October 16-18, 2025

Continue your journey in Japan with a post-trip in the serenity of Yamagata.

Yamagata, nestled in the heart of Japan’s Tohoku region, captivates visitors with its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and renowned seasonal festivals.

OPTIONAL Day 12 – Yamagata – Samurai story: Post-samurai life

Bid farewell to the urban symphony of Tokyo and take a swift flight to Yamagata, where the Shonai region unfolds like a verdant tapestry beneath you.

Meet your guide and be whisked away to the domain of a renowned chef, a maestro of Yamagata’s rich flavors and a master of the delicate dance with pufferfish. Witness the transformation of this potentially perilous yet exquisite delicacy into a masterpiece: a “Japanese crane” plating, a signature testament to culinary skill.

After lunch, dive into the vibrant world of seafood, fresh from Yamagata’s pristine coast. Witness the delicate art of ikeJime, a Japanese technique that unlocks the peak flavor and texture of sashimi. Then, under the chef’s watchful eye, transform sashimi into delectable nigiri and rolled sushi, each bite a testament to fresh, authentic flavor.

Travel to Matsugaoka, where the final echoes of samurai honor resonate. Immerse yourself in the history of silk cultivation, a legacy born from the spirit of service and resilience.

Culminate your journey at the foot of Mt. Haguro, nestled within the hallowed grounds of a yamabushi mountain monk pilgrim’s lodge. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, steeped in over 1,400 years of spiritual history. As the sun paints the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in fiery hues, let the tranquility of this sacred space wash over you. Let the day’s experiences settle, savoring the memories of exquisite meals and ancient wisdom.

Tonight, enjoy a dinner at the lodge.

OPTIONAL Day 13- Yamagata – Samurai story: Spirituality and entertainment

Wake up and prepare for a day of calming rituals and enchanting traditions.

Arise and participate in a Shugendo prayer ritual and as you enjoy a breakfast of mountain monk cuisine led by the priests of your lodging. Accompanied by a yamabushi mountain guide, you will then have the opportunity to walk along the 2,446 stone stairs to reach the shrine at the peak of Mt. Haguro wearing yamabushi shiroshozoku garb. You will visit various sacred sites along this trek in the forests and take part in rituals together with the yamabushi.

Enjoy the traditional cuisine of the yamabushi in the form of a unique shojin ryori, cuisine only found here on the Dewa Sanzan. This cuisine has been protected and continued for over 1,400 years and has been recognized by UNESCO as a major reason this region was recognized as Japan’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Move onto a buddhist temple where you will be led to calm and focus your spirit with a zazen meditation session led by monks at the temple.

To round out your impeccable day, enjoy a private traditional kaiseki dinner with a geisha performance in a traditional Japanese ryotei with a beautiful Japanese garden.

You will then check into your accommodations at Suiden Terrasse – a hot spring hotel with architecture by Ban Shigeru, set in the midst of rice paddies.

Suiden Terrasse: Modern Hot Spring Hotel

Suiden Terrasse

Imagine rolling hills adorned with emerald rice fields, stretching towards the majestic Dewasanzan mountains and the shimmering expanse of the Japan Sea. This is the idyllic scenery that defines Shonai, a region in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its rich natural heritage.

Here, nestled amidst the verdant tapestry of rice paddies, lies a haven of serenity – a place called Suiden Terrasse. Inspired by the very essence of this land, “Suiden” meaning rice field, this unique retreat blends seamlessly with its surroundings, offering a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature.

Suiden Terrassee offers a “Farm to Table” dining experience, serving up cuisine created from their own farm as well as the surrounding Yamagata prefecture. Relax your body and soul in the natural hot spring, sauna, and luxurious guestrooms during your stay.

OPTIONAL Day 14 – Yamagata – Samurai story: Modern-day samurai

Check out of your hotel and embark on the final full day adventure.

Today you will experience both the Iai shrine, (with an added samurai experience) and a Soba making workshop. Iai shrine is the birthplace of iaido swordsmanship, founded when a samurai undergoing ascetic training here was bestowed a vision. The samurai experience will serve as a introductory training session with seasoned teachers, culminating in cutting through tatami with a real katana. Finally, learn how to make soba from a master in a workshop with local soba wheat grown in Yamagata. This soba is made from 100% soba, a delightful delicacy rarely available outside of Japan.

Transfer to a Japanese wagashi shop where you will experience traditional Japanese wagashi sweets and have the opportunity to create your own artistic Japanese nerikiri wagashi sweets alongside an 8th generation master. Once accomplished, indulge in the taste of your masterpiece with matcha tea in their beautiful Japanese home.

Return to Tokyo via shinkansen bullet train and spend the night in the gorgeous Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi.

Call Jolene DiRocco at 941-951-1801 at extension 106 now to reserve your space on this unique journey today! You may e-mail at jolene@admiraltravel.com.

Post-Trip Cost is $3,685 per person based on double occupancy. Please inquire for single pricing.

  • 25% deposit required to secure space. All payments are non-refundable.
  • A $250 per person Admiral Travel booking fee will apply. (VIPLane members complimentary)
  • We highly recommend trip insurance and are happy to assist. Please inquire with your travel advisor.

Inclusions

  • Accommodations, touring and meals as listed on the itinerary
  • Departure transfer in Tokyo
  • Flight from Tokyo to Yamagata

Exclusions

  • International airfare

  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Meals, except those listed as included
  • Transportation, except that listed as included
  • Admission to attractions, except those listed as included
  • Anything not explicitly listed as included
  • Luggage storage and delivery fees

PLEASE NOTE FOR OUR FOUNDER’S JOURNEYS:

  • All payments made to or on behalf of Admiral Travel are non-refundable unless stated otherwise
  • Travel with like-minded individuals on these exclusive departures.
  • Special global relationships that the Hiltons have formed over the years will allow you privileged access opportunities.
  • Trips are offered well in advance to give ample time for your future planning.