JAPAN WITH ERIC ARENAS

A journey.
A connection.
A little discovery.

Your companion for our journey through Japan.

Explore our itinerary

Snow-capped Mount Fuji above traditional rooftops and a reflective pond — 日本 JAPAN, THROUGH MY LENS

YOUR TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADER IN JAPAN

Meet Eric Arenas

Eric by the water at Miyajima with the red torii gate behind him — Your Trip Experience Leader

My experience as a guide

A few words about my experience — coming soon.

YOUR ITINERARY

Our journey through Japan

Tokyo → Matsumoto → Kyoto → Hiroshima

Day 1Depart for Japan
Day 2Welcome to Tokyo
Day 3Old Edo & the world of sumo
Day 4Asakusa & Kiyosumi Garden
Day 5To Matsumoto • Castle & soba
Day 6Narai-juku & woodblock art
Day 7To Kyoto • Optional sake discovery
Day 8A Day in the Life • Tamba-Sasayama
Day 9Gardens, bamboo & a maiko encounter
Day 10Fushimi Inari & Nijo Castle
Day 11Bullet train to Hiroshima
Day 12Hiroshima • Remembrance & connection
Day 13Miyajima & a farewell dinner
Day 14Homeward, or onward to Okinawa

Itinerary subject to change. Please follow Eric’s latest briefing.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Weather & what to wear

Fall in Japan50–70°F10–21°C

The booklet’s general daytime range for fall. Bring comfortable layers and a light rain jacket. Mornings and evenings may feel cooler, especially around Matsumoto.

Other seasons

Early spring: 50–60°F / 10–16°C
Summer: 85–100°F / 29–38°C

These are broad daytime ranges from the trip booklets, not a forecast. Conditions vary by destination. Winter temperatures are not provided in these booklets.

Check the local forecast shortly before departure. Eric will share any weather-related changes during the trip.

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Useful travel tips

Get some yen at the airport

Exchange money or withdraw yen before leaving the airport. Keep cash for small shops and independent meals, and bring a backup payment card.

Pack light

Bring bags you can comfortably carry yourself, comfortable walking shoes, layers, and a small day bag. Keep your passport and essential medication with you.

Keep a smaller bag ready

Pack a small bag or carry-on case with two nights of clothing and essentials for Matsumoto while your larger luggage travels from Tokyo to Kyoto. You’ll also need a smaller bag for the Kyoto-to-Hiroshima leg. I’ll confirm how many nights to pack for and explain the luggage arrangements before each transfer. Keep your medication, passport, and valuables with you.

Explore comfortably, together

Walking is a wonderful way to discover Japan’s neighborhoods and everyday life. I’ll look for practical shortcuts and easier routes wherever possible, with opportunities to pause along the way. Some days may still involve up to 5 miles / 8 km, stairs, and uneven paths. Let me know how you’re feeling so we can discuss the day’s route together.

Travel easily with Suica

I’ll provide you with a Suica IC card—a prepaid travel card—to make getting around on local trains, subways, and buses simpler and save time buying individual tickets. I’ll show you how to use it, check the balance, and top it up when needed. For journeys that require separate tickets, I’ll explain the arrangements.

Small courtesies help

Wear shoes that are easy to remove for temple and home visits. Carry a small hand towel and a bag for litter. “Sumimasen” means excuse me; “arigato gozaimasu” means thank you.

CONNECTING WITH JAPAN