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Begin your tour at Tokyo, the center of Japan. Since we will have ample opportunity to enjoy the traditional part of Japan in Kyoto and Nara, we will put more emphasis in Tokyo on the modern side of Japan. You can visit the state-of-the-art architecture, a wide variety of special interest shopping areas, and unique museums. Also, do not miss the attractive dining. There are numerous options, but a sushi experience at Tsukiji, one of the world's largest fish market, or at a fine sushi restaurant is a must.



Nagano and Gifu prefectures have abundant beautiful natural scenery. Although still lesser-known by foreigners, these areas are some of the hidden gems of Japan. You will encounter grand scenery as well as the provincial part of Japan where people's lifestyles are in harmony with natural blessings. Highlights include the Okuhida area, a picturesque hot spring town nestled in the Northern Alps area, Takayama, a beautiful historical town, and Shirakawago, a historical village famous for its thatched roof houses and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.



Kyoto and Nara are both old capitals of Japan, full of historical and cultural charms. For people who go to Kyoto for the first time, visiting several distinctive temples and shrines is a typical plan. In order for you to go beyond your expectations, however, you should also explore the not-so-major places, such as the beautiful gardens at a tranquil temple, a lively cobble-stone path, as well as smaller villages on the outskirt of the city. We have suggestions for you to enjoy peaceful moments. If you would like to relate to the Japanese culture, an memorable experience of craftworks can be arranged. Nara, another beautiful historical town, should be visited and stayed in for a few days. It is not as crowded as Kyoto, and you can feel the tranquil passage of time.

This seven day tour is created for culinary enthusiasts. Visiting the combination of Kanazawa, Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto, you will be able to experience a variety of Japanese food from the freshest sushi, tender Kobe beef, to traditional tofu cuisines. Feel the depth of food culture in Japan.

Chubu area, located at the center of Japan’s archipelago, has abundant spectacular natural scenery. Up in the Japan Alps mountains, lie unique traditional old towns of Japan. Enjoy the old post town, beautiful castle, and a historical village famous for thatched roof houses registered as the UNESCO World Heritage site. The grand scenery as well as pastoral landscape of Japan will make you feel like you are off the beaten tourists’ path. Many precious moments can be experienced such as immersing yourself in a hot spring nestled in the heart of North Alps area or eating local delicacies.

This five day tour is created to experience the abundant wildlife of Eastern Hokkaido for nature lovers. By rent-a-car, you will explore several national parks such as Kushiro, Shiretoko and Mashu. The area boasts the Japan’s dairy products and seafood.


Kushiro Wetland is under the Ramsar Treaty to protects the wetland and wild animals, especially birds. Drive to the view points and paddle your canoe in the river instructed by a naturalist guide, you might encounter red-crowned cranes, Japan’s national bird. Visit Lake Mashu called “Lake of God” by local Ainu people, a mysterious lake covered with fog most of the year. Also take a hike around a tranquil green lake in the mountains and after that, soak yourself in the hot spring in the lake. Shiretoko, recently designated area as an UNESCO World Heritage site, means “end of the earth” in Ainu language. Your naturalist guide will help you seek out the abundant wildlife that thrives in this protected peninsula by hiking. However, you'll have to watch out because the area is the home of Japan’s largest bear population. Also you might see deer, fox, whales, seals, white-tailed sea eagles, woodpeckers, sea birds and more. After a hike, dip in the wildest hot spring in Japan.
On the way to the airport, you will drive along the coast of Okhotsk Sea, leaving Shiretoko Peninsula.

Kyoto is where you will find the Japanese tradition passed on for many generations. Feel the history of this ancient capital by exploring the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage temples and shrines, quiet gardens, stone pavements, bamboo path, and old private houses. Also, take this opportunity to visit traditional craftsmen’s workshop to see the detailed work of art, taste the exquisite Kyoto-style cuisines, stroll through a lively market place where you will find food and crafts that are uniquely Kyoto, and experience the comfort in a first-class luxurious ryokan (Japanese traditional inn). This tour is designed for those who want to experience Kyoto in depth.

Yamagata, not well-known even among Japanese, is a place that must be visited for a few reasons. Yamagata is the only prefecture where every city or town has natural hot springs. Moreover, Yamagata is full of great nature. With the spectacular Zao mountains and pastoral landscape, Mr. Reischauer, the former US ambassador to Japan, described Yamagata as "another Japan" meaning a beautiful land which brings one's mind back to how Japan used to be in the old days. You can enjoy these attractiveness in about three hours train ride from Tokyo. It can be a 2 day weekend trip from Tokyo although longer stays will enable you to enjoy diversified aspects of this area.

This is a easy two days trip to see Japan's most famous symbol, Mt. Fuji. You can catch a view of Mt. Fuji riding on a bullet train, or even from Tokyo on an exeptionally clear day. However, the best view is probably from the Fuji Goko (Fuji Five Lakes) area during late autumn and winter season when the air is clear.



From Tokyo, the easiest way to get to Fuji Goko area is by car. Using the highways and local roads, you will reach one of the Fuji Goko, Kawaguhiko. If the weather is clear, you will be able to see the beautiful Mt. Fuji reflecting on the lake. Check in at a ryokan or a hotel near the lakeside and enjoy the view from your room or from an hot spring bath. A stroll around the lake is another enjoyable way to spend your time. Riding a ropeway up to the viewing platform, taking a walk to a shrine which was a must for pilgims to visit before climbing Mt. Fuji, canoeing, or fishing are popular activities.

For those who would like to get away from the bustle of Tokyo city life or experience staying at a Japanese ryokan (inn) for a night, Hakone is a perfect place for you. You can relax in a hot spring bath at the ryokan, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.



Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto by bullet train and Hakone Tozan Railway. It is easy to reach Hakone from Tokyo and the transportation network is well developed within Hakone. Begin walking through the town where you will find local food and traditional crafts such as fish, onsen-manjyu (steamed bread with bean paste), soba (buckweat noodle), and yosegizaiku, complex mosaic wooden boxes or trays. Check in at the ryokan, take a hot spring bath and relax for the rest of your afternoon. Enjoy a traditional Japanese full course dinner which is served in your room.



Enjoy riding a cable car and a ropeway to explore the nature of Hakone. Get off at Owakudani and walk around the dynamic volcanic vent. White steam of vapor and hydrogen sulfide is constantly coming out from more than 80 holes. Continue with the ropeway ride and you will reach Ashinoko Lake. If you are lucky and have nice weather, you will be able to see Mt. Fuji refelecting on the water. Enjoy going across the lake on a large pleasure boat and head back to Tokyo by bus and bullet train.

Design your own tour of Tokyo or the surrounding area of Tokyo with an English-speaking licensed tour guide. Just tell us beforehand, or tell the guide on the day of your tour, where you would like to visit. We will arrange an unforgettable trip for you. We can certainly give you some first-hand knowledge and arrange the places according to your interests. Our licensed guides will flexibly correspond to your needs.

Visit a temple that was first built as an imperial villa, but became a temple in 1291. Its main building is famous for a rock garden.



Enjoy Yudofu (hot tofu boiled in kelp broth). In order to make good tofu, clear water is necessary. Fortunately, Kyoto is blessed with abundant clear water, so you can enjoy delicious yudofu.



Stroll the narrow backstreets. There are many souvenir shops that you can visit. This area is especially known for its beautiful pottery, Kiyomizuyaki. Your guide will take you to stylish shops.



Visit a World Cultural Heritage temple founded in 778. The main hall has a platform projecting over a precipice, which commands a panoramic view of Kyoto.



Visit a machiya townhouse built in the 18th century as a kimono warehouse. Take a tour of this machiya, see antique furniture, and kimonos dating back nearly 120 years, and experience a tea ceremony. You can have exceptional authentic Japanese experience and learn more about Japanese culture.

Visit a temple that was first built as an imperial villa, but became a temple in 1291. Its main building is famous for a rock garden.



Enjoy Yudofu (hot tofu boiled in kelp broth). In order to make good tofu, clear water is necessary. Fortunately, Kyoto is blessed with abundant clear water, so you can enjoy delicious yudofu.



Stroll the narrow backstreets. There are many souvenir shops that you can visit. This area is especially known for its beautiful pottery, Kiyomizuyaki. Your guide will take you to stylish shops.



Visit a World Cultural Heritage temple founded in 778. The main hall has a platform projecting over a precipice, which commands a panoramic view of Kyoto.



Visit a machiya townhouse built in the 18th century as a kimono warehouse. Take a tour of this machiya, see antique furniture, and kimonos dating back nearly 120 years, and experience a tea ceremony. You can have exceptional authentic Japanese experience and learn more about Japanese culture.

Design your own tour of Kamakura with an English-speaking licensed tour guide. Give us information on what kind of activities or what type of food you would like to experience. If you do not have much information about places to see, we can certainly give you some first-hand knowledge and arrange the places according to your interests.

Book the best ryokans in Kyoto and Nara. These luxury ryokans will enhance the pleasure of your stay in old capitals in Japan, Kyoto and Nara.

Sanin (pronounced San-in) is situated on the western part of the mainland Japan along the Sea of Japan. The area covers the diversity of tradition and culture. Matsue, Izumo, Iwamiare the most popular places to visit in Sanin area.

Travel to Tohoku (Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata and Fukushima), Northern part of Honshu-mainland of Japan is designed to fully appreciate unspoiled countryside of Japan. The area is loved by Japanese people for the time-honored scenery and tradition. There are many historical towns with Samurai houses, Sake breweries, important temples as well as splendid nature of volcano lakes, mountains, islands, hot springs and more.

Sushi in Locals




In Autumn of 2007, Tokyo proudly received 8 Michelin three-star restaurants and 191 stars in total, outpacing the city of Paris. In the history of Michelin guide, it is the first time to see that Japanese restaurants including Sushi, Tempura, Kaiseki received stars.



Sushi was originally developed as a preserved food in Japan. Sushi was indicated in the book about 1300 years ago. Since then, Sushi has been the most popular food in Japan. If you love Sushi, it is fun to check local Sushis.

Japan has a rich tradition of Matsuri festivals. Matsuri is held to pray for abundant harvest, purify villages or towns or simply just for fun. Most festivals are sponsored by a local shrine or temple. The style of Matsuri is various, such as marching with floats at night, dancing on the streets, the parade of gigantic lantern, and more. Michi Travel Japan would like to introduce some festivals in Japan to experience Japanese spirit.

We are pleased to offer you special tours including visits to Japanese gardens.

Here are some articles that Michi Travel Japan was mentioned in.
Michi Travel Japan’s dinner plan with geisha performance in Kagurazaka was featured in Reuters’ article, and was wired across the world. Major newspapers such a International Herald Tribune and Washington post carried this story.

According to the Michelin Tokyo Resaurant Guide, Tokyo is one of the most gourmet cities in the world, with 150 restaurants receiveing the stars. The number is more than what New York or Paris has received.



A Canadian writer, Mark Schatzker, took a flight to Tokyo to see and taste for himself if this feat as true. Michi Travel Japan arranged a 3 day Tokyo Gourmet Tour for him to experience all kinds of gourmet spots from one of the largest fish market in the world, the kitchen of a Soba (buckweat noodle) restaurant, a district with established food shops such as tofu stores and shabu-shabu restaurants, to high-class fruit stores. Mark has put his experience in words for Globe and Mail, a national newspaper in Canada.

When you are in Japan, we strongly recommend experiencing Japanese hospitality by staying at one of our recommended ryokans, Japanese-style hotel. You will be able to see unique architecture, gardens, traditional culture, and authentic cuisines.

Mt. Fuji has been loved by Japanese people, as seen in the Japanese Ukiyoe art and novels in old days. Nowadays, as a symbol of Japan, the highest peak at 3,776 meters has attracted Japanese people as well as foreign travelers. Here are some tips to enjoy Mt. Fuji.