, 2024) for US citizens: passport valid for 6 months after the return date.

Health requirements:

As an indication (as of June 27^th, 2024) for US citizens: no mandatory vaccines.

Prices and conditions for the tour to take place: 

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 27^th, 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 27^th, 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 of Article R.211-12 of the French Tourism Code. In this eventuality, the customer will be informed with a minimum notice of 30 days and will have a period of 8 days upon receipt of the new price to accept it or request the cancellation of their registration. 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. If so, precisely, the amounts paid by the client will be fully refunded; however, no compensation can be claimed. Similarly, if the cancellation of the trip is imposed by circumstances of epidemic, force majeure, or exceptional and unavoidable circumstances as defined by article L211-14 of the French Tourism Code, the customer cannot claim any compensation. 

After-sales 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 PARIS
RCS Paris 504 235 854 - SAS with a capital of €18,000 - NAF 7911Z - IM 075140076 - Financial Guarantee Accelerant Insurance Europe SA.