There is nowhere else in the world like Japan.  Rich in tradition and culture, dynamic cities, small villages, beautiful countryside, and above all, safe and friendly. We want to have fun, see all the sights, stay energised, have free time and enjoy the excitement of the cities and the calmness of the countryside. Your itinerary is flexible. If you want a free day or want to go somewhere different it will all be possible. For maximum flexibility we meet in Tokyo so you can join from anywhere. I have researched and experienced so many aspects of Japan that I will share with you. Locals, friends and family will join us, adding a richness and personal touch, as we travel through Japan

Sakura Cherry Blossoms (April 2020)

Family and Friends focused with maximum 6 people for a 14 or 20 day Spring season tour.  The 20 day plan adds an extra 7 days to enjoy a temple stay and explore further afield.  

We meet in the thrilling city of Tokyo and spend the next 5 nights here exploring the city and venturing further afield.  Enjoy the cherry blossoms at some of Tokyo's most famous and not so famous viewing spots.  Every day is carefully planned to enjoy the sights, culture and people of Japan's capital.  But you can always leave us and have a great explore on your own and put your navigation skills to the test on the Tokyo subway system.

Next adventure starts in Nagano prefecture.  Spend 2 nights in Shiojiri, a small town, exploring Matsumoto and the Kiso Road (the old Samurai trail).  This is a great local experience, enjoy soba noodle making and eating.  You will also visit Matsumoto Castle (the Black Crow castle) and one of Japan's only 3 original castles, the Art Museum here has a wonderful collection of Yayoi Kusama's works as she was born in Matsumoto.  Private driver in Nagano.

Then we are off to the cultural capital, Kyoto, and stay here 4 nights.  Explore Kyoto temples, shrines and gardens, visit Nara and the opportunity to visit nearby Himeji, Kobe and Osaka.  Kyoto is a very busy destination so discovering gardens, temples and places to eat that take us off the beaten track are a must.  Nara is the original capital of Japan and was home to the largest wooden building in the world Todaiji temple until the late 1980s.  Sacred deer wander freely in Nara.

Visit Hiroshima and spend time reflecting at the Atomic Dome, the various memorials in the park and the Museum.  Afterwards travel to Miyajima island to see the floating torii gate and Itsukushima shrine before arriving in Fukuoka, Auckland's sister city for the last 2 nights of our Japan experience.  This is the conclusion of the 2 week tour.

13 nights we cover Tokyo and environs, Matsumoto, Kiso Road, Nagano, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Fukuoka.

3 week tour.  Add an extra week for an exciting new option.  An extra night in Fukuoka offers the chance to travel further to Nagasaki or see more of Fukuoka and the fabulous shopping here.  Next stay 2 nights in a Buddhist temple on Koyasan to relax, calm your mind and enjoy temple food.  Koyasan is easily explored on foot and the Okunoin graveyard is a surreal experience either during the day or at night.  2 nights in Kanazawa, known as Little Kyoto, wraps up Japan nicely.  Kanazawa is famous for Kenrokuen one Japan's 3 most beautiful gardens, Kanazawa castle, the 21st Contemporary Art Museum, Omicho market, lovely old tea houses in the geisha district.   Return to Tokyo for 1 night before your departure.

Next date Monday 31 March 2020.  Please contact me louise@zouzou.co.nz for details and outline of the itinerary.  

This is a small travel group, maximum 6 people.  We are using the most efficient hi-tech transport systems - Shinkansen bullet train, Metro, local trains, trams, ferries, private vehicles. We stay in stylish hotels, enjoy delicious food, interact with local people and have a culturally rich experience.  Single or double/twin rooms.  Arrangements made for luggage transportation when necessary.

Price:
2 weeks NZ$8150pp  US$5380  (This is a small travel group, maximum 6 people)
3 weeks NZ$10,950pp  US$7230 (This is a small travel group, maximum 6 people)
Does not included airfares, airport transfers, personal spending, and travel insurance.

“When cherry blossoms / Scatter …/No regrets” Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828) Haiku master.