Wellness Journey in Japan

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Narita International Airport (NRT) to Central Tokyo: 1.5 h Haneda International Airport (HND) to Central Tokyo: 50 min

Upon arrival to Tokyo’s airport, our representative will be waiting to assist with transportation into the city (either boarding the right train or finding the appropriate shuttle bus). The remainder of the day is free at leisure. 

Overnight in Tokyo

Inclusions:

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): 09:30 or 12:30 Duration: 4 h *including pick-up/drop-off and transit times

Today, meet with the guide and head to Asakusa for a traditional hands-on experience: Edo Kiriko glass cutting. This traditional way of cutting glass creates elaborate patterns on the shining surfaces of cups and bottles.

Choose the shape of the glass and do some practice cutting with instruction from the artisans before painting the chosen design using the stamp provided by the shop. Next, it’s cutting time, where the decorations on the glass become real.

After admiring the play of shadows and light that the carvings on the glass create, pack the personal souvenir into a box for safety and start to explore the streets of Asakusa, strolling around the crafts shops of Denobin-dori until is a local arts and craft centre that showcases the very best traditional hand-crafted goods of Tokyo’s Taito ward. The exhibition space and gift shop regularly display around 250 items from 48 different craft industries. 

Next stop is the Matsuchiyama Shoden, a temple dedicated to daikon, a Japanese radish used in many Japanese dishes, and Imado Jinja, a shrine home to one of several competing legends about the famous Japanese beckoning cat statue.

Bid farewell to the guide and time to return to the hotel or continue sightseeing at Sensoji Temple.

Overnight in Tokyo

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): 09:00 or 14:00 Duration: 3 to 4 h Distance: 10 km (mostly cycling, a bit of walking and light sightseeing also involved)

Today’s bike tour starts at 9:00 or 14:00. Meet the guide, who is sometimes accompanied by his adorable dog “Jack-san,” at Sasazuka Station, and head together to the cycling studio for a bicycle and helmet fitting. On the way, listen to some fascinating insights and entertaining anecdotes about the local neighbourhood, and get some useful explanations from the guide about Tokyo’s cycling etiquette and today’s itinerary. 

When everything is ready, depart for today’s cycling tour. Leave Sasazuka with the guide, and cycle to the first location, enjoying the best of Tokyo’s urban design and natural environment on the way. Depending on the season, enjoy the surrounding foliage, which is especially beautiful in the spring when the plum and cherry blossoms bloom, and in the autumn, when the trees are a blaze of colour. There will be several cultural and architectural design stops along the way, where the guide will share interesting information and allow some time for photos. 

Bike through Tokyo’s backstreets, local shotengai (small commercial streets) in hip neighbourhoods such as Shimo-Kitazawa, and some little-known parks, seeing the guide’s favourite areas and shops, and stopping for a break at a charming café. 

Finally, enjoy the ride back to Sasazuka where the bicycles will be returned to the guide. 

Overnight in Tokyo
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Journey time (approximation): Central Tokyo to Mt. Fuji / Kawaguchiko: 1 h 40 min

After breakfast, meet the driver for a journey out of Tokyo’s metropolis into the countryside reaching the foothills of iconic Mt. Fuji. Enjoy a day of touring around with the private car and visit the iconic five-story Chureito Pagoda, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt Fuji. The uphill trek through the forested trail adds an element of adventure to the experience. At the summit, take a moment to absorb the awe-inspiring scenery and capture postcard-worthy photographs.

Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, renowned for its mesmerizing kimono masterpieces by a 20th century textile master. Marvel at the intricate designs and vibrant colours of Kubota's creations, which celebrate the beauty of nature and the changing seasons and enjoy the scenic lake Kawaguchi, which provide stunning views of the Mount Fuji when the clouds part. Take a leisurely stroll along the shores of the crystal-clear lake, and be captivated by the picturesque landscape. 

This evening’s accommodation will be the Hoshinoya Fuji glamping resort, offering guests luxury amongst the nature.
 

Overnight at Hoshinya Fuji

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): TBD Duration: 4 h 30 min

This morning, meet the local guides and travel by private car to the Aokigahara “Sea of Trees” forest in Mt. Fuji's foothills. Explore the beauty of this ancient forest thick with old growth trees, whilst also taking part in the preservation of the area.

Today’s guides are experienced nature conservationists, and they will lead the way with some litter picking in an area where the ecosystem is in the most need of restoration. After this, continue to hike the lush woodlands of Aokigahara, winding through lush groves of enchanting oak trees and emerald moss-covered lava beds.

After the hike, finish the tour with a visit to the shores of Lake Saiko, a crystal-clear body of water where Mt Fuji can often be seen towering above its reflection on the water, forming a very photogenic "double Fuji" image. The tour will end back at Kawaguchiko Station.
 

Overnight at Hoshinya Fuji

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Journey time (approximation): Mt. Fuji / Kawaguchiko to Kyoto Station: 3 h 40 min Time: Start (guided tour): 13:30 Duration: 3 h Distance: approx. 15 km

This morning depart by private transfer to Mishima Station and board the bullet train to Kyoto.

After dropping off luggage at the hotel, depart for an afternoon bike tour of the ancient capital.

Pedal through magical backstreets on this unique half-day guided Kyoto bike tour. Meet near Kyoto Station for a bike fitting and tour briefing before following the guide and cycling into the heart of the city.

Start with a ride through Gion District, Kyoto’s main geisha and entertainment district. Pedal along Miyagawa-cho, a narrow lane lined with traditional houses called machiya. Stop for photos and a closer look at these well-preserved dwellings, learning about what life is like behind the doors. 

Continue along the picturesque Shirakawa Canal that is lined with weeping willow trees, passing by some local restaurants and teahouses (ochaya) where geisha and maiko live and work. Turn on to Hanami-koji (“flower-viewing street”), which is the most famous alley in this area. With a stroke of luck, it may be possible to catch a glimpse of a maiko as she rushes on from one lavish ochaya to another.

Then cycle away from Gion, heading to the Imperial Palace Park. Take a short tour of this park, seeing the site where the Imperial Family’s former residence used to stand. 

It’s time to head back to the bike depot. Follow a different route back, riding alongside the Kamogawa River. 

After this three-hour Kyoto bike tour, drop the bikes off at the depot and enjoy the rest of the time at a leisure.

Overnight in Kyoto

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Time: Start (guided activity): 10:00 Duration: 4 h 30 min

Today’s activity begins at 10:00 in the neighbouring prefecture of Shiga, home to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. Meet the guide at Shiga Station, which is located approximately 40 minutes north of Kyoto, reachable by local train.

First make a brief stop at Juge Shrine, which is located in a small forest looking out on to Lake Biwa. The locals have taken great care of it over the centuries, and a goddess is said to be enshrined here. Enjoy a tranquil moment in this spiritual space before heading to the meditation and yoga/Pilates class, which will be held in a traditional Japanese farmhouse. 

Feel all cares and worries melt away through breathwork, and stretch and strengthen muscles through a combination of yoga and Pilates exercises. Look within and enjoy this moment of peace and serenity in total relaxation before learning how to prepare an authentic and healthy homemade Japanese meal with homegrown vegetables and rice. Be sure to sample some homemade pickles during the meal. 

After a leisurely lunch, stroll back to Shiga Station and head back to Kyoto to wind down at the hotel or keep exploring independently. 

Overnight in Kyoto
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Time: Start (guided activity): 9:00 Duration: 4 h *including pick-up/drop-off and transit times NOTE: This tour is unavailable on weekends during peak season (18th Mar-16th Apr, 1st Nov-10th Dec)

Begin this morning’s half day tour with a drive to Daigoji, a stunning temple complex situated in the eastern outskirts of Kyoto City. The removed location of this temple ensures a tranquil atmosphere enhanced by the nearby forested mountain slopes. There are a number of cultural spots to see here, starting with the garden at Sanboin. This carefully designed landscape was created in 1598 by the warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and the garden and temple are considered the pinnacle of the lavish Momoyama Era style that was celebrated during his lifetime.

Deeper into the temple grounds are other treasures, including the famous Bentendo island shrine and Kyoto’s oldest structure: a five storied pagoda built in the year 951. Finish the time at Daigoji with a visit to the Reihokan Museum to marvel at the temple’s collection of fine antiquities and statues.

Continue deeper into the hills of Kyoto to arrive at a trio of isolated Buddhist retreats overlooking the city.

At Unryu-in, walk the silent prayer halls and learn of the rituals that priests still conduct here. Savor a bowl of warm matcha tea in a room overlooking a rustic garden as the guide explains the intricacies of Japanese tea culture. Should the urge to meditate arise, this temple is an excellent location to do so.

Stroll to Sennyuji, a temple that is home to the graves of countless Japanese emperors. Peer into a lovely collection of Buddhist halls with architecture on a grand scale. Stop at an ancient spring where pilgrims sip chilled holy water direct from the earth, an activity that all are invited to partake in.

Continue on foot to nearby Imakumano Kannonji, a stop on a famous 33-temple pilgrimage route throughout the region.  Explore the grounds and then ascend a short path to the hillside pagoda overlooking the temple. A lovely view of Kyoto city awaits, the perfect finale for today’s visit to this quiet corner of Kyoto.

Return to the city to keep exploring or retire to the hotel for some rest and relaxation.
 

Alternative Tour during Peak Season: Tea Ceremony and Zen Temple

Depart the hotel by private vehicle and meet the host at the entrance gate of Daitokuji, a sprawling Zen complex hiding dozens of small temples behind weathered walls. Explore one of these temples, taking in the dynamic Zen rock garden and learning the meaning behind the enigmatic landscape. The rich history of the temple complex is discussed, as well as the role that tea plays in the daily activities of the Zen monks.

Enter the host’s traditional wooden home on the edge of the temple complex and begin the tea ceremony. Through enlightening explanations, the ritual of tea unfolds in a friendly and relaxed manner. Watch as matcha tea is prepared, and then learn to savour both the moment and the flavour in each cup. The host seeks to find ways for his guests to connect with the concepts of tea in their own personal way. From an examination of the charcoal heating the water to the story behind the craftwork in each teacup, a focus on details makes this a unique experience.

After the ceremony, visitors are free to ask questions about the ritual and the host’s unique style of traditional living. Part ways and return to the hotel via private vehicle.

Overnight in Kyoto

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Journey time (approximation): Central Kyoto to Koyasan: 2 h 30 min

Today is a self-guided day.

Depart by private car for a journey into the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. Pass through river valleys and forested slopes before reaching Koyasan, a small community of over 100 temples of the secretive Shingon sect of esoteric Buddhism. This mountain enclave has endured for over 1,200 years, and remains a fascinating relic of a time when religion governed the politics and daily life of historic Japan. 

The rest of the day is at leisure until check in at tonight’s accommodation.

Suggested Afternoon Sightseeing Itinerary:

Walk to the west end of the town to see the official entrance to the town where pilgrims still arrive, the massive wooden Sanmon Gate that overlooks the river valley below. Nearby is the finely decorated golden Tokugawa Masoleum, the resting place of two early shogun of the Edo Period.

Explore the treasures of the Reihokan Museum, where thousands of religious items are on display. See vividly painted scrolls featuring intricate mandala diagrams of the gods and expertly carved wooden statues.

Settle in at the shukubo (temple lodging) for the evening. A delicious shojin ryori vegetarian Buddhist dinner is served in a delightfully traditional atmosphere while futon beds are prepared in modest but charming rooms.

Overnight in Koyasan

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): 09:00 Duration: 4 h *including pick-up/drop-off and transit times

Join the optional morning prayer service at the temple lodging, which usually starts at 6:00 or 6:30, to hear the priests chant and drum as they greet the morning. Vegetarian breakfast is served after the service.

Meet today’s local guide and spend a half day exploring Koyasan, learning the stories of the town that Shingon followers believe is the centre of the spiritual universe.

*itinerary subject to change due to closures, events, and guest preferences.

Visit Kongobuji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, home to Japan’s largest rock garden. Peek into beautifully decorated historic rooms and see the cavernous wooden kitchen where meals are still prepared for monks on special occasions.

Enter the brightly painted Konpon Daito Pagoda, which houses an awe-inspiring altar in the form of a three dimensional mandala that maps out the Buddhist cosmos with towering statues. This staggering sight is sure to evoke a sense of wonder in any onlooker.

Continue on to Okuno-in, Japan’s largest and most important cemetery. More than 200,000 gravestones are piled up in the shady spaces between soaring cypress trees, and the trail through this mossy landscape stretches for 2km. At the end lies the solemn Torodo Lantern Hall, where priests chant and eternal flames burn in memory of the deceased. Beyond is the final treasure of Koyasan: the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and a pivotal figure in Japanese history.

Part ways with the guide and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Explore the town, relax at the accommodations, or simply find a quiet corner of a temple for some personal meditation.

Tonight’s temple lodging once again includes vegetarian Buddhist dinner.
 

Overnight in Koyasan

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Koyasan to Kansai Airport: 1 h 15 min

Enjoy another temple breakfast and Morning Prayer service. The rest of the day is at leisure until the scheduled transfer by private car to Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital. Osaka’s flamboyance, fun-loving people, and amazing food make up for what it lacks in tourist attractions.

Optional Tour: Flavours of Osaka

Today’s tour begins at 18:00 depending on whether it is shared or private. Osaka is an epicurean’s delight. Indeed, the motto that the city’s exuberant inhabitants live by is kuidaore – “to eat oneself bankrupt.”  

The first stop will be to try a new style of tempura in an eatery tucked away in a small alleyway. Old favourites such as shrimp tempura, and more experimental combinations such as asparagus tempura and cheese can be found on the menu.

Next, head to a restaurant specialising in wagyu beef dishes. Often referred to as the most expensive beef in the world, wagyu beef is of a superb quality, and is on many a gourmet’s wish list. Enjoy the melt-in-the-mouth textures with a refreshing cocktail.

After walking around the atmospheric backstreets, the final stop will be a small teppanyaki restaurant to try some delicious gyoza and negiyaki cooked on a metal plate right in front of guests.

Bid farewell to the affable guide, and either return to the hotel or go for a stroll around the neighbourhood to take in the sights. (D)

Overnight in Osaka

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Central Osaka to Kansai Airport: 50 min

Distance and journey time (approximation): 
Koyasan to Kansai Airport: 1 h 15 min

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast