Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
A MESSAGE FROM THE OWNER
Irasshaimase!!* Welcome to Samurai Tours!!
We invite you to spend some time in this section of our web site to learn more about us and who we are.
Japan has something for everyone, whatever your interests. Tranquil mountain top temples and shrines, large
neon-lit cities buzzing with an energy that will sweep you away, soothing hot spring baths, idyllic gardens,
speeding bullet trains, soaring mountain peaks, welcoming, friendly, helpful people, and of course, the fantastic
food.
As a Japan travel specialist we offer a wide range of Japan travel services. You can travel with the peace of mind
knowing that you’ll have the full back-up from our English-speaking office staff at our fully-licensed and bonded
travel agency in Japan (Kyoto Prefecture Travel Agency License ID #3-576) to make sure every aspect of your
trip goes according to plan. Drawing on the meaning of Samurai, which is “to serve”, we emphasize the honor of
serving you. Let us show you our side of Japan!!
Mike Roberts,
Owner, Samurai Tours
*Irasshaimase means Welcome. Customers entering stores, restaurants or other places of business all over
Japan are met with enthusiastic cries of Irasshaimase!!
OUR PHILOSOPHY
“We recognize travel enlightens and promotes tolerance. Our mission is to offer
well-balanced, educational, culturally-broadening, and most importantly, fun tours
that inspire and inform.”
The Samurai Tours Mission Statement
Our Philosophy
Our goal is to allow our tour members to travel as “temporary Japanese” to break down as many barriers to the lifestyle, customs and traditions as possible to allow the
maximum cultural exposure and experience.
On our escorted tours, we prefer to use traditional, Japanese-style ryokans for lodging. These unique Japanese accommodations provide a unique Japanese
experience. Whenever possible, we prefer to stay in smaller, more intimate family-run ryokans that are off-limits to larger groups. Many of the ryokans we stay in have as
few as 10 to 15 rooms and are located on quiet, narrow side streets. Their owners take tremendous pride in their facilities, service and cuisine. Whenever we do use
hotels, we prefer to use smaller, local hotels primarily used by the Japanese that blend in with the surrounding neighborhood, rather than the larger chain hotels catering
to western tourists. We carefully select ryokans and hotels in the middle of the sights and culture that are within walking distance of what you came to see. This saves
you time and money, and gives you lots of independence. All of the ryokans and hotels, with the exception of the Buddhist temple on Koya-san, have en-suite
bathrooms. The bathrooms will include a bath/shower combination, sink and toilet, while the Buddhist temple has shared bath and toilet facilities “down the hall.”
We use only public transportation (with the exception of our new Rail and Drive tours where we use a convenient combination of public transportation and 8-seat vans
chartered for the tour gruop). We use the same trains, subways, buses, taxis and ferries that millions of Japanese use every day. By traveling this way, you will get much
closer to the people and culture you traveled thousands of miles to discover rather than seeing Japan through the window of a tour bus. And no trip to Japan is complete
without at least one ride on the Shinkansens (bullet trains).
We prefer to eat in smaller, more intimate restaurants. There are probably more restaurants per capita in Japan than anywhere else in the world. Because of space
limitations in Japan, many of these restaurants only have a small counter and/or a couple of tables that are (again) off-limits to larger groups.
We feel food is an important part of traveling. One of the biggest misconceptions of Japan is that the Japanese only eat sushi. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Japanese food is very diverse, and varies region-by-region. We introduce our tour members to the many different types of foods, and we always try to include at least
one Kaiseki-style dinner on each tour. Known as the gourmet-style cooking in Japan, Kaiseki dinners are another essential Japanese experience that cannot be missed.
No one likes to pack and unpack every day. Our tour itineraries minimize the number of “one-night stands.” By staying multiple nights at one location, you become more
familiar and comfortable with a destination, and are better-rested, and more energized. An appropriate amount of free time is built into the itineraries for you to follow
your own curiosity and interests. We do also offer optional tours during your free time on many of our tours should you prefer to join. We also design our tours with the
assumption that you will return to Japan someday. This means we don’t try to see everything, necessitating hurrying from sight-to-sight, wearing everyone out. Our intent
is to make our tours “quality” over “quantity.”
We include many well-balanced cultural extras in our escorted tours such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy lessons, geisha walking tours and meeting a Maiko, an
apprentice geisha.
Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable Samurai Tours and local Japanese tour guides are well versed in Japanese culture, history, art and architecture and will bring
Japan alive with their insights.
Our Values
Culture: Our tours are tailored to break down as many barriers to the lifestyle, customs and traditions as possible to allow the maximum cultural exposure and experience.
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Enjoyment: We strive to create a fun, informative and enthusiastic tour-environment our tour members look forward to participating in each day.
Quality: We are committed to continuously and proactively improving the quality of our services by constantly enhancing existing tours and developing new tours.
Value: We offer tours with the best combination of quality and price.
Honesty and Integrity: All business is conducted in a forthright and trustworthy manner, and all business practices will be consistent with our Mission and Values.
WHY CHOOSE SAMURAI TOURS?
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We specialize in Japan
Samurai Tours only provides tours to Japan, allowing us to focus on our itineraries in order to provide a quality tour experience.
Small, Friendly Groups
On our escorted tour Packages, our groups are never bigger (and often smaller) than 16 travelers. Small groups allow us to stay in memorable, centrally located,
family-run lodging and to sightsee and dine where larger groups can only dream of going.“Traveling small” also gives our groups a congenial atmosphere. Because
of the way we organize our tours, and the way we travel, we tend to attract friendlier, more flexible and fun-loving people for our tours. If you are interested in
learning about Japan, its culture, people and want to have a great time, you will fit right in.
Great Guides
The quality of your tour guides can make or break your travel experience. You want a guide who is 100% focused on bringing you the best of Japan. The common
way for a tour company to have a low “sticker price” is to pay guides little or nothing, and encourage them to pull in shopping kickbacks as personal income. We
pay our guides full salaries, and prohibit them from accepting kickbacks. This means your guide is motivated to give you the best travel experience possible – not
earn extra income through shopping.We also work with English-speaking Japanese guides where indicated in the itinerary detail. We have found this is important
because it will give you an outlook on Japan from a Japanese point-of-view and allows you to meet one-on-one with a local and ask questions you may not be able
to ask someone you just met on the street. (We have also found that many of our tour participants have struck-up friendships with our local guides, and many of
them keep in touch on a regular basis.)
Value.
There is more to “price” than meets the eye. Our tours include:More Sightseeing: Prices include all group sightseeing and activities listed in detail with every tour
description.
More Meals: Experiencing Japan’s great cooking is every bit as important as sightseeing, so all breakfasts and approximately half of your lunches and dinners are
included. It’s a sensible balance that satisfies your dining expectations, protects your budget, yet gives you the freedom to discover plenty of other edible delights
on your own.
Peace of Mind: With our included tour cancellation/interruption protection coverage, your travel investment is protected.
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Customer Service
Travelers who have been to Japan can tell you that customer service is very important in Japan. Everybody comes home with their own personal stories about
someone in Japan who went way out of their way be helpful. In order to make our tours more “Japanese,” all of the employees and guides at Samurai Tours are
committed to going the extra distance to make your Japan experience more enjoyable.
Guaranteed Prices
The tour price listed on our website and in our tour catalog is exactly what you’ll pay, even if inflation or a drop in the dollar-to-yen exchange rate increases
operating costs. This may sound like common sense, but many tour companies reserve the right to increase your final payment (in fine print, of course). Samurai
Tours has never done this, and we never will. Period.
We Have Our Own Travel Agency in Japan
Most foreign tour operators operating tours in Japan subcontract with Japanese travel agencies. Because we have our own travel agency (Kyoto-fu Chijitoroku
Ryokogyo 3-576/Japanese Travel Agency License: Kyoto Prefecture #3-576) it allows us to be more adaptable to the ever-changing travel environment in Japan
and gives us better quality control. Because of our local presence, we are able to adapt and adjust to the ever-changing travel environment in Japan. And other
Japanese travel agencies tend to design tours in the manner that the Japanese prefer tours, which means whirlwind, non-stop tours that never allow enough time
anywhere to see anything.
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BEST OF JAPAN
1 5 Days
14 Nights
Destinations
Tokyo, Nikko (Optional Tour), Optional Mt Fuji Climb, Kamakura, Hakone Yumoto Onsen, Hakone, Takayama, Takayama (Optional Tour), Koya-san, Osaka (Optional
Tour), Himeji, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi, Nara (Optional Tour)
Tour Overview
More than any other country, the Japanese have managed to integrate ancient traditions and bleeding-edge technology harmoniously into their daily lives. With the perfect
mix of new and old, and our most popular itinerary, this well-rounded tour has something for everyone. In this excellent introduction to Japan, you won’t miss anything the
first-time visitor to Japan should see.
In the best that Japan has to offer, and our most popular itinerary, you’ll enjoy a colorful mix of large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, quaint and traditional Takayama, the
ambiance and solitude of Miyajima Island, the historically significant temples of Kamakura the capital of Japan in the 13th century, the religious center of Koya-san, the
ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto and Nara, the testament to peace of Hiroshima, the natural beauty of Hakone, the thermally-heated mineral water baths at an onsen
and much, much more.
You’ll stay overnight at a mountaintop Buddhist temple where Buddhist monks will serve you meals of shojin ryori (the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), and you will
attend prayer services at the temple early the next morning. Climb to the top of a samurai castle, participate in a tea ceremony, visit the world’s largest fish market, stroll
through farmer’s markets, meet a “maiko” (geisha-in-training) face-to-face, see where the geisha live and work, stay overnight on beautiful and quiet Miyajima Island, soak
in the thermally-heated mineral waters at an onsen, admire sacred Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), the icon of Japan and enjoy three gourmet Kaiseki-style dinners and one
shojin-ryori Buddhist vegetarian meal, and much, much more.
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Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
High
Low
Pace
High
Low
Physical Activity
High
Low
Tour Highlights
Tokyo
Tsukiji Fish Market
Ginza District
Tokyo Sky Tree
Nakamise-dori
Senso-ji Temple
Asakusa Shrine
Nikko (Optional Tour)
Rinnoji
Toshogu Shrine
Taiyuin
Optional Mt Fuji Climb
Kamakura
Hase-dera Temple
Kotokuin Temple (Great Buddha)
Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple) including tea and sweets in the bamboo
garden
Hakone Yumoto Onsen
Hakone
Lake Ashi Sightseeing Boats
Hakone Ropeway
Owakudani
Takayama
Sanmachisuji
Morning Farmer’s markets
Takayama Jinya
Takayama (Optional Tour)
San-machi-suji
Hida-no-sato Open Air Museum
Koya-san
Overnight stay at a Buddhist Temple
Oinori (Morning Prayer Service)
Okuno-in Cemetery and Temple
Garan Temple
Osaka (Optional Tour)
Namba District
Doguyasuji Street
Hozenji Temple and Yokocho
Dotombori Street
Ebisu-bashi Bridge
Kaitenzushi (Conveyor belt sushi) dinner
Himeji
Himeji Castle
Miyajima Island
Free Day
Hiroshima
Peace Museum and Park
Kyoto
Ryoan-ji Temple and Garden
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Tea Ceremony
Nijo Castle
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
Philosopher’s Path
Higashiyama District
Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
Private Maiko Dinner Party
Optional Home Visit
Fushimi
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Nara (Optional Tour)
Nara Deer Park
Todaiji (Great Buddha)
Nara-machi
Kofukuji
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 22
Tokyo – Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza, Tokyo Sky Tree, Sensoji Temple
D
DA
AYY 33
Free Day in Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 44
Kamakura – Hasedera, Kotokuin (Great Buddha), Hokokuji (Bamboo Temple); Travel to Hakone Yumoto Onsen
D
DA
AYY 55
Hakone, Travel to Takayama
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D
DA
AYY 66
Takayama – Miyagawa Morning Market, Jinyamae Morning Market, Takayama Jinya, San-machi-suji District
D
DA
AYY 77
Travel to Koya-san, Overnight at a Buddhist Temple
D
DA
AYY 88
Koya-san – Morning Prayer Service, Okunoin Cemetery and Temple, Garan Temple Complex; Travel to Osaka
D
DA
AYY 99
Himeji Castle; Travel to Miyajima Island
D
DA
AYY 110
0
Miyajima Island – Free Day
D
DA
AYY 1111
Hiroshima – Peace Park and Museum; Travel to Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 1122
Kyoto – Ryoanji, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Tea Ceremony, Nijo Castle
D
DA
AYY 1133
Fushimi – Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto – Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), Philosopher’s Path, Higashiyama District, Gion Geisha District
D
DA
AYY 1144
Kyoto – Free Day, Sayonora Dinner and Meet a Maiko Session
D
DA
AYY 1155
Home
2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
2015 Dates
Status
03/22/2015 – 04/05
Early Cherry Blossom
$4,744 / $594
Filling Fast
2 seats left
03/29/2015 – 04/12
Cherry Blossom
$4,994 / $594
Filling Fast
1 seats left
04/05/2015 – 04/19
Late Cherry Blossom
$4,744 / $594
Available
05/17/2015 – 05/31
Spring
$4,494 / $594
Filling Fast
3 seats left
05/24/2015 – 06/07
May/June
$4,494 / $594
Available
06/14/2015 – 06/28
Late Spring
$4,244 / $594
Available
06/21/2015 – 07/05
Early Summer
$4,244 / $594
Available
07/12/2015 – 07/26
Summer
$4,244 / $594
Available
07/19/2015 – 08/02
Late July
$4,244 / $594
Available
08/16/2015 – 08/30
Late Summer
$4,144 / $494
Available
09/20/2015 – 10/04
Early Fall
$4,144 / $494
Available
10/11/2015 – 10/25 Fall Foliage
$4,494 / $594
Available
10/18/2015 – 11/01 Late Fall
$4,494 / $594
Available
11/01/2015 – 11/15 Fall Foliage
$4,744 / $594
Available
2016 Dates & Prices
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2016 Dates
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
03/20/2016 – 04/03
Early Cherry Blossom
$4,744 / $594
Available
03/27/2016 – 04/10
Cherry Blossom
$4,994 / $594
Available
04/03/2016 – 04/17
Late Cherry Blossom
$4,744 / $594
Available
05/15/2016 – 05/29
Spring
$4,494 / $594
Available
05/22/2016 – 06/05
May/June
$4,494 / $594
Available
06/12/2016 – 06/26
Late Spring
$4,244 / $594
Available
06/19/2016 – 07/03
Early Summer
$4,244 / $594
Available
07/03/2016 – 07/17
Summer
$4,244 / $594
Available
07/17/2016 – 07/31
Late July
$4,244 / $594
Available
08/21/2016 – 09/04
Late Summer
$4,144 / $594
Available
09/18/2016 – 10/02
Early Fall
$4,144 / $594
Available
10/09/2016 – 10/23 Fall
$4,494 / $594
Available
11/06/2016 – 11/20 Fall Foliage
$4,744 / $594
Available
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BEST OF JAPAN IN 22 DAYS
2 2 Days
2 1 Nights
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone Yumoto Onsen, Takayama, Kyoto, Koya-san, Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Miyajima Island, Nagasaki, Sapporo, Noboribestu Onsen, Hakodate, Sendai,
Kamakura, Hakone, Kotohira, Hiroshima, Shiraoi, Matsushima, Nikko, Himeji
Tour Overview
If you don’t want to miss anything in Japan, then this is the tour for you. From Sapporo to Nagasaki, you will enjoy the best Japan has to offer including some of Japan’s
best onsens, gardens, castles, natural scenic areas, historical districts, temples and shrines, cultural activities and much, much more in a tour that will create travel
memories to last a lifetime.
You’ll stay overnight at a mountaintop Buddhist temple where Buddhist monks will serve you meals of shojin ryori (the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and attend
prayer services at the temple early the next morning, climb to the top of a samurai castle, participate in a tea ceremony, visit the world’s largest fish market, stroll through
farmer’s markets, meet a “maiko” (geisha-in-training) face-to-face, see where the geisha live and work, stay overnight on beautiful and quiet Miyajima Island, soak in the
thermally-heated mineral waters at some of Japan’s best onsens and admire sacred Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), the icon of Japan.
You’ll enjoy Tokyo where the sheer energy level will sweep you away, and Sapporo, host to the 1972 Winter Olympics with its many, fine restaurants, explore the morning
market of Hakodate, where you can have the local specialties of crab, sea urchin or squid prepared for you for breakfast, and learn about Japan’s original inhabitants, the
Ainu, whose culture almost disappeared until recent efforts of restoration. You will walk around the rim of an active volcano, enjoy Matsushima, considered to be one of
three most scenic places in Japan, visit the sobering testament to peace of Hiroshima and the ostentatious over-the-top shrines and temples of Nikko. The rural,
mountainous island of Shikoku will charm you with its natural beauty, and the island of Kyushu with the history-filled city of Nagasaki will surprise you with its diversity.
Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
High
Low
Pace
High
Low
Physical Activity
High
Low
Tour Highlights
Tokyo
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Tsukiji Fish Market
Ginza
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Tokyo Sky Tree
Nakamise-dori
Senso-ji Temple
Asakusa Shrine
Hakone Yumoto Onsen
Takayama
Miyagawa Morning Market
Jinyamae Morning Market
Takayama Jinya
Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Nijo Castle
Tea Ceremony
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Higashiyama District
Gion Geisha District
Private Maiko Dinner Party
Koya-san
Oinori (Morning Prayer Service)
Okunoin Cemetery and Temple
Garan Temple
Overnight stay at a Buddhist Temple
Takamatsu
Ritsurin Garden
Matsuyama
Matsuyama Castle
Dogo Onsen
Ishiteji Temple
Miyajima Island
Nagasaki
Dejima Island
Glover Garden
Noboribestu Onsen
Hakodate
Mt. Hakodate at night
Hakodate Morning Market
Goryo-kaku Fort
Sendai
Kamakura
Hase-dera
Kotokuin (Great Buddha)
Hokokuin (Bamboo Temple)
Hakone
Hakone Sightseeing Boats
Hakone Ropeway
Owakudani
Kotohira
Kompira Shrine
Hiroshima
Hiroshima Peace Museum
Hiroshima Peace Park
Shiraoi
Poroto Kotan Ainu Village and Museum
Matsushima
Matsushima Bay Cruise
Zuiganji Temple
Kanrantei
Nikko
Rinno-ji Temple
Tosho-go Shrine
Futarasan Shrine
Taiyuin
Himeji
Himeji Castle
Sapporo
Sapporo JR Tower
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 22
Tokyo – Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza, Tokyo Sky Tree, Sensoji Temple
D
DA
AYY 33
Kamakura â?? Hase-dera Temple, Kotokuin (Great Buddha), Hokokuin (Bamboo Temple); Travel to Hakone, Hakone Yumoto Onsen
D
DA
AYY 44
Tour Hakone, Travel to Takayama
D
DA
AYY 55
Takayama – Miyagawa Morning Market, Jinyamae Morning Market, Takayama Jinya, San-machi-suji
D
DA
AYY 66
Travel to Kyoto, Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 77
Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 88
Travel to Koya-san, Koya-san – Okunoin Cemetery and Temple, Garan Temple Complex, Overnight at a Buddhist Temple
D
DA
AYY 99
Koya-san – Morning Prayer Service; Travel to Himeji, Himeji Castle; Travel to Takamatsu
D
DA
AYY 110
0
Takamatsu – Ritsurin Garden; Kotohira – Konpira Shrine
D
DA
AYY 1111
Travel to Matsuyama, Matsuyama – Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen
D
DA
AYY 1122
Matsuyama – Ishiteji Temple, Travel by ferries to Miyajima Island
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D
DA
AYY 1133
Miyajima Island Ã¢?? Free Day
D
DA
AYY 1144
Hiroshima – Peace Park and Museum; Travel to Nagasaki
D
DA
AYY 1155
Nagasaki â?? Dejima, Glover Garden, Free afternoon
D
DA
AYY 1166
Travel to Sapporo
D
DA
AYY 1177
Sapporo – Old Government Building, Clock Tower; Travel to Shiraoi, Poroto Kotan Ainu Village and Museum, Travel to Norboribetsu Onsen
D
DA
AYY 1188
Nooboribetsu Onsen, Travel to Hakodate
D
DA
AYY 1199
Hakodate – Hakodate Morning Market, Goryokaku Fort; Travel to Sendai
D
DA
AYY 220
0
Matsushima â?? Matsushima Bay Cruise, Kanran-tei, Zuigan-ji
D
DA
AYY 2211
Nikko â?? Rinno-ji, Tosho-gu, Taiyuin; Travel to Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 2222
Return Home
2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
03/29/2015 – 04/19
$6,744 / $644
Full
05/10/2015 – 05/31
$6,344 / $644
Available
05/24/2015 – 06/14
$6,344 / $644
Available
06/21/2015 – 07/12
$6,344 / $644
Available
10/11/2015 – 11/01
$6,344 / $644
Available
10/25/2015 – 11/15
$6,594 / $644
Available
2015 Dates
2016 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
$6,744 / $644
Available
05/15/2016 – 06/05
$6,344 / $644
Available
06/19/2016 – 07/10
$6,344 / $694
Available
10/09/2016 – 10/30
$6,344 / $644
Available
10/30/2016 – 11/20 Fall Foliage
$6,594 / $644
Available
2016 Dates
03/27/2016 – 04/17
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
Cherry Blossom
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BEST OF JAPAN ECONOMY
1 3 Days
1 2 Nights
Destinations
Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone Yumoto Onsen, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Kyoto
Tour Overview
More than any other country, the Japanese have managed to integrate ancient traditions and bleeding-edge technology harmoniously into their daily lives. With the perfect
mix of new and old, this well-rounded tour has something for everyone.
In the best that Japan has to offer, you’ll enjoy a colorful mix of large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, quaint and traditional Takayama and Shirakawa-go, the ambiance and
solitude of Miyajima Island and the ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto, the testament to peace of Hiroshima, the natural beauty of Hakone, the thermally-heated mineral
water baths at an onsen and more.
You’ll participate in a tea ceremony, visit the world’s largest fish market, stroll through farmer’s markets, see where the geisha live and work, visit beautiful Miyajima Island,
soak in the thermally-heated mineral waters at an onsen, admire sacred Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), the icon of Japan and much, much more.
Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
Low
High
Pace
Low
High
Physical Activity
Low
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High
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Tour Highlights
Tokyo
Tsukiji Fish Market
Ginza
Sumida River Cruise
Tokyo Sky Tree
Nakamise-dori
Senso-ji
Asakusa Shrine
Shirakawago
Shirakawago Open Air Museum
Kamakura
Hase-dera
Kaibutsu (Great Buddha)
Hokoku-ji Temple
Hiroshima
Hiroshima Peace Park
Hiroshima Peace Museum
Hakone Yumoto Onsen
Hakone
Hakone Ropeway
Owakudani
Hakone Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Takayama
Miyagawa Morning Market
Jinyamae Morning Market
Takayama Jinya
Kanazawa
Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum
Nagamachi Samurai District
Nomura House
Miyajima Island
Itsukushima Shrine
Omotesando Shopping Street
Kyoto
Ryoanji Temple
Kinkakuji
Nijo Castle
Tea ceremony
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kiyomizu
Higashiyama
Gion Geisha District
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 22
Tokyo – Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza District, Tokyo Sky Tree, Senso-ji Temple
D
DA
AYY 33
Tokyo Free Day
D
DA
AYY 44
Kamakura – Kotokuin (Great Buddha), Hase-dera, Hokokuin (Bamboo Temple), Hakone Yumoto Onsen
D
DA
AYY 55
Hakone – Owakukani Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise; Travel to Takayama
D
DA
AYY 66
Takayama – Morning Markets, Takayama Jinya, San-machi-suji
D
DA
AYY 77
Shirakawa-go – Shirakawa-go Open Air Museum, Kanazawa
D
DA
AYY 88
Kanazawa – Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum, Naga-machi Samurai District
D
DA
AYY 99
Travel to Hiroshima, Hiroshima – Peace Park and Museum
D
DA
AYY 110
0
Miyajima Island – Mt. Misen Ropeway, Itsukushima Shrine; Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 1111
Kyoto – Ryoanji, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Tea Ceremony, Nijo Castle
D
DA
AYY 1122
Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama District, Gion Geisha District
D
DA
AYY 1133
Return Home
2015 Dates & Prices
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
$3,494 / $400
Full
05/21/2015 – 06/02
$3,244 / $250
Available
06/25/2015 – 07/07
$3,244 / $250
Available
07/23/2015 – 08/04
$3,244 / $250
Available
08/27/2015 – 09/08
$3,244 / $250
Available
10/22/2015 – 11/03
$3,244 / $400
Available
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
$3,494 / $400
Available
05/19/2016 – 05/31
$3,244 / $250
Available
06/23/2016 – 07/05
$3,244 / $250
Available
07/21/2016 – 08/02
$3,244 / $250
Available
08/25/2016 – 09/06
$3,244 / $250
Available
09/15/2016 – 09/27
$3,244 / $250
Available
10/20/2016 – 11/01
$3,444 / $250
Available
2015 Dates
03/26/2015 – 04/07
Cherry Blossom
2016 Dates & Prices
2016 Dates
03/24/2016 – 04/05
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
Cherry Blossom
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BEST OF JAPAN ALPS
14 Days
1 3 Nights
Destinations
Tokyo, Magome, Tsumago, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Hirayu Onsen, Shin Hotaka, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Toyama, Tateyama, Nagano, Snow Monkey
Park
Tour Overview
Soaring mountain peaks, open-air hot springs, lush forests, quaint mountain villages and a slow pace make this central alpine area a great escape. Hidden away in its rural
and remote valleys are many of Japan’s best-preserved post towns, farm hamlets, and traces of the old urban culture. Combined with its beautiful natural scenery, these
features make this area one of the most rewarding in Japan to visit.
The Japan Alps epitomizes the extremes and contradictions of Japan today. The densely populated coastal belt region, including the megalopolis cities of Tokyo and
Osaka, is a stark contrast with the beautiful natural scenery of the mountainous central region. Though readily accessible, the Japan Alps are still remote enough to have
retained traditional lifestyles and architecture.
The Japan Alps is a slow-paced region that has it all, without the crowds. The castle town of Matsumoto, with its striking “Crow Castle” is sure to please with its numerous
17th-century warehouses. You will feel like you have stepped back into 16th-century Japan in the small, mountain village of Tsumago. The stunningly beautiful mountain
valley of Kamikochi has some of the best hiking in Japan. The quaint town of Takayama with its farmer’s markets invites exploration. The old farmhouses at Shirakawa-go
will give you a glimpse of the way of life in 17th-century rural Japan. Visit with the famous Japanese Snow Monkeys as they bath in the outdoor baths. And Hirayu Onsen
has some of the best outdoor baths in Japan.
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Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
High
Low
Pace
High
Low
Physical Activity
High
Low
Tour Highlights
Tokyo
Magome
Tsumago
Honjin
Wakihonjin
Tsumago History Museum
Matsumoto
Matsumoto Castle
Daio Wasabi Farm
Kamikochi
Hirayu Onsen
Shin Hotaka
Shin Hotaka Ropeway
Takayama
Miyagawa Morning Market
Jinyamae Morning Market
Takayama Jinya
Sanmachisuji District
Shirakawago
Shirakawago Open Air Market
Shirakawago Observation Deck
Kanazawa
Kenrokuen Garden
Nagamachi Samurai District
Nomura House
Higashi Chaya District
Shima House
Toyama
Tateyama
Nagano
Zenkoji Temple
Snow Monkey Park
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 22
Travel to Magome
D
DA
AYY 33
Walk along the Nakasendo to Tsumago
D
DA
AYY 44
Travel to Matsumoto – Matsumoto Castle
D
DA
AYY 55
Matsumoto – Daio Wasabi Farm; Travel to Kamikochi
D
DA
AYY 66
Kamikochi – Free day; Travel to Hirayu Onsen
D
DA
AYY 77
Shin Hotaka – Shin Hotaka Ropeway; Travel to Takayama
D
DA
AYY 88
Takayama – Miyagawa Morning Market, Jinyamae Morning Market, Takayama Jinya, San-machi-suji District
D
DA
AYY 99
Shirakawa-go Ã¢?? Shirakawago Open Air Museum, Shirakawa-go Observation Deck; Travel to Kanazawa
D
DA
AYY 110
0
Kanazawa – Kenrokuen, Nagamachi Samurai District, Nomura House, Higashi Chaya District, Shima House; Travel to Toyama
D
DA
AYY 1111
Tateyama Alpine Route, Overnight at Tateyama in the Chubu Sangaku National Park
D
DA
AYY 1122
Tateyama Alpine Route, Travel to Nagano
D
DA
AYY 1133
Snow Monkey Park; Zenkoji Temple, Sayonara Dinner
D
DA
AYY 1144
Travel to Tokyo; Fly Home
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
07/12/2015 – 07/25
$3,994 / $444
Available
09/13/2015 – 09/26
$3,994 / $444
Available
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
07/10/2016 – 07/23
$3,994 / $444
Available
09/11/2016 – 09/24
$3,994 / $444
Available
2015 Dates
2016 Dates & Prices
2016 Dates
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
BEST OF SHIKOKU, KYUSHU AND WESTERN JAPAN
1 3 Days
1 2 Nights
Destinations
Osaka, Kurashiki, Takamatsu, Kotohira, Okayama, Beppu, Usuki, Aso-san, Nagasaki, Yoshinogarikoen, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Kyoto
Tour Overview
With its mild climate and tranquil gardens, famous hot springs and active volcanoes, historic castles, beautiful countryside, and warm-hearted people, this part of Japan
offers a dramatic experience.
The rural, mountainous island of Shikoku will charm you with its natural beauty. The island of Kyushu with the largest onsen (hot springs resort) in Japan, active volcanoes
and the history-filled city of Nagasaki will surprise you with its diversity. Add the must-see destinations of Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji, Miyajima Island and Okayama, and you
have a tour that creates travel memories for a lifetime.
You will climb to the top of a samurai castle, stroll through some of Japan’s most beautiful and serene gardens, visit a phenomenal onsen where you can take a relaxing
hot sand bath on a beach covered up to your neck in warm sand, walk along the rim of an active volcano, meet a “Maiko” (geisha-in-training) face-to-face, see where the
Kyoto geishas live and work, discover Japan’s religious traditions, explore history-filled Nagasaki and enjoy three gourmet Kaiseki-style dinners and much, much more!
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Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
Low
High
Pace
Low
High
Physical Activity
Low
High
Tour Highlights
Osaka
Kuromon Open-Air Market
Osaka Castle
Tennoji Temple
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Usuki
Usuki Stone Buddhas
Aso-san
Aso-san
Kurashiki
Canal Area
Museum of Folkcraft
Japan Rural Toy Museum
Nagasaki
Dejima
Glover Garden
Takamatsu
Ritsurin-koen including tea and sweets in a teahouse
Miyajima Island
Kotohira
Kompira Shrine
Okayama
Korakuen Garden
Beppu
Beppu Hells
Yoshinogarikoen
Hiroshima
Peace Museum and Park
Kyoto
Nijo Castle
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Tea Ceremony
Gion Geisha District
Private Maiko Dinner Party
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Osaka
D
DA
AYY 22
Osaka – Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle, Tennoji Temple, Sumiyoshi Shrine
D
DA
AYY 33
Kurashiki – Canal Area, Museum of Folkcraft; Travel to Takamatsu
D
DA
AYY 44
Takamatsu – Ritsurin Garden; Kotohira – Kompira Shrine
D
DA
AYY 55
Okayama – Korakuen Garden; Travel to Beppu
D
DA
AYY 66
Beppu – Beppu Hells; Usuki – Usuki Stone Buddhas
D
DA
AYY 77
Aso-san; Travel to Nagasaki
D
DA
AYY 88
Nagasaki – Dejima, Glover Garden
D
DA
AYY 99
Yoshinogarikoen Historical Park; Travel to Miyajima Island
D
DA
AYY 110
0
Miyajima Island – Free Day
D
DA
AYY 1111
Hiroshima – Peace Park and Museum; Travel to Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 1122
Kyoto – Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Tea Ceremony, Gion Geisha District, Meet a Maiko Session
D
DA
AYY 1133
Home
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
05/17/2015 – 05/29
$4,244 / $444
Available
09/27/2015 – 10/09
$4,244 / $444
Available
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
05/15/2016 – 05/27
$4,244 / $444
Available
09/25/2016 – 10/07
$4,244 / $444
Available
2015 Dates
2016 Dates & Prices
2016 Dates
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
BEST OF KYOTO AND BEYOND
8 Days
7 Nights
Destinations
Kyoto, Osaka, Fushimi, Arashiyama, Nara
Tour Overview
Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto today is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese
history.
Kyoto is endowed with an almost overwhelming legacy of ancient Buddhist temples, majestic palaces, and gardens of every size and description. For many, just the name
of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha in a flourish
of brightly colored silks, and a tea master deliberately warming water and making tea.
You will meet a “maiko” (geisha-in-training) face-to-face, climb to the top of a Samurai castle, participate in an authentic tea ceremony, copy a Buddhist Sutra in the middle
of one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, marvel at the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue built in the 8th century, and much, much more.
Combine this tour with the Best of Tokyo and Beyond tour for a more complete Japanese experience. Or, if you only want to spend a few days in Tokyo either before or
after the tour, we can arrange this for you. Contact us for details.
Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
Low
High
Pace
Low
High
Physical Activity
Low
High
Tour Highlights
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Osaka Castle
Kyoto
Ryoan-ji
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Nijo Castle and Garden
Imperial Palace
Nishikikoji Open Air Market
Higashiyama District
Sannen-zaka
Ninen-zaka
Yasaka Shrine
Authentic Tea Ceremony
Gion Geisha District
“Meet a Maiko” Session
Fushimi
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Fushimi-inari Shrine
Arashiyama
Arashiyama Bamboo Garden
Tenryu-ji
Shojin-ryori (Buddhist Vegetarian) Lunch
Saiho-ji (Moss Temple) Garden
Nara
Kasuga Shrine
Nara Park
Todai-ji (Great Buddha)
Osaka
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Osaka
D
DA
AYY 22
Kyoto â?? Ryoanji, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Tea Ceremony, Nijo Castle
D
DA
AYY 33
Osaka – Osaka Castle; Fushimi – Sake Brewery and Museum, Fushimi Inari Shrine
D
DA
AYY 44
Kyoto – Imperial Palace, Nishiki-koji Open Air Market, Higashiyama District, Yasaka Shrine, Gion Geisha District
D
DA
AYY 55
Arashiyama – Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji, Saiho-ji (Moss Temple)
D
DA
AYY 66
Nara – Kasuga Shrine, Nara Deer Park, Todai-ji (Great Buddha), Meet a Maiko Session
D
DA
AYY 77
Kyoto – Free Day
D
DA
AYY 88
Home
2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
04/12/2015 – 04/19
$2,244 / $594
Available
06/07/2015 – 06/14
$1,994 / $244
Available
07/05/2015 – 07/12
$1,994 / $294
Available
08/02/2015 – 08/09
$1,994 / $244
Available
08/30/2015 – 09/06
$1,994 / $244
Available
10/04/2015 – 10/11
$1,994 / $244
Available
11/01/2015 – 11/08
$2,244 / $594
Available
2015 Dates
2016 Dates & Prices
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
04/10/2016 – 04/17
$2,244 / $594
Available
06/05/2016 – 06/12
$1,994 / $594
Available
07/03/2016 – 07/10
$1,994 / $594
Available
07/31/2016 – 08/07
$1,994 / $594
Available
08/28/2016 – 09/04
$1,994 / $594
Available
10/02/2016 – 10/09
$1,994 / $594
Available
10/30/2016 – 11/06
$2,294 / $594
Available
2016 Dates
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
BEST OF TOKYO AND BEYOND
8 Days
7 Nights
Destinations
Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone
Tour Overview
To the uninitiated, Tokyo may seem like a whirlwind of people and traffic. Yet, behind the ordered chaos lie remnants of a very different past.
You could easily spend a lifetime exploring Tokyo and never run out of places and things to discover. From “funky” old Ueno and nearby Yanaka with its fine park,
museums, and old houses, to the ultra-modern Ginza with its endless department stores … the sheer energy level of Tokyo will sweep you away. And by night, Tokyo really
comes into its own. Mazes of blazing neon fill every available nook and cranny of the city’s streets and alleys. Above all, Tokyo is not just a destination, but an experience.
You will learn the ancient religious traditions of the Japanese, wander the stalls of the world’s largest fish market, visit the famous “Daibutsu” in Kamakura, explore Tokyo’s
largest Shinto Shrine dedicated to the emperor who began the modernization of Japan and see the icon of Japan, Mt. Fuji (weather-permitting).
Combine this tour with the Best of Kyoto and Beyond tour for a more complete Japanese experience. Or, if you only want to spend a few days in Kyoto either before or
after the tour, we can arrange this for you. Contact us for details.
Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
Low
High
Pace
Low
High
Physical Activity
Low
High
Tour Highlights
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Tokyo
Nakamise-dori
Senso-ji
Sumida River Cruise
Ginza
Roppongi Hills Observation Deck
Tsukiji Fish Market
Yanaka District
Harajuku District
Omotesando
Meiji Shrine
Akihabara District and Maid Cafe
Rikiguen Garden
Kamakura
Kotokuin (Great Buddha)
Hase-dera Temple
Hokuku-ji (Bamboo Temple) and Tea and Sweets in the Bamboo Garden
Hakone
Owakudani
Lake Ashi Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Hakone Ropeway
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 22
Tokyo – Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Takeshita-dori, Omotesando, Akihabara
D
DA
AYY 33
Tokyo – Ueno Park, Yanaka District, Rikiguen Garden
D
DA
AYY 44
Tokyo – Senso-ji, Roppongi Hills Observation Deck, Ginza District, Sumida River Cruise
D
DA
AYY 55
Hakone
D
DA
AYY 66
Tokyo – Tsukiji Fish Market, Free Day
D
DA
AYY 77
Kamakura – Hase-dera, Kotokuin (Great Buddha), Hokoku-ji (Bamboo Temple)
D
DA
AYY 88
Home
2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
04/05/2015 – 04/12
$1,994 / $244
Available
05/31/2015 – 06/07
$1,994 / $244
Available
06/28/2015 – 07/05
$1,994 / $244
Available
07/26/2015 – 08/02
$1,994 / $244
Available
08/23/2015 – 08/30
$1,994 / $244
Available
09/27/2015 – 10/04
$1,994 / $244
Available
10/25/2015 – 11/01
$1,994 / $244
Available
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
04/03/2016 – 04/10
$1,994 / $244
Available
05/29/2016 – 06/05
$1,994 / $244
Available
06/26/2016 – 07/03
$1,994 / $244
Available
07/24/2016 – 07/31
$1,994 / $244
Available
08/21/2016 – 08/28
$1,994 / $244
Available
09/25/2016 – 10/02
$1,994 / $244
Available
10/23/2016 – 10/30
$1,994 / $244
Available
2015 Dates
2016 Dates & Prices
2016 Dates
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
BEST OF TOKYO AND KYOTO
1 2 Days
1 1 Nights
Destinations
Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Fushimi, Arashiyama
Tour Overview
Follow in the footsteps of feudal lords and samurai along the route of the ancient Tokaido Highway that once connected these two great cities.
Tokyo, an ultra-modern megalopolis, is not just a destination, but an experience. And a stroll through Kyoto, steeped in history and tradition, is a walk through 11 centuries
of Japanese history.
You will learn the ancient religious traditions of the Japanese, wander the stalls of the world’s largest fish market, visit the famous “Daibutsu” in Kamakura, and see the
icon of Japan, Mt. Fuji (weather-permitting).
Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
High
Low
Pace
High
Low
Physical Activity
High
Low
Tour Highlights
Tokyo
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
Nakamise-dori
Senso-ji
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
Sumida River Cruise
Ginza
Roppongi Hills Observation Deck
Tsukiji Fish Market
Nishikikoji Open Air Market
Higashiyama District
Sannen-zaka
Ninen-zaka
Yasaka Shrine
Authentic Tea Ceremony
Gion Geisha District
“Meet a Maiko” Session
Kamakura
Hasedera Temple
Kotokuin (Great Buddha)
Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple) including Tea and Sweets in the Bam
boo Garden
Osaka
Osaka Castle
Hakone
Owakudani
Hakone Ropeway
Lake Ashi Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Fushimi
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Fushimi-inari Shrine
Kyoto
Ryoan-ji
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Nijo Castle and Garden
Imperial Palace
Arashiyama
Arashiyama Bamboo Garden
Tenryu-ji
Shojin-ryori (Buddhist Vegetarian) Lunch
Saiho-ji (Moss Temple) Garden
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 22
Tokyo – Senso-ji, Roppongi Hills Observation Deck, Ginza District, Sumida River Cruise
D
DA
AYY 33
Hakone
D
DA
AYY 44
Tokyo – Tsukiji Fish Market, Free Day
D
DA
AYY 55
Kamakura – Hase-dera, Kotokuin (Great Buddha), Hokoku-ji (Bamboo Temple)
D
DA
AYY 66
Tokyo/Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 77
Kyoto â?? Ryoanji, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Tea Ceremony, Nijo Castle
D
DA
AYY 88
Osaka – Osaka Castle; Fushimi – Sake Brewery and Museum, Fushimi Inari Shrine
D
DA
AYY 99
Kyoto – Imperial Palace, Nishiki-koji Open Air Market, Higashiyama District, Yasaka Shrine, Gion Geisha District
D
DA
AYY 110
0
Arashiyama – Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji, Saiho-ji (Moss Temple)
D
DA
AYY 1111
Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 1122
Home
2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
04/07/2015 – 04/18
$3,494 / $644
Available
06/02/2015 – 06/13
$3,494 / $394
Available
06/30/2015 – 07/11
$3,494 / $394
Available
07/28/2015 – 08/08
$3,494 / $394
Available
08/25/2015 – 09/05
$3,494 / $394
Available
09/29/2015 – 10/10
$3,494 / $394
Available
10/27/2015 – 11/07
$3,494 / $644
Available
2015 Dates
2016 Dates & Prices
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
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Samurai Tours - Escorted Tours Catalog
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
04/05/2016 – 04/16
$3,494 / $644
Available
05/31/2016 – 06/11
$3,494 / $644
Available
06/28/2016 – 07/09
$3,494 / $644
Available
07/26/2016 – 08/06
$3,494 / $644
Available
08/23/2016 – 09/03
$3,494 / $644
Available
09/27/2016 – 10/08
$3,494 / $644
Available
10/25/2016 – 11/05
$3,494 / $644
Available
2016 Dates
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
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HOKKAIDO RAIL AND DRIVE
1 5 Days
14 Nights
Destinations
Tokyo, Sapporo, Furano, Sounkyo Onsen, Genseikaen, Shiretoko, Lake Akan, Kushiro, Noboribetsu Onsen, Shiraoi, Lake Toya, Hakodate
Tour Overview
The northernmost of the main islands, Hokkaido is Japan’s last frontier. It is a natural wonderland of mountain ranges, deep caldera lakes, active volcanoes, numerous
thermally-heated mineral springs and virgin forests. The attitudes of the inhabitants are akin to those of the pioneers of the American West, but still unmistakably
Japanese.
Among the Japanese, Hokkaido has become synonymous with sensational food, stunning scenery and some of the best onsens in Japan. Because of this, Hokkaido has
become popular vacation destination for the Japanese. We slow the pace down on this tour to allow you to relax and to really enjoy and appreciate Hokkaido to its fullest.
You’ll enjoy Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city and host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, with its many fine restaurants and the secluded beauty of the Shiretoko National Park.
You will tour Sounkyo Gorge in the middle of the beautiful Daisetsuzan National Park with its soaring mountain ranges, visit Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Japan’s largest and
most popular hot springs resorts and walk along the rim of an active volcano at Lake Toya. You will explore the morning market of Hakodate, where you can have the local
specialties of crab, sea urchin or squid prepared for you for breakfast, and learn about Hokkaido’s original inhabitants, the Ainu, whose culture almost disappeared until
recent efforts of restoration. You will visit the Akan International Crane Center where research is being done to bring the cranes back from the brink of extinction.
Rail and Drive Tours
The Japan public transportation system in Japan is one of the best, if not the best in the world. However, if you want to travel to the remote areas of Japan, public
transportation is sometimes either non-existent, too infrequent or too slow to be practical. Automobiles are the best way to access these remote areas. Our Rail and
Drive tours are a convenient combination of public transportation and 8-seater vans, allowing us to really get “off the beaten path”. (Because of seat limitations, these
tours are limited to a maximum of 6 people.)
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Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
Low
High
Pace
Low
High
Physical Activity
Low
High
Tour Highlights
Tokyo
Sapporo
Botanical Gardens
JR Tower
Sapporo Beer Garden
Odori Park
Tanuki Shopping Arcade
Nijo Market
Suskino
Ramen Yokocho
Furano
Lavender Farm Tomita
Lake Akan
Gottoro Overlook
Lake Kussharo
Iozan
Lake Masshu
Akan International Crane Center
Kushiro
Noboribetsu Onsen
Shiraoi
Poroto Kotan Ainu Village and Museum
Genseikaen
Lake Toya
Usu-zan
Showa-shin-zan
Toya-ko Volcanic Museum
Shiretoko
Shiretoko Peninsula Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Shiretoko-Go-Ko
Furepe Waterfall
Oshinkoshin Waterfall
Hakodate
Goryo-kaku Fort and Tower
Moto-machi Historical Area
Mount Hakodate Cable Car
Hakodate Morning Market
Sounkyo Onsen
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 22
Fly to Sapporo
D
DA
AYY 33
Sapporo
D
DA
AYY 44
Lavender Farm Tomita, Travel to Sounkyo Onsen
D
DA
AYY 55
Sounkyo Onsen
D
DA
AYY 66
Genseikaen, Shiretoko
D
DA
AYY 77
Shiretoko National Park
D
DA
AYY 88
Travel to Lake Akan
D
DA
AYY 99
Lake Akan, Akan International Crane Center, Kushiro
D
DA
AYY 110
0
Travel to Noboribetsu, Poroto Kotan Ainu Village and Museum
D
DA
AYY 1111
Noboribetsu Onsen
D
DA
AYY 1122
Lake Toya
D
DA
AYY 1133
Travel to Hakodate
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D
DA
AYY 1144
Travel to Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 1155
Home
2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
06/07/2015 – 06/21
$3,994 / $494
Available
08/30/2015 – 09/13
$3,994 / $494
Available
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
06/05/2016 – 06/19
$3,994 / $494
Available
08/28/2016 – 09/11
$3,994 / $494
Available
2015 Dates
2016 Dates & Prices
2016 Dates
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KUMANO KODO HIGHLIGHTS
7 Days
6 Nights
Destinations
Kyoto, Kawayu Onsen, Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route, Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara, Yunomine Onsen, Shingu, Kii-Katsuura Onsen, Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha, Nachi
Waterfall
Tour Overview
Kumano has long been considered the heart and soul of Japanese spirituality, and has been blessed with a rich and cultural and natural heritage, friendly locals, soothing
hot springs and delicious cuisine. It is the perfect destination for those people searching for an active, off-the-beaten-path, culturally immersive Japanese experience.
For more than 1000 years people from all levels of society have made the difficult pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodo. The walk itself was an integral part of the pilgrimage
process as they undertook rigorous religious rites of worship and purification along the way. The goal of the pilgrimage was simple: to visit and pay respects at the Hongu
Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and the Nachi Taisha, also known as the Kumano Sanzan. As the origins of the Kumano Pilgrimage were a combination of Buddhism, Shinto,
Shinto mythology and nature worshiop, the reasons for performing the pilgrimage were very complex.
The foundations of the pilgrimage were established 1,000 years ago when retired emperors and aristocrats from Kyoto’s Imperial Court started making the 600 mile (800
kilometer) journey in large numbers. Today, walking the ancient Kumano Kodo is an excellent way to experience the unique cultural landscape of Kumano’s spiritual
countryside. We will follow in the footsteps of those ancient pilgrims from Kyoto as we trace the history and heritage of the Kumano pilgrimage.
What This Tour Is and Is Not
This tour is not a trekking tour. Instead, it provides a high-level overview of the pilgrimage, including the most important destinations related to the pilgrimage. The tour
includes three walks along the most important and famous sections of the pilgrimage. The longest of these is about 7km, or about 5 miles (mostly downhill). (½ of this walk
is over pavement, and the other half is dirt trails.) The second walk is about 5 km (3 miles), all paved and flat, but there is a steep stone staircase to Kamakura Shrine. The
third walk is only about 3 km (about 2 miles), and on pavement, but there are numerous steps going up for the first half of the walk. The second half is downhill.
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Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Highlights
Kyoto
Kawayu Onsen
Shingu
Hayatama Taisha
Kamikura Shrine
Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route
Hongu Taisha
Oyunohara
Yunomine Onsen
Tsuboyu
Kii-Katsuura Onsen
Daimonzaka
Nachi Taisha
Nachi Waterfall
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Meet and overnight in Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 22
Travel to Kawayu Onsen, Overnight in Kawayu Onsen
D
DA
AYY 33
Walk along the Nakahechi Pilgrimage Trail, Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara, Yunomine Onsen
D
DA
AYY 44
Hayatama Taisha, Kamikura Jinja, Kii-Katsuura Onsen
D
DA
AYY 55
Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha and Nachi Waterfall
D
DA
AYY 66
Kyoto, Sayonara Dinner
D
DA
AYY 77
Sayonara
2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
05/17/2015 – 05/23
$1,994 / $294
Available
06/07/2015 – 06/13
$1,994 / $294
Available
10/11/2015 – 10/17
$1,994 / $294
Available
11/01/2015 – 11/07
$1,994 / $294
Available
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
05/15/2016 – 05/21
$1,994 / $294
Available
06/05/2016 – 06/11
$1,994 / $294
Available
10/09/2016 – 10/15
$1,994 / $294
Available
10/30/2016 – 11/05
$1,994 / $294
Available
2015 Dates
2016 Dates & Prices
2016 Dates
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KUMANO KODO TREKKING
1 0 Days
9 Nights
Destinations
Kyoto, Takijiri Oji, Takahara, Chikatsuyu , Tsugizakura, Hosshinmon Oji, Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara, Yunomine Onsen, Hyakkengura, Koguchi, Kii-Katsuura Onsen,
Nachi Taisha, Nachi Waterfall, Shingu
Tour Overview
Kumano has long been considered the heart and soul of Japanese spirituality, and has been blessed with a rich and cultural and natural heritage, friendly locals, soothing
hot springs and delicious cuisine. It is the perfect destination for those people searching for an active, off-the-beaten-path, culturally immersive Japanese experience.
For more than 1000 years people from all levels of society have made the difficult pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodo. The walk itself was an integral part of the pilgrimage
process as they undertook rigorous religious rites of worship and purification along the way. The goal of the pilgrimage was simple: to visit and pay respects at the Hongu
Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and the Nachi Taisha, also known as the Kumano Sanzan. As the origins of the Kumano Pilgrimage were a combination of Buddhism, Shinto,
Shinto mythology and nature worshiop, the reasons for performing the pilgrimage were very complex.
The foundations of the pilgrimage were established 1,000 years ago when retired emperors and aristocrats from Kyoto’s Imperial Court started making the 600 mile (800
kilometer) journey in large numbers. Today, walking the ancient Kumano Kodo is an excellent way to experience the unique cultural landscape of Kumano’s spiritual
countryside. We will follow in the footsteps of those ancient pilgrims from Kyoto as we trace the history and heritage of the Kumano pilgrimage. Join us as we trek for 5
days (38.2 miles/61.8 km) along the Nakahechi Pilgrimage Trail through beautiful forests, rural villages, past ancient sites of religious worship and rituals and enjoy some
of the best hospitality and food from the small minshuku and ryokan along the Nakahechi, as well as some of Japan’s best onsens.
What This Tour Is and Is Not
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This tour is a trekking tour. The tour will start at the Takijiri Oji and finish at the Nachi Taisha along the Nakahechi Pilgrimage route through the center of the Kii Peninsula in
Wakayama Prefecture. This will be done in 5 days of walking ranging from about 2 1/2 miles (4 km) to 11 miles (16 km), with most of the days in the 8 to 10 mile range (12
to 15 km). There are numerous mountain passes, but none of them are very high (they are all less than 3,000 feet or 1000 meters).
Please Note:
Because this tour uses smaller minshuku and ryokan, some of the accommodations do not have attached, en-suite bathroom facilities. Here is a breakdown of the number
of nights with private and shared bathroom facilities:
4 nights – Private attached bath and toilet
3 nights – Private attached toilet and shared bath
2 nights – Shared bath and toilet
Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Highlights
Hongu Taisha
Kyoto
Takijiri Oji
Oyunohara
Takahara
Takahara Jinja
Yunomine Onsen
Chikatsuyu
Chikatsuyu Oji
Hyakkengura
Koguchi
Kii-Katsuura Onsen
Nachi Taisha
Tsugizakura
Tsugizakura Oji
Nonaka-no-Shimizu
Hosshinmon Oji
Nachi Waterfall
Shingu
Kamikura Shrine
Hayatama Taisha
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Meet and overnight in Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 22
Travel to Takijiri Oji, Walk to Takahara
D
DA
AYY 33
Walk to Tsugizakura
D
DA
AYY 44
Bus to Kohiro, Walk to Hongu Taisha, Bus to Yunomine Onsen
D
DA
AYY 55
Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara, Yunomine Onsen
D
DA
AYY 66
Bus to Ukegawa, Walk to Koguchi, Overnight in Koguchi
D
DA
AYY 77
Walk to Nachi Taisha, Bus to Kii-Katsuura, Overnight at Kii-Katsuura Onsen
D
DA
AYY 88
Bus to Nachi, Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha and Waterfall
D
DA
AYY 99
Bus to Shingu, Kamikura Shrine and Hayatama Taisha, Return to Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 110
0
Sayonara
2015 Dates & Prices
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2015 Dates
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
05/24/2015 – 06/02
$2,994 / $394
Filling Fast
4 seats left
06/14/2015 – 06/23
$2,994 / $394
Available
10/18/2015 – 10/27
$2,994 / $394
Available
11/08/2015 – 11/17
$2,994 / $394
Available
2016 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
05/22/2016 – 05/31
$2,994 / $394
Available
06/12/2016 – 06/21
$2,994 / $394
Available
10/16/2016 – 10/25
$2,994 / $394
Available
11/06/2016 – 11/15
$2,994 / $394
Available
2016 Dates
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WINTER WONDERLAND
1 5 Days
14 Nights
Destinations
Tokyo, Sapporo, Abashiri, Kushiro, Nagano, Yudanaka Onsen, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Koya-san, Kyoto
Tour Overview
The weather outside may be frightful, but touring Japan in winter is delightful. After you see how beautiful Japan is blanketed in snow, you’ll be saying “Let is snow, let it
snow, let it snow.”
When you add the unique opportunities that only Japan winters offer with the small crowds, the result is an unforgettable travel experience. In the best that Japanese
winters have to offer, you’ll wander through the ice sculptures at the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, feast on all-you-can-eat grilled lamb and beer at the Sapporo
Beer Garden, slash through the ice flows in a ice-breaker boat in the infamous prison town of Abashiri, contemplate the nearly-extinct, Japanese Red-Crested cranes,
revered in Japanese culture, visit with the “snow monkeys” while they rest in thermally-heated mineral water to stay warm, explore quaint Takayama, visit the UNESCO
World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go with its many snow-covered, thatched-roof gassho-zukuri (praying hand) homes, stroll one of the best gardens in Japan made even
better covered with snow, stay overnight at snow-covered mountain-top Buddhist temple and attend the morning prayer service, participate in a traditional Japanese tea
ceremony, enjoy a private “Maiko” dinner party, enjoy four gourmet Kaiseki-style dinners as well as a Shojin-ryori (Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine) dinner and grilled lamb
dinner, and much, much more.
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Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Tour Factors
Cultural Immersion
High
Low
Pace
High
Low
Physical Activity
High
Low
Tour Highlights
Tokyo
Sapporo
Sapporo Snow Festival
Abashiri
Abashiri Ice Flow Museum
Abashiri Harbor Ice Flow Cruise
Kushiro
Crane Preserve
Nagano
Zenkoji
Yudanaka Onsen
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Takayama
Miya-gawa Morning Market
Jinya-mae Morning Market
Takayama Jinya
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go Open Air Museum
Kanazawa
Kenrokuen Garden
Koya-san
Buddhist Morning Prayer Service
Okuno-in Cemetery and Temple
Garan Temple Complex
Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Shrine
KiyomizuHigashiyama
Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
Private Maiko Dinner Party
Tour Itinerary
D
DA
AYY 11
Arrive Tokyo
D
DA
AYY 22
Fly to Sapporo, Sapporo
D
DA
AYY 33
Sapporo
D
DA
AYY 44
Sapporo, Abashiri
D
DA
AYY 55
Abashiri, Kushiro
D
DA
AYY 66
Kushiro, Kushiro Marshland
D
DA
AYY 77
Travel to Nagano
D
DA
AYY 88
Yudanaka Onsen
D
DA
AYY 99
Travel to Takayama
D
DA
AYY 110
0
Takayama
D
DA
AYY 1111
Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa
D
DA
AYY 1122
Kanzawa, Travel to Koya-san
D
DA
AYY 1133
Koya-san, Travel to Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 1144
Kyoto
D
DA
AYY 1155
Home
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2015 Dates & Prices
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
$3,994 / $494
Full
Price (land only) /
Single Supplement
Status
01/31/2016 – 02/14
$3,994 / $494
Available
02/07/2016 – 02/21
$3,994 / $494
Available
2015 Dates
02/01/2015 – 02/15
2016 Dates & Prices
2016 Dates
Thank you for downloading this PDF version of our tour.
Please visit our website at www.samuraitours.com/tours
for the most current dates, prices and information.
Contact Samurai Tours
W
WEEB
BSSIITTEE//EEM
MA
AIILL
www.samuraitours.com
[email protected]
USA CONTACT INFO
Toll-free: 1-866-316-SAMURAI
or 1-866-316-7268
Fax number: 720-210-5423
Samurai Tours
7900 East Union Ave, Suite 1100
Denver CO 80237
1/7/15, 5:41 PM
JAPAN CONTACT INFO
Call us: 075-361-7303
Samurai Tours
307 Yodokizu
Fushimi
Kyoto 613-0911 Japan
MEMBERSHIPS/ASSOCIATIONS
Better Business Bureau
American Society of Travel Agents
National Tour Association
Japan National Tourist Organization
JNTO-approved Japan Travel Specialist
Kyoto-fu Chijitoroku Ryokogyo 3-576/
Japanese Travel Agency License:
Kyoto Prefecture #3-576
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