Sacred Japan

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Trip Overview

Duration

12 Days

Activities

Cultural
Cycling
Hiking

Physical Rating

Moderate

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Meet the Dynamic Women of Japan

Sacred Japan is the ultimate mix of relaxing walks, scenic e-bike rides, and unforgettable moments with locals. You’ll meet the fierce and fearless female free divers known as the ama-san, and connect with sea cucumber farmers and tea-harvesting women who’ve been keeping these incredible traditions alive for generations.

Along the way, you’ll soak up the passion of Japanese women who carry on generational traditions and pass down their heritage through everything from art and sound to sushi and tea!

Renew Your Senses

We’ll wander along the ancient Nakasendo Trail, feel the thrill of the cliffside Kuniga Coast, and breathe in the tranquility of Mount Daisen, surrounded by the serene temples and shrines of Tadasu no Mori Forest. On the rugged Oki Islands, a UNESCO Global Geopark, we’ll e-bike along the wild coastline, soaking up the raw energy of the sea.

You’ll find renewal and peace in the healing waters of onsens, and the climb to a 1000-year-old temple on Mount Mitoku will leave you feeling deeply purified. Every day is about new discoveries—you’ll savor the unique flavors of Kyoto cuisine, marvel at the lush emerald rice paddies, and stand in awe beneath towering bamboo groves.

Each moment brings something fresh, something unfamiliar, and every step leaves you inspired by the breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and captivating wonder of Japan.

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    Itinerary

    • Day 1

      Tokyo

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    • Day 2

      Tsumago

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    • Day 3

      Magome

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    • Day 4

      Osatsu-Cho

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    • Day 5

      Shiga

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    • Day 6

      Kyoto

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    • Day 7

      Misasa Onsen

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    • Day 8

      Nishinoshima Island

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    • Day 9

      Ama Island (Oki Islands)

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    • Day 10

      Mount Daisen

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    • Day 11

      Tokyo

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    • Day 12

      Tokyo

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    What’s Included

    • checkmark icon An awesome English-speaking local female Japanese guide
    • checkmark icon Eleven nights’ accommodation in hotels, including three nights in a traditional tatami-style room (*Optional private single upgrades are only available for eight of the eleven nights and are subject to availability)
    • checkmark icon All ground transport including trains, local buses, private car and ferries
    • checkmark icon Domestic flight from Yonago Airport (YGJ) to Haneda Airport, Tokyo (HND) 
    • checkmark icon Group arrival and departure airport transfers
    • checkmark icon Meals as outlined in the trip itinerary
    • checkmark icon Activities as outlined in the trip itinerary
    • checkmark icon Bikes and helmets (e-bikes will be provided on the Oki Islands)
    • checkmark icon Entry to onsens (hot springs)
    • checkmark icon Admission to shrines and temples
    Please Note:

    All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.

    At some of the boutique accommodations we use we are unable to secure private rooms. On this trip the private upgrade is for eight out of the eleven nights, on the other three nights you may have a roommate. We are staying in unique small accommodations with limited space.

    Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.

    Trip Details

    Know Before You Go

    Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.

    This trip starts in Tokyo, Japan (airport codes: NRT or HND) and finishes in Tokyo, Japan (airport codes: NRT or HND).

    Onsens

    Most ryokans have ‘onsens’ –  which are public bathing areas, sometimes filled with heated mineral water, and sometimes fed by local hot springs. You will be provided with a small and large towel. Onsens are gender segregated (women’s and men’s). When you enter the change rooms, there will be lockers for your clothing. Find a shower stall and rinse down well, using the soap and small towel provided. Then find your way into the onsen for a quiet soak. It’s important to be mindful of other women using the onsen and to keep voices low.  These are quiet spaces.

    A common question asked is whether you can enter an onsen if you have a tattoo. It is an unwritten rule that public onsens do not permit those who have tattoos on their body. If you choose to enter a public onsen with a tattoo, chances are, no one will notice (especially if it’s small and inconspicuous), but if you are asked to leave, you should respectfully do so.

    The Wild Women Way

    If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.

    How We Support You

    Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we walk a lot and do some exploring by bicycle. Yes, some of it can be a challenge, but you’re never alone. Like thousands of women before you, you’ll draw on strength you didn’t know you had and come out feeling like the goddess you are. 

    Like all our trips, this trip can be scaled to suit different abilities and comfort levels. If you have concerns or reservations about your ability to complete or enjoy this trip due to any physical or medical reasons, please contact us and let’s talk about it.

    What the Trip Entails

    This is an active, multi-activity adventure. We would like you to be comfortable with the following:

    • checkmark icon Walking distances on this trip vary: On the Nakasendo pilgrimage, you can expect to walk up to 4 miles (6.5 km) a day
    • checkmark icon On other days, the walking duration can be 1-2 hours on the Kuniga Coast Walking Track or up to 3 hours walking in the Mount Daisen area
    • checkmark icon There are also shorter walking tours through villages and to the shrines
    • checkmark icon Some days involve extensive travel via express train, local buses and ferries (something to be aware of if you are prone to motion sickness)
    • checkmark icon For the Day 10 cycling tour of the Oki Islands, there will be several breaks and a stop for lunch – e-bikes are provided this day
    • checkmark icon Up to three nights will be spent in accommodations offering tatami rooms, which are traditional Japanese rooms with tatami (rush reed) flooring and low futon mattresses.
    • checkmark icon Expect a menu and flavors that may be unfamiliar to you
    • checkmark icon If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to enter certain onsens
    • checkmark icon Physical Rating: Moderate (Good level of fitness required. Trips are moderately challenging with an average of 4 to 6 hours of activity each day.)
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