Japan
Along the Paths of Japan
From 31 October to 9 November 2026
Type of stay

Small group journeys

Availability

Inscriptions ouvertes

Price

From €11,900 per person

Japan has long fascinated for the singular harmony it cultivates between millennial heritage and bold modernity. In this country, where each gesture appears guided by an aesthetic of detail, silent temples stand alongside gleaming skyscrapers, zen gardens respond to the pulse of vast metropolises, and ancestral traditions are passed on with infinite delicacy. Japan reveals a world in which the art of living, spirituality, and a profound sense of hospitality compose a culture of remarkable depth.

 

This Fugue invites you on a journey across Japan, between legendary cities and emblematic landscapes. From Tokyo, a vibrant capital where the many facets of contemporary Japan converge, to the mountains of Hakone dominated by the sacred silhouette of Mount Fuji, each stage unveils a new dimension of the country’s identity. Traditional villages, former imperial capitals, and ancestral shrines gradually lead towards Kyoto and Nara, cradles of Japanese civilisation and guardians of some of its most treasured heritage.

 

La Fugue has designed an itinerary combining cultural discoveries, encounters, and sensory experiences: attending a sumo training session, learning precise techniques alongside a Sushi Master, sharing a tea ceremony with a maiko, or staying in a ryokan and experiencing the art of the Japanese thermal bath. Each moment offers an intimate approach to the soul of Japan and reveals its subtle beauty, shaped by balance, simplicity, and elegance.

The program
Arrival at leisure in Tokyo
Saturday 31 October 2026
Visit of Asakua district, Sensō-ji temple and Nakamise-dori
Sunday 1 November 2026
Visit of the Tokyo National Museum
Sunday 1 November 2026
Visit of a heya
Monday 2 November 2026
Visit of Tsukiji
Monday 2 November 2026
Cooking class about sushis and lunch
Monday 2 November 2026
Visit of Shinjuku West district and Shibuya
Monday 2 November 2026
Visit of the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Ropeway and visit of the Owakudani valley
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Traditionnal dinner at the ryokan
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Visit of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Visit of the sanctuary Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Shinkansen to Nagoya and lunch onboard
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Outside visit of the Nagoya Castle
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Visit of the Tokugawa Art Museum
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Visit of the Shirakawago village
Thursday 5 November 2026
Hida train to Kyoto
Thursday 5 November 2026
Visit of the Ryōan-ji temple, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the Nishiki market
Friday 6 November 2026
Visit of the Kiyomizu-dera temple
Friday 6 November 2026
Private tea ceremony with a maiko
Friday 6 November 2026
Visit of the Gion district
Friday 6 November 2026
Visit of the Arashiyama district and the Hoose Gallery
Saturday 7 November 2026
Samourai and urushi workshops
Saturday 7 November 2026
Visit of the house-museum of the ceramist Kanjiro Kawai
Sunday 8 November 2026
Visit of the Tōdai-ji temple
Sunday 8 November 2026
Kaiseki dinner
Sunday 8 November 2026
Departure at leisure from Osaka
Monday 9 November 2026
FRIDAY 30 AND SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2026 | PARIS — TOKYO

Recommended flights:

Departure from Paris Charles de Gaulle on 30 October 2026 at 21:55
Arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport on 31 October 2026 at 19:25 local time
Direct flight AF0274 operated by Air France (duration: 13h30)

SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2026 | TOKYO

Upon arrival at Tokyo Haneda International Airport in the early evening, you will be welcomed in the arrivals hall by your French-speaking guide, holding a sign for La Fugue.

 

A private transfer will take you to your hotel, ideally located in the heart of the Japanese capital. A first encounter with this fascinating metropolis, where futuristic skyscrapers, ancestral shrines, and lively districts coexist in remarkable harmony.

 

Upon arrival, your luggage will be handled and delivered to your room. A portable Wi-Fi router will also be provided, ensuring connectivity throughout your stay.

 

Dinner at leisure. A list of recommendations will be provided, and we remain at your disposal for reservations.

 

The remainder of the evening is free, allowing you to settle in and gently absorb the unique atmosphere of Tokyo.

 

Overnight in Tokyo.

SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2026 | TOKYO

After breakfast, you meet your guide for a first day exploring the Japanese capital.

 

The morning begins in the historic district of Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s oldest areas. You visit the renowned Sensō-ji Temple, whose monumental gate and large red lantern have become iconic symbols of the city. The walk continues along Nakamise-dori, a charming street lined with traditional stalls offering local sweets, crafts, and souvenirs.

 

You have lunch in a local restaurant, an opportunity to enjoy a first taste of Japanese cuisine in an authentic setting.

 

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the Tokyo National Museum, one of the most important in the country. Accompanied by your guide, you will explore the Japanese Gallery, a true immersion in the artistic history of the archipelago: refined ceramics, samurai swords, painted screens and precious textiles testify the richness and refinement of Japanese culture throughout the centuries.

 

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Tokyo.

Monday 2 November 2026 | Tokyo

The day begins early with a rare and authentic experience: attending a morning training session in a sumo stable. You observe the rituals and discipline of these legendary wrestlers before enjoying the opportunity to interact with them after the session.

 

You then continue to Tsukiji, Tokyo’s former fish market. Although the wholesale market has moved, the district retains its vibrant atmosphere with stalls, restaurants, and food shops.

 

The morning concludes with a quintessential Japanese culinary experience: a sushi-making class with a specialised chef. After learning precise techniques and product selection, you enjoy your creations for lunch.

 

The afternoon takes you to a completely different side of Tokyo. You will travel through the Shinjuku West district, famous for its impressive skyscrapers and spectacular urban vistas.

 

Then you will reach Shibuya, where you will discover one of the world’s most famous intersections: the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, a veritable urban ballet where hundreds of pedestrians cross simultaneously at the green light. Just a few steps away is the statue of Hachiko, a dog that has become a symbol of loyalty in Japan.

 

The rest of the day is free to enjoy Tokyo at your own pace. Dinner on your own.

 

Overnight in Tokyo.

TUESDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2026 | MOUNT FUJI - HAKONE

After breakfast, you leave Tokyo for the mountainous region of Hakone, at the heart of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

 

Upon arrival, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, an exceptional sculpture park where artworks engage in dialogue with the surrounding nature and landscapes.

 

In the afternoon, you take the Hakone Ropeway over the volcanic landscapes of Owakudani Valley, famous for its hot springs and fumaroles. On clear days, views of Mount Fuji are spectacular.

 

Check-in at your ryokan in the Gora district, renowned for its hot springs.

 

Enjoy a moment of relaxation in your private outdoor thermal bath, an iconic experience of Japanese culture.

 

Traditional dinner at the ryokan.
Overnight in Hakone.

WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2026 | HAKONE - NAGOYA

After breakfast, departure towards the western foothills of Mount Fuji.

 

In Fujinomiya, visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre, a remarkable building designed by architect Kengo Kuma, dedicated to the history and symbolism of Japan’s sacred mountain.

 

You then visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, the traditional starting point for pilgrimages and ascents of Mount Fuji.

 

From Shin-Fuji Station, board the famous Shinkansen high-speed train. Seated in Green Car class, enjoy your bento during the journey.

 

Upon arrival in Nagoya, external visit of Nagoya Castle, once the residence of the powerful Tokugawa lords.

 

Continue to the Tokugawa Art Museum, which houses exceptional collections related to the great samurai dynasty.

 

Check-in at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Nagoya.

THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2026 | SHIRAKAWAGO - KYOTO

This morning, depart Nagoya for Shirakawago, one of Japan’s most picturesque villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

The village is renowned for its gasshō-zukuri houses, recognisable by their steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snowfall.

 

Visit one of these traditional houses, explore the silk culture museum, and enjoy panoramic views from the Ogimachi observation point.

 

After free time for lunch, transfer to Takayama Station and board the Hida Express train to Kyoto.

 

Arrival in the evening in Japan’s former imperial capital.

 

Check-in at your hotel.

Overnight in Kyoto.

FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2026 | KYOTO

After a traditional Japanese breakfast, you will meet your guide for a full day dedicated to Kyoto’s cultural treasures.

 

You will begin with a visit to Ryōan-ji temple, world-renowned for its zen dry garden, a masterpiece of minimalism and contemplation. In this serene space, a few rocks arranged with almost mysterious precision invite meditation and introspection.

 

You continue with the magnificent Golden Pavilion – Kinkaku-ji, whose gold-leaf-covered facades are gracefully reflected in the tranquil waters of the pond. This iconic landmark embodies the aesthetic refinement of classical Japan.

 

The journey continues in the heart of Nishiki market, a true culinary institution in Kyoto. You will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before strolling among the stalls where fresh produce, regional specialties, and time-honoured culinary traditions mingle.

 

In the afternoon, you will visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, perched on a hillside and offering stunning views of Kyoto. Its impressive wooden deck, supported by a forest of pillars, seems to float above the valley.

 

The day continues with an exceptional experience: a private tea ceremony with a maiko, a young apprentice geisha. This delicate ritual, codified with infinite precision, reveals the subtlety of the Japanese art of living.

 

At the end of the day, you will enjoy a stroll through the historic Gion district, with its narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses, where the mysterious atmosphere of old Kyoto still lingers.

 

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Kyoto.

SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2026 | KYOTO

The day begins in Arashiyama, in western Kyoto. Explore this picturesque district by rickshaw before enjoying a gentle cruise along the Hozu River, bordered by natural landscapes.

 

Visit the Hosoo Gallery, showcasing a prestigious textile house specialising in Nishijin-ori silk weaving, an art practised in Kyoto for centuries.

 

After lunch at leisure, immerse yourself in the world of the samurai through an experience centred on armour and katana handling.

 

Continue with a visit to a traditional urushi lacquer workshop, established for over a century in a historic district of Kyoto.

 

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Kyoto.

SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2026 | NARA

After breakfast, depart Kyoto for Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital in the 8th century.

 

Before departure, visit the house-museum of ceramic artist Kanjiro Kawai, a major figure of the Mingei movement.

 

In Nara, visit the monumental Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the impressive Great Buddha statue, one of the largest bronze statues in the world.

 

After free time for lunch, check-in at your hotel.

 

In the late afternoon, take part in a traditional cultural experience at the property: calligraphic meditation, introduction to Japanese incense, or a craft workshop.

 

In the evening, enjoy a kaiseki dinner, Japan’s refined seasonal haute cuisine, a true expression of aesthetic and culinary delicacy.

 

Overnight in Nara.

MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2026 | OSAKA - PARIS

After breakfast, private transfer to Kansai International Airport in Osaka.

 

Arrival approximately three hours before departure of your international flight.

 

End of your journey in Japan.

 

 

Recommended flights:

Departure from Osaka on 9 November 2026 at 12:45
Arrival at Paris CDG on 9 November 2026 at 19:40 local time
Direct flight AF0291 operated by Air France (duration: 14h55)

Your accommodations
In Tokyo : The Okura Tokyo *****

A timeless symbol of Japanese hospitality, The Okura Tokyo embodies the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Rebuilt in 2019 in faithful respect of the original 1962 design, this iconic hotel pays tribute to classic Japanese aesthetics: hexagonal lanterns, geometric patterns inspired by kimono motifs, and a subtle interplay of wood and light. The spaces, imbued with serenity, offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of a vibrant capital. The rooms, elegant and understated, reveal superb views over the city, while the hotel’s restaurants celebrate Japanese and international gastronomy with finesse. A sophisticated and deeply Japanese haven from which to discover Tokyo.

 

 

Prestige View Room with bathtub — 48 sqm

In Hakone : Gora Karaku *****

Nestled in the mountains of Hakone, Gora Karaku offers a contemporary interpretation of the traditional ryokan. This discreet address combines minimalist architecture, natural materials, and soothing views over the surrounding hills. The rooms, spacious and filled with light, feature, for the most part, private thermal baths fed by the region’s renowned hot springs. Here, time appears suspended: between moments of relaxation in the onsen, tranquil gardens, and kaiseki meals delicately composed according to the seasons, each instant invites a deeper appreciation of the gentleness and serenity of Japanese culture.

 

 

Deluxe Room with private outdoor onsen bath — 56 sqm

In Nagoya : Espacio Nagoya Castle *****

Facing the majestic Nagoya Castle stands Espacio Nagoya Castle, a rare hotel where luxury unfolds in a hushed and intimate atmosphere. Conceived as a contemporary residence, the property favours generous spaces, noble materials, and a refined aesthetic inspired by Japanese elegance. The rooms and suites offer privileged views over the castle gardens and ramparts, echoing the history of the powerful samurai lords who once ruled the region. With its attentive service and understated interiors, the hotel provides an ideal haven of calm from which to discover Nagoya.

 

 

Deluxe City View Room — 50 sqm

In Kyoto : Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei ****

Located on a peaceful street in the historic centre of Kyoto, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei draws inspiration from the city’s former merchant houses. Behind a discreet façade lies an elegant establishment where wood, traditional textiles, and clean lines create a warm and refined atmosphere. The rooms combine contemporary comfort with Japanese aesthetic touches, while the hotel’s onsen offers a moment of relaxation after a day of exploration. An authentic and perfectly situated address for discovering Kyoto’s temples, gardens, and historic districts.

 

 

Deluxe Room — 33 sqm

In Nara : Waqoo Horyuji ****

A short walk from Hōryū-ji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist complexes in the world, Waqoo Horyuji offers a rare immersion into the spiritual atmosphere of Nara. This singular property, inspired by Japanese monastic hospitality, invites a stay imbued with serenity and contemplation. The rooms, understated and elegant, combine tatami flooring, light wood, and contemporary touches. Meals, inspired by Buddhist tradition and kaiseki cuisine, celebrate seasonal ingredients. In this peaceful setting, away from the bustle, a more intimate and meditative dimension of Japan reveals itself.

 

 

Superior Room — 24 sqm

Price per person
Package in double room

€11,900 per person 

 

The price includes: accommodation in a double room with breakfast for 9 nights • city taxes • visits, experiences, and transfers mentioned in the programme • first-class train tickets • airport transfers • all lunches • dinners on days 4 and 9 • La Fugue tour leader on site • repatriation assistance.

The price does not include: international flights • meals indicated as at leisure • extras.

 

 

Business Class “Flex” fare as of today: €5,255

Price valid as of 11 March 2026, subject to airline price fluctuations.

 

 

These prices are calculated on the basis of 7 travellers and are subject to currency exchange variations.

Package in double room for single occupancy

€14,575 per person

 

The price includes: accommodation in a double room with breakfast for 9 nights • city taxes • visits, experiences, and transfers mentioned in the programme • first-class train tickets • airport transfers • all lunches • dinners on days 4 and 9 • La Fugue tour leader on site • repatriation assistance.

The price does not include: international flights • meals indicated as at leisure • extras.

 

 

Business Class “Flex” fare as of today: €5,255

Price valid as of 11 March 2026, subject to airline price fluctuations.

 

 

These prices are calculated on the basis of 7 travellers and are subject to currency exchange variations.

Information about this trip
In charge of the destination
Pauline Heckly
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