Trip Overview
Departures
Trip Dates + Prices
Duration
12 Days
Activities
Cultural
Cycling
Hiking
Physical Rating
Moderate
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Meet the Dynamic Women of Japan
Sacred Japan is a beautifully balanced combination of relaxing walks, e-bike rides and intimate experiences with locals. Meet the strong and dedicated female free divers known as the ama-san, sea cucumber farmers and the women who harvest tea. From rural tea plantations to a thunderous taiko drumming demonstration, we witness the passion of Japanese women who are carrying on generational traditions and Japanese heritage through sound, art, tea and sushi!
Discover Mystical and Ancient Marvels
Renew Your Senses
We walk along sections of the Nakasendo Trail, the cliffside Kuniga Coast Walking Track, Mount Daisen and through the tidy gardens, serene temples and shrines of Tadasu no Mori Forest. In the Oki Islands (a designated UNESCO Global Geopark), we e-bike and take in the wildness of the sea. We find deep purification in the onsens’ healing waters and in the arduous climb to a 1000-year-old temple on Mount Mitoku. This trip revolves around newness: we taste it in the flavors of Kyoto cuisine and see it in the emerald rice paddies and bamboo groves. Every day is a taste of something unfamiliar.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Tokyo
今日は (Hello), Tokyo!
Arrive at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) and relax with a scheduled transfer to our hotel in Tokyo.
Tonight, we meet our expert guide and gather for our inaugural Wild Women dinner in the glittery capital of Japan. Tokyo is the world’s most populous metropolis. The city is nearly vibrating with neon and yet there are countless green spaces and parks. It’s an endless mix of contemporary architecture, trendy cafes, electronic giants, anime, harajuku, Buddhist temples, Edo Castle and the spike of the 2,080 foot (634 m) Tokyo Skytree.
We find sleep easily after our first big introduction to the sprawling city that was formerly known as Edo.
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
Washington Shinjuku Hotel
Travel
Approximately 1 hour (airport transfer to hotel)
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Day 2
Tsumago
The Nakasendo Samurai Trail
After breakfast we board an early express train to Shiojiri Station to begin our grounding walk on the ancient trail. This historical route was one of just two trails that vitally connected Edo to Kyoto over a 336-mile (540 km) expanse with 69 shukubas (post towns) serving as station-like rest stops for travelers.
On our soulful journey, we visit the post towns of Shiojiri and Nagiso and walk in the ghostly footsteps of monks, merchants and samurais along time-worn mossy cobblestones through rural villages. The Kiso Valley is fragrant with Hinoki cypress, Japanese umbrella pines and cedars and dotted with several shrines. Today’s journey ends in Tsumago, where we stay in a traditional Minshuku (Japanese-style inn). This old town is bewitching with its neatly restored lattice wooden houses, tiny shops, museums and car-free main road. Local laws prohibit any demonstration of modern life—including parked cars, phones and power lines.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Hanaya, Tsumago – Tatami
Please note: These traditional Japanese rooms have tatami (Japanese rush reed flooring) with sliding doors (fusuma) versus hinged doors.
Travel
Train (3 hours)
The Hike
5 miles (8 km), approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the group’s pace
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Day 3
Magome
The Village of Kiso Valley
Today we walk from Tsumago to Magome on a trail that winds through immense forests, small villages along jade rice paddies and over Magome Pass (2,600 feet/790 m). We see the water wheel by the granary and the Odaki and Medaki Waterfall (Male and Female Waterfall). Legend has it that the waterfall’s natural power will reinvigorate the body, mind and soul and transport us into another world.
In Magome, we reach the end of our Nakesendo route. Traditional wooden houses line the street like Tsumago, sandwiched between rustic tea houses and soba (Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour) restaurants.
From here, we take a bus to Nakatsugawa station, board the express train to Nagoya and then transfer to the Kintetsu Nagoya express train to Ise and a short bus to our onsen hotel. Don’t worry, our fearless guide will be navigating all the stations and transfers with us!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Ancient Rest Inn Ikyu, Ise
The Walk
5 miles (8 km), which takes about 2–3 hours
Travel
25 minutes (bus), 3 hours (express train), 10 minutes (local bus)
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Day 4
Osatsu-cho
Women of the Sea
We have an early start to see the sunrise on the “Soul of Japan.” The Ise Grand Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Traveling by bus to Osatsu-cho, we meet the lean and mean Ama divers known as the “ama-san.” This group of free divers are celebrated for their unique culture, customs and exceptional pearl harvesting skills. Ama means “woman of the sea” in Japanese and these fearless pros routinely dive down to an astounding depth of 82 feet (25 m) without the aid of modern scuba equipment.
We chat with an Ama diver over tea or lunch (depending on our time) in an Ama hut and may have the opportunity to see one of these amazing women in action.
After this deep dive into extreme legendary female empowerment, we’ll board an express train to Kyoto and check into our hotel to refresh and relax before dinner.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Vista Premio, Kyoto (Kawaramachi)
TRavel
30 minutes (bus), 45 minutes (bus), 2.5 hours (express train)
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Day 5
Kyoto
A Big Taste of Kyoto
We begin our day at Enko-ji. A meditative stroll through the Zen temple’s gardens will be rich in color—either from autumn foliage or brilliant cherry blossoms.
Afterwards, we take a short train ride to Shimogamo Shrine. We have time to explore the immaculate grounds and impressive architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For lunch, we sample traditional Kyoto cuisine like Kyo-kaiseki or obanzai. Kaiseki revolves around seasonality, freshness, simplicity and visual appeal. To be considered obanzai, half the ingredients must be grown or processed in Kyoto and consider the five core spiritual elements.
Satiated, we visit the Shimogamo Shrine to participate in a traditional tea ceremony experience at a tea house and visit Tadasu no Mori Forest next to the shrine. It’s known for its 600-year-old trees. After a walk along the Kamogawa River, we return to our hotel.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Vista Premio, Kyoto (Kawaramachi)
Travel
Not far! It’s a short train ride and then we travel by foot around Kyoto today.
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Day 6
Shiga
The Women Tea Farmers
After breakfast, we’ll take a short train ride to the Asamiya tea experience. Here, the surreal green tea plantations completely cover the hillsides in a mesmerizing way.
During this deeply steeped visit, we meet local women tea farmers or women who are in the tea business. In their skilled company, we learn how to pick and roast the green tea leaves and the fine art of brewing a perfect cup of tea during a tasting session. The tasting will also help us discern the subtle differences and aroma of tea blends and how they are influenced by the seasons and weather conditions.
We have lunch at a nearby restaurant before visiting two pottery studios where we meet a talented female potter. It’s a slow and easy walking tour around the village.
After we return to our hotel, we gather later for dinner and possibly another cup of green tea!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Vista Premio, Kyoto (Kawaramachi)
Travel
15 minutes (train), quick shuttle to lunch
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Day 7
Misasa Onsen
Sacred Mitokusan
We take an express train into the countryside to Misasa Onsen. This region has been a sanctuary for those seeking restoration in the healing waters for over 850 years.
After lunch, if Mother Nature is cooperative, we embark on a short pilgrimage. This 1000-year-old temple is built miraculously into a rock face of Mount Mitoku at 2,953 feet (900 m). Mitokusan is considered one of the three most sacred sites of the Shugendo religion (a form of mountain asceticism-shamanism). This pilgrimage is said to purify the “six roots of perception.”
You can also opt to simply enjoy the serene setting of the lower temple complex. For those who would prefer to stay at ground level, you can join the priests and make tracings.
In the evening, we soak in the hot springs at our hotel, a neighboring facility or possibly the open-air public hot baths.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Misasakan
Travel
3.5 hours (express train)
The Hike
Due to the slippery, steep and highly technical nature of this hike, it is totally weather-dependent. Our guide will gauge the skill level of the group as tree roots and chains are used on this climb. If it’s raining, the hike will not be possible.
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Day 8
Mount Daisen
Bikes and Bamboo
We travel by bus to an area near Daisen Waterfall where we hike around 5 miles (8 km) through the dramatic forest to Kawadoko. This area is coveted for its spectacular autumn colors when the forests completely transform.
Following an ancient nature trail used by mountain priests and warrior monks for several centuries, we discover the truest description of shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing.” This practice emerged in Japan in the 1980s as an all-natural prescription for burn-out and to help inspire reconnection to wild spaces.
After lunch, we embark on a mostly downhill bike ride through swatches of forest, bamboo groves and farmland while taking in the captivating views of Mihonoseki Bay below. We can stop and visit a female potter who uses ancient Jomon era techniques in her work. Her studio is located in a unique complex of buildings made from natural materials such as grasses and bamboo.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Sanrakusou
The Activities
5 miles (8 km) or 4 hours (walking), 3 hours (biking)
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Day 9
Nishinoshima Island
Kuniga Coast Walking Trail
This morning, we have a private transfer to the port of Shichirui. Here, we board a ferry to the volcanic Nishinoshima Island. The Oki Islands and the Kuniga Coast cliffs are a designated UNESCO Global Geopark (sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development).
After lunch in the port area, we travel by taxi to the top of the Kuniga Coast Walking Track, which follows along the edge of Matengai Cliff at 843 feet (257 m) above the Sea of Japan. The short trail cuts through cow and horse pastures to Tsūtenkyō Arch, Kuniga Bay and Kuniga Shrine.
In the port area we meet a special group of smiley senior women who play taiko drums and make traditional crafts together. We can try our hand at drumming. A short inter-island ferry takes us to Ama Island to our hotel.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Entô Hotel
Travel
1 hour (private shuttle), 2.5 hours (ferry), 1.5 hours (1.2 miles/2 km walking), 7 minutes (ferry)
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Day 10
Oki Islands
Cycling the Oki Islands
After breakfast we explore this wind and wave-sculpted archipelago in the Sea of Japan by bicycle (or e-bike) and meet women who are entrepreneurial and environmental stewards of this UNESCO designated Global Geopark. The cluster of islands are part of the Daisen-Oki National Park and only four of the Oki Islands are inhabited.
Activities here may include making traditional crafts or visiting an organic vegetable or sea cucumber farm. During the cycling tour, we have lunch midway with a group of local women working hard to maintain cultural traditions while also making positive, sustainable changes.
The Oki diet is a testament to this as the islanders’ menu is based wholly on the season with a steadfast focus on life led in rhythm with nature. Fish, shellfish and seaweed are mainstays; wagyu beef dominates menus too. The pure water springs are a lifeline to rice and Japanese sake production on the island.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Entô Hotel
The Bike Ride
4 hours (biking)
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Day 11
Tokyo
Sushi Roll
In the morning, we take a two-hour ferry ride to the mainland and then transfer to the Yonago Airport to catch our flight to Tokyo.
With full memory cards and a highlight reel spooling in our heads and hearts, we’ll transfer to our hotel to refresh and reset. Later, we gather for an unforgettable dinner at Tsurutokame, where all the chefs are female! It’s a lively open kitchen serving the best seasonal ingredients for vegans and fresh fish lovers alike!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Washington Shinjuku Hotel
Travel
2 hours (ferry), 30 minutes (car), 1.5 hours (flight to Tokyo
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Day 12
Tokyo
決別 (Goodbye), Tokyo
After an early breakfast, we take a group transfer to Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT). As we squeeze each other goodbye and share a few laughs and tears, it’s time to exchange contact info, photos and ideas for a reunion! Where next? Another pilgrimage perhaps?
Included Meals
Breakfast
Take a Deeper Dive
Want all the details in one handy package? Download the full itinerary here.
What’s Included
- An awesome English-speaking local female Japanese guide
- 11 nights’ accommodation in hotels, including one night in a traditional tatami-style room (*Optional private single upgrades are only available for eight of the 11 nights and are subject to availability)
- All ground transport including trains, local buses, private car and ferries
- Domestic flight from Ama-Cho (Oki Islands) to Tokyo
- Group arrival and departure airport transfers
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12
- Private traditional tea ceremony
- Asamiya tea experience (4.5 hour plantation tour and tasting)
- Bikes and helmets (e-bikes will also be available)
- Entry to onsens (hot springs)
- 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 8 out of the 11 nights, on the other 3 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).
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. Still have concerns? 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:
- Walking distances on this trip vary: On the Nakasendo pilgrimage, you can expect to walk 5 miles (8 km) a day
- On other days, the walking duration can be one hour on the Kuniga Coast Walking Track or up to 4 hours on the (optional) challenging warrior monk trail in Mount Daisen
- There are also shorter walking tours through villages and to the shrines
- Some days involve extensive travel via express train, local buses and ferries (something to be aware of if you are prone to motion sickness)
- For the Day 8 cycling activity in Mount Daisen, expect to ride for 3–4 hours, depending on the group’s pace, on a mostly downhill route (this is an optional activity and e-bikes are also available)
- For the Day 10 cycling tour of the Oki Islands, there will be several breaks and a stop for lunch
- One night will be spent in accommodations offering tatami rooms, which are traditional Japanese rooms with tatami (rush reed) flooring. These Washitsu-style accommodations have sliding doors (fusuma) versus hinged doors.
- Expect a menu and flavors that may be unfamiliar to you
- If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to enter certain onsens
- Physical Rating: Moderate (Good level of fitness required. Trips are moderately challenging with an average of 4 to 6 hours of activity each day.)