Enchanting Japan Tour

12 Days of Timeless Traditions, Modern Marvels, and Insider Experiences on a small group, boutique tour.

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Discover Japan’s Rich Heritage on our Small Group Tour

Discover the magic of Japan on a 12-day/11-night cultural immersion designed for small groups seeking an “insider” experience. Journey through Kyoto, Kanazawa, Niigata, and Tokyo, exploring the essence of Japan's rich heritage. Wander through ancient temples, savor the flavors of leading sake breweries, and experience the tranquility of a traditional tea ceremony. Ride a rickshaw through Kyoto's serene bamboo forest, and feel the thrill of the bullet train as you zip across the country. In Tokyo, visit the historic Imperial Palace and explore the bustling Tsukiji Market, once the world's largest seafood hub. This tour offers an unforgettable blend of Japan's timeless traditions and modern wonders.

  • When October 26 2025 - November 6 2025
  • Duration 12 days, 11 nights
  • Price $5,800 per person
  • Availability Limited to 16 guests

What's Included

  • 12 days, 11 nights
  • 3 nights at the 4-star Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, in Kyoto
  • 2 nights at the 4-star Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, in Kanazawa
  • 3 nights at the 3-star Hotel Oyanagi, in Niigata (“ryokan” style hotel)
  • 3 nights at the 4-star Keio Plaza Hotel, in Tokyo
  • 31 meals in 12 days
  • Local transportation each day via coach bus
  • Daily Bottled Water (500ml) for each guest
  • Full time sake & culinary host / Sommelier for entire trip
  • Full time local Japanese tour guide for entire trip
  • 4 sake tastings and brewery tours
  • Train tickets for all bullet trains and express trains during itinerary
  • Temple, shrine, garden, and museum visits
  • Rickshaw experience in Arashiyama (Kyoto)
  • Soba Noodle making class & lunch (Niigata)
  • Sushi Making Class & lunch (Tokyo)
  • Multi-course Japanese Kaiseki dinner (Kyoto)
  • Traditional tea ceremony (Kanazawa)
  • “Ryokan” style hotel experience (Niigata)
  • Visit to the Imperial Palace East Garden (Tokyo)
  • Tsukiji Market visit (Tokyo)
  • Sumida River Cruise (Tokyo)
  • Farewell Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu (Tokyo)

Your Itinerary

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Arrive at Osaka airport. Board our airport transfer bus to Kyoto and check in at the 4-star Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo. Dinner at the hotel is included

Accommodation Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo Included Meals Welcome Dinner

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Leave the hotel and head to the Kiku-Masamune sake brewery for a tour and tasting. • Lunch at Kobe Shushinkan, a Japanese restaurant focusing on fine cuisine. • In the afternoon, visit Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto's most iconic and beautiful landmarks. A Zen Buddhist temple famous for its stunning golden exterior, which is covered in gold leaf. Set in a picturesque garden, and reflected beautifully in the surrounding pond, creating a captivating scene. • Walk in the Gion area (optional/if time permits) • Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo Included Meals Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Visit Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. Located in Kyoto, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of traditional Japanese architecture and culture. • Lunch at Nishiki Market, often referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen," a historic marketplace located in the heart of the city. • Afternoon: Rickshaw experience in Arashiyama. A unique and traditional way to explore one of Kyoto's most scenic areas. Arashiyama is famous for its iconic Bamboo Grove. • Dinner in local restaurant is included: a Japanese Kaiseki meal. This is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that is regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. Originating from the Japanese tea ceremony, Kaiseki has evolved into a sophisticated dining experience that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, intricate presentation, and a balance of taste, texture, and appearance.

Accommodation Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo Included Meals Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Today we say goodbye to Kyoto and head to Kanazawa, a city located in the Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan's central Honshu Island. Known for its rich history, well-preserved Edo-era districts, and beautiful traditional gardens, Kanazawa offers a glimpse into Japan's cultural and artistic heritage. • Take Express and Bullet trains for the 2 hour journey, arriving in Kanazawa at midday. • Note: Your main luggage will be sent from Kyoto via courier to arrive in Kanazawa the next day. Plan to pack a carry on bag with a change of clothes and personal items for the first night in Kanazawa. • Lunch in a local restaurant is included. • Afternoon: stroll on Higashi Chaya Street, known for its historic teahouses (called "chaya") where geisha would entertain guests. The area dates back to the Edo period and is characterized by its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with wooden buildings. • Mid-afternoon: enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony, known as "chanoyu" or "sado" (the way of tea). It is a traditional ritual centered around the preparation, serving, and enjoyment of matcha, a powdered green tea. The ceremony is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and considered an art form. • Check in at the 4-star Hotel Nikko Kanazawa • Dinner in a local restaurant is included.

Accommodation Hotel Nikko Kanazawa Included Meals Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

• Morning tour of Kenroku-en, one of Japan's most famous and beautiful gardens, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. • Before lunch we visit Ninja Temple, a Buddhist temple. Despite its nickname, the temple has no direct historical connection to actual ninjas. Instead, it earned the moniker because of its many deceptive and defensive features that resemble the cunning and stealth associated with ninjas. • Group lunch in a local restaurant • Afternoon tour and tasting at Yachiya Brewery, a historic sake brewery. Established in 1628, it's one of the oldest breweries in the region, known for producing high-quality sake using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. • Dinner in a local restaurant is included.

Accommodation Hotel Nikko Kanazawa Included Meals Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Check out of the hotel and head to Niigata via the bullet train from Kanazawa to Niigata. The train is part of Japan's high-speed Shinkansen network. • NOTE: Your main luggage will be sent from Kanazawa via courier to arrive in Niigata the next day. Plan to pack a carry on bag with a change of clothes and personal items for the first night in Niigata. • Arrival in Niigata midmorning. • We will enjoy a Soba Noodle making class at 11:30, followed by a Soba-centric lunch. • In the afternoon we will visit the Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center, which offers a unique opportunity to explore and experience the rich craftsmanship and culinary traditions of the Tsubame-Sanjo region in Niigata. • Check in at 3-star Hotel Oyanagi (Niigata), known for a serene atmosphere and commitment to Japanese hospitality. The hotel offers a quintessential ryokan experience with modern amenities. • NOTE: A “ryokan” hotel is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a unique cultural experience deeply rooted in Japanese history and hospitality. Staying at a ryokan typically includes: o Tatami Rooms: Ryokan rooms are usually furnished with tatami mats (woven straw mats) instead of carpets. Guests sleep on futons, which are laid out on the tatami floors in the evening by the staff. o Onsen (Hot Springs): Ryokans are located near natural hot springs and offer communal baths (onsen) where guests can relax. • Dinner is included at Hotel Oyanagi, where they serve a multi-course traditional Japanese meal that highlights seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Accommodation: Hotel Oyanagi

Accommodation Hotel Oyanagi Included Meals Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Morning visit at the Northern Museum, a historical and cultural center in Niigata. The museum is housed in the former residence of the wealthy Ito family, who were prominent landowners and influential figures in the region during the Edo period (1603- 1868). • Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Cuisine in Niigata prefecture, located on Japan's western coast along the Sea of Japan, is is known for its rich culinary traditions, particularly its emphasis on high-quality rice and seafood. • Dinner is included at Hotel Oyanagi, consisting a multi-course traditional Japanese meal, with chef’s menu variations, as we are dining multiple nights.

Accommodation Hotel Oyanagi Included Meals Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Morning: Take a walk in Yahiko Park and visit the Yahoo Shrine. The park is a popular destination known for its natural beauty, particularly during the autumn season when the leaves change color. Yahiko Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine with a rich history. It's dedicated to the deity of agriculture and prosperity, and it's known for its beautiful setting amidst lush nature. • Afternoon tour and tasting at Sasaiwai Brewery, a sake brewery, known for its traditional sake production methods and high-quality brews. The brewery often emphasizes using local rice and pure water from the region to create its sake. Niigata is famous for its sake. • Dinner is included at Hotel Oyanagi, multi-course meal, with chef’s menu variations, as we are dining multiple nights.

Accommodation Accommodation: Hotel Oyanagi Included Meals Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

• Check out of the hotel. Today we travel to Tokyo. • Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • NOTE: Your main luggage will be sent from Niigata via courier to arrive in Tokyo the next day. Plan to pack a carry on bag with a change of clothes and personal items for the first night in Tokyo. • Late morning visit to Ponshukan marketplace for sake tasting and shopping. • Guest can get a lunch box for the train in Ponshukan Station. • Bullet Train at midday, arriving in Tokyo at 2:30 PM. • Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden in Tokyo. Also known as Kokyo Higashi Gyoen, it is a historic and scenic park in the heart of Tokyo. It's part of the grounds of the Imperial Palace but is open to the public, offering an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The gardens are situated on the former site of Edo Castle, and we can explore beautifully landscaped gardens, historical ruins, and remnants of the castle's old structures. • Check in at the 4-star Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo • Dinner is included at a local restaurant.

Accommodation Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Included Meals Breakfast & Dinner

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Morning: Visit and tour with our local guide at Tsukiji Market, once the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. Known for its bustling atmosphere, it is famous for its fresh seafood, including sushi and sashimi, and its diverse range of other food items. • Lunch at a local restaurant near the market. • Afternoon: Sumida River Cruise, a popular boat tour that travels along the Sumida River in Tokyo. It offers a scenic way to explore the city from the water, passing by various landmarks and neighborhoods. The cruise typically starts near Asakusa and travels towards areas like Odaiba, Tokyo Bay, and the waterfront district. • Later, take a walk on Kappabashi Kitchen Tools Street, home to a display of realistic- looking plastic food samples, which are used to showcase menu items in restaurants. These food models are often quite detailed and lifelike, making them a popular attraction for visitors interested in Japanese food culture. • Dinner is included at a local restaurant.

Accommodation Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Included Meals Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Morning: Join your tour director and local guide for a walk through the Asakusa of Tokyo, a vibrant and historic district known for its traditional atmosphere and cultural landmarks. We will visit Nakamise, a lively street lined with traditional shops and stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, and crafts. It’s a great place to experience traditional Japanese shopping and street food. • Midday: Sushi Making Class & lunch. Learn from expert chefs to prepare sushi using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Hands-on training in crafting sushi, roll techniques, and presentation, culminating in savoring your creations. • Free afternoon with the option of shopping in the Shinjuku area of the city, famous for its vibrant entertainment scene, numerous shopping malls, theaters, and restaurants. It is also home to Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest train stations in the world. • Farewell Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu for dinner. It is a storied local restaurant and a popular izakaya in the Nishi-Azabu district of Tokyo. It's renowned for its authentic Japanese dining experience and traditional atmosphere. The restaurant features a distinctive, rustic decor with wooden interiors and a lively, bustling vibe. Gonpachi Nishi- Azabu is especially famous for inspiring the iconic fight scene in Quentin Tarantino’s film "Kill Bill," which has contributed to its fame and popularity. The menu includes a variety of classic Japanese dishes.

Accommodation Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Included Meals Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Check out of the hotel. • Transfer to Tokyo Narita airport (NRT) is included

Included Meals Breakfast

Your Organizer The Crush Wine Experiences Difference

We create curated experiences around 4 things: wine, food, entertainment, and culture. We are steeped in the world of winemakers, distillers, and artisan food creators in each destination. We are a family-owned & family-run enterprise–hospitality is at the heart of everything we do.

Historic, Cultural, Vibrant Kyoto

  • Visit Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture.
  • Enjoy lunch at Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.”
  • Experience a rickshaw ride through the scenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, followed by a traditional Kaiseki dinner.
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Traditional Gardens and Samurai Culture Kanazawa

  • Stroll through Higashi Chaya Street, famous for its historic teahouses (“chaya”), where geisha once entertained guests. The area, dating back to the Edo period, features narrow cobblestone streets and traditional wooden buildings.
  • Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony (“chanoyu” or “sado”), a ritual focused on the preparation, serving, and enjoyment of matcha, a powdered green tea.
  • The tea ceremony, considered an art form, is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and emphasizes mindfulness and respect.
Reserve Your Spot

Renowned Sake Breweries, Rice Fields, and Coastal beauty Niigata

  • Soba noodle-making making class and a Soba-centric lunch.
  • Visiting Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center to explore and experience the rich craftsmanship and culinary traditions of the Tsubame-Sanjo region in Niigata.
  • Exploring the cuisine of Niigata prefecture, located on Japan’s western coast along the Sea of Japan, which is known for its rich culinary traditions, high-quality rice and seafood.
Reserve Your Spot

Vibrant Cityscape, Diverse Cuisine, and Bustling Energy Tokyo

  • Visit and tour with our local guide at Tsukiji Market, once the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world.
  • Cruise on the Sumida River a scenic way to explore the city from the water, passing by various landmarks and neighborhoods.
  • Sushi Making Class & lunch. Learn from expert chefs to prepare sushi using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Hands-on training in crafting sushi, roll techniques, and presentation, culminating in savoring your creations.
  • Farewell Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu for dinner. It is a storied local restaurant and a popular izakaya in the Nishi-Azabu district of Tokyo. It’s renowned for its authentic Japanese dining experience and traditional atmosphere.
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Kaiseki dinner Traditional Japanese Cuisine

  • Seasonal Ingredients: Kaiseki emphasizes fresh, local ingredients that reflect the current season, offering a unique taste of nature’s finest at each time of year.
  • Multi-Course Presentation: Carefully crafted courses are presented in a sequence, balancing flavors, textures, and colors for a harmonious dining experience.
  • Artistic Aesthetic: Each dish is meticulously plated, blending culinary artistry with Japanese aesthetics, using delicate garnishes, specialized ceramics, and elegant presentation that celebrate the beauty of Japanese culture.
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Tradition, Craft, and Regional Flavor Sake Brewery Tours and Tastings

  • Centuries-Old Craftsmanship: Traditional Japanese breweries often follow techniques passed down for generations, showcasing the unique art of sake brewing.
  • Regionally Sourced Ingredients: Each brewery uses local rice and pure water from nearby sources, creating sake with distinct flavors that reflect the region’s terroir.
  • Intimate Tasting Experience: Guided by skilled brewers, tastings offer insights into sake’s varied styles and flavor profiles, from light and floral to rich and umami, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of Japanese sake culture.
Reserve Your Spot

Japan: awe inspiring and unforgettable

A blend of tradition, innovation, and breathtaking landscapes

Kyoto

City of Ten Thousand Shrines

Niigata

"Rice Capital" and hub for premium sake production

The Bullet Train, “Shinkansen”

Famous for remarkable speed, punctuality, and efficiency

Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market

One of the largest fish markets in the world

Cooking classes

Learn how to make sushi and handcrafted soba noodles

Meet Our Expert Sommelier & Tour Leader

Sam Kimball is a WSET-trained sommelier and co-founder of Crush Wine Experiences, the NY area’s #1 food & wine experience company. He travels frequently on cultural and wine excursions. As a wine professional who owns a wine retail store in the U.S., he knows the sake, spirits, and culture of Japan. Before each trip, Sam performs a careful inspection of each stop, not stopping until he finds the most unique places with a true wow factor for moments that surprise and delight. Over the years, Sam has established himself as an insider at each destination to give his guests exclusive access and VIP treatment. From boat captains in Capri to winery owners in Portugal, Sam is known as travelers’ go-to ticket to the best of the best. Each authentic experience leaves no stone unturned–curating every last detail — so you don’t have to! It’s not just about the places themselves, it’s about immersing yourself in the culture. With Crush Wine Experiences, Sam will take you behind the scenes to see each place in a never-before-seen light.

Talk with Sam

Pricing

Double Occupancy Private Room $5,800 p/person

Includes:
  • 4 Star Hotels
  • Transportation
  • Local Expert Guides
  • Sake Brewery Visits and Tastings
  • Kaiseki dinner
  • Soba noodle-making making class and a Soba-centric lunch
  • Sushi Making Class & lunch (Tokyo)
  • Kyoto, Kanazawa, Niigata, and Tokyo
  • 31 meals
  • ...and all listed elements in the itinerary

Single Occupancy Private Room $6,700 p/person

Includes:
  • 4 Star Hotels
  • Transportation
  • Local Expert Guides
  • Sake Brewery Visits and Tastings
  • Kaiseki dinner
  • Soba noodle-making making class and a Soba-centric lunch
  • Sushi Making Class & lunch (Tokyo)
  • Kyoto, Kanazawa, Niigata, and Tokyo
  • 31 meals
  • ...and all listed elements in the itinerary
Boutique, intimate tour experience, limited to 16 guests + 2 hosts

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