Kadensho offers a full service for planning and organising your itinerary, and you are only responsible for your own transport to and from Japan. With all else within the country – accommodation, travel, activities and sustenance – we will provide expert advice and organisation.

The entire time you are in Japan, you will be accompanied by a guide fluent in Japanese, who will provide an insider’s experience of this complex country and its culture, as well as attending to the smooth running of all practical matters.

THE PROCESS:

We’ll begin with a free Zoom consultation, of around an hour, to discuss your interests and objectives, as well as looking at schedules and talking in more detail about how we will make your journey to Japan a reality. If you would then like to proceed, we will draw up a draft itinerary and cost estimate.

COST:

The price of a tour will depend on the agreed itinerary, and covers set-up and guide fee, local assistance, all land transport within Japan, all accommodation, all meals, entry fees and donations, insurance, and portable wifi. A budget will be drawn up from an initial consultation to discuss your interests and objectives. Costs will be quoted and invoiced in GBP.

ACCOMMODATION:

This can vary from seven-star international hotels to traditional Japanese inns (and everything in between). The choice should be what is suitable and comfortable for you.

TRAVEL:

In the cities this can be via private vehicle, public transport and walking, or any combination thereof. Between Tokyo and Kyoto the journey is by Shinkansen Bullet Train.

MEALS:

A “gourmet tour of Tokyo” is almost an oxymoron. The standard of food in Japan is uniformly high, and the Japanese are rightly proud of their Shoku Bunka or food culture. Whether it’s the freshest sushi in Tokyo’s Suitengū area or a comforting bowl of Karé Raisu in a neighbourhood café, we will guide you through the best of the huge array of Japanese cuisine on offer. And of course, all dietary needs and appetites can be catered for.

WHEN: 

Fixing a schedule that works for both of us will be part of the initial consultation. Japan can be visited at any time of the year. Spring and Autumn are peak tourist seasons, while winter and summer can offer respite from crowds. July and August are hot and humid, but even during the dog days there are pleasant ways to help bear the heat. In every season, even outside those of the cherry or autumn leaves, there are camellia, azalea, wisteria, and vivid greens adding colour to the Japanese landscape.