ZEN & WELLNESS JAPAN TOUR

On our first full day, we’ll dive right into some core Japanese traditions. We’ll start with a tea ceremony where you’ll get to learn from an expert not just how to make matcha, but why every single movement is so important.

Afterwards, we’re off to Meiji Shrine. Even though it’s in the middle of one of the world’s biggest cities, you’ll feel instantly at peace as soon as you step into the huge forest that surrounds the shrine. You’ll end the day with a tour of Harajuku and Shibuya to experience the quintessential Tokyo vibes. 

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Tea Ceremony and Lunch

Stay: Tokyo Hotel

Get ready for a day trip out of the city! We’re heading to Nikko, a really special place in the mountains that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We’ll take a special train directly from Tokyo to the center of Nikko. We’ll begin with a wood artisan experience where you can handmake your very own traditional souvenir. For the main event, we’ll visit Toshogu Shrine, an incredibly detailed and colourful shrine that looks very different from most shrines in Japan. It is a historic memorial to the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and beautifully nestled among Nikko’s stunning mountains.

After exploring the shrine, we’ll head to Kegon Falls, a massive waterfall with a manmade elevator to take you to the waterfall base. Before heading back to Tokyo, we’ll stop by Lake Chuzenji to relax and reflect on the day.

That evening, we’ll head back to Tokyo by train.

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Spacia X Train (Round Trip), Nikko Private Transportation, Toshogu Entrance, Wood Artisan Experience

Stay: Tokyo Hotel

Today we will travel to the beautiful Yamanashi region, near Mt. Fuji.

Here, you’ll have the option to try something incredibly unique: yabusame (horseback archery), with beautiful Mount Fuji backdrops. If yabusame isn’t your thing, you can take your time exploring the peaceful shrine grounds instead.

For lunch, you’ll take part in a hoto noodle-making experience in a local chef’s home. This is a prefecture speciality dish, with hand-cut noodles served in a broth made of local vegetables. That night, you’ll get to stay in a traditional accommodation and experience the world-class Japanese hospitality.

What’s Included: Expert Local Guide, Private Transportation, Hoto Noodle-Making Experience, Hotel Dinner 

Stay: Yamanashi Ryokan

This morning is all about slowing down and connecting with nature. We’ll do something called shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” Don’t worry, it doesn’t involve any water! This unique meditative experience is best described as a slow, guided walk where you’re encouraged to use all your senses to take in the forest atmosphere.

Lunch will take place at a local cafe connected to a winery, where you’ll have the option to learn about how local wines are produced.

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Private Transfer, Forest Bathing Walk, Hotel Dinner

Stay: Yamanashi Hotel

Today, we’ll travel to Koyasan, the centre of Shingon Buddhism and a very sacred place. We’ll be staying for two nights in a shukubo, which means we’re actually guests in a working temple. It’s a truly special experience.

After checking in, we’ll take part in a special Okunoin Night Walk. During this tranquil experience, you’ll be led through one of Koyasan’s most sacred places to pay your respects to Kobo Daishi, the temple’s founding monk.

What’s Included: Expert Local Guide, Bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Mishima Station, Bullet Train from Mishima Station to Shin-Osaka Station, Okunoin Night Walk, Temple Dinner

Stay: Koyasan Temple Lodging

Today, you’ll get a real feel for life in a temple. You’ll be invited to wake up early and join the monks for a morning spiritual experience. Then, for breakfast, you’ll get to try shojin ryori, a traditional, completely vegetarian, and delicious food style that monks eat.

Afterwards, we’ll take a walk around the area, visiting various significant temples and sites. In the afternoon, you can try your hand at shodo, Japanese calligraphy, which is considered another form of moving meditation.

What’s Included: Temple Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Morning Spiritual Experience, Calligraphy Experience, Temple Dinner

Stay: Koyasan Temple Lodging 

After saying goodbye to our temple hosts, we’ll travel to Otsu, a peaceful lakeside city near Kyoto.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Mii-Dera, one of Japan’s largest and most historic temples, known for its serene atmosphere and traditional arts. Here, you’ll have the option to join a cultural experience, such as beaded bracelet-making or sutra copying.

That evening, we’ll take you to another local temple in order to watch a distinctive and traditional piece of performance art which demonstrates a local dying dance form.

What’s Included: Temple Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Mii-Dera Entrance, Dance Performance

Stay: Otsu Hotel

After a calm start to the day in Otsu, we’ll make our way into nearby Kyoto to explore some of the city’s most serene sights.

Take public transportation to Kameoka Station, then take a scenic ride on the Sagano “Romantic” Train through a river valley. We’ll visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, walking through groves of towering bamboo to find centuries-old hidden temples.

From there, private transportation will take you to a traditional Japanese garden located within a shrine. Then visit the craft museum featuring local artisans and their works.

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Sagano “Romantic” Train, Tenryuji Entrance, Afternoon Private Transfer, Heian Shrine Garden Entrance, Kyoto Museum of Craft and Design Entrance 

Stay: Otsu Hotel

This is the tour’s last morning. You’ll have some free time in Kyoto to do whatever you like maybe grab some last-minute souvenirs, or just wander through your favourite neighbourhood one last time.

When it’s time to go, we’ll have a transfer all arranged to get you to the airport for your flight home. Or, if you want to extend your trip, just let us know!

What’s Included: Shared Airport Transfer

❌ Flight Ticket
❌ Travel Insurance
❌ Meals and experiences not listed in the itinerary
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Visa application and fees

Got another question? Find answers about booking, payments, and what to pack on the FAQ section on our main group trip page.