Bespoke Japan journeys
Knowing Japan comes from living it.
With members of our English-speaking team based in Japan, we bring firsthand knowledge, personal recommendations and thoughtful attention to every journey. These itineraries are a starting point for your own bespoke journey, shaped entirely around your pace and the way you like to travel.
Japan offers extraordinary variety: the energy of Tokyo, Kyoto’s ancient temples, the unspoilt Japanese Alps and landscapes framed by Mount Fuji. Whether you are drawn to culture, food or time in nature, we create a journey that feels your own.
Our signature journeys
The Caramage approach
Local knowledge
Made for you
The pace, the places you stay, the cultural encounters and time outdoors: every detail reflects your interests. We give each itinerary the same care and attention we would our own.
Care in every detail
Transparent pricing, a detailed travel guide and carefully chosen places to stay and explore, with the services for your journey clearly set out in your personalised quote.
Let our travellers tell you
We absolutely loved it
Our thoughts are still in Japan, even now we are home… The trip would simply not have been the same without Caramage and the team’s wonderful support. Everything was thoughtfully planned and ran smoothly. My children, my husband and I loved this unforgettable experience.
We felt in safe hands from the start
The Caramage team, and Anne in particular, were wonderfully responsive. Their professionalism, warmth and willingness to listen put us at ease straight away. Everything felt effortless. We are from Canada and have recommended Caramage to two friends, who also loved their trips. We would recommend this agency without hesitation.
Famous sights and less familiar places
We wanted to see Japan’s highlights while also getting off the beaten track. Caramage delivered exactly what we had hoped for, with a smoothly planned itinerary, real expertise and a wonderfully personal touch.
Exceptionally well thought out
An exceptionally carefully planned trip to Japan. Tokyo amazed us; Kyoto helped us unwind. The night in a ryokan and the advice on getting around independently deserve a special mention. The pace was busy, but we saw so much. We cannot wait to go back!
Thoroughly well organised
Exploring Japan with Caramage was brilliant. We loved wandering through Tokyo and visiting Kyoto’s temples early in the morning, away from the crowds. One train was a little crowded, but it was nothing serious. Thorough organisation and a great choice of accommodation.
We fell in love with Kyoto
We absolutely loved Kyoto. The places chosen for us to stay were peaceful, exactly what we were looking for. You can tell Caramage really knows the country, and that makes all the difference.
15 exceptional days
We have just returned from 15 exceptional days in Japan.
Travelling privately with a bespoke itinerary was fantastic! Well done to Anne for organising a stay that went perfectly and let us experience the country fully. We met warm, thoughtful people, tried a wide range of activities and enjoyed unforgettable cultural and food experiences. We could not be happier and warmly recommend Caramage for their professionalism, responsiveness and quality of service.
An unforgettable journey!
I had dreamed of visiting Japan for years, so my husband and I decided to celebrate our anniversary there. We were not disappointed. An unforgettable trip. Thank you, Caramage!
A wonderful trip
A lovely, well organised stay in Japan. The pace was busy, but we knew that from the start and it was exactly what we wanted! The suggested activities, restaurants and excursions were amazing, and our accommodation was very comfortable.
A honeymoon to remember!
We spent two weeks in Japan on our honeymoon, following Kai’s suggestions. Everything was perfect.
We loved the first proposal, and our conversations about activities and accommodation confirmed we had made the right choice: a team who listened and really wanted to find what suited us. There were lots of
thoughtful touches for our honeymoon. Highly recommended 🙂
A brilliant family trip!
We travelled with our two children. It was our first time going so far as a family. Caramage adapted the pace, with activities that were fun for the children and interesting for us too. One hotel in Kyoto was a little
below the standard of the others, but the organisation and communication throughout were excellent. We loved it!
Our first taste of Japan!
Caramage took 90% of the planning stress off our shoulders. A seamless itinerary, brilliantly located hotels and really practical advice.
We felt free to explore, with support always there.
The travel guide was clear and useful, with routes, timings and alternatives. The restaurant suggestions were exactly what we wanted, away from the tourist spots. They even responded quickly when we were unsure about something at a station. We came home feeling we had experienced our own Japan, rather than followed a standard tour.
A romantic journey through Japan
A perfectly paced trip: ryokan, onsen and time to enjoy Kyoto. We
had magical moments without rushing around.
Faultless organisation. Caramage
understood our wish for beautiful, peaceful places and authentic experiences. The hotels were gorgeous and exceptionally well located. The travel guide helped us avoid the usual pitfalls and suggested things we would never have found ourselves. The night in a ryokan deserves a special mention.
Tokyo and the Japanese Alps
We loved it: the balance of city and nature was perfect.
Exciting Tokyo, then quieter stops with room to breathe.
Transfers were well planned, with no unnecessary time lost. We loved the less familiar neighbourhoods, cafés, viewpoints and walks they suggested. Even travelling independently, we felt guided. When we wanted to change a plan at the last minute, they responded quickly. Highly recommended!
A special family journey in Japan!
A wonderful family trip, without the stress. A rare thing! The
days worked around the children while still giving us plenty to explore. We
loved it. Caramage thought of everything: the pace, the breaks, activities with a real wow factor and straightforward logistics. Our accommodation was practical and comfortable, and the travel guide proved useful. No friction, plenty of memories and a real desire to return.
Japan for food lovers
We wanted a trip all about food, and it certainly delivered.
Amazing places to eat, markets and tiny shops: all brilliant. We already want to go back 🙂 The travel guide was a goldmine of restaurants, specialities to try and even what to order. We explored neighbourhoods we would never have visited otherwise. The recommendations around Osaka were particularly good: atmosphere, street food and little gems.
Autumn in Japan
Japan is beautiful in autumn, and Caramage planned the itinerary perfectly. We saw incredible places without the crowds. Exceptional service throughout. Their
local expertise was clear: the right timings, good transport options and precise advice on where to go, when and for how long. The hotels were charming and brilliantly located. The experiences were so well chosen, giving us some truly special moments.
Understated luxury in Japan
We wanted understated luxury, and that is exactly what we found.
Beautiful hotels, a memorable ryokan and a thoughtfully planned itinerary. Everything was right.
Caramage understood the finer points of what we wanted: comfort, design, peace and experiences that would stay with us. The balance was just right. Their recommendations made all the difference. I wholeheartedly recommend them!
Japan beyond the beaten track
We wanted more than the crowded Tokyo to Kyoto route. Caramage took us to less familiar places. We had wonderfully
authentic experiences in small towns, on walks and at local favourites. Getting around remained straightforward and reassuring. Exactly the kind of trip we were looking for. A brilliant agency!
Our first time in Japan
We had a thousand questions before leaving, and Caramage answered every one. Once there, we felt at ease from day one. A brilliant experience. The programme
was tailored to us, neither too busy nor too light. The recommendations were thoughtful and varied. The travel guide anticipated the trickier moments, from stations and tickets to timetables. Knowing the team was available whenever we were unsure was very reassuring.
A wonderful trip
A wonderful trip that exceeded our expectations. We soon felt at home in a country so different from our own. We particularly loved Kyoto and an unforgettable night in a ryokan. People were incredibly respectful and helpful: if we looked unsure in a station, someone would offer to help. The pace suited us well. When we had questions and wanted to add an activity during our stay, Caramage responded very quickly. Go for it!
Japan as a family
Everything went smoothly travelling with our children. They loved it as much as we did. Such happy family memories. They were fascinated by the trains, lively neighbourhoods and the more playful activities.
We appreciated being able to adjust the pace. There was something for everyone, which is not always easy when travelling.
A grand journey through Japan
A rich, varied and unforgettable trip. We packed so much into 19 days, with no two days alike. One of my best ever journeys, thanks in no small part
to Caramage! We visited cultural sites, indulged our love of food in restaurants little known to tourists and even spent a day hiking. We came home feeling we had really experienced the country, rather than simply visited it. It was brilliant!
Design, architecture and places with character
As architecture and design enthusiasts, we travelled as a group of four friends, hoping to see a different side of Japan.
Caramage understood us perfectly, suggesting charming accommodation, places with character and thoughtfully chosen experiences. Each stop felt right, balancing exploration, design and authenticity.
We loved this journey and will remember it for a long time.
The ingredients of a more personal journey
An unhurried introduction
The highlights, the first insights into Japanese life and a pace that suits you.
Thoughtfully chosen experiences
Moments that stay with you: an intimate tea ceremony, a craft workshop, a local market or a traditional onsen.
People and places
Less familiar places, local favourites and meaningful encounters. A journey that brings you closer to everyday life in Japan.
Local life
Characterful stays, hotels away from the crowds and everyday experiences.
A quieter, more natural way into Japanese life.
Ready for a Japan journey of your own?
Caramage creates bespoke journeys in Japan: personal itineraries, local experiences, less familiar places and carefully selected accommodation. Each suggested journey is a starting point, shaped around your interests.
Our Japan travel guides
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Your questions answered
Why choose Caramage to plan my journey to Japan?
Caramage is a French travel agency devoted to bespoke journeys to Japan, with English-speaking team members based in the country. We draw on more than ten years of firsthand expertise. Every itinerary reflects your interests, pace and budget, with distinctive places to stay and carefully chosen experiences.
What makes Caramage different from a conventional travel agency?
We create individual journeys rather than sell set packages. With members of our team living in Japan, we draw on firsthand knowledge to take you beyond the usual routes. Personal attention, transparency and fair pricing are at the heart of what we do.
Can every part of a Caramage journey be personalised?
Yes. The length of your trip, the stops, accommodation, transport, activities and guiding can all be tailored to you. Our suggested journeys offer inspiration; no two itineraries are the same.
How far ahead should I plan a bespoke journey to Japan?
A bespoke journey to Japan can be arranged in a matter of weeks.
Ideally, we recommend getting in touch several months ahead, giving you a wider choice of accommodation, particularly the most sought-after ryokan. For busy seasons such as spring cherry blossom and autumn foliage, early planning helps secure exceptional stays and make the most of your budget. We also create journeys at shorter notice, depending on availability and how flexible you can be.
Can Caramage arrange international flights too?
Yes. We can arrange your international flights, or plan your journey without them if you prefer to book flights yourself.
How much should I budget for a bespoke journey to Japan?
Your budget depends on your travel dates, accommodation and chosen experiences. Your First Taste of Japan, our suggested ten-day journey, starts from €2,988 per person, excluding international flights. Your personalised quote clearly sets out the price and what is included.
What support is available once I arrive?
Before departure, you receive a personalised travel guide with the practical details of your journey. Any local assistance included during your stay is clearly set out in your quote.