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Interest form
Mt Fuji seen from Shizuoka
Shogun Expedition Day-by-Day (Short)
01 Arrival Day | Early arrival at Haneda Airport → Shizuoka
Welcome to our Japan! Travel from Narita to the peaceful landscapes of Shizuoka.
02 Day 2 | Discover Shizuoka
Explore Shizouka and the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. The shrine has a history of over 400 years, and enshrines Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603 that brought peace to Japan for 265 years. We will also see the beautiful Mount Fuji views, and local culture at a relaxed pace.
Day 3 | Shizuoka → Nakatsugawa → Easy Trekking - Magome → Tsumago
Step into Edo-period charm along the Nakasendō trail—old post towns and mountain paths await.
Day 4 | Easy Trekking - Tsumago → Nojiri → Kiso-Fukushima
Continue through the Kiso Valley, surrounded by forested beauty and historical quiet.
Day 5 | Easy Trekking - 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 – Guided day & Geiko (Geisha) Dinner
A full day exploring temples, shrines, and the spirit of ancient Japan with a local guide.
Day 9 | Kyoto – Free Day
Relax or wander at your own pace. In the evening, a magical Geisha dinner experience.
Day 10 | Kyoto → Tokyo (via Shinkansen)
Ride the bullet train to vibrant Tokyo—where tradition meets ultra-modern life.
Day 11 | Tokyo – City Exploration
Discover iconic neighborhoods like Asakusa, Akihabara/Ueno, and Ginza and much more
Day 12 | Tokyo – Free Day & Karaoke Night
Your day, your way—cap it off with a fun karaoke night!
Day 13 | Tokyo → Departure from Haneda Airport
Time to say sayonara—for now. Depart from Haneda 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 Trail 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…
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 truly special meeting with a traditional Geiko (Geisha) during dinner in Kyoto
Explore Tokyo – including the famous Fish Market, a top-tier steakhouse, sushi experiences, Karaoke cruise and much more
What’s Included in the Shogun Expedition:
Arrival transfer
12 nights of accommodation
Daily breakfast: 11 meals
Dinners: 11 meals included
Lunches: 9 meals included
Private airport transfers (2 times):
Narita → Shizuoka (2 private vans, 9-passenger each)
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 13 days
Private vehicle in Kyoto
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 (free day in Kyoto)
Lunch (free day in Tokyo)
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, drinks, laundry)
Alcoholic beverages
