Japan, Shogun Expedition

Shogun Expedition 2026 (17-28 April - Day-by-Day)

Arrival Day | Narita Airport → Shizuoka
Welcome to our Japan! Travel from Narita to the peaceful landscapes of Shizuoka.

Day 2 | Discover Shizuoka
Explore Shizuoka, Mount Fuji views, and local culture at a relaxed pace.

Day 3 | Shizuoka → Nakatsugawa → Magome → Tsumago
Step into Edo-period charm along the Nakasendō trail—old post towns and mountain paths await.

Day 4 | Tsumago → Nojiri → Kiso-Fukushima
Continue through the Kiso Valley, surrounded by forested beauty and historical quiet.

Day 5 | Kiso-Fukushima → Narai → Kiso-Hirasawa → Matsumoto
Wander lacquerware villages and samurai roads en route to Matsumoto Castle.

Day 6 | Matsumoto → Kyoto
Travel to Japan’s cultural heart—Kyoto, where history breathes in every street.

Day 7 | Kyoto – Guided Tour
A full day exploring temples, shrines, and the spirit of ancient Japan with a local guide.

Day 8 | Kyoto – Free Day & Geisha Dinner
Relax or wander at your own pace. In the evening, a magical Geisha dinner experience.

Day 9 | Kyoto → Tokyo (via Shinkansen)
Ride the bullet train to vibrant Tokyo—where tradition meets ultra-modern life.

Day 10 | Tokyo – City Exploration
Discover iconic neighborhoods like Asakusa, Akihabara/Ueno, and Ginza

Day 11 | Tokyo – Free Day & Karaoke Night
Your day, your way—cap it off with a fun karaoke night!

Day 12 | Tokyo → Narita Airport
Time to say sayonara—for now. Depart from Narita with memories to last a lifetime.

Welcome to The Search Adventures – Shogun Expedition to Japan. A truly unique itinerary in partnership with our friends at Japan Adventure Co.

Our ambition with this expedition is to capture the old charm of Japan, and specifically the flourishing Edo era between the early 1600s and late 1800s. During this time, Japan thrived in peace and isolation. Under the Tokugawa shogunate, the country experienced over two centuries of political stability, economic growth, rich cultural development, and a strict social order. With no major wars, the arts flourished—giving rise to iconic traditions such as kabuki, ukiyo-e, tea ceremonies, and refined craftsmanship.

I find myself thinking back to the 1970s television series Shogun, starring Richard Chamberlain—a memory that has stuck with me and helped spark some of the ideas for this program. But Japan has inspired in many ways over the years—with its nature, skiing, cuisine, and stunning countryside.
We’ve traveled to Tokyo a few times already, but with this expedition, we’re taking you back in time—along the historic Nakasendō Highway between Kyoto and Tokyo—to trek through hills and countryside, and to immerse ourselves in culture, hot springs, paper walls, and low futon beds.
With the contrast between Kyoto and Tokyo, and travel aboard high-speed trains, we hope to inspire—and impress.

Welcome to our Japan.

私たちの日本へようこそ！ (Watashitachi no Nihon e yōkoso!)

The Shogun Expedition Highlights:

• A well-balanced program with full service from arrival to departure

• Expert local Japanese/English-speaking guide alongside Swedish-speaking host Fredrik Hermelin

• Ropeway ride to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (the first shrine dedicated to the Shogun) and its surrounding historical area

• Hike along the Nakasendō Trail and travel 300 years back in time

• On Nakasendo Trail we stay in local ryokans – traditional, family-run Japanese inns

• Enjoy a relaxing onsen – a traditional Japanese hot spring bath

• Visit the historic towns of Magome, Tsumago, Nojiri, and Matsumoto in the scenic Kiso District

• Ride the legendary Shinkansen (bullet train) across the country

• Experience a Geisha dinner show in Kyoto, with plenty of time to explore the city

• Explore Tokyo – including the famous Fish Market, a top-tier steakhouse, sushi experiences, Ueno Park, and much more

What’s Included in the Shogun Expedition:

• Arrival transfer

• 11 nights of accommodation

• Daily breakfast: 11 meals (April 18–28)

• Dinners: 10 meals included

• Lunches: 8 meals included

Private airport transfers (2 times):

• April 17: Narita → Shizuoka (2 private vans, 9-passenger each)

• April 28: Tokyo → Narita (2 private vans, 9-passenger each)

Luggage delivery service:

• Large suitcase: Shizuoka → Kyoto

• Carry-on bag: Delivered daily to next inn during Nakasendō hike

• Large suitcase: Kyoto → Tokyo (sent 2 days in advance)

Guiding & Transport:

• English-speaking Japanese guide for 12 days (April 17–28, full-time)

• Private vehicle in Kyoto (April 23)

• Local transportation included

Entrance fees & cultural experiences:

• Ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

• Kyoto temples and shrines (e.g., Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji)

• Cultural workshop in Kyoto (e.g., prayer bracelet making)

What’s Not included in the Shogun Expedition:

• International airfare

• Travel insurance

• Meals not listed above, including:

  • Lunch on Apr 17 (arrival day)

  • Lunch on Apr 24 (free day in Kyoto)

  • Lunch on Apr 27 (free day in Tokyo)

• Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, drinks, laundry)

• Alcoholic beverages

 Please note that special dietary arrangements (e.g., vegan or vegetarian meals at hotels) — additional charges may apply depending on the hotel