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.

Escape to Karuizawa

Karuizawa, a mountain town with stunning modern architecture, boasts fabulous museums. Explore the origami-inspired Hiroshi Senju Museum, or the Karuizawa New Art Museum showcasing global and Japanese art. Don't miss the fairytale-like Karuizawa Stone Church with its beautiful stonework. Karuizawa is a perfect day trip from Tokyo for art and architecture enthusiasts.

We are very proud to announce that JapanQuest Journeys' Jason Gilman has joined Scott Gilman as one of Condé Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists for 2024! Condé Nast's discerning list of travel planners pull off the impossible and spare you the logistics.

Discover the full list of Condé Nast's 2024 Top Travel Specialists and take a read through Jason's profile.

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-making.

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

Kintsugi Pottery Repair

Visit the workshop of a master artisan, where you will learn firsthand about the art of kintsugi or the Japanese tradition of repairing broken pottery. Practice the art of kintsugi with your own hands.

Wagasa Umbrella Maker

Try your hand at creating your own wagasa or Japanese umbrella with a multi-generational craftsman. Japanese umbrellas are created from bamboo and Japanese washi paper.

Ikebana

Experience the Japanese art of ikebana or flower arranging, one of the traditional arts of Japan, and has been practiced for more than six hundred years.

Sushi Making

Learn about sushi-making with a top sushi chef at his restaurant as you dine on a delicious sushi lunch or dinner. During the meal, create exquisite sushi yourself.

Taiko Drumming

Partake in an invigorating experience of beating rhythmic taiko drums with a professional taiko instructor in the confines of a private temple.

Helicopter Ride

Helicopter over Tokyo, Yokohama, and beautiful Lake Ashi on your way to see the majestic Mt. Fuji and experiencing amazing views.

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.

Located in central Tokyo and connected directly to two subway stations, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is a convenient base for traveling around Tokyo. Breathtaking panoramic views over the city spread out from the expansive windows of 251 rooms, designed in a modern Japanese style. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu provides a tranquil setting with a refined Japanese taste, allowing guests to savor the change of seasons and forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

I’m still on a high reflecting on my incredible journey to Japan. From the moment of arrival, everything worked out seamlessly thanks to the excellent work of Scott Gilman at JapanQuest Journeys. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Japan several times prior to this trip but knew this would be a different experience. Working with a company specifically geared toward Japan, I had no doubt this would elevate my experience.

The purpose of the trip was to photograph the Fall foliage. Not only was Mother Nature kind with magnificent color, but all arrangements (flights, hotels, car transfers, and local food) went as planned. I specifically wanted to immerse myself in Japanese culture experiencing rural life and nature in accordance with local Shinto ways. I’m also a huge “foodie” and wanted to experience local foods wherever I went. Each guide/driver I had was aware of this and went to special length to make this possible.

What were the highlights? Too many…

I am already conjuring in my headed when I might return to Japan. SO many great memories made, and stories told about how wonderful my experience was.

Thank you again to Scott and his team at JapanQuest Journeys for making the trip over the top and more!!

Ed Finger –Texas (November, 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,