“A la carte” Tours
You’d rather choose the individual stages of your Japan adventure yourself? Well, you’ve come to the right place. For each region you will find a list of 3/4-day modules that you can combine freely to create a complete tour.
And if, on the one hand, you would prefer to discover the attractions of the large Japanese cities yourself but, on the other hand, you would like to explore the small islands accompanied by a guide who speaks Japanese, then you simply have to add a couple of my modules to your tour!
Select the region and the modules and I’ll put together a truly custom made tour for you!
All listed prices are for guided tours in a group of 6 persons, on half-board.
All my tours start and end in Japan. Flight not included.
SHIKOKU 四国
Shikoku (literally translated: “four provinces”) is the smallest of the four main islands of Japan. Spiritual centre, former hideaway of disgraced dignitaries and home of Japan’s most famous revolutionary, Ryoma Sakamoto, without whom modern Japan would never have existed – Shikoku is a magical place! It is the perfect destination for lovers of untamed nature, history-steeped locations and delicious local products.
Turtles, temples and tempests
Explore the Pacific coast of Shikoku and sample the fruits of the ocean. On the way, spiritual immersion along the famous 88-temple pilgrim trail. You then visit Kochi, the history-steeped city with southern flair.
Stages: Ôsaka – Hiwasa – Muroto – Kochi
Duration: 4 days/4 nights
Price: from €940
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Hiwasa bateaux de pêche
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Home of revolutionaries and a mysterious valley
Stroll through Kochi’s Sunday market and visit the most beautiful tourist attractions of the surrounding area. History lesson with the Japanese Che Guevara at Katsura-Hama, one of the most famous beaches in Japan, and sampling the delicacies of Tosa. Then a trip to the heart of one of Shikoku’s hidden natural treasures.
Stages: Kochi – Ôboke – Iya Valley
Duration: 3 days/3 nights
Price: from €895
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Deep gorges and olives in the land of soy sauce
Adventure in Shodoshima, the spiritual little sister of Shikoku at the centre of the Seto Inland Sea. This jewel of nature is renowned for the quality of its local produce. Then, on the way back, visit to Japan’s largest castle in Himeji.
Stages: Ôboke – Shodoshima – Himeji – Kobe – Ôsaka
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Price: from €760
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Exile in a green paradise
Journey deep into the Iya Valley, the green refuge of disgraced dignitaries: spectacular gorges, delicious vegetarian cuisine, liana bridges and pilgrim trails. Finally, return to civilisation in Kochi, the historical and cultural centre of Shikoku.
Stages: Ôsaka – Ôboke – Iya Valley – Kochi
Duration: 3 days/3 nights
Price: from €855
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Ôboke rivière
Iya glycine, pont et rivière
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The cape at “Land’s End”
Historical and cultural tour of Kochi, followed by a trip into nature as far as Ashizuri, the untamed southern tip of Shikoku. On the way: coastal roads with fabulous seascapes, unforgettable mountain panoramas and tasty dishes.
Stages: Kochi – Susaki – Ashiruzi
Duration: 4 days/4 nights
Price: from €1,040
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Phallic cult, thermal bliss and journey back in time to the old Japan
In Uwajima, visit to the exhilarating fertility shrine, a vestige of Japanese sexual freedom. Then relaxation in the hot springs of Matsuyama, the city that was the inspiration for Botchan, the famous novel by Natsume Soseki. Followed by a foray into the Meiji period at Uchiko, formerly a prosperous centre of wax production.
Stages: Ashizuri – Uwajima – Matsuyama – Ôsaka
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
Price: from €910
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KYUSHU 九州
Kyushu (literally translated: “nine provinces”) is the southernmost of Japan’s main islands. Due to its proximity to the Korean peninsula, Kyushu has over the centuries frequently been influenced by Asia and Europe. It hosts numerous volcanoes and is therefore a true paradise for hikers and fans of hot springs. History and culture enthusiasts will also have plenty to see and enjoy as today’s Japanese civilisation has its roots on Kyushu.
Urban jungle and trip to the south
Culinary and cultural excursion to the underrated districts of Ôsaka before taking the ferry to south Kyushu. There, exploration of the southern tip of the island and relaxation in the warm sand baths of Ibusuki.
Stages: Ôsaka – Shibushi – Cape Sata – Ibusuki
Duration: 4 days/4 nights
Price: from €995
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In the midst of volcanoes
This region really is Vulcan’s Forge! First of all, climb to the top of Kaimondake, extinct volcano with a wonderful view of the bay of Ibusuki. Then, walk across the solidified lava fields of Mount Sakurajima, the “urban” active volcano of Kagoshima. Followed by relaxation in an onsen of the Kirishima volcano range.
Stages: Ibusuki – Kagoshima – Kirishima
Duration: 3 days/3 nights
Price: from €760
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Shinto mythology and end of the journey
According to legend, the messenger of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, descended from heaven at Takachiho, one of the peaks of the Kirishima mountain range. After climbing this sacred mountain, you return to earth in Miyazaki to marvel at the beautiful scenery of the Nichinan coast before taking the ship back to Kansai.
Stages: Kirishima – Miyazaki – Kobe – Ôsaka
Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Price: from €1,145
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Urban and culinary excursion
Stroll through the streets and religious sites of Ôsaka, sample the specialties of this gastronomic city before taking the ferry to the northern tip of the island of Kyushu. In Fukuoka, visit the yatai (food stalls) and discover unusual culinary offerings influenced by Korean and Chinese cuisine.
Stages: Ôsaka – Kita-Kyushu – Fukuoka
Duration: 3 days/3 nights
Price: from €695
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1 atomic bomb and 99 islands
Nagasaki. Since August 9 1945, this old port will forever be associated with nuclear horror. Discover the other aspects of this city strongly influenced by many different cultures, both Asian and European. Then, travel to the north-western tip of Kyushu, home to one of the most beautiful national parks of Japan, Kujuku-Shima (“99 Islands”). Enjoy the unspoilt nature and explore these wonderful coastal landscapes by ship.
Stages: Fukuoka – Nagasaki
Duration: 2 days/2 nights
Price: from €510
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Fire mountains and thermal “hells”
Unzen and Aso are the most active volcanoes of the region. Walk across the solidified lava fields of Unzen and the lunar landscape of Aso. To help you recuperate from your exertions, several relaxing sessions in the soothing baths of the many local hot springs are planned :-).
Stages: Nagasaki – Kumamoto – Aso – Kurokawa
Duration: 4 days/4 nights
Price: from €890
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Kyushu’s largest bathtub
Beppu is the world’s most geothermically active city. It has no less than 3000 onsen and is the perfect place to end a tour of Kyushu. Between two bathing sessions, you will visit the volcanic peninsula of Kunisaki, home of the interfaith Rokugo Manzan sect with its many temples and shrines situated in middle of nature.
Stages: Beppu – Kishiwada – Ôsaka (KIX)
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
Price: from €950
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KANSAI 関西
This region is the cultural, historical and industrial heart of Japan. It hosts the cities of Ôsaka, Kobe and Kyoto that form a dense metropolitan complex similar to London but has about twice as many inhabitants. Kyoto is a must for anyone visiting the “Land of the Rising Sun” for the first time – a gigantic open-air museum and a timeless witness to Japan’s past. However, the former capital is just one of the many fascinating places of Kansai. Discover other aspects of this region, from urban treasures to sacred mountains.
Kyoto in a different way
Set up your base camp in Kyoto and set off on an adventure into the mountains surrounding Japan’s former capital. On the tour plan: the wonders of Japanese handcraft, sacred sites in the middle of nature, mountain villages with delicious local produce, “Storm Mountain” and wild monkeys.
Stages: Kyoto
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Price: from €900
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Ôsaka – gourmet city with underrated talents
You enjoy a good meal, you’re not afraid of crowds and you’re a fan of “old school” mangas? Then you’ll love Ôsaka! Explore the interesting hidden corners of Kansai’s capital and, at the same time, discover the immense diversity of the local cuisine.
Stages: Ôsaka
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Price: from €790
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The realm of cherry trees and Shinto gods
Yoshino and Ise, nature and spirituality. 30,000 blossoming trees in the middle of the mountains and the largest sacred site directly next to the sea. Delicious abalone and a fantastic range of rice cakes. You definitely won’t regret going on this tour!
Stages: Ôsaka – Yoshino – Ise
Duration: 4 days/4 nights
Price: from €915
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The 3 sacred mountains of Kumano
Kumano Sanzan is a perfect example demonstrating the ecumenism of Japanese faiths. Kumano, sacred site of Shintoism, is also a Buddhist centre of pilgrimage – two faiths coexisting in complete harmony. On your path to enlightenment, relax in the hot springs and enjoy the forerunners of today’s sushi.
Stages: Ise – Shingu – Yunomine Onsen
Duration: 3 days/3 nights
Price: from €730
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Hidden springs and 117 reasons to pray
At the heart of the Kii peninsula, immerse yourself in the soothing baths of Ryujin Onsen and collect your thoughts ready for prayer on Koya-San, the sacred Buddhist mountain.
Stages: Yunomine Onsen – Ryujin Onsen – Koya-San – Kishiwada
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
Price: from €900
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