Begin your day with a visit to Ginkakuji Temple, known for its beautiful gardens and tea house, then stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, lined with craft shops, cafés, shrines, temples, and cherry trees. Stop at Nanzenji, a tranquil Zen Buddhist temple from the mid-13th century. After lunch at a private restaurant, meet a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, or a Geiko, a fully qualified Geisha, and learn about their revered traditional arts. In the afternoon, explore the back lanes and traditions of Gion, a district famous for its tea houses and geiko. Enjoy dinner on your own with recommendations from your guide.

Meals: breakfast, lunch | Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo (or similar)

Visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for housing the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana and one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Walk through Nara Park, home to over 1,000 sacred deer, considered messengers of the gods. After lunch on your own, explore Naramachi, an old town section with craftspeople, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. Return to Kyoto for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.

Meals: breakfast, dinner | Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo (or similar)

This morning, take the train from Kyoto to Kii Tanabe, then a bus to Takijiri. After lunch, start your 2.8-mile hike on the Nakahechi portion of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. The path climbs steadily for about 1,200 feet over two hours to the ridge-top village of Takahara. Enjoy a delicious evening meal made with organic, locally sourced ingredients.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Overnight: Yunomineso (or similar)

Start your day with an early Japanese breakfast before embarking on a 6.5-mile hike through the peaceful countryside, passing several Oji shrines and ascending 1,575 feet. After descending to the village of Chikatsuyu, enjoy a late lunch and meet a local women's group preserving traditional crafts. Relax before dinner at your family-run guest house and soak in the hot springs bath.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Overnight: Kawayu Onsen Fujiya (or similar)

Take a bus to Hosshinmon-oji and hike a gentle 4-mile section to the Kumano Grand Shrine, accompanied by a female yamabushi, learning about Shugendo faith. In Hongu, create traditional Japanese washi paper and get it stamped at the shrine. Enjoy lunch at a local café, then spend the night in Yunomine Onsen with a relaxing soak and a delicious dinner.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Overnight: Kawayu Onsen Fujiya (or similar)

Visit Nachi Shrine and the nearby Nachi waterfall, set in a primeval forest with an ancient stone approach. The waterfall, a focus of traditional worship, adds to the spiritual experience. Have lunch at a local café, then enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Overnight: Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura (or similar)

Send your large bag ahead to Tokyo and take the train to Ise, where you’ll visit the outer shrine dedicated to the spirit of food, clothing, and housing. Explore Okage Yokocho, a relocated area of old pilgrimage route buildings, now housing shops and restaurants. Enjoy lunch on your own before driving to Toba and dining at your hotel.

Meals: breakfast, dinner | Overnight: Toba Hotel International (or similar)

Spend the morning with an Ama Diver, learning about her unique profession and enjoying a special seafood lunch. Take regional and bullet trains to Tokyo. Dinner will be a bento meal eaten on the train.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Overnight: Prince Park Tower (or similar)

Visit the Hama-Rikyu gardens, contrasting the historical villa site with the modern Shiodome business area. Explore the Ginza shopping district and the Grand Meiji Shrine near Harajuku, dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Enjoy lunch along the way and have a farewell dinner with your AdventureWomen friends, celebrating your journey through Japan.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Overnight: Prince Park Tower (or similar)

Transfer to the airport and say goodbye to your AdventureWomen friends. Depart from Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) after 10:00 AM. Enjoy breakfast before your departure.