Incredible Japan
From North to South
Join us on a journey through
Incredible Japan!
This wandering is seasoned with culinary delights and takes you from the north to the south of Japan. It weaves stories of geishas and samurai, sumo wrestlers and Shinto temples, Zen gardens and bustling markets, thermal springs and unforgettable flavours. From Hokkaido and its carpets of flowers to the modern pulse of Tokyo and Osaka. From the historic elegance of Kanazawa through the enchantment of Kyoto and Nara, and into the authentic atmosphere of Japan’s smaller towns. Across peaceful Hiroshima, we continue to the island of Kyushu, the thermal springs of Beppu and the vast volcanic landscapes of Mount Aso.
26 september – 9 october 2027
What Can You Expect?
This travel adventure is suitable both for travellers visiting Japan for the first time and for those who have already explored it. First-time visitors will follow the shared part of the itinerary together with Version 101. Returning travellers and lovers of Japan who have already visited the golden trio of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka will follow Version 201 together with the shared part of the itinerary. You choose your preferred version of the journey. We travel together and only separate during the day or for certain visits and experiences. The price of the journey is the same regardless of the version you choose.
Charming Sapporo is the largest city on the island of Hokkaido. We visit during its autumn festival, a true gourmet carousel! Culinary delicacies from all over the island gather in one place, while local beer and whisky brewers make sure that no one stays thirsty. Have you heard of the Japanese dish ramen? People in Sapporo love it so much that there is an entire street where nothing else is served!
Hokkaido is a mountainous island dotted with numerous dairy farms, supplying the whole of Japan with dairy products of exceptional quality and flavour. In Furano, we therefore sample local dairy delicacies, from different cheeses and butter to homemade ice cream. We shop for souvenirs in a charming little village embraced by the forest.
In the island’s largest national park, a cable car carries us up towards the volcanic lakes at the top of the mountain. As we walk, we admire the landscape slowly transforming into its autumn colours. We are left speechless by the colourful carpet of flowers stretching across the Biei district and admire a golden sunset beside a vivid blue lake – the scenery is nothing short of magnificent.
We admire the city from the tallest building in the country, watch sumo wrestlers during training, cross Shibuya’s famous pedestrian crossing – the busiest in the world – and spend our final yen along the lively shopping street in front of the Sensō-ji temple complex.
Modern Tokyo is the most populous city in the world. We visit teamLab Borderless, an interactive digital experience where artworks made of light move from room to room, respond to visitors and create the feeling that we have stepped into an infinite, enchanted world without boundaries. We cross Shibuya’s famous pedestrian crossing, enjoy views of the action from Japan’s most beautiful escalators and treat ourselves to fluffy Japanese pancakes. The Samurai Museum and a walk through the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen garden leave us equally impressed. We also explore Shinjuku and Golden Gai – and, of course, we do not miss the famous 3D cat! The wildest among us can say goodbye to Tokyo by street karting in Shibuya (€€).
Tokyo 101
We enjoy the view from the tallest building in Japan. We spend a few yen along the lively shopping street beside the Sensō-ji temple complex, after recognising the gigantic red lantern that has become a symbol of the district. We also visit the gardens of the Imperial Palace and try our first sushi delivered to us on a conveyor belt. The sophisticated Ginza district captures our imagination as well.
Tokyo 201
We visit lively Takeshita Street, filled with diverse Japanese fashion, colourful shops, unusual snacks and Japanese pop culture. We watch sumo wrestlers during training and, early in the morning, witness the auction of the finest tuna at Toyosu Market. The National Museum is fascinating, while for manga and anime enthusiasts, Akihabara will be the highlight of the day.
In Kanazawa, we travel back in time. We are enchanted by the beauty of one of Japan’s loveliest gardens, visit the golden teahouse of the elusive geishas and step inside the former living quarters of once-proud samurai.
Kyoto captivates us with the magical streets of Gion, where we treat ourselves to genuine Japanese sake. From the tranquillity of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the streets where geishas still live today to Ponto-chō and its many tiny izakayas – Kyoto never disappoints. To complete the experience, we can also enjoy (€€) a tea ceremony dressed in kimono, in the company of a real geisha, and discover why the Japanese hold them in such high esteem.
Kyoto 101
We are enchanted by the green Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the ever-lively Nishiki Market. Equally captivating is the shrine of a thousand torii gates leading towards the summit of the sacred mountain. At the Golden Pavilion, we rest in a traditional Japanese teahouse over a cup of matcha. In Nara, we meet hundreds of gentle deer, revered as sacred animals. We bow to them respectfully, and they return the gesture – in exchange for a small treat.
Kyoto 201
We visit the mystical mountain village of Kurama, where legends of the tengu forest spirits still live on. Following an ancient pilgrimage trail, we walk to a picturesque settlement beside the river, where we enjoy a very special lunch. We also visit a beautiful trio of temples that looks particularly magical in autumn. Here, among ancient shrines, cedar trees and the Kiyotaki River, an almost fairytale-like silence reigns.
We continue to Osaka, Japan’s street-food capital, a city that thrills us with wild Shinsaibashi and colourful Dōtonbori. We also see photogenic Osaka Castle and learn (€€) how to prepare authentic Japanese sushi.
Today, Hiroshima is a city of peace and hope. We visit the memorial park and museum, which remind us of the tragedy of the atomic bombing while also celebrating the extraordinary power of human renewal. We also visit the island of Miyajima, where friendly deer wander beneath a magnificent floating torii gate.
We bring our travel story to a close even farther south, on the island of Kyushu. We visit Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous thermal spa towns. We walk through its otherworldly “hells” and unwind in thermal onsen, accompanied by a traditional Japanese dinner at a local ryokan. We immerse ourselves in the vast natural landscapes surrounding the craters of the active Mount Aso volcano and paddle through the magical Takachiho Gorge.
This is Incredible Japan.
You will be accompanied by 2 guides.
We spend 12 nights in excellently located double rooms at 4* and 3* hotels with private bathrooms, and one night in a traditional ryokan with onsen. Rooms and beds are generally smaller than those we are accustomed to in Europe.
In September and October, Japan enjoys moderate autumn temperatures of between 15°C and 25°C, with occasional rainfall. Sunrise is at approximately 5:30 am and sunset at approximately 5:30 pm.
We explore the country using public transport on Honshu and by rental car on Hokkaido and Kyushu. We drive the cars ourselves and share the driving between us. Traffic in Japan is on the left-hand side of the road, and our cars will come from the Japanese vehicle fleet. This means that certain elements inside the cars are positioned differently from what you might be accustomed to: the steering wheel is on the right, and the windscreen wipers and indicators are reversed… There will be plenty of time – and space – to adjust to driving.
If you absolutely do not wish to take on the role of driver, you may contribute €20 and will then be exempt from driving during the journey. The number of places available to non-drivers is limited. Contributions from non-drivers will be used to reward the other drivers with lunch or dinner.
Maximum number of travellers in the group: 14 participants + 2 tour leaders. There is no surcharge regardless of the size of the group.
The journey is dynamic. It includes 9 changes of accommodation, plenty of walking through cities and many stairs. The days are long but not overly strenuous – there is always enough time for independent exploration and enjoyment.
early bird wandering price: 3.420€
The early bird price applies to bookings made by 31 January 2027.
standard wandering price: 3.600€
The standard price applies to bookings made after 1 February 2027.
The wandering price includes: 12 nights in double rooms at 4* and 3* hotels with private bathrooms; 1 night in a traditional ryokan with shared bathroom facilities; 13 breakfasts; 1 dinner; meals served on the flights; tastings of local food and drink (takoyaki, mochi, sake, sushi, Famichiki and more); all entrance fees included in the itinerary; all gratuities for local partners; local transport and Shinkansen trains; vehicle rental and all associated expenses, including parking fees, tolls, fuel and insurance; 3 domestic flights with luggage; a thermal onsen experience; 2 English-speaking guides and their assistance throughout the journey; all travel preparation and organisational costs.
Entrance fees included: teamLab Borderless ¥4,800; Asahidake Ropeway ¥3,500; Shikisai-no-Oka ¥600; Shinjuku Gyoen ¥500; Shibuya Sky ¥3,400; Tokyo Skytree ¥3,400; Samurai Ninja ¥3,000; Kenroku-en ¥320; Nomura-ke ¥550; Kiyomizu-dera ¥500; Kinkaku-ji and teahouse ¥800; Osaka Castle ¥1,200; Peace Memorial Museum ¥200; Miyajima ¥100; Mount Aso ¥250; Hells of Beppu ¥1,500; sumo training ¥9,000.
Sign ups are accepted until 31 May 2027.
Loyal Wanderers Program
Wander More, Pay Less!
The wandering price does not include: the international flight ticket; afternoon and evening meals; international travel health insurance; personal purchases; additional trips and visits listed under optional supplements; or anything not specifically listed as included.
We recommend purchasing international travel health insurance.
To travel to Japan, you will need a passport that remains valid for at least six months after the end of the journey, as well as an international driving permit if you intend to drive.
Optional Extras:
Shibuya street Go-Kart in Tokyo (70€),
group tea ceremony with a geisha* in Kyoto (€90),
private tea ceremony with a geisha* in Kyoto (€135),
samurai + geisha experience* in Kyoto (€95)
sushi-making class in Osaka (€44),
single-room supplement (€725).
*Due to overlapping schedules, participation is possible in only one of the three options.
No later than 45 days before the journey, you will receive an online form by email in which you can also select the optional experiences you wish to attend. Advance registration for optional activities is mandatory due to the providers’ requirements.
Please bring the total amount of your selected optional extras with you on the journey in cash.
Shibuya street Go-Kart: a one-hour go-kart ride through the streets of vibrant Shibuya. An international driving permit is required to participate.
Tea ceremony with a geisha: The most common choice for meeting a geisha, organised as an open-group experience. In the company of a geisha, you will participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, prepare your own matcha tea and taste local sweets. With the help of an interpreter, you will be able to ask the geisha questions and take photographs with her. Duration: 45 minutes.
Private tea ceremony with a geisha (price applies with five registered participants): An excellent choice for a more intimate experience in a private group. You will be dressed in traditional clothing – a kimono – before meeting the geisha. She will perform a traditional dance for you, and with the assistance of an interpreter, you will be able to ask her questions and take photographs with her. This is followed by a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, during which you will prepare your own matcha tea and taste local sweets. Duration: 90–120 minutes.
Samurai experience + tea ceremony (minimum two participants): An excellent choice for the fullest possible experience of Japan. In the afternoon, you will visit a samurai museum, learn more about the samurai way of life, dress in traditional samurai clothing, try throwing ninja stars and receive instruction in handling a samurai sword. After a break, you will attend an evening tea ceremony. You will first be dressed in a kimono and then participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, prepare your own matcha tea and taste local sweets. Duration: 3–4 hours.
Booking Process & Payment Method
1) Complete the booking form and send it to info@wanderresponder.com.
2) A deposit of €1,000 is payable after registration.
The deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your booking. If the journey does not go ahead, your deposit will be refunded in full.
3) Once the wandering has been confirmed, we will send you an invoice for the main payment of €1,420.
The early bird price must be paid by the end of the early bird offer period, on 31 January 2027. The standard price must be paid no later than 90 days before departure, by 24 June 2027. If you would like to pay in several instalments, please inform us when registering.
4) Bring the remaining balance of €1,000 with you on the journey in cash, together with the total amount of your selected optional extras.
SIGN UP AND LET’S WANDER!
To submit a non-binding booking enquiry for this travel adventure, click SIGN UP! below and complete the form by selecting “Incredible Japan”.
We will respond as soon as possible and accept your booking. If you have any additional questions, we are always available by email at info@wanderresponder.com, through WhatsApp on +386 40 857 568 – also available for calls – or through Facebook.
Kasnejši termini
September 2027
