The Heart of japan
Land of Geisha and Samurai
Join us on a group trip to
The Heart of Japan!
The pulse of modern Tokyo and Osaka, the historic elegance of Kanazawa, the magic of Kyoto and Nara, and the authentic atmosphere of smaller Japanese towns. This travel story weaves together experiences from temples, gardens, geishas and samurai, to bustling markets, hot springs, and culinary delights.
2nd October– 11th October 2026
What can you expect?
Modern Tokyo is the most populated city in the world. We enjoy the view from the tallest building in Japan, watch sumo wrestlers in training, walk across the busiest pedestrian crossing in Shibuya and spend our first yen on the bustling shopping street in front of the Senso-ji temple complex. The choice is difficult – should we end the day with fluffy Japanese pancakes, sushi or indulge in the nightlife in neon-lit Shinjuku?
In Kanazawa, we travel back in time. We are enchanted by the beauty of one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, we visit the golden teahouse of the untouchable geishas and the living quarters of the once proud samurai.
Kyoto captivates us with its magical streets of Gion, the green bamboo forest of Arashiyama and the always lively Nishiki market. Here we enjoy real Japanese sake. The shrine of a thousand torii, which leads to the top of the sacred mountain, is also enchanting. You can spend the afternoon in the company of real geishas and learn why the Japanese value them so much, or try your hand at samurai skills.
In Nara, we meet hundreds of tame deer, which are considered sacred animals. Out of respect, we bow to them and they return the gesture (in exchange for a treat).
In a small seaside town, we transform into real Japanese people – we stay in a traditional ryokan, walk along water canals with weeping willows in traditional yukatas and soak in onsen, thermal springs.
We round off our travel story in the capital of street food – Osaka. At every turn, we are accompanied by the smells of a wide variety of food that it would be a sin not to try. We visit the photogenic Osaka Castle and spend our last yen on the Shinsaibashi shopping street. The Universal Studios Osaka amusement park, which is extremely popular among the Japanese, can get your blood pumping.
This is The Heart of Japan.
You will be traveling with 2 guides.
We spend 8 nights in double rooms in 4* and 3* hotels, and once in a traditional ryokan accommodation, with shared bathrooms, where we sleep on futons (for an additional fee we can upgrade the room type to include beds or a private bathroom). The rooms and beds are usually smaller than we are used to in Europe.
Central Japan has moderate autumn temperatures in October (between 15°C and 22°C) and occasional rainfall. Sunrise is at 5:30 AM and sunset is at 5:30 PM. Japan does not change its clocks for summer or winter time.
We explore the country using public transport, which is extremely efficient in central Japan.
There is no small group surcharge.
Our journey is dynamic. It includes 5 changes of accommodation and a lot of city walking and stairs. The days are long, but not too strenuous – there is always enough time for your own exploration.
early bird price: 2.200€
Early bird price is valid for registrations until February 28, 2026
standard price: 2.400€
Standard price is valid for registrations from March 1, 2026
The price of the trip includes: 8 nights in double rooms with private bathroom, 1 night in a traditional ryokan with onsen with shared bathroom, all local transportation (bullet trains, metro, buses), all tips for local staff and entrance fees according to the program (except for the possible additional charges listed, which are not mandatory). All breakfasts and 1x traditional Japanese dinner are included, guidance with two guides and accompaniment on site, as well as the costs of preparation and organization of the trip.
The price of the trip does not include international flight tickets, afternoon/evening meals, health insurance for abroad, personal purchases, additional excursions/sightseeings listed under possible extra charges, and anything not listed under included.
We recommend you get yourself travel health insurance. You can travel to Japan with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after leaving the country.
Possible extras:
teamLab Borderless (€30),
Universal Studios Osaka (€67),
group tea ceremony with a geisha* (€85),
private tea ceremony with a geisha* (€135),
samurai experience + tea ceremony* (€90),
ryokan:room with a twin bed surcharge (€50/room),
ryokan: room with a private bathroom surcharge (€180/room),
single room surcharge for the duration of the trip (€250).
*Participation is only possible in one of the three options due to overlapping times.
No later than 45 days before your trip, you will receive an online form in your email, in which you can also decide whether to participate in optional tours.
TeamLab Borderless is a digital art museum where exhibits connect with each other, communicate and leave free space to explore as we wish. The installations are interactive, responding to our presence, movement, time, light… Definitely a unique experience even for those who may not be enthusiastic about traditional galleries.
Universal Studios Osaka is a theme park full of action, fun and movie magic. Walk through famous movie worlds, from Harry Potter to Jurassic Park, and visit Super Nintendo World, which is also unique.
*The three experiences below are in Kyoto and overlap in time, so you can choose just one option or you may be free during this time. Children under 7 years old cannot attend the tea ceremony.
Tea ceremony with a geisha: the most common choice for meeting a geisha, open-ended. In the company of a geisha, you will participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, prepare matcha tea, and try local sweets. With the help of a translator, you will be able to ask the geisha questions and take pictures with her. (duration: 45 min)
Private tea party with a geisha (price valid for 5 people): a great choice for a more intimate experience, closed groups. You will be dressed in traditional clothing, kimono, and then it’s time to meet a geisha. She will dance a traditional dance for you, and with the help of a translator, you can also ask the geisha questions and take photos with her. This is followed by a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where you will prepare matcha tea and try local sweets. (duration: 90-120 minutes)
Samurai Experience + Tea Ceremony(minimum 2 people): A great choice for the maximum experience of Japan. In the afternoon, you will visit the Samurai Museum, where you will learn more about their way of life, dress in their traditional clothing, try throwing ninja stars and receive training in how to wield a samurai sword. This is followed by a break and in the evening, a tea ceremony, where you will first be dressed in a kimono, then participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, prepare matcha tea and try local sweets. (duration: 3-4 hours)
You bring the amount of your selected optional extras in cash with you on your trip.
You can join The Heart of Japan – Land of Geisha and Samurai trip on its own, or you can extend it with the previous Hokkaido – Northern Beauty of Japan or continue to Southern Japan and Korea. The trip Incredible Japan and South Korea is comprehensive – it includes all three aforementioned trips in one package at an exceptional price.
Sign Up & Payment
1) Send your inquiry via the button below to info@wanderresponder.com. We will respond to you with an application form.
2) After registration, an advance payment (€300) is paid, which guarantees your place on the trip.
The advance payment is non-refundable in the event of your cancellation. If the trip is not carried out, the advance payment will be fully refunded.
3) Part of the full amount (€1,100) is paid to the transaction account no later than 30 after securing the departure.
For payment in several instalments, please inform us of this upon registration.
4) You bring the rest of the amount (€800) with you on the trip plus the amount of your selected extras.
Sign Up & Let’s Wander!
To register for the trip, please click on the SIGN UP button and fill out the form with the subject “The Heart of Japan”.
We will get back to you as soon as possible and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We are always available via email at info@wanderresponder.com, WhatsApp at +386 40 857 568 (also for calls) or Facebook.
