Japan with Hannah Kasulka

You will walk 10 minutes to the welcome dinner at a local Japanese restaurant. Your meal will typically be a 3-course set menu with water included, subject to change. Additional food and beverages at your own expense. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Overnight in Tokyo

Please arrange a small bag, that could be carried comfortably during a hike, for 1 night in Tokyo. Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Tokyo to Shizuoka. (One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen)

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

From your hotel you’ll take the metro (15-20 mins) and begin the day’s activities at Meiji Shrine. Led by your guide, you’ll connect with Japan’s heritage as you enter the nearly 40-foot high gate that leads into tranquil grounds dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1867-1912) and his wife. You’ll wash your hands in accordance with the Shinto ritual of cleansing, then observe the rituals and prayers that take place here.

Continue on foot for 10 minutes and you’ll reach Harajuku and its infamous fashion street: Takeshita-dori. Experience the vibrant energy of Tokyo's Harajuku district as you stroll along Takeshita Street, a bustling hub of fashion and culture. Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere as you browse through trendy boutiques, quirky cafes, and colorful street food stalls. From fashion enthusiasts to foodies, Takeshita Street offers a unique and memorable shopping and dining experience in the heart of Harajuku. The guide will take you around the area as well as give you some time to explore on your own.

From Takeshita-dori, you’ll continue via the metro to Shibuya. Dive headfirst into the pulsating center of Tokyo's youth culture, exploring some of Tokyo's latest trends and fashions in Shibuya, one of the most famous shopping locations in Tokyo. This district is teeming with funky and subversive fashion, as well as some of the best entertainment in town. Take in the hectic pace of Tokyo as you cross the world famous "scramble" before ending the tour at Shibuya Station. Here you’ll have the rest of the day to explore, have lunch on your own, or take the metro back to your hotel on your own to rest and relax.

Step into the vibrant streets of Harajuku for an exclusive professional photoshoot with Hannah Kasulka. This is your chance to capture stunning photos in one of Tokyo’s most iconic locations, known for its bold fashion and unique street culture. These high-quality images will be a perfect memento from our unforgettable trip—a souvenir you’ll cherish forever.

Overnight in Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Take the train to Odawara station. After arriving, your hiking guide for the day will pick you up and take you (30 mins) to the starting point of your hike.

Before embarking on your hike, you’ll stop at the Amazake Chaya tea house. This 4-century old teahouse was visited by Emperors and Shogun to drink tea, and you too will enjoy a cup before heading out. After tea, commence hiking 500-year-Old Tokaido Highway along cobble stones to Lake Ashi (crater lake). During the Edo period, the Tokaido Highway is the road that connected the two main centers of Japan’s political, religious, and economic power, commonly known as Tokyo and Kyoto. During your hike you’ll stop to have a picnic lunch. During your lunch you’ll be able to observe Hakone Shrine with its famous red tori gates in the lake before continuing your hike. If the weather permits, you can see Mt Fuji clearly in the distance from this point onwards. Soon, you will reach the recreation of the Hakone Checkpoint to give a sense of how life was during the Shogun period. The hike will end with a local bus ride to Genbegawa World Water Heritage area in Mishima. The tour will end at Mishima station after the stroll along the river. *Please note that the itinerary can change following the weather and other conditions to ensure safety. Hike Distance: 3 miles / Elevation Gain: 400 ft / Duration: 4 - 4.5 hours / Difficulty: Easy

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the beautiful Lake Ashi in Hakone area. Your guide will take you to a nearby shop to choose foods like onigiri or sandwiches, along with a drink. After grabbing your lunch, you’ll enjoy it by picnicking beside Lake Ashi. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Take the train to Shizuoka Station.

Overnight in Shizuoka

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

In the morning, meet up with your guide for today at your hotel, where they will then take you to the rental kitchen space on foot. Wagashi, a traditional Japanese confection that made of mochi, anko, and fruit, are created by professional artisans many years of experience. In this activity, you will first observe the master demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Afterwards, put what you have learned to the test and create three different Wagashi. Before finishing up the tour, enjoy your hard-earned Wagashi and pair it with Shizuoka green tea.

Overnight in Shizuoka

Please arrange a small bag for 1 night in Shizuoka. Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Shizuoka to Tokyo. (One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen)

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a train to Kakegawa Station. Upon your arrival you'll take a 30 minute car ride to the tea farm.

This morning, hop on the train and head over to the city covered with endless tea fields, Kakegawa. After arriving, you’ll be picked up for a 30 minute private transfer to the tea farm. Along the way you’ll see the giant Japanese kanji for tea, “茶”. This small city is mostly known to be the center of tea production in Shizuoka, the number one tea producing prefecture in Japan. The high production of tea is supported by the mineral-rich soil and clear water provided by Mt Fuji. As you enjoy the clean air and the view, don’t forget to take some photos! During tea picking season, April through October, (*season dependent) you’ll be able to try out your hand at tea picking. If you are lucky, you might be able to see Mt Fuji from the tea fields. When tea picking is not in season, the local tea farmer will come and sit with you to talk about their daily work and answer any questions you might have.

Finish the tour with an included lunch. This homemade bento is made by incorporating tea leaves as one of their ingredients. From the observation terrace, take in the view of the Izu Peninsula, Suruga Bay, and many more. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Take the train back to Shizuoka.

From your hotel, you’ll walk 10 minutes to reach the soba making class. Shizuoka is famous for their soba (buckwheat noodle) created from buckwheat flour and water straight from Mt Fuji. In this class the Soba master will guide and teach you the steps to make the perfect soba. You will partner up with a group member and each work a piece of dough. Using your dough, you will create soba noodles for dinner between the two of you. Make sure to do your best since at the end of dinner, the soba master will score you on how well your soba came out!

Enjoy a handmade Soba dinner course with all-you-can-drink alcohol or soft drinks options *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Overnight in Shizuoka

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Take the train from Shizuoka to Tokyo.

Your Farewell Dinner will be located within walking distance from your hotel. It's a great time to look back on all the fun memories made all together. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Overnight in Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.