Japan: From Ancient Temples to Island Art

Location: Asia
Duration: 11 Days
Price: From $11,995
Activity Level:

Japan: From Ancient Temples to Island Art

Location: Asia
Duration: 11 Days
Price: From $11,995
Activity Level:

Level 2 – Moderate

For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation, perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.

On a Moderate trip, you might:

  • Enjoy walks or hikes along flat or gently rolling trails that are well-maintained for up to 3-5 hours some days
  • Experience a variety of uneven surfaces, with terrain that may include forest paths, flat meadows, or short muddy sections
  • Participate in moderate daily activity while still having time to relax each day

Overview

Experience the best of Japan on this unforgettable 10-day adventure that weaves together ancient tradition, cutting-edge art, and island serenity. Explore vibrant Osaka and historic Kyoto, where temples, gardens, and culinary delights await. Visit sacred Nara Park and encounter Japan’s gentle deer before traveling to Naoshima and Teshima, renowned art islands where creativity meets nature. Conclude your journey in Okinawa, immersing yourself in its tropical beauty, cultural heritage, and warm island hospitality. From private tea ceremonies and bento cooking classes to peaceful forest walks and exclusive dinners, this journey offers an inspiring blend of discovery, artistry, and authentic connection.

Main Attractions

Cultural Kyoto & Nara

Golden temples, sacred deer, and hands-on traditions reveal the heart of Japan’s ancient artistry and spiritual heritage.

Naoshima & Teshima Art Islands

Immerse yourself in world-class art and architecture seamlessly integrated with nature’s beauty across Japan’s celebrated art islands.

Okinawan Island Escape

Unwind in Japan’s tropical south, where blue seas, Ryukyu heritage, and vibrant local traditions create a serene finale.

A map of Japan highlighting train and plane routes between Okayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Takamatsu, and Okinawa, with icons for transportation modes and an inset map for location context.
Colorful street scene in a busy Japanese shopping district with large signs, neon lights, and oversized food and character displays on building facades.
Large bronze statue of Buddha seated with one hand raised, surrounded by ornate golden decorations, wooden pillars, and offerings of flowers and greenery.
A busy city street with palm trees, vehicles, and pedestrians, lined with buildings and colorful signs in Japanese.
A traditional Japanese meal set on a black table, featuring sashimi, sliced beef, small side dishes, sauces, rice, chopsticks, and a glass of water.
Colorful street scene in a busy Japanese shopping district with large signs, neon lights, and oversized food and character displays on building facades.
Large bronze statue of Buddha seated with one hand raised, surrounded by ornate golden decorations, wooden pillars, and offerings of flowers and greenery.
A busy city street with palm trees, vehicles, and pedestrians, lined with buildings and colorful signs in Japanese.
A traditional Japanese meal set on a black table, featuring sashimi, sliced beef, small side dishes, sauces, rice, chopsticks, and a glass of water.

Itinerary

A busy street in Osaka, Japan, with colorful neon signs, shopfronts, and people walking under umbrellas; Tsutenkaku Tower is visible in the background.

Welcome to Japan!

Arrive in Japan at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM). After clearing customs, you’ll be greeted by an airport assistant (available between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM at no extra charge). A transfer to the hotel will be arranged based on your arrival time. Check in after 3:00 PM, then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax or explore the city!

A traditional boat with passengers floats on a moat in front of Osaka Castle, surrounded by stone walls and autumn trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Castles, Culture & Cherry Blossoms in Osaka

After breakfast, meet your guide to begin your first full day in Japan with a peaceful cruise around the moat of Osaka Castle aboard the golden Gozabune boat, used by feudal lords. Explore the castle’s museum and surrounding park before enjoying a traditional Osaka lunch at Chibo Okonomiyaki. Spend the afternoon discovering the lively Dotonbori district, then take part in a calming Ikebana flower-arranging class. Return to your hotel to join your group for a festive welcome dinner celebrating the start of your adventure.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A close-up of a spotted deer with antlers standing on a stone path, with other deer and people near a traditional wooden gate in the background.

Visit with Deers at Nara Park

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full day guided tour of Nara. At around 9:00 AM, travel from Osaka to Nara, where you’ll visit the Kōfuku-ji Temple and Naramachi, a historic district with Edo-period merchant houses. Then, explore Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deers which are considered sacred and are friendly to visitors. Next, explore the Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue and one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. End your day with a journey to Kyoto.

Meals breakfast
A path runs through a dense bamboo forest with tall, green bamboo stalks and sunlight filtering through the canopy above.

Timeless Traditions of Kyoto

After breakfast, set out with your guide to explore Kyoto’s cultural highlights. Visit the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), then wander through the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and across the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge. Enjoy a traditional Shojin Ryori Zen vegetarian lunch at Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, don a kimono for a private tea ceremony inside a historic Kyo-machiya townhouse. Return to your hotel in the evening and enjoy dinner independently.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A winding stone path passes through a series of closely spaced red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.

A Taste of Kyoto’s Culture and Tradition

Begin your day with a hands-on Kyoto Bento Cooking Class, where you’ll prepare classic dishes like sushi, tempura, and miso soup while learning the art and culture behind Japan’s beloved bento. Enjoy your homemade lunch before visiting the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading through Mount Inari’s forested trails. Return to your hotel to relax before an unforgettable evening—an exclusive Maiko dinner featuring traditional cuisine, graceful dance performances, and the rare chance to interact with a geiko or maiko.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A large red and black polka-dotted sculpture resembling a pumpkin sits in a coastal park near the sea, with three modern silver chairs in the foreground.

Journey to Japan’s Art Island, Naoshima

After breakfast, prepare an overnight bag for your two-night stay in Naoshima as your main luggage is sent ahead to Takamatsu. Board the bullet train from Kyoto to Okayama, then continue by ferry to Naoshima, Japan’s celebrated “art island.” Spend the afternoon exploring world-class museums, including the Chichu Art Museum (home to works by Monet and James Turrell) and the Lee Ufan Museum. Visit the striking Benesse House Museum before checking into your hotel and enjoying dinner with your group overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.

Meals breakfast, dinner
A concrete building wall with five small square windows stands beside stairs, overlooking a scenic coastline with trees, hills, and water under a partly cloudy sky.

Journey to Teshima Art Island

After breakfast, take a short ferry ride to nearby Teshima, an island celebrated for its powerful fusion of art, architecture, and nature. Begin at the Teshima Art Museum, an awe-inspiring collaboration between architect Ryue Nishizawa and artist Rei Naito, where light, wind, and water flow together in a tranquil, meditative space. Visit Les Archives du Cœur, Christian Boltanski’s moving sound installation of recorded heartbeats, then enjoy lunch at a local café. Return to Naoshima for more art discoveries before a group dinner at your hotel.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Wooden steps lead down a hill lined with blooming cherry blossom trees at sunset, with the ocean and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Welcome to Okinawa!

After breakfast, take the morning ferry from Naoshima to Takamatsu, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost tropical paradise. Reunite with your luggage before your two-hour flight and enjoy an in-flight lunch. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and travel along scenic coastal roads to your resort, The Terrace Club at Busena. Spend the rest of the day unwinding on the beach or exploring at your own pace before enjoying dinner independently.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Shuri Castle in Okinawa, Japan, illuminated at night, with red and white striped patterns on the ground and a clear dark blue sky above.

Discovering the Heritage and Heart of Okinawa

Begin your day with breakfast before meeting your guide to explore Okinawa’s rich history and culture. Visit Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, where ongoing reconstruction reflects the island’s enduring spirit. Stroll through the peaceful Shikina-en Garden, once a royal retreat, then enjoy an optional lunch at Ukishima Garden, a woman-owned restaurant celebrating organic Okinawan cuisine. Spend the afternoon wandering around Naha’s lively Kokusaidori and its charming side streets before returning to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Meals breakfast
A brown bird with red legs and beak, and black-and-white stripes on its neck, walks on a dirt path surrounded by green foliage.

Nature, Craft, and Celebration in Okinawa

After breakfast, set out for the lush Yambaru Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in northern Okinawa. Enjoy a guided nature walk led by local female eco-guides, spotting rare wildlife like the Yambaru Kuina and colorful butterflies along the way. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit a Bashōfu Workshop to learn the centuries-old art of weaving banana fiber into fabric. Try your hand at traditional techniques and enjoy a Haori dressing experience before gathering for a festive farewell dinner with live sanshin music.

Meals breakfast, dinner
Five women stand and smile in front of a traditional Japanese building surrounded by greenery and rocks on a sunny day.

Farewell to Japan

Enjoy your final breakfast in Japan before heading to Naha Airport (OKA) for your departure. A transfer to the airport will be provided. If your departure is between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM, you will receive help with the airport check-in process at no extra charge, and outside of this time frame, an additional fee will apply for assistance.

Meals breakfast
Tropical beach with clear turquoise water, lush green vegetation, a palm tree, and boats on the ocean under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Indoor pool area with lounge chairs, potted plants, and large windows overlooking a cityscape, including a historic castle in the background.

Patina Osaka Hotel

Nestled between Osaka Castle and Naniwanomiya-Ato, Patina Osaka invites explorers to experience mindful luxury through art and nature. Rising 20 stories above the “City of Water,” this sanctuary blends natural materials, sustainable design, and artistic expression. Its 221 rooms reflect the Japanese art of “kisetsukan” (seasonal awareness).

Amenities: Complimentary toiletries, Bathrobes, Hair dryer, Bottled water, Minibar, Coffee / tea maker, Cable / satellite TV, Air conditioning, Wi-Fi

Modern multi-story building with large glass atrium, brightly lit at dusk, overlooking a busy urban area with adjacent structures and parked vehicles.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Located within the iconic JR Kyoto Station Complex, Hotel Granvia Kyoto offers elegant rooms and refined dining. Granvia Kyoto is the perfect destination for any traveler who wants to experience deluxe accommodation in the heart of Kyoto’s vibrant cityscape.

Amenities: Complimentary toiletries, Hair dryer, Bottled water, Minibar, Safe, Cable / satellite TV, Air conditioning, Wi-Fi

A person walks along a curved concrete path surrounding a circular reflecting pool under a large open skylight with a pale sky.

Benesse House

Opened in 1992, Benesse House Museum is a unique blend of museum and hotel, built on the concept of “symbiosis between nature, architecture, and art.” Designed by Tadao Ando, the museum invites the natural beauty of Naoshima into its spaces, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. It features paintings, sculptures, photographs, and site-specific installations. This fusion of art and nature creates a rare, immersive experience where each visit becomes a discovery.

Amenities: Complimentary toiletries, Hair dryer, Electric kettle, Minibar, Air conditioning, Wi-Fi

Aerial view of a seaside resort with red-roofed buildings, sandy beaches, turquoise water, and mountains in the background.

The Busena Terrace

Set along the white sands of Cape Busena in northern Okinawa, The Busena Terrace is a refined seaside resort. Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the turquoise waters of the East China Sea, the property offers spacious guestrooms and villas designed in light, airy tones. With its expansive grounds, classic resort atmosphere, and easy access to Okinawa’s marine activities and natural beauty, The Busena Terrace is a relaxed yet sophisticated base for exploring the island.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobe, coffee / tea maker, bottled water, minibar, cable / satellite TV, safe, air conditioning, Wi-Fi

What People Are Saying

The staff at AdventureWomen were incredibly helpful in all the planning stages. The local guides were knowledgeable and supportive and warm and personable. Their attention to every one of us was genuine. We couldn’t have done it without them!

What People Are Saying

Traveling for me isn’t just seeing different places it’s also knowing what it is like to live there today and why it’s different from my life. I get that from AdventureWomen. AND, it’s traveling with a group of fairly like-minded women!

What People Are Saying

I’ve taken several trips with AdventureWomen. All of them have met or exceeded my expectations at every level from the amazing site, unique experiences and camaraderie to the lodging, food and guide. Every one of my trips has created unforgettable memories.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Starting At Booking Link
Sep 30, 2027 Oct 10, 2027
Space Available
$11,995
Standard Double
$11,995 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single | Only 3 left
$15,495 total, $800 deposit

Arrival: Arrive at Kansai (KIX) or Osaka (ITM) Airport at any time today. An airport assistant is available between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM at no additional cost.

Departure: Depart from Naha Airport (OKA) today. A group transfer will be arranged based on most guests’ departure times, with private transfers available for purchase. Airport assistance is offered between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM at no extra cost.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • One bottle of mineral water during private bus transfers
  • All ground transportation, including group transfers on arrival and departure
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for sites listed in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the trip
  • A travel audio set during bus excursions
  • Domestic airfare

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Japan
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

FAQs

Absolutely! You belong here. AdventureWomen welcomes all women and individuals who identify as part of the women’s community. We celebrate all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages. Our adventures reflect the vibrant diversity of our travelers.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. Internal flights are included.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Level One: Easy Pace Our Easy Pace trips are thoughtfully designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and plenty of time to savor the scenery. They feature light walking, easy terrain like cobblestone streets or flat nature trails, and optional activities such as city tours, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat rides. This level offers a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.
  • Level Two: Moderate For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation. Activities may include walking on gently rolling trails, with occasional uneven terrain like forest paths or shallow creek crossings. With activities like beginner kayaking or short e-bike excursions, this level is perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.
  • Level Three: Dynamic Designed for adventurous women ready for a challenge, our Dynamic trips feature regular activity on varied terrain with moderate elevation gains. Expect natural obstacles such as rocky paths and shallow creek crossings. From glacier walks and whitewater rafting to ziplining and kayaking in calm to lightly-choppy waters, this level is perfect for those with hiking and outdoor experience and a sense of adventure.
  • Level Four: High Energy Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who crave being on the go! You should be prepared for full days of hiking across rugged, moderate-altitude terrain. With some steeper inclines and rocky paths, these trips often feature back-to-back adrenaline-fueled activities like canyoneering, multi-day treks, and Class IV whitewater rafting—perfect for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing their limits.
  • Level Five: Challenging Our Challenging trips are crafted for seasoned adventurers ready to take on remote, high-altitude terrain, and full-day treks. These trips are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition and be able to hike up to 14 miles per day with steep ascents, rugged trails, and elevations reaching 19,500 feet. These are strenuous trips that require endurance and a commitment to training before departure.

A trip extension is an optional add-on to your main AdventureWomen itinerary. Extensions allow you to explore a destination more deeply, visit nearby regions, or enjoy additional activities before or after your scheduled trip. You can request an extension by contacting your Trip Manager. We’ll confirm availability with our local partners and send you the details, pricing, and next steps. For more information about AdventureWomen extensions, please visit our FAQs.