connect to the cultural Jewels of Japan
Our Vision
Our Commitment
Our Expertise
Through our Jewels of Japan journeys, we aspire to provide participants with experiences that enrich their very souls! Japan will remain in their hearts and continue to provide inspiration long after their return. Imagine getting connected to people and places of an ancient tradition by somebody who has spent a lifetime learning it!
Our Expertise
Our Commitment
Our Expertise
Our father and daughter team is well seasoned having taken Japanese on over 50 world adventure tours. Fluent in Japanese and with the kind of cultural contacts only insiders can ever hope to approach their combined knowledge is now available for a Western clientele. We will take you to places where the spirit of this land still resonates strongly!
Our Commitment
Our Commitment
Our Commitment
At Jewels of Japan, we are committed to providing excellent customer service to our clients. After all we learned from the most exacting of all customers-the Japanese themselves! From your arrival in Japan till you board your plane homeword we will treat you as the honoured guests you are in Zipang-the oldest known name of the country, coined by the first Portuguese to arrive there.
Discover kokoro with Jewels of Japan
Off-the-Beaten-Path
Explore lesser-known destinations with Jewels of Japan. Our expert guides will take you to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations that are not all on the typical tourist itinerary. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Our Itinerary for the April adventure
"What a strange thing! to be alive beneath cherry blossoms." Kobayashi Issa, a famous haiku poet
April 5, 2024
Travelers will arrive at one of Tokyo's International airports by April 4 and meet at 13:00 on this day at the main shrine gate (Torii) of Meiji Shrine. Our staff will assist all travelers transfer their baggage to our Tokyo hotel prior to this. We will walk through the serene wooded environs of the shrine for our appointment with the priest to bless us all in a traditional shinto ceremony. We will enjoy the leisurely walk back to the main gate before exploring the bustling Omote Sando avenue. After hotel check in and some rest time we will convene for a welcome talk and orientation followed by a dinner party. Sleep well!
April 6
Kamakura: A Timeless Tapestry of Samurai Legacies, Zen Mystique, and Coastal Splendor. We travel by our private chartered bus to visit The Great Buddha. Amazingly created in the 13th century it connects us to Buddhism, the central philosophy behind zen and the Samurai. We will then explore Hasedera temple and learn from a modern samurai/poet the significance of Kamakura in generating a powerful culture of discipline, art and governance. We will then repair to a quiet location nearby for a workshop in Kintsugi. We return to our hotel in Tokyo and after dinner the city is all yours!
April 7
We board the bullet train to experience a private ceremony at the Grand Ise Shrine. This one place represents the spiritual centre of the land. Its profound calm and esoteric beauty will imbue us with a deeper sense of Japan's most ancient form of worship, celebration and animistic perfection. Court musicians and dancers will perform for us before we move on to Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto in our own bus. Our luggage will be waiting for us at check in. A very special cultural guest will entertain us after dinner!
April 8
Kurama Temple will be our first stop as its history is literally cosmic in scope. Perched atop a mountain it has been a constant source of inspiration for our our family for fifty years. Walk with us and sit in the very place where reiki healing was established and marvel at the tales of a warrior who trained with demons! In the afternoon we will learn about Japanese pottery from a world class expert and handle some priceless artifacts. The cherry blossoms will delight us on the philosopher's walk as we prepare ourselves for a colourful night with geisha performers in Gion.
April 9
We will visit the Budokuden martial arts centre and the Kyoto handicraft centre nearby in the morning and stroll together through the backstreets to visit a favourite haunt. The afternoon will take us to Arashiyama where a celebrated artist (Yusai) will teach us how to create beautiful textile designs for our own use. After dinner we will learn more about Kyoto culture from a local American expert.
April 10
Sacred Mount Koya will be our next stop . This UNESCO heritage site marks the site where Kukai established Shingon Buddhism and where many of Japan's most famous warriors and leaders have their graves. We will experience shinrinyoku, forest bathing as we quietly walk between mighty old cedars to the place where many believe the great Kukai still lives on in spirit. This is another world up here that even has its own Buddhist university. We will stay at a shukubo temple and learn how modern day Buddhists practise daily life above the clouds. and after a long day what better way to finish than by soaking in a traditional temple bath.
April 11
Our temple host will conduct morning meditation and sutras with us before we head off to the Osaka airport! Our destination will be the Enchanted Isle of Ancient Forests and Mystic Waterfalls-Yakushima. Here we will have deep relaxation and rustic comfort amongs some of the oldest trees in Japan. Expect to learn about primal health, nature and well being here. Relax!
April 12
Yakushima to Osaka! Welcome to the second largest city in Japan where we will learn the secrets of an ancient form of theatre called Kyogen from a living master of this tradition. Not only does he carve his own Noh masks but he and his son are now cultural ambassadors in France where they regularly perform. You will have the chance to enter his atelier and discover his passion for a 600 year old tradition. We will then all have a rare meal with him in the heart of Osaka.
April 13
We board a Bullet train back to Tokyo for our last day in Japan. The closing ceremony for our intrepid group will be held in the environs of the Emperor's palace where we will pay our respects to a truly ancient culture. We will have a cherry blossom wonderland to complete our deep connection with Japan.
About your adventure navigators
Maasa Leclerc Craig
At Jewels of Japan, we believe that travel should be accessible to everyone. That's why we started our company with the goal of creating affordable travel packages that cater to all types of travelers.
John Craig
Our team is made up of experienced travel professionals who are passionate about helping people explore the world. We work hard to ensure that every trip we plan is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of our clients.
Our track record
We offer a range of travel services, including flight and hotel bookings, tour packages, and travel insurance. Our goal is to make travelling as simple and stress-free as possible.
Cost of the adventure and payment method
C$ 4,300.00
- All hotels and land transport
- All workshops and guest performances
- All entries to museums and temples, shrines and other places we visit
- All food
- A $500 non returnable deposit is required to secure your place
Price does not include
- Flight to and from Japan
- Travel to meeting point in Tokyo from airport
- Travel from Tokyo to airport
- Hotel costs for early arrivals and later departures
Frequently asked questions we are delighted to answer!
What if
Experience the beauty of Jewels of Japan from the comfort of a luxury cruise ship. Our Luxury Cruise package offers world-class dining, entertainment, and amenities, along with exciting shore excursions and activities.
How
Embark on an unforgettable Safari Adventure in Jewels of Japan's game reserves and national parks. Witness the awe-inspiring wildlife up close, and enjoy camping under the starry skies. Our package includes lodging, meals, and guided tours.
Where
Escape to the romantic destination of Jewels of Japan with our Romantic Getaway package. Enjoy cozy accommodations, candlelit dinners, and exclusive experiences to rekindle your romance.
What food
Create unforgettable memories with your family in Jewels of Japan with our Family Fun package. Enjoy exciting theme parks, water sports, and cultural experiences that cater to all age groups. Our package includes lodging, meals, and transportation.
Hotels?
Unwind in the serene and tranquil mountains of Jewels of Japan with our Mountain Retreat package. Enjoy breathtaking views, hiking trails, and spa treatments at our luxurious lodges and resorts.
Hotels?
Unwind in the serene and tranquil mountains of Jewels of Japan with our Mountain Retreat package. Enjoy breathtaking views, hiking trails, and spa treatments at our luxurious lodges and resorts.
Hotels?
Unwind in the serene and tranquil mountains of Jewels of Japan with our Mountain Retreat package. Enjoy breathtaking views, hiking trails, and spa treatments at our luxurious lodges and resorts.
Hotels?
Unwind in the serene and tranquil mountains of Jewels of Japan with our Mountain Retreat package. Enjoy breathtaking views, hiking trails, and spa treatments at our luxurious lodges and resorts.
Flights to Tokyo?
Indulge in thrilling adventure sports in Jewels of Japan with our Adventure Sports package. Experience the rush of bungee jumping, white water rafting, and skydiving, with expert instructors and top-notch equipment.