Heart of Japan

March 1-8, 2025

For more info and to secure your spot: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/japan

Join our 8-day itinerary to the heart of Japan with a focus on culture, cuisine and spiritual traditions. Your journey begins in Kyoto to see the iconic red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari shrine. From there, explore the cobblestone streets, Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Shrine. Go deeper into the Arashiyama and Sagano areas with a visit to 8,000 Bhuddist statues. We will wander in a hidden bamboo forest, and a visit to a park containing more than 100 Japanese macaque monkeys living in the wild. Next, we will travel by ferry to the famed hot spring town of Beppu where you’ll learn to cook a special onsen meal before resting in your traditional ryokan accommodations. Enjoy a farm day meeting locals preserving seasonal agricultural traditions, and visit a tea farm to learn the techniques of brewing. A Buddhist temple stay offers the opportunity for a sunrise meditation and breakfast with the monks. We’ll visit the iconic Osaka Castle and indulge in seasonal & regional cuisine.

TRIP INCLUDES
Accommodations

• 7 nights total stay
• 3 nights boutique 3-star hotel (private room & bath, Western-style beds)
• 2 nights traditional ryokan (private room & bath, Japanese futon style beds)
• 1 night ferry (private room & bath)
• 1 night Buddhist temple stay (private room, share bathroom)

Transportation

• Airport to hotel arrival/departure logistical assistance (cost of transfer not included)
• JR Rail Pass and IC Card for all internal transfers included in itinerary by train, bus and light rail
• Overnight ferry Osaka → Beppu
• Private vehicle for Day 5 farm visits

Activities

• Kyoto guided tour and visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Yasaka Shrine
• Guided visit & entry to Adashino Nenbutsuji and Gioji temples
• Admission to Arashiyama Monkey Park
• Guided tour of Nara and admission to Todaiji Temple
• Beppu hot springs visit with admission to Umi and Onishi Bozu
• Onsen (hot springs) lunch experience in Kannawa
• Local farmhouse visit and harvesting experience + lunch
• Tea farm visit and traditional tea tasting
• Traditional Geisha experience in Beppu with seasonal dances & games
• Buddhist temple experience with overnight stay and morning meditation
• Visit and entry to Himeji Castle & Osaka Castle

Meals

• Daily traditional Japanese breakfast
• 5 dinners
• 2 lunches

Additional

• Local community partner visit + donation to their organization
• Dedicated local Japanese guide
• Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
• Small group experience, max 12 people

Add-Ons

• Additional nights in Kyoto or Osaka
• Hotel nights in Tokyo
• Transportation assistance to/from Tokyo

Does Not Include

• International airfare
• Airport transfer costs (assistance with arrangements provided)
• Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
• Tips to your local guides, and drivers
• Alcohol or other drinks, unless specified
• Required travel insurance

We hope to see you in Japan!

For more details and to secure your spot: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/japan