Dates: 08 Oct (Wed) – 20 Oct (Mon) 2025 … days

* This itinerary is still evolving. It looks like it be expanded to include a lot of pottery and a week exploring Kyushu Island by car, on top of the current itinerary.

Inclusions:

• Fully escorted by Lyn, a bilingual Australian with extensive knowledge of Japan

• All accommodation - most nights in a traditional Japanese home

• All transport within Japan – domestic flight, trains, bullet trains, cable car, monorail, bicycles, taxis

• Almost all meals

• Most sightseeing, activities and entrance fees

• Assistance with planning should you wish to extend your time in Japan.

Cost: AU$….

Itinerary

Day 3 (Friday 10 October 2025) (B,L,D)

We’re heading to the World Expo, just 3 days before it finishes. With over 160 countries participating, we can expect to be inspired about global collaboration to create a sustainable society that supports everyone's vision of a fulfilling life. 

Day 4 (Saturday 11 October 2025) (B,L,D)

There is so much to do close to home. In the morning, you might like to attend the local school’s sports day, help harvest rice, go shopping, identify the birdlife in the hillside behind our house or take a ride on one of our 3 e-bikes. After lunch, we will go to Expo 70 Park to see their Japanese gardens, seasonal events and take a ride on Japan’s largest Ferris Wheel - if we feel like it. Home is only 3 km away and this is your personal tour so we’re very much free to do as we please.

Day 5 (Sunday 12 October 2025) (B, D)

This morning we will witness a traditional harvest festival that has been observed for over 1300 years in our village. In the morning, a Shinto priest will hold a ceremony in Susuku Shrine and the gods will be carried around the village in a mikoshi (portable shrine) to provide protection for the year ahead.

We might enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon - or you could zip out for some bird watching, master your brush strokes or take a nap.

In the early evening, we will join our neighbors for a celebration at Susuku Shrine. There will be some games, like bingo - in Japanese - and lots of yakisoba, takoyaki and oden to eat. It’s the one day of the year when the neighbors all catch up and enjoy meeting new people.

Day 6 (Mon. 13 October 2025) (B, D)

Today is Sports Day - a public holiday in Japan. I suggest we head to the famous bamboo forest and Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama or go visit the many deer in Nara. As always, we’ll decide what’s best together and adapt to your interests and the weather.

If we head home at a reasonable hours, I’ll teach you how to make Shabu Shabu for dinner so you can really impress your friends and family back home.

Day 7 (Tuesday 14 October 2025) (B,D)

Today we’ll explore Katsuoji Temple and Minoh Waterfall about 6 km from our home. Apart from postcard shots of temples, towering maples and a foot bath for any sore feet, we will snack on tempura maple leaves, yuzu ice cream and other local specialties. Keen walkers can walk down the mountain and home while others can go by car.

Late afternoon we will have some time to shop for things you’d like to take home and time to take on some of the challenges in my book Turning Japanese in 101 easy steps.
I’m happy to introduce you to the local hot spring (onsen), sushi restaurant or karaoke bar.

Day 8 (Wednesday 15 October 2025) (B,D)

Today we’ll jump on a shinkansen (bullet train) and head to the World Heritage listed Himeji Castle. We will enjoy lunch in the stunning gardens beside the castle and take a slower train back, stopping in Kobe for dinner. (Maybe try the famous Kobe beef and some sake) If you’re up for an early start, we could also visit the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum.

Day 9 (Thursday 16 October 2025) (B,D)

Around 9 am we will head right through Osaka, deep into the mountains of Wakayama and up a cable car to the top of Mt Koya, the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Nestled in amongst towering conifers are many temples and shrines, some with World Heritage status.  We will gain insight into the lives of Buddhist priests as we eat a traditional vegetarian dinner and sleep on futons.

Day 10 (Friday 17 October 2025) (B,D)

Early morning, you may like to join the priests in prayer and meditation. Alternatively, you may snuggle into your futon and stay there until breakfast. Mt Koya has many UNESCO World Heritage sites to see and is a photograph’s paradise. We will be able to take our time. As our return home goes through Osaka, we wil explore the Namba area, maybe experience a hedgehog, maid or owl cafe and try some of the many foods Osaka is famous for.

Day 11 (Saturday 18 October 2025) (B, D)

We’ll probably head to Nara today to have fun feeding the many deer - some of whom bow politely. We can see a giant Buddha housed inside the largest, wooden building in the world. I also know a great restaurant I’d like you to experience.

If you’re brave enough, a hot bath at our local onsen may be the perfect way to end this day.

Day 12 (Sunday 19 October 2025) (B, D)

Today is all about you and your wish list. We could explore the east side of Kyoto starting with Nishiki Market and maybe ending at Fushimi Inari Shrine or you might prefer to enjoy things close to home, such as second-hand stores, calligraphy or flower arrangement, a display home village, pachinko, shopping or soaking in a hot spring. We have 3 e-bikes and 2 little cars to help us get around.

Around 4:00 pm, Ogawasan will come and help us dress in traditional kimono for a photo shoot and tea ceremony at home. After that, we’ll all enjoy a relaxing evening at home and invite a few neighbors to come and say goodbye.

Day 13 (Monday 20 October 2025) (B, D)

Fortunately, we have until 4 pm today to fulfil everything on your wish list. I am at your service. We could enjoy a pamper or zip out for some last minute shopping. Those of us returning to Australia tonight will leave home at 4 pm to head to Kansai Airport. (JQ 16 to Cairns departs at 9 pm).