Mind, Body, Spirit in Japan
… more than a typical vacation…
8-day culturally immersive adventure in Kyushu, Southern Japan
OCTOBER 27 – NOVEMBER 3, 2024
Price: $4,495/person
Limited time offer: $3,995/person until April 30th
Who is this for?
Do you seek a rejuvenating escape from the daily hustle?
Are you hungry for authentic experiences but don’t have the time to plan a unique trip yourself?
Are you looking for an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and your partner amidst Japan’s beautiful landscapes?
Are you open to forging connections with like-minded travelers?
Then, this trip is for you!
We are committed to curating a small group of interesting and open-minded individuals and couples seeking a transformative travel experience.
Don’t delay! There are only 8 spots available!
Complete a SHORT APPLICATION to express your interest and let the process begin…
We hope to see you in Japan!
Why Japan?
If you’ve ever thought about visiting Japan but felt overwhelmed by the planning process – this trip is your solution!
Japan is a destination that’s hard to visit on your own. Authentic Japanese experiences, unique hotels, and activities are challenging to find and even harder to book on your own, and typical tours to Japan seem to mostly offer the same cookie-cutter itinerary.
Our Japan trip itinerary offers something truly unique, allowing you to experience our favourite elements of Japanese culture, food, drink, and its rich history.
Trip Overview
kumamoto
1 NIGHT
Vibrant city. Rich history.
Home of one of the top castles in Japan
Hitoyoshi
3 NIGHTS
Charming riverside town.
The heart of Samurai culture in Kyushu
Mt. Aso
1 NIGHT
Breathtaking views. Rugged beauty.
Home to one of the world's largest volcanic calderas
Kurokawa Onsen
2 NIGHTS
One of Japan's most attractive and well preserved hot spring towns
Spend 7 Nights/8 Days in Kyushu, Southern Japan, an off-the-beaten-path region that has not yet been overrun with tourism. The itinerary was crafted to showcase the best of the region and take you on a journey of self-discovery inspired by the power of ancient Japanese philosophies.
Throughout the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into iconic Japanese traditions, discover the history of the area, and soak in the natural beauty of the region accentuated by beautiful fall colours.
Highlights include:
- Kumamoto Castle visit
- Hands-on samurai experience with a modern day Samurai Master
- Traditional Tea Ceremony
- Shochu (traditional Japanese distilled spirit) tasting
- Cooking Class
- Guided volcano hike
- Kaiseki Meal
- Onsen (hot springs) experience
Accommodation will be a highlight of the trip, with stays in small hotels and traditional ryokans offering an authentic taste of Japanese hospitality.
With a maximum group size of just 8 people, plus us and our expert guides, you can look forward to a very intimate and immersive experience. And rest assured, our commitment to responsible travel ensures that your journey leaves a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
First time in Japan? Combine our trip with your own time in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka for the ultimate 10-14 Day holiday in Japan. We’ll be happy to provide you with recommendations or custom designed add-on itinerary for your time before and after the tour.
Where We'll Stay
On this trip, we’ll stay in a variety of accommodation, including unique hotels, small traditional ryokans, as well as the award-winning Ayunosato Ryokan, ranked as the number one ryokan in Kyushu for the past five years.
Each accommodation will offer an authentic Japanese experience with an opportunity to soak in beautiful onsens (hot springs), enjoy traditional kaiseki meals and experience unparralel “omotenashi” ryokan hospitality.
Our final accommodation options will depend on the number of guests on this trip and will be shared with the participants closer to the date.
Special Inclusions
Taisharyu Samurai Experience
Hyoho Taisha Ryu is a traditional Japanese martial art that dates back centuries, rooted in the teachings of ancient samurai warriors. Characterized by its focus on fluid movements, strategic techniques, and mental discipline, Hyoho Taisha Ryu encompasses a wide range of combat techniques, including swordsmanship, grappling, and unarmed combat. Emphasizing the importance of balance, timing, and adaptability, practitioners of Hyoho Taisha Ryu not only develop physical prowess but also cultivate mental clarity and inner strength.
During our trip, we’ll meet a real-life Taisharyu Master for an introduction to this traditional samurai practice.
Tea experiences – traditional tea ceremony and tea farm visit
A Japanese tea ceremony is a time-honoured tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture, offering a profound and enriching experience for both participants and observers. It is a ritualistic practice that goes beyond merely preparing and drinking tea, encompassing elements of mindfulness, harmony, and aesthetics. Steeped in centuries of tradition, the tea ceremony emphasizes respect for nature, simplicity, and the appreciation of fleeting moments.
During our trip, we’ll get a chance to participate in a private tea ceremony to learn more about this tradition and further immerse ourselves in Japanese culture, fostering a deeper understanding of its values and philosophy while savouring moments of peaceful contemplation.
Kaiseki meal at ryokan
A Kaiseki meal at a ryokan is a culinary journey that celebrates the artistry of Japanese cuisine and the essence of seasonal ingredients. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Kaiseki is more than just a meal – it’s a meticulously crafted experience that engages all the senses. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to showcase the flavours, textures, and aesthetics of the season, embodying the principle of “shun,” or seasonal freshness. From delicate sashimi and intricately arranged appetizers to simmered dishes and perfectly grilled seafood, every course is a testament to the chef’s skill and creativity. A Kaiseki meal is bound to be the culinary highlight of our time in Japan. It’s not only a feast for the palate but also a reflection of Japanese culture, hospitality, and reverence for nature’s bounty.
Day by Day Itinerary
Welcome to Kumamoto! Arrive at your own time and check into a modern Japanese hotel in the heart of Kumamoto City. This evening, we’ll gather for a very special welcome dinner where you’ll have an opportunity to meet the rest of the group and learn more about the trip ahead.
Accommodation: OMO5 Hotel (or similar)
Our adventure starts today with a visit to Kumamoto Castle, listed as one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan. Kumamoto Castle holds significant historical importance in the samurai history of the Kyushu region, particularly during the feudal era of Japan.
After lunch, we will head to Kuma Valley for a Shochu walking tour where we will visit local shochu artisan breweries to learn more about the spirit and its deep connection with the area.
Accommodation: Ayunosato
This morning we continue to delve into the samurai ways. We meet a modern day samurai and immerse ourselves into the practice of Taisharyu. Hyoho Taisha Ryu is a swordsmanship style founded by the legendary swordsman, Marume Kurando (1540 – 1629). Meet the current grand master, Yamamoto Takahiro, and learn about the mind of the samurai, and tools for mindfulness, through swordsmanship.
This afternoon, immerse yourself in the time-honored tradition of the tea ceremony as we continue our exploration of the samurai lifestyle.
Accommodation: Ayunosato
Today we will explore the Sagara area by ebike. The 30km journey will take us through rural farm areas stopping at significant shrines that were key in the Sagara clan’s obsession with geomancy. We will have a break at a local tea farm and learn about the history and production of tea and sample various local varieties. Follow the Kawabe River, voted purest water in Japan 15 years in a row, to our lunch spot at Gankodofu, a local tofu shop, where we will learn about tofu production and eat the delicious ganmodoki burger (vegan) on a private beach on the Kawabe River.
This afternoon, we meet Sechan for a local food experience. Not only is Sechan the leader of the local farm stays association and an awesome storyteller but her cooking skills are known throughout Kyushu. Don an apron and jump in the kitchen for Sechans cooking class as we throw together some local favourites.
Accommodation: Hibari
This morning, we visit Mt Aso, one of Japan’s most iconic and active volcanoes. It is part of the larger Aso-Kuju National Park, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
As we navigate the rugged terrain of this morning’s hike, we contemplate how nature’s forces have shaped the land over time, connecting you to Japan’s history and respect for the environment.
Accommodation: Asono Yamaboshi (or similar)
Kurokawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most attractive hot spring towns, and one of Kyushu’s best kept secrets, located in the middle of Kyushu about 20 kilometers north of Mount Aso. Kurokawa is free of the massive concrete hotels, neon advertisements and loud colours and maintains a traditional onsen town feel.
Accommodation: Sanga Ryokan (or similar)
In the morning, we explore Kurokawa Onsen, a traditional town with dozens of beautiful hot springs.
In the afternoon, we visit Waita Onsen, a small onsen village located at the foot of Mount Waita to experience the geothermal power of the hot springs in a very unique way.
Accommodation: Sanga Ryokan
In the morning, we’ll get an opportunity to try a real food-to-table experience that includes everything from harvesting the vegetables to preparing them. This is a unique chance to interact with local people and learn about their “satoyama” lifestyle, a concept that is at the heart of traditional Japanese culture.
Our trip will officially end this afternoon, although many will likely choose to stay longer and explore other parts of Japan.
A Recap: What's Included?
The cost of the trip is USD $4,495 per person, an incredible value considering all the add-ons and special experiences we’ve been able to include in this itinerary.
Included
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Private transport with English speaking guide
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Accommodation
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All Meals
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All activities as per itinerary
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Special Add-ons
Excluded
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International Flights
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Visas
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Travel and Personal Accident Insurance– Medical and Travel Interruption insurance is HIGHLY recommended for this trip. We will gladly suggest a couple of options.
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Additional Excursions
