Trip Overview
This Japanese trip is an in-depth experience to the heart of Japanese culture, a journey that takes you far from the tourist trail on a cultural and spiritual journey.
Over five days, you'll learn about the various processes behind making sake and the unique properties that make each style of sake different - and just how many ways there are! You'll also have time to explore the spiritual and religious side of Japan, following walking trails to temples and learning about this side of Japanese history.
A highlight of your trip will be an evening and morning in Ginzan Onsen - one of the most beautiful onsens in Japan! Relax and enjoy!
Over five days, you'll learn about the various processes behind making sake and the unique properties that make each style of sake different - and just how many ways there are! You'll also have time to explore the spiritual and religious side of Japan, following walking trails to temples and learning about this side of Japanese history.
A highlight of your trip will be an evening and morning in Ginzan Onsen - one of the most beautiful onsens in Japan! Relax and enjoy!
Customise this trip for a perfect match
Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
Travel With ConfidenceFeel assured travelling with an accredited Australian company with comprehensive financial guarantees and a local emergency system.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo
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When you arrive in Tokyo for your Japanese trip, you'll immediately be taken to out to Yahiko where you'll have your first taste of local-style ramen. You'll go on a brief tour of the area, finishing at a beautiful viewpoint where you'll gaze out to the Sea of Japan before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation
Takasimaya★4.5 star
Activities
Yahiko Shrine
Yahiko Ropeway Station Sanroku
Restaurants
Ramen MasaruOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station
Train from Tokyo to Tsubamesanjo Station
Destinations
Tsubame
Yahiko
Niigata
Day 2
Metalwork and Sake
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Today, you'll be introduced to the craftsmanship of this part of Japan, starting at the knife factory, where artisans have learned and evolved in their craft over many years. You'll then dine in a restaurant where this craft is illustrated in some informative videos as you use their cutlery, a unique dining experience that you can be sure to never have again! Arriving in Niigata, you'll immediately be introduced to the sake made here, finished with a tasting.
Accommodation
Taikanso Senaminoyu★4 star
Activities
Tadafusa Knife Factory
Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery
Restaurants
Tsubamesanjo Italian Bit
Transportations
Private Driver from Tsubame Sanjo Eki Sanjoguchi to Niigata
Meals
Lunch
Destinations
Niigata
Sanjo
Murakami
Day 3
Workshops and Art in Sakata
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In the morning, drive to Sakata and be welcomed by a maiko bento lunch with a performance. Then, immerse yourself in local cultural traditions with a doll-making experience where you'll learn about the different hanging dolls made in different areas and try your hand at making one yourself. Finish the day exploring the Homma Museum of Art, featuring ancient and contemporary pieces and surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden.
Accommodation
Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse★3 star
Activities
Kasafuku Doll Making Experience
Homma Museum
Restaurants
Somaro Maiko Teahouse
Transportations
Private Driver from Niigata to Sakata
Meals
Lunch
Destinations
Murakami
Sakata
Tsuruoka
Day 4
Arrive in Ginzan Onsen Town
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Make your way to Ginzan Onsen, one of the most beautiful onsen towns in Japan, with some stops along the way. Before arriving at the onsen town, you'll stop at Mount Haguro to take a leisurely walk around a trail that takes you past many shrines and pagodas. You'll stop for another sake tasting and learn about even more techniques behind the national drink before dawning your yukata and relaxing!
Accommodation
Notoya Ryokan
Activities
Mt. Haguro
Furusawa Sake Brewery
Ginzan Onsen
Restaurants
GEA Clothing Store
Transportations
Private Driver from Sakata to Ginzan Onsen
Meals
Lunch
Destinations
Tsuruoka
Sagae
Obanazawa
Day 5
Journey back to Tokyo
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Take a leisurely journey back to Tokyo with some stops along the way. You'll capture a little more of Japanese culture before you leave with a stop at one last sake brewery and at a temple just a few hours outside of Tokyo. Your private driver will either take you to the city or straight to the airport to continue your journey. We hope you enjoyed your Japanese trip, and we will see you soon.
Activities
Rokkasen Sake Brewery
Hojuzan Risshaku Temple
Transportations
Private Driver from Ginzan Onsen to Yamagata
Private Driver from Yamadera to Tokyo
Destinations
Obanazawa
Higashine
Yamagata
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What’s included?
- 4 nights accommodation
- 11 activities
- 3 lunches
- Airport transfer
- Entrance fees
- Ground transportation
- Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 10,569/ per traveller sharing
Get a fully customised trip plan today
Benefits of this trip
Japan in 5 days
4-star, 3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
Unique local experiences you can’t find elsewhere
More Inclusions
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All the activities you love, and nothing you don't
Inspiration for you
Explore the authentic activities in Japan
Yahiko Shrine, Niigata, Japan|Yahiko Ropeway Station Sanroku, Niigata, Japan|Tadafusa Knife Factory, Niigata, Japan|Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery, Niigata, Japan|Homma Museum, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan|Kasafuku Doll Making Experience, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan|Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan|Mt. Haguro, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan|Furusawa Sake Brewery, Yamagata, Japan|Hojuzan Risshaku Temple, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan|Rokkasen Sake Brewery, Yamagata, Japan|Tsubamesanjo Italian Bit, Niigata, Japan|Somaro Maiko Teahouse, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan|GEA Clothing Store, Yamagata, Japan
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