2 Days Journey through Japanese Aesthetics Experience

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) located in the deep, serene mountains of Takayama Village in Nagano Prefecture. With only 15 guest rooms, the property is spacious and quiet, allowing guests to enjoy a sense of privacy and rarely encounter other visitors during their stay. All rooms overlook the famous Matsuyama Gorge (Matsuyama Keikoku), a well-known destination for autumn foliage viewing. The inn is also blessed with natural hot spring water, offering a relaxing bathing experience that helps soothe both body and mind. Guests can unwind in the soothing onsen and experience the warm hospitality of the staff, known in Japan as omotenashi. Dinner is another highlight of the stay. A beautifully presented kaiseki-style multi-course meal is served in the private room, offering an elegant and memorable dining experience. Fujii-So promises an unforgettable stay at a refined traditional Japanese ryokan surrounded by nature.

Japanese-style fine breakfast At a traditional Japanese hot spring inn, many people enjoy an early morning bath after waking up. Soaking in the natural hot spring water helps you relax, but at the same time, it can feel almost like gentle exercise. Afterward, you will have no problem enjoying a traditional Japanese-style breakfast. This breakfast consists of well-balanced seasonal ingredients, all carefully and beautifully arranged. Start another wonderful day in Japan with this amazing breakfast experience.

Since Japanese macaques soaking in hot spring baths were featured on the cover of National Geographic, the Snow Monkey Park has become one of Japan's most iconic wildlife destinations. Especially during winter, visitors from around the world come to watch these remarkable monkeys relaxing in steaming hot springs surrounded by snow. Unlike most monkeys, Japanese macaques thrive in the snowy mountains of Nagano. Their unique habit of bathing in natural hot springs to stay warm makes them truly extraordinary. Watching them soak peacefully with almost human-like expressions is both entertaining and unforgettable. The walk to the park is part of the experience, following a tranquil forest trail through towering cedar trees beside a crystal-clear mountain stream. Note: This visit is optional. If you prefer a more leisurely morning at the ryokan, we can omit the Snow Monkey Park so you have additional time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Enjoy a Grand Maison–Inspired Dining Experience at "evolve" Enjoy a unique Italian dining experience infused with Japanese sensibilities and seasonal flavors. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored kura—a traditional Japanese storehouse once owned by prosperous merchants and landowners during the samurai era—creating an atmosphere that blends history, elegance, and contemporary cuisine. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared using carefully selected ingredients, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced produce. The result is a refined fusion of Italian culinary techniques and Japan's deep appreciation for seasonality, freshness, and presentation.

Visit Bonsai Museum Taikan & Meet Bonsai Master Shinji Suzuki This private bonsai museum was established by Shinji Suzuki, one of Japan's most celebrated bonsai masters. He won his first Prime Minister's Award at the remarkably young age of 33—the youngest recipient in history—and went on to receive the prestigious award five times throughout his career. Today, his name and work are recognized by bonsai enthusiasts around the world, and his clientele includes numerous prominent figures and celebrities. As you admire his extraordinary masterpieces, you will also have the rare opportunity to meet Mr. Suzuki in person. He will share his philosophy, artistic vision, and unique aesthetic approach to bonsai. Through his explanations, you will gain a deeper understanding of how he creates an entire "universe" within a single tree and pot, balancing nature, time, and human artistry.

Create Your Own Gold Leaf Art at Hosendo Hosendo is a traditional artisan workshop founded in the 19th century in Nakano City. It specializes in hyogu, the Japanese art of mounting and restoring hanging scrolls (kakejiku), folding screens (byobu), sliding doors (fusuma), and works of calligraphy and painting. Building on these centuries-old traditions, the current president developed Haku Art, a unique style that combines traditional hyogu techniques with genuine gold or colored silver leaf applied to handmade washi paper beneath a fine silk overlay. Here, you will create your own Haku Art using handmade washi paper and genuine gold leaf. Guided by a skilled artisan, you will learn traditional techniques while designing a unique work that reflects your own creativity. Your finished artwork will become a memorable keepsake of your journey through Japan.

Farewell to Nagano and Return to Tokyo As your immersive journey into Japan's traditional arts, culture, and aesthetics comes to a close, it is time to return to Tokyo aboard Japan's iconic Shinkansen, or bullet train. Sit back, relax, and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past two days as you enjoy the comfortable 90-minute journey back to Tokyo. As the beautiful Japanese countryside passes by your window, this final train ride provides a peaceful and fitting conclusion to your cultural adventure. Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, your guide will accompany you to your hotel, where your exclusive journey comes to an end. As this exclusive journey comes to an end, we hope you leave with lasting memories of Japan's timeless traditions, exceptional craftsmanship, and refined sense of beauty. May the experiences and encounters of these two days remain among the highlights of your time in Japan.