In the land where the sun first awakes,
A land of beauty, Japan, it takes.
From Tokyo's throbbing neon streets,
To Kyoto's temples where serenity meets,
Tradition and modernity dance hand in hand,
In this ancient land where wonders expand.
Sushi delights we love to explore,
Delicate flavors, yearning for more.
With grace and reverence, we'll always adore,
The land where tradition and dreams galore.
A thoughtfully-designed itinerary of the best of Japan, perfect for first-timers and repeat visitors alike!
Pass through the majestic Kaminarimon Gate and journey back in time at Sensō-ji Temple, where ancient traditions and lively festivities blend with the fragrant whispers of Tokyo's oldest Buddhist sanctuary.
Follow the rhythm of the taiko drums and strike the drums yourself, immersing yourself in the vibrant spirit of Japan’s festival culture through powerful beats and shared participation.
Visit the birthplace of the lucky cat, where thousands of white maneki-neko line the temple grounds. Make a wish and enjoy a peaceful retreat amid Tokyo’s tranquil charm.
Visit Suzuhiro Kamaboko Village in Odawara and learn to make steamed and grilled kamaboko under the guidance of skilled artisans, then enjoy the fresh taste and springy texture of your creation.
Ride the ropeway across a dramatic volcanic valley, taking in sweeping mountain views and, on clear days, the iconic silhouette of Mt. Fuji in the distance. Explore Owakudani, where volcanic steam rises from the earth and the scent of sulfur lingers in the air, then sample the region’s famous black eggs cooked in natural hot springs.
Cruise across Lake Ashi aboard Hakone’s sightseeing vessel, taking in views of the surrounding mountains and Mt. Fuji from an elegant Japanese-inspired setting.
Create your own Yosegi marquetry piece under the guidance of a skilled artisan. Assemble intricate wood patterns by hand and experience the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship through every grain and detail.
Tucked into the mountains near Kyoto, the Miho is a hidden gem designed by I.M. Pei, where architecture and nature converge. With most of its structure hidden underground, the museum is a quiet celebration of environmental harmony.
Should the museum be closed, we'll visit Sanjusangendo, or historic Nijo Castle.
Experience the serene beauty of the bamboo path where towering emerald bamboo and whispering winds create a captivating atmosphere.
Visit the icon of Kyoto, the "Golden Pavilion," covered with gold foil.
Learn about an elegant traditional Kyoto artform and create your own keepsake with a fun crafting experience.
Ascend the pilgrimage path for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Kyoto at your feet.
Under the guidance of artisans from a century-old tea house, grind tencha leaves by hand using a traditional stone mill and savor your own freshly made matcha. From the aroma of tea to the spirit of hospitality, discover the refined aesthetics of Kyoto living.
Enjoy free time to explore Kyoto at your own pace—browse historic shops, savor local sweets, or wander charming streets while discovering the city’s timeless charm and unhurried rhythm.
Step into the enchanting park, where serene temples meet frolicking deer, all set against the backdrop of Japan's timeless natural beauty.
Travel to Japan's first capital. Stand in awe in the presence of one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. Interact with temple deer, known as messengers of the gods in Shinto belief.
Step into the vibrant heart of Osaka's retro charm at Tennoji Shinsekai, where the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower winks amidst nostalgic streets lined with tantalizing street food and quirky shops, all beckoning for an unforgettable cultural adventure!
The choice of world leaders, diplomats, and foreign dignitaries, this iconic and prestigious five-star hotel features an impressive setting overlooking the lush Imperial Palace Gardens and is walking distance to Tokyo's most affluent Ginza and Marunouchi neighborhoods. This hotel has been awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for luxury and service several years in a row and Travel + Leisure's Worlds Best Awards.
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32 m² (344 ft²)
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110 x 205 cm * 2 Bed
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170 x 205 cm * 1 Bed
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A Timeless Legacy of Luxury
Established in 1878, Fujiya Hotel is a historic icon of luxury in Hakone, having welcomed Japanese royalty, world leaders, and distinguished guests, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Charlie Chaplin, and John Lennon. Seamlessly blending Western elegance with Japanese hospitality, the hotel offers breathtaking scenic views, rejuvenating hot spring baths, and exquisite fine dining. Steeped in history and charm, it remains a refined retreat where tradition and sophistication meet.
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41 m² (441 ft²)
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120 x 203 cm * 2 Bed
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N/A
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Surrounded by tranquil mountains, the Yumotokan is a Ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) featuring hot springs baths and stunning views of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. Ogoto Onsen, the local hot springs for the hotel, has been supplying natural mineral-rich water for 1200 years.
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Japanese Tatami Room
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40 m² (431 ft²)
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100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed
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N/A
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Centrally-located in Kyoto city, the Okura is within walking distance from Gion, popular restaurants, and exciting shopping areas. It is a Kyoto icon and has long been regarded by locals as one of the best places to stay in the city.
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37 m² (398 ft²)
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120 x 210 cm * 2 Bed
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180 x 210 cm * 1 Bed
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Known as one of Osaka's best luxury hotels, the Imperial Osaka is located near Osaka Castle on the cherry tree-lined Okawa River in a relaxing, resort-like setting. Free shuttle service to Osaka Station is available as well as complimentary bikes to explore the area (10-min. ride to Osaka Castle).
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30 m² (323 ft²)
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105 x 205 cm * 2 Bed
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160 x 205 cm * 1 Bed
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The whole experience was seamless. Supera seems to be a very good company with good prompt feedback at the planning stage. Eriko was an outstanding tour guide. She was knowledgeable, helpful, funny, kind, and incredibly hardworking. I cannot speak too highly of her. The food and accommodation surpassed my expectations, as did the way the company structured the tour. I highly recommend this Japan tour with Eriko.
Supera Tours provided us with an amazing experience in Japan. Our tour guide, Miki, was extremely friendly and supportive throughout the entire trip and even helped find our missing bag we accidentally left in the Tokyo train. Highly recommended!
This tour was fantastic. The founders (of the company) are foodies, as we were told, and it showed. The tour itself was terrific and well organized, and on top of that, the restaurant and other food choices, etc. were just stellar.
Travelled with my sons, aged 18 and 21, who enjoyed it as much as I did. Accommodations were very comfortable. Food was amazing, unique, local and plentiful. The sites - temples, shrines, castles and museums - were incredible and well chosen - and the timing to avoid crowds was perfect. Our guide Eriko was kind, accommodating and very knowledgable about 2000 years of Empirical and Shogunate history. I could not recommend this tour more, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Supera really impressed me, even last-minute repairing my air travel SNAFU. I'll book with them again (maybe Peru later this year?)
My wife and I recently enjoyed the Japan Classic Tour. At first, we doubted Super Value's veracity, as what they offered seemed too good to be true for the asking price. Comparable tour companies paled in tour value and substantially exceeded SV's costs. But SV delivered in every way possible: stellar hotels, superior transportation, excellent and abundant authentic Japanese meals, interesting venues and local tours, and unique country special offerings (such as visits to Onsen, traditional baths; famous gardens; and a night at a Ryokan). Above all, SV - - in this case Tour Guide Eriko - - provided the most careful, attentive and personal service to each and every guest imaginable or possible. Eriko is university educated, smart, witty, pleasant, with excellent knowledge of Japanese history, culture, art and modern traditions. Her English was near flawless. Far above and beyond any expectations, Eriko worked tirelessly to ensure every guest's personal comfort, particularly regarding meals, accommodations and airport transfers. We highly recommend Super Value [now Supera Tours] and tour guide, par excellence, Eriko.
My wife and I recently returned from the Japan Classics-10 day tour. We had a great time! Our tour guide, Eriko Kimura, is the best!! She was well organized, always friendly, and extremely helpful to everyone in the tour. She did a good job explaining the history, traditions, and customs of Japan. She went over and beyond what you might expect a tour guide to do. The hotels were very, very nice. The variety of experiences was amazing. Even sleeping on the floor on futons and tatami mats was surprisingly comfortable. What a great variety of delicious, glorious food! The tour is great for first-timers to Japan. It gives you a nice variety of experiences and leaves you ready for a return trip. Did I mention that Eriko is the best!!!
We used Super Value Tours for a trip to Japan in May/June 2019. Our guide, Miki, was excellent: very organized & super efficient in managing all our rooms, transportation, setting up meal reservations, very mindful of food allergies/preference, & giving directions to places of interest (in addition to the scheduled tour) or for transportation at the end of the tour. She was great in relaying history, culture, & whatever questions we threw her way. We stayed at very nice hotels & had impressive meals which we probably would not have afforded on our own. The itinerary was great & we hit the major sites of interest plus a few extra fun stuff like dressing up in kimonos or as samurai, & a workshop on dyeing a keepsake with multi stencils. We have now joined our friends as major fans of Super Value Tours & hope to use this tour group for trips in the future.
My wife and I have visited all 7 continents and over 50 countries. This is the first travel review I have ever posted. We took the Japan Classics Tour in September 2019. It was wonderful. Our tour guide was Eriko. She was amazing. She was organized, caring, encouraging, hard working, and extremely knowledgeable. I could go on. I think she was the best tour guide we have ever had. We loved her. Everything about the tour was first class. The food was great. The hotels were fantastic. The buses were top notch. Unlike most tours, we were provided great meals 3 times a day. There were absolutely no corners cut. Everything was paid for. It was apparent that Eriko was afforded superb support by her people back in the "office". Everything ran like clock-work. The itinerary was excellent. It was apparent that it was thought out. We could not have been more pleased. We would highly recommend this tour...