Planning a trip to Japan can be incredibly exciting, and for our 20@9 adventure, we opted for a balanced approach: combining the structure of a small group tour with the freedom of independent exploration. Using resources readily available online, we crafted an itinerary that suited our interests. So positive was our experience that we’ve booked a similar trip for next year with the same Japan Travel Company, extending our journey with four nights in Kyoto at the beginning and four nights near Tokyo to visit friends at the end.
Our chosen tour was far from passive; it was an active journey that included daily walks ranging from 2 to 9 miles. The group was intimate, just seven travelers plus our guide, allowing for a personalized experience. Accommodation was a highlight, featuring charming small inns in rural areas and comfortable hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo. And the food? Absolutely amazing, offering a true taste of Japan. Beyond the invigorating walks, we immersed ourselves in Japanese culture. This included an overnight stay in a serene Buddhist temple lodging on Mt. Koya, two nights in a luxurious ryokan complete with a rejuvenating onsen for traditional bathing, and interactive culinary experiences like a “make your own sushi” lunch and another memorable lunch where the innkeeper serenaded us. We also enjoyed a sake tasting and a traditional tea ceremony, amongst other unique moments.
https://www.mtsobek.com/trips/asia/japan/japan-kyoto-to-tokyo-walking/
This type of experience, while representing a higher investment than a larger, more general tour like Odyssey’s Unlimited tour, offers a significantly different style of travel. The smaller group size fosters more intimate and authentic encounters. We never felt like we were just another face in a crowd of tourists being herded around popular sites. Instead, it felt like exploring Japan with a close-knit group of friends, guided by someone who expertly handled all the logistics and provided deep insights into the local culture and history. For those seeking a richer, more personal journey, selecting the right japan travel company specializing in small group tours can make all the difference.
When comparing tour options, it’s important to carefully review the details of tour dates and pricing. For instance, Odyssey’s “Insiders Japan” tour is advertised as 13 days, but this duration includes three travel days. As airfare is often included and crossing the international dateline involves losing a day, the actual time spent experiencing Japan is closer to 10 days, though you do receive 11 nights of lodging. Similarly, the MTS tour we participated in was described as 11 days, which also factored in arrival and departure days. The active tour portion spanned 9 days with 10 nights of accommodation. This method of counting tour days is common practice in the industry, so understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate price comparisons and ensuring you choose the japan travel company and tour that best meets your expectations for time and experience in Japan.
