Your exclusive two-day journey begins in the morning with pick-up from your hotel in Tokyo. Designed for travelers who wish to experience Japan beyond the typical tourist attractions, this tour offers an immersive introduction to the country's rich culture, traditions, and heritage. Your experienced licensed English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Tokyo Station, where you will board the Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Ueda in Nagano Prefecture. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfortable 90-minute journey aboard Japan's world-famous high-speed train as you leave the bustling city behind and head toward the beautiful Japanese countryside. Note: We offer pick-up service from most accommodations located in central Tokyo or within Tokyo’s 23 wards. We may also be able to arrange pick-up from hotels outside Tokyo for an additional fee.

After a relaxing journey aboard Shinkansen (bullet train), you will arrive in the historic city of Ueda, located in Nagano Prefecture. Nagano is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant local produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables. The prefecture also gained international recognition as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Upon arrival, your professional driver will greet you with a comfortable luxury minivan (vehicle type depends on the size of your group). From there, you will travel approximately 20 minutes to the charming town of Sakaki, where your first cultural experience awaits. Throughout the tour, your experienced licensed English-speaking guide will share fascinating stories and insights into the region's history, traditions, and local way of life. Even while traveling between destinations, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, making the journey itself an enriching part of your experience.

Meet One of Japan's Most Renowned Swordsmiths and Experience Samurai Sword Forging. Master Kozaemon Yukihira Miyairi, former president of the All Japan Swordsmith Association, inherited his craft from his late father, Yukihira Miyairi, a Living National Treasure of Japan. During this rare and exclusive experience, you will have the opportunity to meet the master in person and enter his private forge — a place often described as sacred, normally closed to the public. There, you will witness the extraordinary process of crafting a samurai sword from raw tamahagane steel entirely by hand. Master Miyairi is often described as a “sculptor of the soul.” As you observe his work, you will realize that he is not simply a renowned artisan, but an artist who breathes spirit and life into steel, preserving the beauty, philosophy, and soul of Japan’s samurai culture.

Traditional Japanese-style lunch at Konokonbou Shukubou Your first meal on this exclusive tour is shōjin cuisine, a traditional Japanese Buddhist vegetarian meal originally served at temples and shukubō (temple lodgings for monks and worshippers). The word shōjin literally means devotion, diligence, or spiritual discipline. The philosophy behind shōjin cuisine is to live simply and mindfully while avoiding unnecessary harm to living things. For this reason, shōjin cuisine is typically prepared without meat or fish. The meal served here is beautifully arranged and individually presented in elegant traditional utensils. You may be surprised by the rich and delicate flavors created entirely from seasonal vegetables and plant-based ingredients. Note: For guests who prefer a non-vegetarian meal, an alternative lunch option is available at another traditional Japanese-style restaurant near the temple.

Among numerous old Buddhist temple in Japan, the principal image of Zenkoji Temple is regarded as one of the oldest Buddhist statues in Japan, believed to date back to the 7th century. According to tradition, the original statue was considered too sacred to be shown to the public. A replica was therefore created, yet even this replica became revered as holy and was also hidden from public view. The temple’s massive wooden main hall, designated as a National Treasure of Japan, is itself a masterpiece of traditional architecture. As you explore the temple grounds, you will learn how Buddhism has shaped Japanese spirituality, daily life, and cultural values over centuries. Through the intricate statues, historic buildings, and countless artifacts, you will be amazed by the extraordinary craftsmanship, aesthetics, and devotion of the people who created them generations ago.

Fujii-So is a traditional Japanese-style inn (ryokan) nestled in the peaceful mountains of Takayama Village, Nagano Prefecture. With a history of more than 230 years, this charming ryokan is located within the beautiful Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park, surrounded by unspoiled nature throughout the seasons. With only 15 guest rooms, Fujii-So offers a tranquil and intimate atmosphere. Every room overlooks the spectacular Matsukawa Gorge, renowned for its breathtaking autumn foliage. Guests can relax in the ryokan's natural hot spring baths and experience the warm Japanese hospitality known as omotenashi. The stay is complemented by an elegant kaiseki-style multi-course dinner served in a private dining room, featuring carefully prepared seasonal ingredients. Fujii-So offers an unforgettable blend of traditional Japanese culture, exceptional cuisine, and serene natural beauty.