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Collette’s season 108 is kicking off in style, introducing over 20 brand-new tours designed to inspire, connect, and immerse travellers in the world’s most unforgettable destinations. On the small group Explorations tour, Journey Through the Heart of Japan, you’ll experience the country in a way only fellow explorers can show you. From centuries-old traditions to a modern energy that never stops, this region has a way of captivating visitors from around the globe. Every stop is part of a carefully curated itinerary, created by in-destination experts who call these places home and know all the best spots — including where to wander off the beaten path.

This tour is limited to just 24 travellers, giving you more space to connect with your fellow adventurers, your guide, and with Japan itself. It’s an adventure designed by travellers, for travellers.

Immerse Yourself in Japan’s Culture and Traditions

Sinkansen train through mountain Fuji, Shizuoka

From high-speed adventures to sacred traditions, going on a guided journey means you’ll feel Japan’s rich, living culture all around you. Picture yourself gliding past the countryside at breathtaking speed on the famous Shinkansen, feeling the thrill of the ride while settling into the quiet comfort of one of the world’s most advanced bullet trains. Step into a traditional ryokan-style hotel, sliding onto tatami mats, sinking into a warm onsen bath, and savouring a multi-course kaiseki meal during a 2-night stay in Hakone. Watch a Goma fire ritual in Tokyo where flames leap as monks chant in unison — a powerful ancient ceremony that’s hosted at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple.

Feeling inspired? Watch our on-demand event: Paint the Cherry Blossoms in Hiroshima with artist Kat Jones and discover how to bring the blossoms to life on your own canvas. Watch Now

Savour Japan Through Its Flavours

learning how to make sushi

Food here isn’t just a meal — it’s a celebration of culture. In Kyoto, step behind the counter to learn the art of sushi-making from expert chefs, rolling and shaping your own creations before enjoying every bite. You’ll even get the opportunity to gather around a steaming shabu-shabu hot pot in Hakone, where thinly sliced meats and crisp vegetables simmer at your table. Coupled with the rare opportunity to meet a geisha, this unforgettable hot pot experience immerses you in Japan’s flavours, traditions, and heartfelt connections.

Experience Kyoto’s Timeless Traditions

fawn in Japan

Imagine wandering the winding path of Arashiyama’s bamboo grove where the air is still except for the whisper of leaves above, and for a moment, it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. Walk beneath the endless rows of vermillion gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, each step pulling you deeper into centuries of devotion. At nearby Nara Park, meet the sacred bowing deer, offering them a treat as they politely lower their heads in greeting. From serenity to spirituality to harmony with nature, these moments capture the very heart of Japan’s ancient capital. And with an expert guide leading the way, every opportunity is yours.

Journeys Made By Travellers, For Travellers

Each journey is designed by travellers, for travellers, ensuring that every detail is crafted by experts who know Japan best. These are local guides who call these destinations home, people who open doors you wouldn’t find on your own, and a team who loves travel just as much as you do. With us, you won’t just see Japan — you’ll feel it, taste it, and live every moment of it.

From Kyoto’s ancient shrines to Tokyo’s electric energy, every stop on this journey reveals a new piece of Japan’s story. And with the ease of small group travel, you’ll have the freedom to slow down, linger a little longer, and connect more deeply. Ready to start planning your Journey through the Heart of Japan? Call 833.399.3661 to speak with one of our experts, or contact your preferred travel advisor and ask for Collette.