Experience the Very Best of Japan

Welcome to JapanQuest Journeys, the leading tour operator (DMC) specializing in bespoke ‘tailor-made’ luxury journeys to Japan. For decades we have lived the Japan that our clients experience. The exacting standards that we expect for ourselves, family and friends underlie the holistic experience that we provide to our guests.

With our unique single country focus and offices in the US and Japan, we provide travelers from around the globe, or through their travel intermediaries, an unparalleled level of knowledge and service. Our highly experienced travel planners in the US will work with you to create a journey that is tailored to your specific interests while our team on the ground in Japan is there to ensure that your trip is flawlessly executed.

Oasis in Rural Nara

Escape to rural Nara, a haven of rolling plains and ancient paths. Hike amidst the 48 waterfalls of Akame forest or ascend to Murou-ji Temple's pagoda for breathtaking mountain vistas. Witness a 25th-generation tea whisk craftsman's 500-year-old family tradition. Conclude your journey at the luxurious Sasayuri-Ann for one or two evenings, nestled amidst rice terraces for an unforgettable experience.

Jason Gilman joins Scott of JapanQuest Journeys on the Travel+Leisure's 2024 Travel Advisors A-List! In their 22nd annual A-List, T+L presents a directory of the most influential vacation specialists in the world, vetted by the editors at Travel + Leisure.

Special Experiences & Insider Access

Another highlight that our clients often mention after returning from their trip to Japan are the opportunities they have to engage one on one with people from multiple aspects of Japanese life. Wonderful memories will be created in the course of day to day encounters during your travels in Japan. We will provide you ways to engage with experts in areas in which you may have a specific interest including art, architecture, the way of tea, soba making, flower arranging, craftsmanship, Zen Buddhism or activities perfect for kids such as kenbu and wagashi.

Whether spending time in the home of one of our dear friends learning about Japanese cooking, discussing Zen Buddhism with a Priest at a centuries-old temple or learning about Japan’s modern architectural masterpieces with an architect, we will provide you with the opportunity to indulge your interests.

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Some of Our Favorite Special Experiences

Lacquerware Maker

Visit the workshop and meet with an artisan who designs and manufactures some of Japan’s finest urushi or lacquerware.

Swordsmith’s Forge

Spend a thrilling morning learning the process of making Japanese swords as you witness a master swordsmith.

Home Cooking

Join our dear Japanese friend at her home in the late afternoon to learn Japanese cooking.

Japanese Indigo Dying

Partake in an indigo dying lesson in the traditional aizome workshop of a fabulously fun and informative fifth-generation master.

Access to Private Tea Estate

Visit a private tea estate in a beautiful tea region where matcha cultivation is thriving. Enjoy the atmosphere while getting an insight into Japanese tea growing.

Painting on Washi Paper

Experience time in the studio of a long-time Kyoto resident artist who creates paperwork with an image formed with pigmented paper pulp and a bamboo screen.

Our Signature Journeys

Our shorter duration Japan tours from our Signature Journey Collection, offer our clients unique options for visits to some additional amazing, timeless and culturally enriching areas of Japan that are more off the beaten path. These trips can easily be incorporated and adapted as you like with any of our bespoke journeys.

Combined with some of the absolute best and eclectic accommodations in the country, our luxury Japan trips are masterfully crafted to meet the interests, passions, and style of travel of our worldwide clientele.

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Luxury Hotel and Ryokan Collection

Our Favorite Properties

Our exclusive selection of the most distinguished hotels and ryokans, personally visited time and again, let you revel in Japan's heartfelt hospitality leaving nothing to be desired and all the time ensuring an unforgettable journey perfect in every aspect imaginable.

Dynamic Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan is a key flight hub in Asia with a youthful energy that befits its thriving startup scene. Situated in the heart of downtown in the main tower of the Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City complex, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is a sophisticated retreat with views across Hakata Bay, six dining venues that complement the city’s renown as a lively food capital, and playful references to the local textile art throughout its spaces.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

Our guide made our trip! She was UNBELIEVABLE! Knowledgeable, fun, kind, anticipated all of our needs, and made our trip the best ever! She was very detailed and gave us little notes and maps and an entire folder to take home by the end of the trip.

We loved everything you proposed on your agenda. I fell in love with Kyoto. Loved Tokyo as well but there’s something so special about Kyoto. I would love to plan a future trip in the spring!

The sake brewery was incredible, Yoshi was our favorite! Yoshi was truly amazing! We learned so much!!!! The tea ceremony and meditation were also fantastic! The Taiko drum lesson was so fun!!!

Everything else was perfect too! Thank you for taking care of every detail! It was so well planned and I will recommend you to everyone that asks me!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our best trip ever!!!!!!!

Karina Mirkin –Los Angeles (December, 2023)

Our Commitment

JapanQuest Journeys is committed to excellence, delivering a unique in-country experience that is unparalleled and safe. Our clients truly access Japan, through the lens of insiders who know it exceedingly well.

Sincerely,