WAZA & Friends Visit Japan

WAZA & Friends is a small-group way of travelling to Japan: a handful of curious, like-minded people journeying together with two members of Team WAZA, in the spirit of friends exploring, rather than a coachload on a package tour. The thread running through every visit is craftsmanship – the makers, materials, food and places we at WAZA have come to know over more than two decades of travelling in Japan, and working directly with its regions and craftspeople. You travel in the company of people who know the country intimately and love it deeply, at a pace that leaves room to actually notice things.

Our visits so far

If you would like to hear about future visits, there are two ways to stay in touch: subscribe to the WAZA newsletter for general shop and travel updates, or – for early-bird information focused only on planned trips to Japan - add your name to the waiting list using the form below.

What is WAZA & Friends?

It is

A small group – never more than ten people, including two from Team WAZA – travelling and staying together.
Slow and seasonal, with time to walk, observe, eat well and rest rather than race between landmarks.
Built around craftsmanship, food, nature, architecture and everyday Japanese life.
A blend of cities, regional towns and rural areas, including places most visitors never reach.
Structured where it counts – accommodation, transport and key visits arranged in advance – but with real free time and room to do your own thing.
Shaped by relationships WAZA has built directly with Japanese makers and regions over more than twenty years.

It is not

A commercial package tour. We travel like a group of friends, with the travel logistics handled through our established and registered Japanese partners.
A fast-paced, tick-every-landmark sightseeing trip.
A luxury or resort holiday, or a shopping-focused city break.
A rigid, hour-by-hour programme.
For travellers who want to be accompanied every minute, or to stay only in the big cities.

Each trip also includes a travel writer and photographer, who is always on hand for advice on capturing Japan – from a quick phone snap to a carefully composed frame.

Cost

Recent visits have cost between R78,000 - R85,000 per person for a 12 night itinerary. This excludes international flights and Japanese visa fees, which participants book and arrange themselves – though we're available and glad to help you weigh up routes and options. Many of our group members extend their stay independently before returning home.

In their words

Do you know the difference between shop-bought sliced bread and a freshly baked ciabatta? That's the difference between Japan on Instagram and Japan with WAZA.– November 2025 participant

The advance planning was immaculate, with meticulous attention to detail.– May 2026 participant

I went as a solo traveller and it felt great. I would never have gone to Japan alone – you facilitated it beautifully, and the whole trip was executed brilliantly.– November 2025 participant

The evenings were a relaxed time trying different foods and having fun with newly found friends. You will not regret this opportunity.– November 2025 participant

I couldn't have had a better introduction to Japan. For me it was the perfect way to do it.– November 2025 participant

One of those trips where I struggled to settle back into normal life and work afterwards.– May 2026 participant

Travelling with your own circle? We can also arrange a private, bespoke version of WAZA & Friends for a small group of your own – family, friends or colleagues – shaped around your interests and quoted individually. Get in touch to talk it through.

WAZA & Friends