Join us on an extraordinary 12-day journey through Japan at one of the year's most beautiful times. Mid-May offers near-perfect conditions with pleasant temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and long daylight hours. The spring crowds have departed, yet the heat and humidity of summer have not yet arrived, creating an ideal season for exploring both cities and countryside.

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Throughout the journey, we'll experience Japan through a thoughtfully balanced blend of guided exploration and personal discovery. Beginning amid the temples, gardens and historic neighborhoods of Kyoto, we'll travel into the forested mountains of the Kiso Valley, where village-to-village walking will immerse us in the landscapes and postal towns of the historic Edo period Nakasendo Trail. We'll then explore Kanazawa's samurai heritage and living craft traditions before continuing to the remote Sea of Japan coast and the remarkable fishing village of Ine. From there, we'll experience the centuries-old Japanese tradition of communal hot-spring while in Kinosaki Onsen. Our next stop is Okayama, our jumping off point to Naoshima, where contemporary art, bold architecture and the landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea come together in one of Japan's most distinctive cultural destinations.

 

Along the way, we'll wander historic streets and lively markets, visit tranquil gardens, museums, and artisan workshops, savor outstanding regional cuisine, stay in carefully selected accommodations, and enjoy ample time for personal exploration. The result is a journey that is immersive rather than hurried, offering opportunities to not only to see Japan’s remarkable history, but also to experience its exceptional hospitality, enduring commitment to craftsmanship, and timeless appreciation for beauty and thoughtful design.