Samurai Tours News
March 2009 - Interview on NextTripRadio.com
On March 9 (at 4AM Kyoto time), Mike was interviewed by NextTripRadio.com, an Internet radio station specializing in travel. "I was really nervous", said Mike, "but once it started, it was over before I knew it. They wanted me to talk about Samurai Tours and Japan. Anyone who knows me knows I can talk about of either of these subjects for hours. So it was easier than I thought once it got started." There are two 9-minute segments. You can hear the first segment here, and the second segment here.
March 2009 - Recommend Magazine and on Recommend.com website
Our Best of Kyoto and Beyond tour was suggested as an escorted tour of Kyoto in the August 2008 edition of Recommend magazine and on their website. Recommend Magazine, and its associated website, Recommend.com, is written exclusively for travel agents.
January 2009 - Announcing our New Self-Guided Independent Packages!
For those of you who wish to travel independently, these itineraries, available to start at any time, offer the perfect way to explore Japan. Pre-defined itineraries with detailed, easy-to-follow directions allow you to navigate Japan on your own like a pro. Select from the available sightseeing and cultural options, design your own custom daily itineraries using our Custom Independent Travel Adventure Package services or create your own daily itinerary. A little structure with a lot of flexibility may be the perfect combination for you!
These packages are designed to take all the time and worry out of planning your trip so you can concentrate on getting the very most out of your trip to Japan and your travel investment. We'll organize all your accommodations and transportation, and meet you upon arrival at the airport. You'll have the full back up of our English-speaking office staff in Japan to make sure every aspect of your trip goes according to plan and all of our itineraries also include private guiding from a licensed, English-speaking guide on your first full day in Japan. These reassuring services will help introduce you to Japan and give you extra confidence for traveling the country independently.
Click here for more information regarding our Self-Guided Independent Packages.
December 2008 - Japanese Travel Agency License
Its official!! We have acquired our Travel Agency License in Japan. The ID is Kyoto-ken Chijitoroku Ryokogyo 3-576, or Kyoto Prefecture Travel Agency License #3-576 in English. The agency is fully licensed and bonded as dictated by Japanese law. This is another step in our plans to provide a wide range of travel products in Japan.
October 2008 - Announcing our Custom Travel Services
If you would prefer to tour Japan independently, our Custom Travel Services can provide you with whatever you will need to visit Japan. Whether you are looking for someone to create a custom Japan independent travel package, or you just need someone to buy tickets to a Sumo tournament, use our vast knowledge of the Japan travel environment to your advantage. You decide how much or how little of our services you need, and we take care of the rest.
We will work with you to find just the right options to suit your preferences, interests and budget. Because Japan is our focus, and not just another one of many destinations, we are able to suggest and offer things others can't. Because of this, you will get more value out of your travel investment, while enjoying your trip even more. Your vacation time is limited, so make the most out of it by letting us assist you.
Click here for more information regarding our Custom Travel Services.
October 2008 - Celebrating Five Years!
In October, we will be celebrating our 5th anniversary of providing tours to Japan. "It certainly doesn't feel like 5 years. It feels like we just started yesterday." says Mike. "While thinking about the last 5 years, at the risk of sounding cliche, I couldn't help but think what a long, strange trip it's been (my apologies to the Grateful Dead). But seriously, when I started to think about all the wonderful people that have been on our tours, it was hard not to become somewhat nostalgic. There is no possible way I can express my feelings to our former tour members. All I can think to say is thank you for choosing to travel with us, and thank you for being such good travelers. I hope our paths cross again someday."
September 2008 - New Back Door to the Japan Alps Tour
"We are happy to announce our new Back Door to the Japan Alps tour. This new tour is similar to the Best of the Japan Alps and Central Japan, but provides more emphasis on the older, more traditional side of the Japan Alps." according to Mike. "From a personal standpoint, if I had to choose one tour to go on, this would be the one I would choose." The tour is a 15 day/13 night tour visiting Tokyo, Magome, Tsumago, Matsumoto, Obuse, Yudanaka Onsen, Kamikochi, Hirayu Onsen, Shirakawa-go and Takayama. Learn more about the Back Door to the Japan Alps Tour.
May 2008 - Monthly Newsletter
We are happy to introduce our first monthly newsletter. We are looking forward to bringing a small piece of Japan to everyone. The topics will include What?s New@Samurai Tours, The Road Less Traveled, Japanese Travel Tips, Culture Corner, Japanese Language 101, Photo of the Month and Tour Member Photos and more. Click here to browse our Newsletters.
March 2008 - Japan Incorporation
"I am excited to announce we have created a "Kabukshiki Kaisha" (literally translates to Stock Company) in Japan" according to Owner Mike Roberts. "Initially the company will only support our tours, but soon we plan to create an inbound travel agency for independent travelers going to Japan. The legal process to create the company has been a lot of work, and we still have much left to do. But the flexibility this gives us makes it very worthwhile."
January 2008 - New Winter Wonderland Tour
Samurai Tours is pleased to introduce its new Winter Wonderland Tour. According to Owner Mike Roberts, "Although many people don't think of going to Japan in the winter, winter travel in Japan offers a number of unique opportunities. After all, on a cold winter day, what could be better than a bowl of hot noodles with hot sake, followed by a hot outdoor bath in the falling snow. It doesn't get any better than that."
December 2007 - New Website Design
"While the old web site was designed well, we hadn't done a major redesign in over three years, and it was getting a little ragged around the edges." according to the Owner, Mike Roberts. "The new web site, designed and created by PivotPoint, LLC in Denver, CO has an organic feel, and represents who we are and what we do."
July 2007 - New Hokkaido tour
Samurai Tours is excited to announce the addition of our new Back Door to Hokkaido Tour. Owner Mike Roberts says "Hokkaido is Japan's final frontier. Rather than just create another introductory tour, we wanted to create a comprehensive package that took full advantage of everything Hokkaido has to offer, and I think we have succeeded."
December 2006 - Move to New Office
"We are finally are getting much needed extra room. ", according to Owner Mike Roberts.
April 2006 - Office Creation in Japan
Owner Mike Roberts says "This was a big step for us, and allows us to be more flexible and attentive to our client's needs, and opens the door wide open for bigger improvements in the future."